Characteristics of Whippet dogs with reviews and photos

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How to choose a puppy

Some recommendations for choosing a pet:

• The puppy should have a long head (proportional to the body) and a barely noticeable stop. If there is a sharp transition from head to muzzle, then in adulthood the dog will look more like a terrier.
• The small puppies look more like a Bull Terrier/Staffordshire Terrier mix. But as the dog grows older, it will acquire a unique appearance, characteristic of the Whippet breed.
• Litter uniformity is important. It's bad when puppies are different sizes.
• Choose a pet according to your goals. If you want a dog to participate in shows, do not buy a puppy from those who breed hunting dogs, and vice versa.
• The whippet's ears are fully formed only by 4 months. It is not recommended to take a younger puppy.

Whippet price

Whippet prices vary greatly, ranging from $250 to $1,000. The cheapest would be an ordinary dog ​​suitable as a companion. The most expensive is a pet that can participate in exhibitions and has an impressive pedigree. In most nurseries, puppies cost about 25,000–30,000 rubles.

History of the origin of whippets

The Whippet is a breed of small English greyhound and was first recorded as early as 1610. The Whippet was bred in England as a working class dog by crossing a Greyhound with a Terrier. This breed had to flawlessly hunt rabbits or hares, bringing the prey into the hands of the owner.

Initially, the Whippet was very different from the modern breed standard, so for a long time the dog was not even considered a separate breed. It was recognized only in 1890 by the British Kennel Club. And only in 1903 the first breed standard was recognized, which has remained unchanged to this day.

The Whippet appeared in England only after the development of another iconic English greyhound breed, the Greyhound. Greyhounds, although the direct ancestors of the whippet, were still large dogs that required special care and special feeding. Only high-class people could afford to keep Greyhounds, while ordinary peasants needed less expensive dogs.

To breed the whippet, the shortest greyhounds were selected and crossed with a wide variety of breeds. For example, among such breeds was the small Greyhound, which was also popular in that century. The main descendant, in addition to the Greyhound, was the Bedlington Terrier - a small, long-legged dog that could drive a fox or hare out of a hole.

The whippet's name comes from the word "whippet", which means "driven by a whip." The dogs were so named for their very high speed, which can be compared to the lightning strike of a whip. Initially, whippets were simply called all fast small dogs, and how this name came to designate an entire breed is still unclear.

In the 19th century, dog racing gained enormous popularity, and this gave new breath to the development of the Whippet breed. They began to take part in these races, showing excellent results. So the nobles, who became interested in breeding this breed, drew attention to whippets. Today, these dogs also participate in races and show the highest results among dogs of their size.

Choosing a puppy

Whippets are a numerous breed, but they are not very widespread in Russia. This largely explains the high cost of puppies - from 25 thousand rubles. In addition, finding a free animal is not always easy - you will have to stand in line at the official nursery.

It is difficult to confuse a Whippet puppy with a dog of another breed; babies have the same appearance features as adult representatives: spaced ears, a long tail, graceful high limbs, an elongated muzzle. Confirmation of ownership will be an official pedigree describing the origin of a particular animal.

Whippet puppies are very similar to adult representatives of the breed

Whippet - description of the breed

The Whippet breed standard has remained unchanged since the 19th century. The dog's skull should be long, dry and flattened on top. It necessarily tapers towards the muzzle, but the distance between the eyes remains wide. The forehead is only slightly pronounced, but the muzzle has graceful outlines. The nose is always black, but blue whippets may have a blue nose. Isabella whippets may have a cream colored nose, but this is not a fundamental point.

In general, pink noses in whippets are considered a fault. High-quality breeders avoid this nose color, so individuals are carefully rejected. Whippets' teeth are long and sharp, and their jaw bite is regular and scissor-shaped. The upper canines should tightly overlap the lower ones and avoid gaps. The teeth are positioned strictly vertically.

Whippets' eyes are oval-shaped, large and expressive. Since the breed is a hunting breed, the vision of the eyes should be 250 degrees so that the dog can better notice the prey. For a narrow head, the range of the eyes is very large, so the eyes protrude slightly to the sides, although the dog does not suffer from bulging eyes. In general, the Whippet resembles a small, compact Greyhound, as it is its direct descendant. The Whippet's body should be lean, lean and slightly tense, which indicates the dog's agility and grace. The standard allows for minor inaccuracies in the exterior, which do not spoil the overall appearance of the greyhound.

The Whippet's height is small - males reach a maximum size of up to 51 centimeters at the withers, females - from 44 centimeters. The weight of the dogs is not described, although it is a very small amount - from nine to fifteen kilograms. These are thin dogs with distinct ribs and a tight, tight belly.

The fat content in their body is minimal, and the main weight is the muscles and strong bones of the dogs. Long paws give this breed grace. Whippet puppies are sometimes born with erect ears, which is considered a serious defect. But this is difficult to avoid, since the direct ancestor, the terrier, influences the breed. Such puppies are rejected from the standard and are not allowed to breed.

Distinctive features

Graceful, elegant dogs with a lightweight body and elegant shapes. Selection was not superfluous here, because it is thanks to it that dogs can develop high speed. The animals are small in height - 44-51 cm, weight - 7-12 kg. They are lean and give the impression of emaciated pets.

In addition to speed, the Whippet has an incredibly high jump. From a standing position, this dog can jump over a fence measuring 2-2.5 m.

The standard was last published in 1998.

• The head is small, dry, oblong, wide between the eyes. The stop is weakly expressed.
• The muzzle is narrow, the bridge of the nose is straight. The jaws are full and strong. Scissor bite
• The nose is black or brown (depending on the color: blue is allowed for blue fur, chocolate for brown, a light nose is considered a disadvantage for white and wheaten coats);
• The eyes are medium-sized, oval, set high and wide. The iris is dark.
• The ears are semi-erect, set high, standing on cartilage, thin.
• The body is elegant and lightweight. The topline is long and straight, the loin is well arched, the withers are poorly defined. The chest is voluminous, well descended. The neck is muscular and long.
• The tail is a continuation of the croup, set low and thin. The shape is sickle-shaped, carried lowered or raised no higher than the line of the back.
• The limbs are straight, long, thin, and not widely set. The hindquarters are well extended beyond the line of the seat. The paws are small, neat, with collected toes and hard pads. The movements are spreading, free, fast.
• The coat is short, fine, close-lying.
• colors .

Popular whippet colors

The whippet's coat should be as short, smooth, and shiny as possible. It lies close to the body, and the Whippet has no undercoat. If the dog has scars or other skin imperfections (such as diseases), this coat will not hide them, although this is not a serious disadvantage for the dog. Breeders pay attention to the dog's appearance, not the condition of its skin.

Whippets can be of any color, which is also due to the peculiarities of their breeding. The dog was bred for speed, not for beauty, so the color of the coat can be very diverse.

Here are some examples of colors:

• White;
• Black;
• Ginger;
• With scorch marks;
• Rare brindle;
• Isabella;
• Piebald;
• Sand.

Albino whippets are also found. Dogs with this color are most valued because they look extremely impressive. They are completely devoid of pigmentation, so pink skin is visible through the transparent coat, giving the dog an overall pinkish tint. The nose of such dogs is also pink, as are the claws.

Pego-tiger whippets look impressive. In this color, the white background of the coat is combined with spots of chocolate or red color, which, in turn, are colored with darker stripes. Dogs of this color most often win exhibitions, although the standard pays the least attention to the color of individuals.

Whippet diseases

Whippets live on average 12–15 years and are in good health. The breed has a long history and has always been used for hunting, so weak representatives and dogs with deviations were constantly culled. So, they practically do not have joint dysplasia (impaired joint formation), but other defects may occur:

• Deafness. If there is no hearing from birth, nothing can be done; the dog can easily live without this feeling.
• Heart disease, in particular mitral valve stenosis (narrowing of the left opening between the atrium and ventricle). In the initial stages, the problem does not have pronounced symptoms, but shortness of breath gradually appears, and the dog quickly gets tired. Treatment involves endoscopic surgery to install a special balloon to repair the hole in the valve. This procedure allows you to transfer the disease to the stage of insufficiency, which will subsequently be compensated by taking medications.
• Corneal dystrophy is a congenital ophthalmological disease that involves damage to the cornea of ​​the eye. If your dog has a gray, white, or shiny cloudy appearance in his eye, you should see a doctor right away. Dystrophy can manifest itself both in puppyhood and in old age. To eliminate the problem, they resort to complex surgery.

Intolerance to anesthesia is one of the most serious problems most often encountered by owners of English Greyhounds. A minimal amount of adipose tissue significantly reduces resistance to drugs, so a standard dose of anesthesia can be fatal for a pet. If such manipulation is necessary, everything should be discussed with the veterinarian in advance.

Dogs often get injured in competitions

If a whippet participates in competitions, then injuries come to the fore - sprains, dislocations, cuts, fractures. This is due to the high speed that the dog develops and the general risk of such events.

Character and habits of whippets

Whippets are cheerful and kind dogs who enjoy obedience to their owner and affection from him. The breed has a stable psyche, so whippets do not consciously show aggression towards people and dogs. Small whippets get along well with families, love to play with children and spend time in nature.

Whippets, despite their predisposition to an active lifestyle, demonstrate calmness and obedience. They are unobtrusive, feel the mood of the owner and never bark without a reason. Most often, a whippet's bark can be heard if someone comes to visit, but the dog easily calms down on command.

Whippets can demonstrate the ability to be good watchdogs. Their ringing bark warns of the approach of strangers, and this breed also has a developed territorial instinct. Due to the fact that whippets are infinitely loyal to their owner, they can even come to his defense in difficult times.

Despite its calmness and obedience, the Whippet is still an energetic hunting dog. The ideal owner for her is a hunter who will support the natural instincts in the breed - catching a hare. If there is no opportunity or desire to hunt, then such a dog needs to maintain an active lifestyle: fast runs, agility, coursing, greyhound racing.

The Whippet needs to realize its energy, otherwise the dog will find a use for it on its own. In an apartment, a small dog can cause real mayhem, especially if he is left alone for a long time. He will get to any furniture, shoes and walls, especially often they play pranks between the ages of nine and twelve months. Dogs need systematic exercise and a lot of attention.

The whippet is ready to adapt to the owner's lifestyle, but toys, training and long walks are necessary for the breed. This will allow you not to go against his instincts and not break the dog’s psyche. When properly cared for, the Whippet is an affectionate and patient dog that is ready to play, have fun and please the family in every possible way. In addition, this breed gets along well with any other pets.

Character

Balanced, affectionate and gentle - this is a whippet. This hound is in dire need of care, attention and love from its owner. She always tries to be close to people. Among all existing greyhounds, the Whippet is the most affectionate. By trying to participate in all household chores, the dog shows how much he loves everyone in the household.

He treats children calmly and friendly. On their part, the greyhound should feel understanding and even respect. If a child pulls a dog by the ears, by the tail, or offends it in any other way, it will simply leave. The whippet will not bite the baby for his pranks.

He behaves unfriendly and wary with strangers. With proper upbringing, he shows restraint, but looks friendly only at people close to the family and well known people. If socialization is not carried out in time, the whippet can become timid and nervous.

Hounds and greyhounds are pack animals by nature. They can both hunt and coexist peacefully in the company of their own kind. Due to their hunting nature, they should not be left alone with small dogs or other small animals. A whippet may see them as game and start hunting.

A tense situation in the house, quarrels between household members can lead your pet to a nervous breakdown. The dog may even get sick. Leaving him alone for a long time is also not recommended. He is an excellent companion and is ready to accompany his owner everywhere.

Interesting facts about whippets

The Whippet is a breed with a rich history. The first champion of this breed was named Zuber and was born in 1889. It was this dog that laid the foundation for the breed, so it can often be found in the pedigree of the best representatives today. The Whippet is often called the Lesser English Greyhound. They are proud of this breed no less than a similar dog - the Greyhound.

Among dogs of its size, the Whippet is by far the fastest dog. Some individuals are quite a bit inferior to long-legged and large greyhounds in speed. Whippet speed is up to sixty kilometers per hour. In a straight line, a whippet can reach greater speeds, but these dogs are especially valued for their maneuverability. When chasing a hare, a whippet needs to make a quick decision in order to dodge after the small animal. Large dogs are not capable of such maneuverability. In addition, thanks to its small size, the whippet is ready to follow a hare into a hole and get it right out of there.

Previously, the whippet was popular in sports such as hare racing. One hare was released into a special stadium-circle, where a flock of whippets chased it until one of the dogs caught the prey. The sport was called inhumane and cruel, but another sport was found for whippets - chasing a mechanical hare. Whippets have the best eyesight of any dog ​​breed. Dogs quickly lose clarity of vision because they are called upon to navigate by smell, but whippets are an exception.

Their main weapon is speed and excellent vision, thanks to which they quickly spot prey. In addition, their vision radius is also the largest - about 250 degrees, while a person sees only 180. Whippets live best in a small flock. Several whippets get along well together and never argue over a soft sleeping place. Dogs simply curl up into compact balls next to each other, which allows them to fit into a small space and bask against each other.

Whippets can be found on pieces of art. The goddess of the hunt, Diana, is depicted next to whippet-like dogs. Representatives of the breed can also be seen in the Louvre, where there are sculptures similar to these dogs.

Training and education

The Whippet is a willful, independent dog, although it is very attached to its owner. He is smart, so you can not only teach him different commands, but also make him an athlete, a guard, or a shepherd.

This type of hound can even perform various circus tricks. The hunting instinct is developed in such dogs so strongly that the owner only needs to direct it in the right direction.

The Whippet will not simply carry out commands. It is necessary to establish trusting contact with him and find an approach to him. During training, corporal punishment and any other rough treatment are excluded.

Such an approach will only discourage the dog from continuing the lessons and obeying. With the right approach, the owner will be able to understand that the Whippet is considered the most manageable greyhound.

The main thing in the training process is to be patient; for correct execution, you should reward your pet with treats and praise. It is recommended to conduct lessons in a playful way with intense physical activity.

Interesting Facts

• In paintings with images of the goddess Diana, next to her in almost all cases there is a small dog, in appearance it is almost a complete copy of the whippet.
• In its homeland, the whippet is often called the “bull terrier among greyhounds.”
• In the Louvre there is an exhibit in the form of a sculpture of a dog exactly like a whippet. The sculpture dates back to the fifth century BC.
• A whippet is capable of detecting a hare in a matter of seconds, using its sense of smell, and overtaking it in a couple of seconds.
• Representatives of the breed are capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h.
• “To move quickly, nimbly” is what the English word whippet means.
• A whippet barks extremely rarely; if you hear the voice of a greyhound, it means that it is announcing something important.

Pros and cons of whippets

The Whippet is an excellent dog for active people or even hunters. Also, these dogs get along well with small active children - they will never harm them and will always support active games. Elementary education is good for whippets; also, whippets are suitable even for those dog breeders who do not have experience in breeding dogs.

In addition, the whippet has a number of other advantages:

1. Thanks to his intelligence and obedience;
2. Whippets look incredibly elegant;
3. These dogs are infinitely loyal to their owner:
4. Always friendly;
5. Whippets do not smell and are very clean;
6. They are easy to care for;
7. Excellently trainable;
8. Whippets are well suited for apartment living;
9. This is a quiet breed - whippets bark only for business;
10. Get along with children;
11. Whippets are in good health.

It is worth considering that dogs are active and need constant physical activity. It doesn’t matter what size the apartment or house is - every day the dog needs to be walked for at least three hours twice. If you are not ready for such a waste of time, then it is better not to get this dog. A pile of leaves, a strange cat on the street, birds and small animals - all this is prey for the whippet, who can chase them at any moment.

Whippets also have a number of other disadvantages:

1. The hunting instinct is too developed.
2. The breed can be willful;
3. Daily long walks;
4. In case of injury, anesthesia is extremely difficult for dogs;
5. They cannot tolerate cold weather.

Breed characteristics

Breeding whippets

Whippets, like other breeds, begin estrus at about nine months of age and last for about a month. The dog becomes a little more aggressive or lethargic and asks to go for walks more often. In no case should mating be arranged during the first heat - the dog’s psyche is not ready for this, and its body is not sufficiently mature. As a rule, mating occurs around the third heat. Then the dog is ready for pregnancy and childbirth.

Mating must be carried out on the territory of the dog. This way he will feel more confident, and the bitch will not behave aggressively in unfamiliar territory. There is no point in interfering with the mating process, although the dating process itself can drag on even for several days. In any case, dogs are cheerful and friendly, so, as a rule, everything goes without problems.

From mating to birth can take from 56 to 70 days. The day of mating must be marked on the calendar, since it is counted from there. It is worth monitoring the progress of pregnancy, since early or late births almost always end in the death of the puppies. Young dogs give birth to few puppies - about two or three, but the older the dog, the more puppies it produces. It is quite difficult to understand whether a bitch is pregnant. More often, pregnancy manifests itself in the later stages in the form of characteristic signs: weight gain in the body and abdomen, laziness, excessive urination, the dog eats a lot and drinks a lot.

It is better to be monitored by a veterinarian throughout the pregnancy in order to avoid possible complications if something happens. Before giving birth, the bitch begins to fuss, and yellow or green discharge is often observed. It is necessary to prepare a soft, secluded place. Although whippets are healthy and strong dogs and often give birth on their own, it is better to have the help of a veterinarian and stay close to the dog. If signs of labor are observed, it is best to give your dog a laxative to help cleanse the intestines. The bitch takes care of the newborn puppies herself. She licks them and feeds them, the puppies are born quite strong.

Mating

Whipets are bred at 2-3 years of age , when the dogs reach full adulthood and are able to conceive and bear offspring. Puberty comes much earlier - at 8-10 months the female dog appears in her first heat. But it is advised to untie only on the third. On days 13-15, signs should appear:

1. Loose soft loop;
2. Light, sometimes bloody discharge;
3. Playful or aggressive behavior.

In order for the mating to be official, you need to contact the nursery for a referral. There they will select a suitable stud dog. The owners will agree on a date and a price, which is usually equal to one puppy or a percentage of its value.

The dogs are walked together, given time to get to know each other and sniff. After that, they are brought to the male dog’s territory, where he will feel confident and relaxed. You can invite a specialist who will tell the owners how to properly perform sexual intercourse.

If the female is happy, then she will allow the cage to be made . If the girl doesn’t want to, then you can try the next day. The male will make several active pushes and freeze if he gets into the loop. To ensure everything goes well, the animals are held: the female under the belly and by the head, and the male by the back. The whole act lasts 10-20 minutes. If there is no lock, the girl may be fat, but it is better to repeat the mating after 2 days.

Read a detailed article on the topic: “Everything you need to know about breeding dogs: appropriate age, what to do if it doesn’t work out, rules and tips.”

Whippet Care

The Whippet is an easy dog ​​to care for. Due to its short coat, it does not require frequent bathing or brushing. Its coat is naturally soft and suitable for people with allergies. In addition, the Whippet does not have the characteristic odor that many other breeds suffer from. Lenka passes almost unnoticed in spring and autumn. Whippets should be brushed no more than once a week with a mitt brush made of natural soft bristles. A hard brush can damage the dog's skin, because it is almost not protected by hair. Combing with a whippet is needed not so much for removing dead hair, but for massage. It ensures proper blood flow in the animal’s body.

You should wash your whippet as rarely as possible, about once every three months or as needed. Shampoo should be used for short-haired or hairless breeds of dogs to minimize trauma to the whippet's skin. Frequent bathing causes irritation or allergies. After washing, the dog should be dried with a towel or even a hairdryer so that the dog does not catch a cold.

Whippets should not be allowed to sit in a draft. You need to rinse, clean and dry your ears well so that no diseases arise in them. In winter, when the likelihood of catching a cold is especially high, you need to use dry shampoo or special wet towels; the wool is well combed with a soft comb.

A whippet's eyes should be examined regularly for discharge. Healthy eyes have no redness and shine, the corners are always clean. You can wipe your eyes with a cotton pad moistened with clean water. They can also be wiped with chamomile decoction to avoid possible infections. Since the eyes are the weak point of whippets, at the slightest sign of illness it is worth contacting a veterinarian.

Whippets are dressed in overalls for walks, especially if the weather is cold or wet. But dogs tolerate heat well. You need to walk twice a day - in the mornings and evenings. In the city it is better to walk on a leash, since the breed is curious and energetic, and the dog can mistake any moving object for prey.

Key points in training

Training this breed is not a difficult task. Dogs are smart and obedient, learn easily and quickly, and can even jump through hoops and walk on their hind legs. They show remarkable results in agility and other dog sports.

Whippets are not stubborn; they love cleanliness and order. Raising them is not difficult, but you need to start from early childhood. The puppy needs to remember the rules of behavior in the family and on the street, learn the daily routine: feeding and walking.

In addition, it is important to know the basic commands: “near”, “place”, “sit”, “not allowed”. The animal must get used to walking on a leash and without it, and follow commands flawlessly, especially during a hunt.

Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”

If you really need a pet as a hunting dog, then it is best to give it to knowledgeable people for training. They will teach the dog to correctly fetch game, listen to instincts, and monitor the actions of the owner.

Whippet diet

The whippet's diet depends on the age and class of the dog. Keeping a pet as a companion or keeping a sporting dog means a different diet and a different diet. In general, nutrition has a huge impact on the appearance and energy of the dog, so it needs to be balanced as much as possible.

From the first days the puppy is in the house, he needs to be accustomed to the place where feeding will take place. This way the puppy will get used to discipline and will not steal food from the table. You should not overfeed whippets, as this will have a bad effect on the dog's health. It is better to give preference to premium dry food.

It is strictly forbidden to give fatty, salty, sweet, fried and smoked foods. This can cause mental disorders in the dog, as well as various stomach diseases. A puppy under four months of age is fed special food about four times a day.

If the food is natural, homemade, then the puppy must be given the following ingredients:

• Natural poultry meat;
• Rabbit or young veal;
• Boiled river fish;
• Egg yolks;
• Dairy products – cheese, cottage cheese, kefir;
• Vegetables in any quantity, especially greens and cucumbers.

At the age of six months, a dog is transferred to three meals a day. During this period, puberty begins, so a large amount of minerals is added to the diet. It is also important to add calcium, since the dog’s teeth are replaced, the coat is renewed, and the bone structure in general grows.

After nine months, meals are switched to two meals a day. If you are not sure that you can balance proteins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals, then it is better to give preference to holistic and premium food. This nutrition is especially important for dogs participating in competitions.

Care and maintenance

If a whippet lives in the yard of a private house, then in winter it should still move into the house. This is also required in extreme heat; keeping a pet outside all year round is impossible. This is due to the short hair of the representatives of the breed and the lack of subcutaneous fat. Dog handlers recommend conditioning the animal if you plan to take it hunting. In other cases, you can simply stock up on warm clothes for a walk in frosty weather.

Daily walking should be at least twice a day, preferably for an hour. This time can be used for practical purposes by combining walks with training. Experts explain that when a whippet swims, runs, especially behind a bicycle, its muscles become stronger. Such active walks contribute to the normal well-being of dogs.

Combing, bathing, and grooming are required as the coat becomes dirty. During the molting period, it is recommended to comb the animal twice a week; usually the hair does not fall out profusely. Given the short length of the coat, it is necessary to use a rubberized brush for short hair so that the pet does not experience discomfort.

Care also involves regular examination of the dog, especially the eyes and ears. If an inflammatory process is detected, you must contact a veterinarian. If you have chronic ear diseases, you may need to wipe the organ daily with a cotton swab soaked in a solution prescribed by your veterinarian.

Feeding

Feeding with natural products requires time and effort from the owner to prepare dishes, but has advantages: the possibility of diversifying the diet, using fresh products. The dog's diet should consist of meat (preferably beef, lamb, horse meat), boiled boneless fish, vegetables, and cereals. The best cereals are rice and buckwheat. It is advisable to stew vegetables and serve them along with porridge and meat.

The most useful vegetables that many representatives of the breed like are zucchini, carrots, and pumpkin.

When feeding dry food, the pet must receive a sufficient amount of vital vitamins and microelements. Therefore, it is better to use only premium food. The advantage of this method of feeding is that it requires a minimum of time, it is easy to calculate the portion, and the pet receives everything it needs for good health.

If your dog has allergies, using dry food is especially practical. With the help of a veterinarian, you can choose the appropriate option, then give it throughout your life.

Diseases and health problems

Whippets are strong dogs that can live up to 16 years if properly cared for and fed. On average, these dogs live up to 13 years, and this is a record among greyhound breeds. Beagle dogs put a lot of stress on their hearts, which is why they die early, and the Whippet is an exception to the rule. Whippets are not prone to suffer from food allergies and do not have common hip dysplasia, which is a huge advantage of the breed.

At the same time, dogs have a number of congenital diseases that do not make them ideal for health reasons. Improper intrauterine development can provoke these various ailments. A puppy may be born deaf or lose hearing by the third week, and the process is irreversible;:

1. Congenital deafness;
2. Cataract;
3. Entropion is treated with surgery;
4. Conjunctivitis;
5. Adenoma of the third century;
6. Pseudogemophilia.

In addition to these diseases, you need to know that whippets do not tolerate anesthesia well. It has a serious impact on the cardiovascular system of dogs, which can lead to irreversible consequences. Whippets also catch colds easily and catch various viruses. Veterinarians recommend keeping the breed warm and always providing vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system.

When a whippet is at rest, its heart may beat irregularly. This is also due to the characteristics of the breed and is not a disease. At the same time, when a dog runs fast, the heart beats at a normal rhythm, which makes the greyhound an excellent runner. In order for your dog to grow up healthy and strong, you should adhere to the vaccination schedule and not skip important vaccinations.

Health

On average, with good, proper maintenance, a whippet can live 12-15 years. In general, this is a breed characterized by good health, but there are some problems:

• Eye diseases.
• Deafness is often congenital.
• Von Willebrand disease is a hereditary disease that causes blood clotting disorders and spontaneous bleeding.

During the formation of the breed, weak dogs that did not meet the standard requirements were not allowed to breed and were discarded. The strongest and most robust individuals remained. Interestingly, even dysplasia practically does not bother these hounds.

Every whippet owner should know that his pet tolerates anesthesia very poorly. All due to the minimal amount of subcutaneous fat. Anesthesia that is appropriate for another dog can be fatal for a whippet. It is important that the veterinarian you entrust with your pet is qualified and aware of this breed characteristic.

To maintain health, it is mandatory to give your dog routine vaccinations. Timely treatment against skin parasites and worms is important. It is also recommended to visit a veterinary clinic with your pet at least once a year for preventive purposes.

Whippet - a combination of elegance and speed

The history of the small English greyhound goes back centuries. Since the beginning of the 20th century, its popularity has only grown. Whippet dogs combines grace, strength, and the ability to get along with people. It has unique hunting qualities, but is valued more for its docile and delicate nature as a companion.

Diseases of the breed

The English Greyhound is one of the healthiest dogs. She has a strong immune system, a strong physique and a huge amount of positive energy. The dog's limbs are long and thin, however, it rarely damages them. Whippets do not have a genetic disease such as leg dysplasia.

In order for your dog to always remain healthy and full of strength, he needs to be vaccinated regularly. When a dog is born, it should be registered at the nearest veterinary clinic. Doctors inform you about the necessary vaccinations, the dates when they need to be done, as well as methods for preventing diseases. Following these tips will help reduce your risk of getting sick in your English greyhound:

1. Brush your pet's teeth regularly.
2. Give him deworming tablets.
3. Spray him with a tick and flea spray (especially in the summer).
4. Feed only natural food and high-quality dry food.

Nutritional Features

Each breeder chooses his own food option. Some prefer to feed dry food, while others prefer homemade food. Both options are acceptable, the main thing is not to mix them - otherwise you will have digestive problems.

In addition, when choosing dry food, you should not rely on cheap soy food - the dog should receive proteins of animal origin. If the owner prefers to feed the pet homemade food, then the diet should be balanced and include meat, fish, offal, cereals, vegetables and dairy products.

Attention! If you give a crushed clove of garlic with food weekly, you can protect your pet from worms.

Price

The English Greyhound (Whippet) is a very popular breed in the post-Soviet countries, including Russia. Almost all of them have nurseries where breeders professionally breed these animals. We recommend using their services.

In this structure, the buyer receives documents for the dog, including its veterinary passport, as well as a guarantee for it. This means that if the animal was purchased sick, then its treatment will be fully paid for by the sponsors of the nursery. The price of a whippet in such structures is from 30 thousand rubles. Some show-class puppies with a pedigree cost much more, about $1,000.

The second option for purchasing is from your own hands, that is, from a private owner. There are a lot of such advertisements floating around on the Internet. But, before buying a whippet puppy, be sure to inspect it for parasites. It would also be useful to get to know his parents, but such an opportunity is not always available.

Nutrition

The diet of an adult dog is based on a combination of beef, grains and vegetables. The meat component should account for up to 40% of the total food volume. Excess weight is not allowed due to the lightweight frame. Among industrial feeds, it is worth choosing premium products for short-haired greyhounds.

There are some rules you should know when feeding whippets:

• It is better to feed fresh meat for complete absorption;
• add boiled fish without bones to the diet;
• Lightweight grains like buckwheat and rice are healthy;
• digestion is improved by boiled zucchini, pumpkin, and carrots;
• the addition of vegetable oils strengthens the coat.

Whippet puppies eat up to 5 times a day from two months old. Then gradually the number of feedings is reduced. Two meals a day can be started at 9 months. Dairy products and vegetables are an essential component of the diet.

Breed standard

It doesn’t matter at all from which country the whippet’s history began, from Ancient Rome, England or Egypt, the main thing is that it represents an amazing combination of strength, courage, good nature and speed. The dog is well built and harmonious. Its height at the withers is 45-49 cm.

The height of some males reaches 52 cm. This is not a deviation. The animal's physique is lean and strong. It looks thin and weak, however, the first impression is deceiving. A dog needs a slender body to quickly increase speed while running. All greyhound breeds have a sunken belly, including this one.

The dog's weight is up to 12 kg. By the way, the dog is capable of moving at speeds of more than 65 kilometers per hour! Considering its small dimensions, this is amazing! The whippet has long, thin and very strong legs. Thanks to the presence of these three properties, it jumps perfectly. Standing still, he can jump up to 2 meters in height.

Modern standardization of the dog was established at the beginning of the 20th century. According to it, the animal should have a thin build, an elongated torso, drooping hind legs, due to which an arch is formed on the lower back, and a tucked belly.

The animal has a muscular, strong neck, slightly inclined in relation to the back. The Whippet in the photo looks like a proud, regal dog, precisely because of this exterior feature.

All hound dogs have large lungs, therefore, their chest is powerful, slightly protruding. A dog's strongest muscles are in its legs. These parts of the body have an elongated shape and have excellent springiness. The tail is thin, long, hanging. But when the dog is alert, he stands horizontally.

The animal's head is small. The muzzle is slightly oblong. Her eyes are large and black. The ears are semi-raised and very soft. The Whippet has a clearly defined jaw line. His dark gums appear to be smiling because of his protruding dark gums. He has no equal in hunting. The dog quickly and deftly catches up with game in any territory.

Its fur is short and soft. Several types of color are allowed: pure white, fawn, brindle, red, brown, black and blue. There may be a beige patch on the dog's chest.

Description and features

Almost any modern dog breed has documents indicating its discoverer or breeder. Unfortunately, there are no documented facts the Whippet breed

Let's consider several popular historical versions. According to one of them, the dog was bred by miners working in English mines in the 19th century. Their goal was to create a small, fast dog that would easily catch up with massive animals, including the fox.

Even then, it began to be actively used in sports races for dogs (racing). At that time, it was a very popular entertainment and the fame of the whippet quickly spread throughout the world.

Even a poor person could purchase a representative of the breed, since its cost was not high. This version has many opponents, since the fact that the poor miners were competent in breeding dogs is very doubtful.

But their descendants confidently claim that the whippet was exploited to catch pest rats that stole food in the mines. The small size allowed the animal to follow the rodent even into a very thin gorge.

According to the second version, we should thank the ancient Romans, who came to Europe to conquer territories, for the opportunity to acquire such a nimble pet. She has confirmation - the silhouettes of dogs engraved on ancient stones are very reminiscent of the appearance of a modern whippet.

Be that as it may, today everyone can buy a cute, brave and very fast dog with incredible hound abilities. She loves to be the center of attention, hovering around the feet of her household and in every possible way encouraging them to spend time together.

The whippet dog is suitable only for cheerful and active people. During the day, she accumulates a huge amount of energy that needs to be released. Locking yourself indoors with your dog and not leaving it is a bad option. He is easy to care for, but needs outdoor games. Its owners may not share this position, but they are obliged to admire this animal. Without praise and approval, it becomes sad.

Similar breeds

Podenco Ibicenco

Podenco Ibicenco (Ibizan, Ibiza Greyhound) is a breed also known for the outstanding hunting qualities of its representatives. Closest relatives: Pharaoh Hound, Andalusian Podenco, Cirneco del Etna.

Fast, graceful, strong and athletic, the greyhound can reach a height at the withers of 60–72 centimeters and a weight of 19–25 kilograms.

These are soft and loyal pets who know how to please all family members. Children are treated friendly. They are not known for their aggressiveness, so these dogs are not hunters or protectors. They are wary of strangers.

Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is a city dog. Representatives of this breed are famous for their devotion and affection to their owners, as well as their elegant appearance. Ridgebacks make good hunters (they can even hunt on their own). In Russia, these dogs are extremely rare.

The character is freedom-loving and even a little cat-like. They treat strangers with caution, but not aggressively. Children are treated well.

Purpose of the breed

One of the features of whippets is highly developed vision . They can see just as well at night as they can on a clear day. Therefore, they make unique hunters, capable of catching and bringing back small game at any time of the day . And with the popularization of greyhound racing in the 19th century, this breed turned out to be simply unsurpassed.

Since the price of whippets was more or less affordable, people of different incomes could afford them. In the Middle Ages, this breed was also called . ” There were even so-called “rag races”, where at the end of the race there was a man waving a rag, which the dog perceived as a hare and rushed towards it at full speed. For peasants and the middle class, it was generally a universal dog in terms of obtaining food and money. She is capable of both bringing game and winning the race.

Later, high society also became interested in this breed. So dogs began to appear more and more often at exhibitions or simply serve their owners as unusual companions. Due to their small size and weight, they were often taken with them on a visit or on a picnic. Whippets continue to be good-natured, family favorites , which can be found both as participants in international exhibitions and as winners of various competitions. And only occasionally can they be seen in all their glory in pursuit of real prey.

Who is better - a Whippet or an Italian Greyhound?

As for the first breed, it is something between a Greyhound and an Italian Greyhound. The Whippet is not inferior in activity to the breed described here, but it is more resilient, which opens up ample opportunities for spending time together. You can not only run with it, but also play agility, frisbee and the like. The Italian Greyhound is a dog, so to speak, with a more “hysterical” character. This is such a “quivering doe” that needs constant care and attention. There is an opinion about their uncleanliness and problems with the tray, but this is strictly individual.

Reproduction and lifespan

These adorable dogs live from 13 to 15 years. But, in the absence of caring procedures, their service life to the owner may be reduced. Sick and malnourished English greyhounds rarely survive even to 10-11 years of age.

The Whippet is a small dog and comes into heat earlier. Bitches become sexually mature by the age of 7 months. Her first heat occurs in the age range of 1-1.5 years. Usually, it begins unexpectedly, without previous symptoms.

The main sign of a bitch in heat is purple spotting. They can be plentiful. A sexually mature female should be mated with a male during her second menstruation. In the first days of this period, she can become aggressive, therefore, it is not worth taking her to the male dog’s territory.

The maturation and release of the dog's egg into the fallopian tube occurs from the 4th day of estrus. Mating at this stage is most effective, since the probability of conception is high. Three factors indicate pregnancy:

1. Character change. The bitch becomes gentle and more attentive.
2. Increased appetite.
3. Rounding of the abdomen.

The average duration of gestation in dogs is 68 days.

Feeding a Whippet

Composing a diet for a greyhound is not easy, since it must be rich in carbohydrates, but at the same time be dietary. A veterinarian can help in this matter and advise the owner on the choice of products and feeding regimen. For an animal, not only the correct selection of products is important, but also their quantity: for representatives of this breed, excess weight can be detrimental. So what should you feed your dog?

Whippets love meat. It is advisable that it be fresh and not frozen. In this case, the product is better absorbed. You can include boiled chicken eggs in your animal's diet. In addition, whippets happily eat boiled low-fat sea fish, from which all bones must first be removed. Dogs also need to get grains. Buckwheat and rice are most suitable. Vegetables should be given stewed or boiled. Vegetable decoction, which contains many vitamins, is also used in feeding.

To improve intestinal function, give your dog boiled carrots, pumpkin, and zucchini. Dairy products in the animal's diet should be unsweetened. Every day the dog should receive vegetable oil with food. Thanks to it, the pet's fur becomes shiny and silky. As a rule, veterinarians who help create a diet for a whippet follow a 75/25 ratio, where 75% is protein foods and 25% is porridge and vegetables. We remind you once again that you should not overfeed your pet, since excess weight negatively affects the overall health of the animal and its development.