The Whippet dog loves to take a flat out sprint any day. They achieve speeds like 35 mph at will. When it isn’t busy sprinting, it appreciates the comfort of your couch. Above all things a whippet likes to snuggle up against you. The whippets originate from old Britain. The males stand 47 to 51 cm at the withers. They weigh up to 35 pounds. Yes, they are so light. The average life expectancy is in range of 13 to 15 years. The hair is fine, short and tight. The coat comes in a variety of colors.
Whippet’s diet
The Whippet doesn’t swallow anything that’s not likeable. It’s not uncommon of the breed to go on a hunger strike. The daily ration should be split into two meals (one in the morning and another in the evening). No amount of food can be excessive. The more your whippets eat, the better they will grow. To compete at a dog show level, rich diet is going to be required. Give a rest period before and after the meal to avoid stomach upset. The amount and type of food should factor in dog’s weight, age, and health status.
Behavior and Characteristics of Whippet
The Whippet is an affectionate, intelligent and athletic breed. Their never dying passion is to race. To maintain a psychophysical equilibrium, running should be frequent. Inside the calm demeanor, these dogs can bark. They also like to rest too. They never get tired of lounging in a couch. The Whippet is more than ready to snuggle against the dog owner. The dog is very attached to its owner and often grows dependent.
Sweet and sensitive, these are pleasant companions for the entire family. They love playing with children and providing companionship to the elderly. They can be a little reserved and timid towards strangers. However, the breed seldom gets aggressive. It is an extremely endearing and charming dog.
Owing to their inherent stubbornness, use firm hands but gentle approach in training. You need to practice gentleness since Whippet is extremely sensitive breed. It cannot withstand brutality or stress. The breed is always willing to please. It’s very important to start training from an early age. You can’t expect them to co-exist with smaller pets like cat or rabbit. The inherent hound instincts will make him chase after them.
Whippet Grooming
The Whippet requires almost no grooming. Rubber glove massage and occasional brushing are more than adequate. Shampooing once a year is enough too. The Whippet tends to clean itself when it is dirty. Indeed, it is a very clean dog, which emits almost no smell. Consider dog clothing if you live in colder region and your dog stays in outdoor kennels.
Health issues
Despite their fragile appearance, the Whippet is a very strong dog. With right diet and housing, they can live for a long time. The most common health problems are glaucoma, cryptorchidism, Von Willebrand disease, injuries and fractures from races. They are also vulnerable to a range of skin problems including alopecia, atopic dermatitis, etc…