The main characteristics of the breed:
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I.
Group 10. Greyhounds.Section 3. Short-haired greyhounds.
No working test.
GENERAL FORM
Harmonious combination of muscular energy and strength with elegance and grace of outlines. The dog is built for speed and work. It is necessary to avoid overdevelopment of forms.
BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT
The perfect companion. Quickly adapts to home and sports environments. Soft, gentle, affectionate, balanced character.
CRANIAL REGION
Scull: Long and lean, flat at the top, tapering towards the end of the muzzle, slightly wide between the eyes.
Stop: Weak.
FACE PART
Nose Black. With a blue color - blue. With hepatic - hepatic. With isabel and cream or other dilute color, any color other than pink. Only with white or piebald (particolor) - "butterfly" is acceptable, not fully pigmented nose is not allowed.
Jaws/Teeth: Jaws strong, powerful, clean-cut, with a complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth tightly cover the lower ones and are placed straight in the jaws.
Eyes: Oval, bright, very attentive.
Ears: Rose-shaped, small, soft in texture.
NECK
Long, muscular, elegantly arched.
FRAME
Topline: Pronounced graceful arch in the loins, but the dog should not be hunchbacked.
Back: Broad, well muscled, strong, fairly long.
Small of the back: Gives the impression of energy and strength.
Breast: Very deep, well defined. The ribs are springy, the back is muscular.
Underline and belly: with pronounced disruption.
TAIL
Without suspension. Long, tapering towards the end, in movement it rises in a smooth arc, but not over the back.
FOREQUARTERS
General form: The forelegs are straight and vertical, set not too wide.
Shoulders: Oblique and muscular; the shoulder blades converge at the top of the spine, where they are easily identified.
Elbows: Fit well to the body.
Metacarpus: Strong, easily springy.
HIND LIMB
General form: Strong. In the stance, the dog occupies a large area and shows a significant driving force.
Hips: Wide at the top.
Lap: with good angles.
Lower legs: Well developed.
Hock joints: Well dropped.
PAWS
Very neat, well splayed toes, well arched, pads thick and strong.
GAIT / MOVEMENT
Ideally free. Seen from the side, the dog should move with a long, light stride, keeping the topline. The forelegs should reach well forward and low to the ground, the hindquarters should go deep under the body, giving a good and powerful drive. In general, the movements should not look stilted, high, short or mincing, either from the front or from behind.
COAT
Thin, short, close-fitting.
COLOR
Any colors or combinations thereof.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Height at withers: Height at withers: Males 47 - 51 cm (18 1/2 - 20 inches) Bitches 44 - 47 cm (17 1/2 - 18 1/2 inches)
FAULTS / DEFECTS
Any deviation from the above provisions should be considered as a fault (defect), and the severity with which this fault (defect) should be assessed should be proportional to the degree of its severity, as well as its effect on the health and well-being of the dog.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
Aggressiveness or cowardice.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities must be disqualified.
Note: Males should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Everywhere he feels at home: he shows miracles of speed on the run, shines in the rings, and he lives perfectly in the apartment.
Gentle, affectionate and balanced, he perfectly adapts both to family life and to a sports environment.
Whippet, according to the standard and description of the breed, is an example of a harmonious combination of energy and strength with elegance and grace. It's built for speed and action. However, any exaggeration of forms should be avoided, the harmony of which underlies the international success of the breed.
Character
Friendly, benevolent and calm in nature, the Whippet is a hunting dog and his instincts are strong.He needs to be walked only on a leash - he is always ready to rush in pursuit of prey, whether it be a squirrel or a radio-controlled car. These dogs do not bark much, but are very alert and can warn of the appearance of a stranger. However, the characteristics of the breed do not allow the use of the Whippet as a guard. These dogs are intelligent and respond well to training with positive reinforcement. They are touchy and should not be yelled at, but are very receptive to praise.
The Whippet is one of the top three greyhounds in the world, along with the Italian Greyhound and the Reyhound. These animals have many external similarities, their characters and behaviors are similar. They differ mainly in size. The Little English Greyhound, the Whippet, is a swift sprinter and an excellent companion. The animal harmoniously combines the hunter's instinct, calmness and friendliness.
The formation of the breed
Like many greyhounds, the history of the Whippet breed is rather complicated. There are several conflicting versions of the origin of the breed. The first says that the Whippet is a relatively young breed that was bred in the 19th century by miners and factory workers for hunting and running. Based on this version, the Whippet is a cross between Manchester Terriers, Greyhounds and other breeds, for example, Foxhounds.
However, as a result of recent research, cynologists have come to the conclusion that the breed is much more ancient. Almost always, the goddess Diana was depicted accompanied by dogs that outwardly very much resembled a modern whippet. In addition, many animals with the same appearance are depicted on the canvases of masters of the XIV-XVI centuries. The Louvre has a sculpture from the 4th century BC, apparently depicting a whippet.
According to the latest version, the progenitors of this breed were brought to the islands of Britain by the Romans in 55 BC. e. Some experts believe that these animals are the descendants of the pharaoh dog. Greyhound and Whippet descended from this medium size greyhound, developing as two independent, but very similar branches.
Probably, the answer to the mystery of the appearance of the breed lies somewhere in the middle. It is unlikely that researchers will be able to find out the true history of whippet breeding, but it is quite obvious that the formation of this breed and various terriers occurred in parallel, and therefore their influence on each other is beyond doubt.
Today, the Whippet dog differs from its closest Greyhound relatives in its greater distrust of strangers and its brighter temperament. This suggests the presence of terrier blood in them. The British even call representatives of this breed "Bull Terriers among greyhounds." And this is quite justified, since the whippet was used much later to breed terriers (Bedlington Terrier, Bull Terrier).
For the first time, a detailed description of the Whippet breed appeared in Great Britain in the middle of the 19th century. And in 1891, it was officially registered and began to rapidly gain popularity not only in Britain, but also in other countries. Then in the history of the breed came a period of oblivion. But now little greyhounds are again at the peak of popularity in Europe.
The whippet breed standard, adopted in 1903, has changed little. The most famous kennels in the UK were Manorley and Shirley. In Russia, the first dogs of this breed appeared in 1988 in the Elita cultural center. Ten puppies were brought from Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland. They turned out to be of high pedigree and gave excellent offspring.
Whippet dog: breed description
The standard describes this animal as a reduced Greyhound, graceful and strong dog. The weight of an adult dog should not exceed 12 kg with a height of a male from 47 to 51 cm, and a bitch from 44 to 47 cm. As you can see, these dogs are small in size. The Whippet breed is different from most greyhounds.
In the past, these animals had a heavier physique. They were more like mongrels, remotely similar to terriers. Modern whippets have lost their external resemblance to terriers: they have acquired an elegant and light physique. The refinement and grace of these animals are harmoniously combined with strength, endurance and inexhaustible energy.
An elongated head with a flat skull is set on a long, elegantly elongated neck. The ears are small, the eyes are oval. As a rule, the color of the nose leather depends on the color of the animal. Powerful jaws have a scissor bite. I would especially like to draw your attention to the run of the whippet - this is a graceful and graceful soaring above the ground. The movements of the animal are somewhat peculiar: far forward and low above the ground, like a purebred trotter, the whippet throws out its front paws, while the hind legs start deep under the body and, after a strong push, make a powerful ejection of the body forward.
The hunting instinct in representatives of this breed is caused by visual movements: following the trail is not to the liking of the whippet, he needs to see the prey.
torso
Representatives of the Whippet breed are so thin that ignorant people, looking at protruding ribs, may decide that the animal is suffering from exhaustion. In fact, the greyhound is incredibly hardy, its muscles are well developed. The apparent thinness can be explained by the minimum amount of subcutaneous fat. The back is strong and long. The line of the abdomen has a pronounced undermining. The tail is long and thin. The dog never holds him over his back. The chest is deep.
The limbs are long, muscular and straight. Medium-sized paws have thick pads. The stride is long and light.
Color and coat type
In accordance with the standard, representatives of the Whippet breed (you can see the photo in the article) must have a thick, short coat that fits snugly against the skin. The hair is quite thin, not hiding even the smallest inaccuracies on the skin, for example, scars. The standard does not impose strict requirements on the colors of this variety of greyhounds. He can be anyone. The only exceptions are albinos: such puppies are culled at birth and are not allowed for breeding. The most common are gray, black and brindle dogs.
Differences between whippets and other species of the breed group
At the beginning of the article, we mentioned the external similarities of the Whippet with Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds. In this regard, many dog breeders are interested in how to avoid mistakes when choosing an animal. From the Greyhound, the little greyhound differs, as you might guess, in its height, as well as in the proportions of the backbone.
By nature, Greyhounds are more calm, their hunting passion is not so strongly developed. Unlike them, Whippets remain “children” until old age: they love to play and frolic all day long. Nevertheless, both dogs can be used for the main purpose (hunting). In addition, they are intelligent and loyal companions.
The differences between Italian greyhounds and whippets are not so pronounced. At the same time, Italian greyhounds are even more miniature: they are lighter in skeleton, quite often they shiver from the cold. They are not considered working greyhounds. Unlike them, whippets are very fond of hunting and accompany their master with great pleasure. Another difference between these dogs is the color. While Whippets can be of almost any color, Italian Greyhounds, according to the standard, can only be plain.
Representatives of the Whippet breed do not have an undercoat, therefore they cannot be kept on the street. These animals can only live in the house. In cold autumn and winter, such a pet will need warm clothes for a walk. For this dog, not only frosts are dangerous, but also dank spring and autumn winds. To protect their pets during this period, dog breeders use protective raincoats made of waterproof fabric that keep dogs warm.
The breed is extremely active, so you need to walk the dog twice a day for an hour. To meet the animal's need for movement, cynologists recommend active walks - coursing, swimming, running next to a bicycle.
Whippet coat does not require too much care. It is enough to clean the dog with a special brush once or twice a week. These animals shed twice a year - in spring and autumn. At this time, you need to help your pet: comb it daily. It is important that the coat of the Whippet breed does not have a characteristic odor. This allows not only to keep them even in a not very large apartment, but also not to bathe often.
Otherwise, animal care is traditional: you should regularly examine your teeth and, if you find tartar, contact your veterinarian. It is advisable to give the dog chewing bones, which are intended for brushing teeth, to prevent the formation of hard plaque on the tooth enamel. In addition, periodically inspect the ears, eyes and claws.
Feeding the Whippet
Composing a diet for a greyhound is not easy, because it must be rich in carbohydrates, but at the same time be dietary. A veterinarian can help in this matter, who will 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: overweight can be fatal for representatives of this breed. So what do you feed your dog?
Whippets are very fond of meat. It is desirable that it be fresh, not frozen. In this case, the product is better absorbed. Boiled chicken eggs can be included in the animal's diet. In addition, whippets are happy to eat boiled low-fat sea fish, from which all bones must first be removed. Dogs also need to receive cereals. Most suitable buckwheat and rice. Vegetables should be given stewed or boiled. Used in feeding and vegetable broth, which contains many vitamins.
To improve bowel function, give the dog boiled carrots, pumpkin, zucchini. Dairy products in the animal's diet should be unsweetened. Every day the dog should receive vegetable oil with food. Thanks to him, the pet's coat becomes shiny and silky. As a rule, veterinarians helping to formulate a Whippet's diet follow a 75/25 ratio, where 75% are protein products, and 25% are porridge and vegetables. Once again, we remind you that you should not overfeed your pet, as excess weight negatively affects the general health of the animal and its development.
Ready feed
If there is no opportunity or desire to cook for a dog every day, then today you can feed it with ready-made food of industrial production. But in this case, you need to choose premium formulations that are designed for active dogs. Veterinarians recommend giving preference to the following products:
- Frolik (Russia).
- Pro Pack (USA).
- Chicopee (Canada).
- Bewi-Dog (Germany).
- Happy Dog - Croq (Germany).
- Alder's (Germany).
Today, special feeds have not yet been developed for representatives of the Whippet breed. Choose compositions for short-haired dogs.
Whippet character
Affectionate and very gentle, balanced and infinitely devoted - this is how this dog can be briefly described. In describing the breed and character of the Whippet, many breeders note that this dog is in dire need of the attention, care and love of the owner. She strives to spend all her time next to a person. Of the existing greyhounds, the Whippet is recognized as the most affectionate. The dog tries to take part in all household chores and demonstrates at every opportunity how much he loves all family members.
These dogs are friendly and calm with children. Borzoi should feel understanding and even respect from their side. Very young children, sometimes perceiving the animal as a toy, drag the dog by the tail, ears. In this case, the whippet will not show aggression, will not offend the baby - it will simply go into a secluded corner.
These animals are extremely wary and even unfriendly towards strangers. A properly educated dog in such a situation shows cold restraint. He looks at people who are well known, close to the family, more affably. When describing the breed and character of the Whippet, many researchers emphasize that early socialization is necessary for these dogs. If this is not done, your pet may grow up nervous and timid.
For the most part, greyhounds and hounds are pack animals. They can hunt or coexist peacefully in the company of their own kind. Due to the developed hunting instinct, representatives of the breed cannot be left alone with small animals, including small dogs. The dog may regard them as game and immediately start hunting.
The Whippet is not a fan of barking with or without it. You will hear the voice of your four-legged friend only when a stranger appears. Representatives of this breed can reach speeds of up to 64 km / h. Dogs quickly accelerate from the jump and rush forward at full speed. To keep your pet in proper physical shape, you should give him the opportunity to run after a mechanical hare. This will allow you to splash out excess energy and maintain muscle tone in excellent condition.
Whippet loves his owners very much and does not tolerate separation well. This is a very sensitive and vulnerable breed - the greyhound suffers when you have to stay at home alone, painfully perceives screams and scandals in the family. She can direct her excess energy to small pranks, damage to furniture and interior items, for example. Interesting toys or a second pet save you from loneliness.
Whippet(small English greyhound) - a sprinter among dogs, a fast, agile and hardy breed bred to hunt hares. It is one of the fastest breeds in the world. She is beautiful, elegant and graceful. The dog has an aristocratic appearance and a chiseled body adapted for running, it shows excellent results in dog racing, looks great on short straight distances and hunting for hares.
The Whippet has sharp eyesight and will never lose sight of its prey. Thanks to strong legs and a well-developed musculoskeletal system, the whippet is able to reach speeds of up to 50-60 km / h, and up to 70 km / h in a straight line. It's hard to believe, but this small dog can overtake a deer.
The small English greyhound is an ancient breed, the first mention of it dates back to 1610. It is not known for certain which Whippet, which we know today, was bred at the beginning of the 19th century in northern England by representatives of the working class. They crossed the Greyhound with the Terrier, so that the breed would not only be able to hunt, but also bring a rabbit or a hare directly into the hands of the hunter.
In 1890 the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club of Great Britain. In 1903, the first breed standard was adopted, and has not changed until today.
Whippets have excellent eyesight and are considered the best beacon hounds with working eyes, unlike their brothers, who are able to navigate by smell.
Whippet description and classification FCI (FCI)
- Skull: Long, lean, flat on top, tapering towards the muzzle, fairly wide between the eyes.
- Stop : slightly pronounced.
- in individuals of blue color, the nose is blue
- in liver color - liver
- Isabella has a cream nose.
In other colors, the color of the nose matches the color of the coat. A pink nose is considered a fault. In white or piebald colors, a butterfly nose is acceptable; a completely unpigmented nose is not allowed.
Pictured is a whippet in a rack
- Shoulders: Oblique, muscular, well defined, extending to the spine.
- Elbows: Pointed straight back.
- Feet : hare type with strong bones. Fingers, long collected in a lump.
- Pads: elastic, strong.
- Hips: wide.
- Knees : Well angulated.
- Lower legs : well developed.
- hocks: low.
- Fingers: collected in a ball.
- Pads: thick, elastic.
- Aggressiveness, cowardice.
- Physical or behavioral abnormalities.
P.S.: Whippet males should have two apparently normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Whippet color
In the photo, a chocolate-colored whippet in clothes
Any coat color or combination of colors is acceptable for the Whippet.
- White
- Ginger
- Blue
- Brown
- Black
- Sand
- Red-yellow
- White in combination with any of the above
By nature, the Whippet is a cheerful, affectionate, loving and obedient breed. She is brave with a stable psyche and is not able to show aggression towards people. A small dog will become an excellent companion, helper and family pet for you and your family. The Whippet is calm, obedient, quiet, not intrusive, barks only when necessary (announces the arrival of a stranger), by the way, he has good watchdog abilities. The breed is boundlessly loyal to the owner and is ready to defend him if necessary.
The ideal owner for him, of course, is a hunter, because catching a hare is her direct purpose. Even if you are not a hunter, but a responsible, athletic and active person with an active lifestyle, the breed is ideal for you. Whippet behaves with dignity at exhibitions, enjoys frisbee, freestyle, agility (a sport to overcome various obstacles) and coursing (running after a mechanical hare).
In the photo, the whippet alerted the eye
The Whippet is one of those breeds that, from an excess of energy, begin to play pranks and play pranks. They do not like to stay alone for a long time, they are able to spoil the owner's things, furniture and everything they get. Basically, the whippet plays pranks in adolescence (9-12 months) and, with proper upbringing, an adult will not touch things in the house.
Therefore, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, you will have to constantly educate the breed, buy toys to keep him busy, do not leave him alone for a long time or lock him in a spacious cage during your absence (no matter how scary it sounds, sometimes this is the only way to protect your things).
The small English greyhound needs physical activity, constant walks (at least 2 times a day) with elements of training and play, if possible, take the whippet out to run around in nature, this will give him a lot of pleasure. Believe me, if you see at least once how a pet “flies” above the ground, how he rejoices and frolics in freedom of movement, you will not be able to keep him in the city for a long time.
Of course, the Whippets will adapt to the lifestyle of the owner, and if you don’t have the time or opportunity, she will be content with walking on a leash and lying at her feet in the evenings, though here the question arises “Why then start this particular breed?”. You should not break its nature and injure the dog's psyche, look for the most appropriate for your lifestyle, for example, indoor-decorative breed.
Whippet is affectionate and patient with children, he will keep them in good company in outdoor games and fun fun.
Whippet gets along well with other pets (cats, birds, mice, etc.) and his fellows, especially if he grows up with them. But if the cat in the house is his friend and ally, remember, on the street a strange cat turns into prey.
The small greyhound lends itself well to training, it is smart and quick-witted. It is necessary to educate a whippet from the first days of appearance in the house. Teach him to obey the rules of residence, praise for obedience and punish for pranks.
Remember, the discontent of the owner should be manifested only in the voice. Most importantly, never hit your dog.
Calling a whippet puppy to show the instincts of a hunter is quite simple. Tie a bait toy or cloth to a stick or fishing rod and play cat and mouse with your puppy. Teach him to catch up with the fleeing prey.
Keep the Whippet on a leash when walking in the city. This is a curious breed that looks for prey with its eyes and a moving object that interests it (a cat, a small dog running, a bunch of leaves blown by the wind, etc.) automatically becomes “prey”.
Small English greyhound resting in nature photo
Whippet care is simple, the breed is short-haired, clean, the hairline is soft, hypoallergenic, without the smell of “dog”. Wool sheds, shedding seasonal spring-autumn.
Brushing: Brush the Whippet once a week with a mitten brush or natural bristle brush. You will remove dead hair and give your dog a pleasant massage.
Bathe as little as possible, once every 3 months, or as needed with shorthair shampoo. The coat is self-cleaning, and frequent washing with detergents can wash away the protective fatty film. After bathing, dry the Whippet thoroughly with a towel. In the cold season, dry the coat with a hair dryer. Dry the whippet's ears especially carefully, and don't let them sit in drafts.
Dry shampoo can be used to clean the Whippet's coat in winter. The powder is rubbed into the wool and carefully combed out with a comb. To add shine, wipe the surface with a piece of suede. During the molting period, while bathing, stroke your pet with a rubber mitten, a simple procedure will help to quickly remove dead hair.
Check your eyes regularly. Healthy whippet eyes without redness and tearing. After walking, small gray accumulations in the corners of the eyes are acceptable, they can be easily removed with a soft cloth. The breed is active, runs a lot, and the eyes are thus cleared of accumulated dust. In order to prevent souring, wipe your eyes once a week with a decoction of chamomile. Wipe each eye with a separate piece of soft, lint-free cloth (it is better not to use cotton wool and cotton pads).
If you notice tear ducts, profuse souring of the eyes, reddening of the proteins or swelling of the eyelids, contact your veterinarian immediately. There are several reasons: food allergies, conjunctivitis, etc. It's best to take your dog to a vet for a checkup.
Check your ears regularly. A healthy ear is a pleasant pink color without excess wax. Once a week, wipe the inside of the ear with a damp cloth soaked in warm water. Use ear sticks with care and do not let children clean your pet's ears.
If you notice the following symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Skin redness
- Excess earwax
- Bad smell from the ears
- Itching (the pet scratches the ears until it bleeds)
- Frequent head shaking and rubbing against the floor
- Black accumulations in the auricle
Brush teeth 3-4 times a week with dog toothpaste using a brush or finger attachment.
Photo of a whippet on the background of the forest
Trim nails once a month with a medium-sized nail clipper. To soften your nails, wet them with warm water before clipping. Often, dogs do not like this procedure, they get nervous and hide their paws. You must find an approach to your dog, never scold or scare him. Try clipping the nails on 1 paw the day after, always praise and treat him. Sharp ends are recommended to be smoothed with a nail file.
Paws are wiped after each walk with a damp cloth or washed off with a shower. Always inspect pads for cuts and injuries. Whippet, like other greyhounds, often injure their paws while running. They are so excited that they do not notice anything around. Always treat cuts with antiseptic. To avoid cracks, rub vegetable oil into the pads.
The litter is thick, because the whippet has thin skin without a fatty layer and will not be comfortable on a hard bed.
Clothes are necessary for the whippet, as he gets cold in the cold season. You need to purchase several outfits for different weather:
- Lined warm jumpsuit
- Raincoat
- Vest or sweater (you can make your own from an old sweater)
- Drops at the withers
- Collar
- Tablets
- Spray
Walk at least 2 times a day morning - evening. In the city, walk your dog on a leash, as he is very curious and any moving object can attract his attention.
Whippet diseases
Whippet has good health, despite the refined appearance.
- Deafness
- eye disease
- von Willebrand disease
Whippet photo
Whippet video
How the small English greyhound breed was born, the standard of external data, the behavior of the whippet, health, care tips: nutrition, training. Purchase and price of a puppy.
The content of the article:
These small dogs resemble greyhound puppies, but we have fully grown animals in front of us. They are beautiful and lightning fast, and they think faster than they run. But at the same time, you cannot find a quieter and more pleasant pet to keep in an apartment. If all your life you have dreamed of having a greyhound and are afraid that it will be crowded in the city, then feel free to get its smaller copy - the whippet. They have two speeds: seventy kilometers per hour - in the hunt, and zero - in the house. In their group, these dogs are the most pliable, that is, they like to do something with the owner, no matter what. Although the breed may not suit everyone, it combines beauty, strength and grace with love and devotion. Hunters claim that with them you can even walk on a wild boar.
How did the small English greyhound breed originate?
The name "whippet", which takes its roots from the Old English word "whipp", according to the dictionary of 1950 can be translated as - a dog for baiting small game. A later interpretation of the name of the breed means - a blow of a whip. Both translations justify the name. Animals are really very fast, sharp. It is believed that the dogs are descendants of the pharaoh dogs and have existed for two thousand years ago. See the famous statue of the goddess Diana. At her feet you will see for yourself that you cannot eat a real whippet.
They most likely came to the British Isles in the first century, along with the Roman conquerors. Proof of this evidence is a stunning statue of a dog, which stands in the hall of ancient art of the famous Louvre. The sculpture dates back two and a half thousand years, but how exactly the dog made of stone is similar to the current whippet. The truth, as always, lies somewhere in the middle. Perhaps the ancestors of these dogs came to Britain many centuries ago, but the modern Whippet is still a truly English breed.
If Greyhounds can be seen in works of art from the time of the Roman Empire, then the first mention of a hound in English is in 1610. The current hounds were selected by the working class in Northern England in the 1910s. People brought the Greyhound with the high-legged terrier so that the dog could hunt and immediately bring the rabbits to the "pot".
Due to their outstanding eyesight, hounds are the most popular of the hunting dogs. They run in the dark as if they have a night vision device. Their field of view is two hundred and fifty degrees, while a person has only one hundred and eighty. Due to the narrow head, the eyeballs protrude more to the sides and allow you to expand the visual range. Their hare-like legs plunge into the ground with great force, although the trace from them remains weak. The most common Whippets are short-haired, but there are also long-haired ones.
At first, whippets were used for fun called "baiting with grabbing dogs." Rabbits and specially trained small greyhounds were allowed into the paddock, which was not a huge area. The dog who caught the "eared" most of all won the victory. Later, whippets began to be used for the so-called "rag races." There were no live animals at such competitions, a man was standing behind the finish line waving a rag and specially trained dogs rushed to the final. They even had the nickname "poor man's racehorse". In the countryside, they did an excellent job of hunting rats.
In 1890, the Whippet recognized the English Kennel Club, and thirteen years later, in the 19th century, the species standard was established and it has not changed much to this day. For all its compactness, the species is not inferior to the Russian greyhounds in terms of running speed. At short distances, they can accelerate faster than their tall counterparts.
Description of the Whippet External Data Standard
Graceful dog of average parameters. She occupies a position between a large greyhound and a small greyhound. Very playful and strong - without rudeness. Built for fast running. The Whippet is a wonderful companion. According to the accepted standard, the height at the withers is from 48 cm to 50 cm for males, from 43 cm to 46 cm for females. With an error of plus or minus one centimeter. Weigh from 9 kg to 12.5 kg. They move smoothly, freely and easily - they spread.
- Head dry, long, flat in the skull. The forehead is wide between the eye sockets. The occipital part of the cheekbone and superciliary arches are not distinguished. All lines of the head should be smoothly transitioning.
- Muzzle elongated, tapering towards the end. It is the same length as the skull. The bridge is even. Stop smoothly passing. Lips are dry and tight. The teeth are strong, white, large, approximately on a par with a Doberman. Scissor bite.
- Nose moderately developed. It can have a different color, depending on the color of the greyhound. With blue wool - blue, with liver - liver, isabel and cream or other dilute coloration can have a different shade, but not pink. White or piebald dogs have a completely unpigmented, two-tone nose.
- Eyes the small English greyhound is medium, oval in shape, not very widely spaced, bright. Eyelids dry, tight fitting. The color of the cornea is preferably dark - brown or black-brown. The look is smart, expressive and attentive.
- Ears located high, well tightened, fold as if into a scarf. Their shape has a name - a rose petal. They are neatly wrapped inside the auricle and do not hang down.
- Neck long, beautiful, slightly arched like a thoroughbred stallion, well muscled. The withers do not stand out, there is no dewlap.
- Frame elongated, elastic and muscular. The back is quite straight, strong, but with a bulge in the lumbar region (a prerequisite for the standard). The chest is deep and long to give space to the heart and lungs, for good endurance while running. The ribs are harmoniously curved. The underline is strongly tucked up from the middle of the body to the tail. The croup is slightly sloping.
- Tail the whippet is long, tapering towards the end. It should not rise above the body. In the stance, the position of the tail is under the belly, bends around the hind leg and reaches the femur. The tail is set neither too low nor too high. Has a smooth curve to the end.
- Forelimbs- parallel to each other, lean muscles, strong, slender. The shoulder blades are oblique, the shoulders are well muscled. The hind legs are powerful, strong in structure, slightly laid back. When judging, stand straight from behind. The thighs are elongated, strong and muscular. The hocks are harmoniously placed. The metatarsus is a little long, sheer.
- Paws not large, in a good arched ball, like a cat's, with fingers tightly pressed one to the other. The nails are strong, the pads are elastic and dense.
- coat short, shiny, straight, not too dense and soft.
- Skin covers the entire body of the dog.
- Color may include any color and pattern variation. Now the most common are typical white-brindle and brindle individuals. Black dogs look more advantageous with a good build - you can see the entire relief of the muscles.
Behavior of the Little English Greyhound
First and foremost, the Whippet is a companion dog. A small number of canines have such a depth of contact between an animal and a person. The most important thing in a small greyhound is that she does not choose one owner in the house. All family members are his favorite "pack". They are wonderful with children. A lot of young couples have just such pets when they are waiting for replenishment. You won't find a better babysitter. For example, the “baby” is in a stroller, and a whippet is guarding him next to him, as soon as he cries even a little, the dog immediately runs to his mother, reporting that something is wrong.
This greyhound is not only beautiful and has a pleasant character, but also seems very convenient for a city dweller. First, the compact size. You can easily put it in your bag, take it on your shoulder and go with it anywhere. Perfectly adapted to transport. They travel well in trains, planes, cars, trams, trolleybuses, buses. Four-legged friends do not care what they ride, as long as the owner is nearby.
The dog is not at all whimsical in food. You can do whatever you want with the English Greyhound. The owners teach their pets and the general course of obedience, training for protection. A small short-haired dog does not take up much space in the apartment and it may seem that you have the perfect sofa dog in front of you. But this is not entirely true, sooner or later the hunting character will definitely manifest itself. In the apartment, the whippets are angels, quiet, calm couch potatoes that “crush” the sofas. But on the run and hunting events, they are very explosive and lightning fast. Be sure to wear a collar while walking. You need to know that these dogs love to chase small animals, so cats should not be in the apartment.
Whippet dog health
In general, Whippets have a strong immune system. Despite the athletic breed, they do not have a tendency to hip dysplasia. With proper feeding and care, they can brighten up your life for fifteen whole years. Proper formation is laid at an early age. If the pet lacks something, then not only the exterior, but also health suffers. In addition to properly selected food with vitamin and mineral supplements, your “racer” should have balanced, dosed loads.
- Wool small English greyhound, short. It is enough to comb it out twice a week with the help of special rubber brushes that perfectly pull out dead hairs. Bathe dogs with a soft rubber brush and a gentle PH-balance shampoo. Before washing, the concentrate must be diluted with water in a ratio of one to three. Until the pet dries in a warm room without drafts, walks are canceled.
- claws pruned regularly, with the help of nail cutters.
- Ears, which have a hanging shape, must be cleaned regularly, because they are not importantly ventilated. They are cleaned with a lotion that is poured into the auricle. Next, the ear is gently massaged at the base. Then the dog is released, she shakes her head and everything that is not needed “flies out”. The remains are wiped from the outside of the auricle with a soft natural cloth.
- Eyes wipe only when urgently needed, towards the inner corner.
- Teeth teach the whippet to clean from an early age. Manipulation is carried out once or twice every week. To do this, purchase a special brush that fits on your finger and edible paste in zoological stores. Cleaning can be done with ordinary coal. Its sorbent properties perfectly cope with the "excesses" on the pet's teeth. Activated charcoal, you need to slightly moisten with water and rub the dog's teeth, then wipe off all excess with a bandage.
- Feeding the small English greyhound should be strictly dosed. This animal needs to run fast. Fat, overfed dogs have big problems with the bone apparatus, with the cardiovascular system and the digestive tract. Many "narrow-minded" people, without thinking about the purpose of the species, believe that a thin dog needs to be fed a lot. This is a big and deep mistake. First, the poor animal is fed, and then they begin to treat. A four-month-old puppy is fed five times, a five-month-old four, a six-month-old three, and by the year they are fed twice a day. Upon reaching one and a half years, greyhounds are offered food once a day. Feeding a teenage whippet includes dairy products: meat, cereals (you can use milk), yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese and kefir. The main diet of adults is lean meat. Cereals, eggs, cottage cheese, some vegetables and fruits - the rest of it. With natural pet food, food must be supplemented with vitamins and minerals. For busy people, there are ready-made premium and super-premium class feeds. It’s better to take a walk with your four-legged friend once again than to stand at the stove preparing a “yummy” for him. Why complicate your life when everything your dog needs is already there. The components of professional feed were invented and selected by specialists who are well versed in this. Such food allows you to bring the dog's body as close as possible to the desired energy state.
- walks active and dynamic dogs should include a whole range of focused and extensive activities. The Whippet needs to run a lot to keep him in good physical shape. In cold and slushy weather, dress them in warm, protective overalls.
Small English greyhound training
There is an excellent technique of positive reinforcement using a clicker, which, when pressed, makes characteristic sounds - clicks. The sound tells the dog that he did everything as required. This is followed immediately by a treat. It is a simple form of interaction combined with a positive reinforcement technique. This method is effective and humane to teach the pet everything for which he has enough physical and mental abilities. The nature of the small English greyhounds is very sensitive, so they should never be punished physically.
Whippets are very fond of playing with a flying ball. There are four dogs on the team. They need to get to the mechanical box in four jumps, push the button with their paw, catch the tennis ball, go back in four jumps and pass the baton to another dog. It's like a sprint version of a marathon, and hounds are great for short distances. The world record, fifteen and two seconds, for which all the dogs ran, was brought to one of the teams by the whippet.
Small English greyhounds are very fast, on a par with greyhounds. Develop a speed of seventy kilometers per hour. It is believed that the fastest animal on the planet is the cheetah, but at a speed of one hundred kilometers per hour, it can only run fifty meters. Whippets on the hunt go one and a half, two kilometers and return at the same speed.
So fast these canines can move thanks to their musculoskeletal system. Their structure is perfect from the point of view of aerodynamics. When the dog straightens its legs, it stretches out in one line and flies above the ground like a "superman". The English small greyhound develops such speed thanks to a gallop, with a double hover. All four paws of the animal come off the ground not once, but twice. The first hover occurs when all limbs are tucked under the torso. And the second time, when they are fully extended and almost parallel to the ground. This is the most efficient move in which the lean, muscular body covers great distances in the shortest amount of time. If we talk about speed, then the hounds reach their maximum length in one step.
Purchase and price of a whippet puppy
Hounds will fit into any apartment conditions. These lean medium-sized dogs will nestle in and charm you wherever you go. But do not forget that without movement they can wither and even gain weight. Therefore, you need to walk with them for a long time, take them to the baiting stations or ride a bicycle. Small English greyhounds have a short, odorless coat, which means that in terms of care, there are few worries with them. They have a wonderful disposition, love all family members and get along well with children. The dog is not at all vicious and not aggressive. If you are an active person and can devote your time and love to an energetic and sweet pet, then this four-legged friend is for you. The price of a whippet puppy ranges from $800 to $1,000.
For more on the Whippet, see the following story:
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