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Whippet
Medium Breed
Whippets have a unique combination of muscular power and strength, elegance and grace. The Whippet is talented in many areas including hunting, sighting, watchdog, racing, agility and lure coursing.
Breed standards
Country of origin
Great Britain
Weight
4.5 - 13 kg / 10 to 28 lbs (standards may vary)
Height
Male 47-51cm / 18.½ -20 inches,
Female 44-47cm / 17½ -18½ inches (standards may vary)
Coat
Short coat
Markings
Any colour or mixture of colours. No particular markings
Lifespan
Average, 12-15 years
This dog is highly adaptable and fits in well with family life. He is quiet and calm at home, and good with children. Gentle and affectionate, the Whippet is an ideal companion.
Temperament
The Whippet is highly intelligent and very quick to learn. Lively but elegant, the Whippet is calm and quiet in the home. This breed is very sweet, gentle and affectionate, making a wonderful companion.
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PoorChildrenGood
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VeryCombativenessNot very
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VeryDominanceNot very
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Not veryFriendlinessGood
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Not veryIndependenceVery
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LoudNoiseQuiet
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Not veryTrainabilityVery
Good to know
Whippets are magnificent medium sized dogs; hardy and well-muscled, yet slender and elegant with a fine, soft coat. Can be reserved with strangers but will make friends given time and sufficient socialisation.
- Makes a wonderful family pet and companion
- Highly intelligent
- Excels as a watchdog
- Very little grooming needed
- Does not require trimming or stripping
- A good dog for novice owners
- Requires a secure place to free run off the leash
- Strong hunting instinct
- Prefers to live in warmer climates
- Requires sufficient daily physical activity and mental stimulation