Dog breeds - the Whippet
When you think of fast dogs, usually the Greyhound or the Saluki comes to mind. Both of them are fairly tall members of the sight hound group of dogs. The Whippet even though it looks like the larger Greyhound is a separate breed of dog. The Whippet was recognized as a separate breed in the 1800’s. The height of the Whippet averages from 17 to 20 inches tall. They have a average lifespan for a dog of 12 to 15 years. They are indeed a fast dog and at one time was called the “poor man’s Greyhound”. Their bodies are noted for being one of the best best fat burners in the dog world, it is fairly rare for a Whippet to be overweight.
Whippets come in many different colors. Black, tan and brindle are among the most common. They are a short hair breed and their skin is also thin so it makes the a poor candidate for kennel or outside living. They are a very clean and well behaved dog when raised properly. They love children but will chase cats unless raised with them.
November 22nd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I love whippets. I had a german shepherd whippet mix that was the best dog I had my entire fifty years of life. (And I had a dog every one of those years, one or more I should say).
I had to have her put down (here comes the hate mail) nothing could break my heart more than having to do that to my best friend. She was truly my best friend.
Thank you for posting this.
November 22nd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I have always admired Whippets. I guess that’s why I wrote the post. Maybe one day I will have one but I keep adopting the pound pups that tug at my heart strings. Sorry to hear about your dog, anitalite. You had not better get any hate mail. If you do they had better send some to me because I had to put my first horse down 15 years ago and I still miss him. Another horse kicked him in pasture and snapped his back leg. He was only 8 years old.