Whippet Puppies

Whippets are lively and energetic when they are on the chase, but they are quiet and content family companions in the home. Their hunting instincts are strong, so they should be kept on a leash during walks and a fenced in yard is a necessity. They do very well with children of all ages, and do well with other dogs. Interactions with smaller animals should be supervised because Whippets could view them as prey. 

Whippets are a healthy breed, but their weight should be monitored to ensure they live a long and happy life. They are meant to be skinny, and a mature adult should have two to four visible vertebrae. Their frame is not meant to carry excessive weight, so an overweight Whippet can develop orthopedic problems. 

They have a moderate energy level that typically comes out in short bursts. Playing fetch in the yard is a great way for them to sprint out their energy, and they also enjoy agility training. 

Their short coat requires very little maintenance to stay clean and healthy. Weekly brushing will maintain their coat's shine, and occasional baths will keep their coat healthy and clean. They can have trouble staying warm in the winter due to their short coat and skinny build, so a sweater is encouaged to keep them comfortable. 

Whippets will shed their short coat moderately thoughout the year, and slightly heavier in fall and spring. 

Whippets have a graceful appearance very similar to Greyhounds, but slightly smaller. Their long head and muzzle lead into a deep chest, and their bodies are arched from their neck to their back. Their short and smooth coat lays close to their skin, and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. 

The Whippet breed grew out of Victorian England, where dog racing and rabbit hunting were popular past times. Coal miners in the area couldn't afford to feed the larger Greyhound, so they set out to develop a similar breed that would be cheaper to maintain. This led to their nickname, "The Poor Man's Racehorse." During the 20th century the breed was brought to the United States, where they were used as racing dogs and family companions.