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Other working dogs
include the Greyhound
and Sloughi.
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Whippet
Description Whippets were bred to hunt by sight, coursing game in open areas at high speeds and representations of small greyhound-like hounds in art dating back to Roman times can be found with the first written English use of the word "whippet" with regard to a type of dog in 1610. In England in the 19th century, whippet racing was a national sport and was even more popular than football. In 1890 the English Kennel Club granted the breed official recognition. In the United States in 1888 the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Their extraordinary versatility as a racing, hunting, companion and show dog soon made it one of the most popular of the sight hound breeds.
Temperament These beautiful quiet and gentle dogs have outstanding temperaments, being friendly, affectionate and easy-going. They are known to be very sensitive to the mood of their owners, and will behave accordingly. However, they love to chase things so small fluffy animals may be at risk if a Whippet is off the leash!They are totally content to spend much of the day resting and although especially attached to their owners, they are friendly to visitors. They are fantastic with children as they are not prone to snapping and because of their friendly nature, whippets are known to have been used in aged care facilities as therapy and companion dogs. They will bark when strangers arrive but are really not suited to being guard dogs, but will however, tend to attack cats that stray into their territory, unless they have been brought up living with a cat.
Appearance Height: 4-51cm (17-20 in) Weight: 11-18kg (25-40lb) Whippets come in a wide variety of colours and marking patterns, everything from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue, or cream. All types of spots and patches are seen, sometimes all in the same litter.
Grooming The Whippet requires little grooming. Regular bathing and trimming of their nails is also recommended.
Life Expectancy 12-15 years
Health Concerns Generally very healthy dogs and if given proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, most whippets live up to 15 years. They are generally healthy, and are not prone to the frequent ear infections, skin allergies, or digestive problems that can afflict other breeds.
Suitability The small, sleek and quiet Whippet makes an ideal house dog. There is nothing big, strong and macho about these sweet dogs. So if you are a gentle person that wants a dog that is totally safe with the kids and will be an adoring member of the family, you simply can't go past a Whippet as they are ideally-suited to most situations; retirees, families with children, or couples. Daily walking would be advisable if it only has access to a small yard or apartment and the chance to run free in open spaces should be made available to the whippet; however care should be taken with whippets on the street as it is difficult to instill any sort of traffic sense into them. Whippets are not well-adapted for outside kennel living as their coats do not provide insulation to withstand prolonged periods in cold temperatures. Their natural attachment to people makes them happiest when kept indoors and they are most at home when sitting in the lap of their owners or lying next to them on the couch.
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