The Whippet: A Quick Look at the “Poor Man’s Racehorse”

The whippet, often called the “poor man’s racehorse,” is a medium-sized sighthound known for its incredible speed, gentle nature, and affectionate personality. This breed has captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide with its elegant appearance and loving temperament. This article will delve into the history, physical characteristics, temperament, health, care, and activities associated with this remarkable breed.

History of the Whippet

The story of the whippet begins in the heart of 18th and 19th century England, where working-class families in the north yearned for a canine companion that embodied the grace and speed of the aristocratic greyhound, but without the hefty price tag. These resourceful individuals embarked on a breeding endeavor, crossing smaller greyhounds with various terriers, ultimately giving rise to the whippet—a tough, agile, and surprisingly affordable sighthound.

In its early days, the whippet was a common sight in the mining communities of Northern England, where it earned its keep by hunting rabbits and participating in thrilling “snap-dog coursing” competitions. These contests, where the first dog to capture a rabbit was declared the victor, provided not only a source of entertainment but also an opportunity for miners to engage in friendly wagers. However, as concerns for animal welfare grew, these competitions were eventually banned.

Undeterred, the miners sought new avenues to showcase their whippets’ remarkable speed. “Rag races” emerged as a popular pastime, with dogs enthusiastically chasing a fluttering rag across makeshift tracks in back alleys and empty lots. These races became a source of pride and, for some, a means of supplementing their income. The whippet truly lived up to its nickname, “the poor man’s racehorse,” reaching impressive speeds of up to 37 mph.

The whippet’s journey from humble origins to recognized breed reached a milestone in 1891 when The Kennel Club officially acknowledged the breed, paving the way for its participation in dog shows and the meticulous recording of pedigrees. Across the Atlantic, the American Kennel Club had already extended its recognition to the whippet in 1888. Today, the whippet has transcended its working-class roots, finding its place as a cherished companion, a star in the show ring, and an enthusiastic participant in amateur races around the world.

Physical Characteristics

Whippets are the epitome of streamlined elegance, boasting a sleek and aerodynamic physique that is a hallmark of sighthounds. Their deep chests, designed for maximum lung capacity, combined with long, slender legs and a narrow, muscular build, make them perfectly adapted for speed and agility.

A distinctive feature of the whippet is its “roached” back, which adds to its athletic profile. This arched backline, coupled with a deep brisket and trim waist, creates the classic “inverted S” silhouette characteristic of sighthounds.

Female whippets typically stand between 17.5 and 18.5 inches tall at the shoulder, while males range from 18.5 to 20 inches. The American Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club allow for slightly larger individuals, with an upper limit of 21.5 inches for females and 22.5 inches for males.

One of the most striking aspects of the whippet is the sheer variety of colors and marking patterns they exhibit. From solid black to pristine white, with shades of red, fawn, blue, and cream in between, there’s a whippet to suit every taste. It’s worth noting that merle whippets, while visually appealing, are not a naturally occurring color variation and are no longer accepted for registration by the Kennel Club.

Their short, smooth, and close-fitting coat enhances their streamlined appearance and requires minimal grooming. However, this fine coat, combined with their naturally low body fat, makes them susceptible to cold temperatures. Owners should be prepared to provide warm clothing, such as coats or sweaters, during colder months to ensure their whippet’s comfort.

Whippets have a distinctive gait that contributes to their speed. When running at full speed, all four legs are airborne and parallel to the ground, giving them a long, low, and swift stride. This graceful and efficient movement allows them to cover ground effortlessly.

Temperament

Whippets are renowned for their gentle, affectionate, and even-tempered nature. They are typically calm and relaxed at home, content to curl up on the sofa and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. However, once outdoors, their true athleticism shines through, and they exhibit high energy and excitement. This adaptability makes them well-suited to a variety of lifestyles, from active individuals to families seeking a loving companion.

These dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship. They are generally good with children and other dogs when properly socialized. However, it’s important to note that whippets can be sensitive to loud noises. A chaotic environment with rambunctious children might be overwhelming for them, so a calmer household is generally a better fit.

True to their sighthound heritage, whippets possess a strong prey drive and may be inclined to chase small animals. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep them on a leash or in a secure area when outdoors to prevent them from taking off after squirrels, rabbits, or other tempting targets.

While not known for excessive barking, whippets may bark when playing or to get their owner’s attention. They are generally quiet dogs, making them suitable for apartment living, provided they have sufficient opportunities to exercise and release their energy.

Health

Whippets have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. While generally a healthy breed, they are prone to certain health conditions that potential owners should be aware of:

Eye Problems:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This inherited disease causes the gradual degeneration of the retina, eventually leading to blindness. While there is no cure for PRA, most dogs adapt well to their vision loss and can continue to live fulfilling lives.
Corneal Dystrophy (CD): CD causes small crystals to form in the cornea, which can lead to partial blindness. Treatment is available, but the crystals may re-form over time.

Heart Conditions:

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): MVD is a common heart condition in whippets, where a weakened mitral valve allows blood to flow back into the heart. This can lead to heart enlargement and eventually heart failure. Early detection and treatment with medication can help manage the condition and improve the dog’s quality of life.

Other Health Concerns:

Autoimmune Conditions: Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own red blood cells. This can lead to severe anemia and requires prompt veterinary care.
Cuts and Wounds: Whippets’ thin skin makes them more susceptible to cuts and scrapes, especially during vigorous play or when running through undergrowth. Owners should be vigilant and check their whippet for injuries after outdoor activities.
Deafness: Whippets can be born deaf or develop hearing loss over time due to a genetic defect. While deafness can present challenges, most deaf dogs can adapt well with proper training and care.
Anesthesia Sensitivity: Whippets are more sensitive to barbiturates, a type of anesthetic, than other breeds due to their low body fat and liver function. It’s crucial to inform your veterinarian about this sensitivity before any procedures requiring anesthesia.

Care

Whippets are relatively low-maintenance dogs, but they do require specific care to ensure their health and happiness:

Exercise

Whippets need a minimum of an hour of exercise daily to stay physically and mentally stimulated. This can include a variety of activities, such as:

Walks: Regular walks provide an opportunity for them to explore their surroundings and enjoy your company.
Runs in a Secure Area: Whippets love to run, and having a safe, enclosed space, whether it’s a backyard or a fenced park, allows them to stretch their legs and reach top speeds.
Playtime: Engaging in games like fetch or frisbee provides both physical and mental stimulation.
Short Sprints: Whippets are sprinters by nature, so incorporating short bursts of intense running into their exercise routine is beneficial.

While whippets enjoy their exercise, it’s important to remember that they are not endurance runners. After a good run or play session, they’ll be ready to curl up on the sofa and enjoy a well-deserved nap.

Grooming

Whippets have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. A weekly brush with a soft brush or grooming mitt is usually sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy. They are not heavy shedders, but shedding may increase seasonally.

Due to their thin skin, whippets can be prone to skin irritations. It’s important to use gentle grooming products and avoid harsh chemicals that could cause skin reactions.

Training

Whippets are intelligent dogs, but they can also be independent and sensitive. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewarding good behavior with treats and praise, work best. Patience and consistency are key, as whippets may not respond well to harsh training techniques.

Early socialization is crucial for whippets, given their sensitive nature. Exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age helps them develop into confident and well-adjusted dogs.

One unique behavioral trait in whippets is “Excessive Greeting Disorder”. This refers to their tendency to become overly exuberant when greeting their owners or visitors. While this enthusiasm is endearing, it can be overwhelming. Training can help manage this behavior by teaching them to greet people calmly.

Suitability for Different Living Situations

Whippets are adaptable dogs and can thrive in various living situations. While they enjoy having a secure space to run, such as a backyard, they can also adapt to apartment living, provided they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

It’s important to ensure that whippets have a safe and enclosed space to exercise, whether it’s a fenced yard or a designated dog park. Their strong prey drive means they should never be allowed to run off-leash in unsecured areas.

Whippet Activities

Whippets are versatile dogs that excel in a variety of activities:

Racing

Whippet racing remains a popular sport, with straight racing and oval racing being the two main types. These races showcase the whippet’s incredible speed and agility, traits that were once prized by miners who raced their dogs for entertainment and income.

Lure Coursing

Lure coursing simulates the chase of rabbits, with dogs chasing a lure across a field. This activity provides an outlet for their natural instincts and allows them to engage in the thrill of the chase.

Agility

Whippets’ agility and speed make them well-suited for agility courses. They enjoy navigating obstacles, jumping hurdles, and weaving through poles, showcasing their athleticism and responsiveness to their handler’s commands.

Other Activities

In addition to racing, lure coursing, and agility, whippets also participate in a range of other activities, including:

Flyball: This relay race involves dogs jumping hurdles and retrieving a ball.
Obedience and Rally: Whippets can participate in obedience and rally competitions, demonstrating their training and responsiveness.
Dock Diving: This involves dogs jumping off a dock into a pool of water.
Disc Dog: Whippets can excel in disc dog competitions, showcasing their athleticism and ability to catch flying discs.
Barn Hunt: This activity involves dogs searching for rats hidden in a barn.
Therapy Dog Work: Whippets’ gentle nature and affectionate temperament make them suitable for therapy dog work, bringing comfort and joy to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings.

Popularity and Prevalence

Whippets are a relatively healthy breed with a similar morbidity rate to all breeds. They are most popular in the UK, where they have a rich history and continue to be favored for their athleticism and gentle nature. In the US, they are considered uncommon, although their popularity has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Despite their overall numbers, the breeding population of whippets is limited due to selective breeding practices. This can have implications for the genetic diversity of the breed, and it’s important for breeders to prioritize responsible breeding practices to maintain the health and well-being of whippets.

Conclusion

The whippet is a truly remarkable breed that embodies a unique blend of athleticism, grace, and gentle affection. From their humble beginnings as the “poor man’s racehorse” to their current popularity as companions and competitors in dog sports, whippets have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. Their adaptability, low-maintenance coat, and loving temperament make them an ideal choice for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking a running partner, a cuddle buddy, or a loyal friend, the whippet is sure to bring joy and companionship to your life.