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The Whippet is a sleek and agile breed known for its slender physique. They are medium-sized dogs with a short coat, originally bred for racing and hunting small game. Whippets are gentle, affectionate, and make excellent companions.

Are you looking to insure your Whippet? It's worth considering Whippet pet insurance if you are looking to protect yourself against unexpected vet bills.

Whippet Character

Whippets are known for their calm, gentle, sweet and sensitive character. They have a calm demeanour indoors but are spirited and energetic when outdoors. These dogs are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners, often seeking their companionship. They are typically good with children and get along well with other dogs, owing to their sociable nature.

Whippets are intelligent and adaptable, making them suitable for both active lifestyles and quiet households. However, they may have a strong prey drive, so supervision around small animals is advisable. Overall, they are affectionate, well-mannered, and make loving, loyal pets.

Whippet Appearance

Whippets are medium-sized dogs with a delicate and fragile appearance, although this is actually attributed to their slim, athletic build. They stand about 18-22 inches tall and typically weigh between 25-40 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in various colours and patterns. Whippets have a refined head with expressive, dark eyes, and a long, slender neck. Their ears are small and folded, and they have a deep chest, narrow waist, and long legs, giving them an elegant and graceful appearance.

Conditions which affect this breed

Whippets are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain conditions. These may include heart problems like dilated cardiomyopathy and congenital eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Additionally, due to their lean build, they are sensitive to cold temperatures and can suffer from hypothermia. They also have very thin skin that can be easily damaged. 

Weird Fact..

Whippets often engage in a behaviour known as "roaching." Roaching is when a Whippet lies on its back with its legs in the air, resembling an upside-down position. This quirky posture is believed to be a sign of comfort, relaxation, and contentment.

Whippet History

The Whippet is a breed with a fascinating history that dates back to 18th century England. They were originally bred by coal miners in the northern regions of England. To create the Whippet, these miners crossed small Greyhounds with local terriers and possibly other small breeds. The crosses gave rise to one of the fastest existing dogs, capable of reaching almost 40mph in a few seconds. They were a slender, agile dog that possessed the speed and tenacity to hunt small game, such as rabbits and rats. 

Whippets soon gained popularity in the working-class communities for their hunting prowess and became known as "snap dogs" for their ability to snap up game. As the Industrial Revolution brought leisure time to the working class, Whippets were also introduced to the sport of coursing, where they would chase a mechanical lure.

Their graceful appearance and gentle temperament made them favourites among families and the upper class. In the late 19th century, they were officially recognised as a breed and gained popularity in dog shows. Today, Whippets are cherished for their elegance, speed, and affectionate nature, thriving both as family pets and in various dog sports.

Whippet Insurance

When looking to insure your Whippet its worth shopping around, with a Whippet insurance comparison you may be able to save both time and money so why not get a Whippet insurance quote today.

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