Whippet

The Whippet is a British sighthound — a smaller relative of the Greyhound, built for speed and once called the poor man's racehorse.

History

It was developed in the north of England by working people who bred down greyhound-type dogs for rabbit coursing and for racing on the flat. That coursing past is why it remains one of the fastest dogs for its size.

Temperament

The breed is known for a double life: a calm, gentle, affectionate housemate that turns into a blur the moment something worth chasing appears. It is quiet indoors and devoted to its people.

Care and training

It needs regular chances to run in a safe, enclosed space, because a sighthound on a chase does not hear a recall. The fine short coat is easy to keep, but the lean build feels the cold and needs a layer in winter.

Health

The breed is generally hardy; its main considerations are the thin skin that tears and bruises easily and a sensitivity to some anaesthetics tied to low body fat. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.