Whippet
A medium-sized sighthound, lightning-fast outdoors and cuddly at home, the Whippet is gentle, quiet and easy to live with.
History and origins
The Whippet was developed in 19th-century England, particularly by northern workers, from small sighthounds and terriers. It was used for rabbit coursing and racing.
It was nicknamed 'the poor man's greyhound'.
Temperament
Gentle, affectionate and calm indoors, the Whippet loves comfort and its family's company. It is sociable with other dogs.
Sensitive, it responds well to gentle training. Its chase instinct remains strong.
Health
This is a robust, often long-lived breed. It is sensitive to anaesthetics and cold, and its thin skin is easily injured.
Regular veterinary follow-up is recommended.
This is general information. For any question about your dog's health, consult a veterinarian.
Feeding
Good-quality food matched to its activity keeps it lean.
Avoid running straight after meals.
Exercise
It needs daily walks and regular free runs in a safe, enclosed area.
It enjoys lure coursing.
It feels the cold in winter. Calm and clean, it lives very well in an apartment if it can run safely on a regular basis.
Grooming
Its very short coat needs only a weekly rub with a grooming mitt. It has very little odour.
It needs a coat in winter.
