Whippets originated in Europe from unknown breeds. Some theories of where they originated from include the Italian Greyhounds and terriers. They were formerly known as the working man’s racehorse and used to catch rabbits as a sport. They now use artificial lures in the sport called Lure-Coursng.

The Whippet is a medium sized dog. They resemble Greyhounds but are smaller and more elegant. The breed comes in all different types of colors. The male stands from19 to 22 to inches at the shoulder. The female stands from 18 to 21 inches.

Caring for a Whippet includes many different things. Like all other dogs the Whippet needs plenty of high-quality food and fresh water. Be sure to cut their nails, bathe them, and keep the parasites off of your Whippet. It would besuperior to keep them inside. Their coats are not made to protect them from harsh, cold weather. Whippets require soft beds, routine veterinary care, and lots of exercise. The most important thing for you to do is make sure your Whippet is not attacked by other dogs or in danger of being hit by a car. Whippets are usually the worst in a dog fight. Consider obedience training so that your Whippet is a well mannered dog. If your Whippet is well taken care of he or she can live from 12 to 15 years. They are generally a healthy dog, except rare genetic eye defects have been found in the breed.

Whippets, like other dogs, like to chew when puppies. This can be reduced by providing the dog with many chew toys. Also, give your puppy lots of attention and outside time so it’s not bored. The best thing to do is keep valuable things in a place where you know your puppy will not find it. Whippets are very energetic and love to run as puppies. By the age of a year and a half your dog will calm down and you’ll notice how often it likes to lounge on the couch. Adult Whippets are usually content with a couple play sessions a day.

“Whippets are the fastest domestic animals of their size. They can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour. But they are also quiet and well-behaved in the house. They are smart, loving, hardly Littledogs who can live in the city.” This is the type of description you will get if you check the AKC site for general information on Whippets. The problem is, they leave out all of the negative characteristics of this breed. Although they are true, they left out a lot of important information.

If you are a busy person the Whippet may not be the right breed for you.