Whippet
Adult Size: Females 18-21 inches and 20-30 pounds, Males 19-22 inches and 25-40 pounds
Breed: Whippet
Breed Group: Hound

Overall, Whippets are extremely tuned into their people and their moods. Their even-tempered nature makes them agreeable, devoted companions. They’re also often open and accepting of other animals. Typically, the Whippet is an easy dog to keep. Their coat is low-maintenance, their digestion and diets are simple and they’re a generally well-behaved dog. The Whippet is a great choice for the quiet apartment dweller or first time pet owner.

Typically, the Whippet is a relaxed and easy-going dog, but if they’re chasing a lure they’re extremely fast and focused. With such a high chase instinct, owners must be careful to keep their Whippet either on a leash or in a fully-fenced yard. Remember, the Whippet can easily reach 35 miles per hour, making it a hard dog to chase down.

Obviously, Whippets like the occasional run. With their lean, strong bodies and natural desire to please, they’re excellent athletes who excel at lure coursing, Frisbee and straight or oval-track racing.

Because the Whippet has a literally thin skin, they can be easily scratched or cut. Owners should keep a careful eye on their dog in areas with thorny underbrush or where possible conflicts with other animals could arise. During the winter months, your Whippet might also appreciate a sweater for cold walks.

Health issues common to the breed are cataracts, lens luxation, sebaceous adenitis, progressive retinal atrophy and heart defects. Overall though, the breed is very healthy and genetic problems are rare.

The first written reference to the breed was in 1610, but you can find artist’s depictions of small, racing dogs that date back to the early Roman period. The popularity of the breed surged in the nineteenth century when Whippet racing became a national sport in England.

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Whippet - Dogs for Sale