| In the United States, Whippets are not as well known | | | | In addition, the breed is known for its patience, it is very |
| as their Greyhound cousins. However, Whippets can | | | | rare to find an aggressive Whippet and this is usually |
| make wonderful family pets that are easy to train and | | | | caused by repeated and cruel provocation. |
| incredibly affectionate towards their human families. | | | | Like Greyhounds, Whippets are not hardy dogs |
| Bred from Greyhounds, Italian greyhounds and a | | | | despite their racing roots. Therefore, it is unwise to |
| number of terrier breeds, the Whippet was originally | | | | keep them outside, especially in cold weather. |
| created as a sporting animal for recreational racing. | | | | Additionally, due to a distinct lack of body fat, hard |
| Unsurprisingly, therefore, there are many similarities to | | | | surfaces can cause damage to the dog’s joints. |
| be drawn between the Whippet and the Greyhound. | | | | Subsequently, plenty of soft bedding is required to |
| What Does a Whippet Look Like? | | | | ensure his, or her, comfort. |
| On average, Whippets grow to approximately 20 | | | | Whippets Are Not Like Greyhounds |
| inches in height, with males typically slightly larger than | | | | Despite the above similarities between Whippets and |
| females. Most adults will weigh between 30 and 40 | | | | Greyhounds, there are also a number of differences |
| pounds, making them almost two thirds to half the size | | | | between the two breeds. |
| of a Greyhound. | | | | Greyhounds have a reputation for becoming very |
| A Whippet’s coat can be numerous colors. The | | | | attached to their owners. However, the Whippet is |
| most common colors are white, blue, black or brown. In | | | | known for taking this attachment to a new level. If not |
| fact, according to the American Kennel Club, in terms | | | | trained correctly, they will want to sleep with you, |
| of showing a Whippet, the coat color is | | | | share your food and follow you everywhere. |
| “immaterial”. However, the AKC does state that | | | | Therefore, the breed is ideal for someone who is |
| a Whippet should be “…an impression of beautifully | | | | looking for a companion as well as a pet. However, if |
| balanced muscular power and strength, combined with | | | | your job or other commitments will require you to |
| great elegance and grace of outline.” Nevertheless, | | | | leave your dog alone for lengthy periods, it is unwise to |
| all Whippets, show standard or not, make excellent | | | | choose a Whippet, as he, or she, will become very |
| pets. | | | | distressed during your absences. |
| Unlike, the Greyhound, which is often considered to be | | | | Another difference is in its energy levels. Greyhounds |
| a ‘hypoallergenic’ breed, the Whippet does | | | | are renowned for their paradoxical laziness. The |
| shed. Due to its very short coat, this may not be | | | | Whippet, on the other hand, tends to have a lot more |
| noticeable, but allergy sufferers may feel the adverse | | | | energy and will want plenty of exercise and play. That |
| effects. | | | | said, they do not have the endurance to run or play for |
| Whippets Are Like Greyhounds | | | | extended periods. In dog terms, the Whippet is still a |
| Being bred from Greyhounds, it is unsurprising that | | | | lazy dog, but in comparison to the Greyhound it |
| Whippets have many of the Greyhound’s | | | | requires more physical activity. |
| character traits. For example, they are incredibly loyal | | | | If you are interested in Whippets and think that you |
| and devoted to their owners. They are typically very | | | | could offer one a good home, you may like to consider |
| gentle, making them suitable for households with | | | | adopting an abandoned dog. There are numerous |
| children and other animals. | | | | rescue organizations, which can be found through your |
| Usually, Whippets are quiet dogs and are not known to | | | | local rescue center or the American Whippet Club. |
| bark, which could make them ideal as apartment pets. | | | | |