Dog's Help

If you are looking for an active dog which has a playful disposition, the Whippet is the answer to your search. It is physically similar to the greyhound breed and in recent times has become extremely popular with people. Not all Whippet owners are familiar with this fact but the dogs of this breed are extremely fast runners.

Dimension and Weight:
Whippet males measure 18.5 to 22.5 inches (48-56 cm) in height while the females measure in between 17.5 to 21.5 inches (46-53 cm). Average weight of both male and female Whippet dogs is in the range of 25 to 45 pounds (11-21 kg).

Appearance:
When it comes to appearances, Whippets appear near relatives of the greyhound breed. It has a streamlined and slender (but graceful) body. The neck is arched while the long and broad back is complemented with a deep chest. The stomach too is retracted. All these features along with powerful legs make the Whippet quite a sturdy breed.

These excellent physical features are complemented by a dense but fine coat which comes in different colors. However, this coat is non-functional. It does not provide any insulation from cold. Hence, it is best that owners keep their Whippets inside the house.

Temperament:
Though the Whippets are active and playful, their temperament is that of a rester. They behave gently and are quiet most of the time. Given a choice they would like to simply laze around and conserve their energy. Further, they love the idea of staying inside a house. Kennel or outside life is something which they do not seem to enjoy too much. Lack of activity makes them perfect pets for those living in an apartment.

While you might find male Whippets a more active part of the family (they love repetitive play), things might be different with female Whippets. When it comes to performing duties, it seems that male Whippets are better off then female ones. However, both tend to bark only if somebody unfamiliar comes (they love chasing unfamiliar cats, though). Hence, they are not suited as guard dogs.

Whippets do not have a tendency to snap. This makes them amicable companions to children (even small ones). Even otherwise, Whippets tend to prefer human company rather than that of other dogs or aloofness.  

Health Care tips for Whippets
The only problem which has been observed in Whippets is that they can suffer from genetic eye defects. However, this defect is a rarity. Further, undescended testicles and intolerance to barbiturate anesthetics is a common phenomenon in the breed. Otherwise, the breed is considered to be a healthy and infection proof. When given proper food, physical workout, and veterinary care, they can live up to 15 years.