How to Identify a Whippet

The Whippet is a sighthound from England and a member of the hound group. [1] Bred by miners who had a passion for dog racing and rabbit hunting, Whippets were made to be smaller versions of Greyhounds. [2] Though Whippets share many features in common with other sighthounds, they have a few notable characteristics that can be used to distinguish them. This wikiHow will help you identify a Whippet by recognizing these traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Examining the Structure

  1. The Whippet is a medium-sized breed of dog. Males have a height of 19–22 inches (48–56 cm), while females stand at 18–21 inches (46–53 cm) in height, both weighing between 25–40 pounds (11–18 kg). [3]
  2. A Whippet's skull is shaped to be a longer length. Overall, it is clearly lean, though it grows to be wider at the ears, and the stop is barely noticeable. [4]
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  3. Unlike some other breeds, Whippets have round or oval eyes rather than almond-shaped ones. The size of the eyes is a bit large, and they are dark in color, usually black or a darker brown shade, with the rims typically being entirely pigmented. [5]
  4. Whippets have ears of a small size. Their texture is notably thin and fine. The ears are rose ears, meaning they are dropped in a fold, and in this breed, the fold is along the outline of the neck. [6]
  5. A Whippet's muzzle is long with a visually strong scissors bite. It appears to carry power without seeming harsh or coarse, and the nose is a very dark blue or brown if not black. [7]
  6. The paws of a Whippet may resemble those of a cat or hare, though the latter is more common. Regardless of the shape, they are thick in pad with a hard texture. The nails look strong and usually grow to only a short or perhaps moderate length naturally, and the toes are long but arched and are drawn close together. Any dewclaws could be present or removed. [8]
  7. While a Whippet moves, their tail seems to gently curve in a bit of an upward direction but no higher than the back level. It tends to reach the hocks in length, being long but appearing to taper to a point. [9]
  8. Whippets have a typical sighthound build of grace and elegance while still being strong and clearly athletic. They have a long neck, flat but laid-back shoulders, a deep brisket, well-sprung ribs, straight forelegs, a very distinguished tuckup, a broad and firm back, and powerful hindquarters. Their gait is fairly low to the ground yet still smooth of movement and strong in drive. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Identifying the Coat

  1. Whippets may be any and all colors, and their coats are considered immaterial in color. Keep in mind that one may have a coat of any color, color combination, and pattern. [11]
  2. A Whippet's coat is short in length. It feels smooth and firm and is close to the skin. [12]
  3. With such a short and smooth coat, Whippets do not require much grooming. Though they are occasional shedders, they only need weekly brushing and an occasional bath. [13]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Checking Temperament

  1. Their hunting instincts make Whippets amazing watchdogs. They are a fairly quiet breed and will only bark when necessary. [14]
  2. Whippets can be great indoor pets and are a common apartment breed, but they still do require regular exercise. A securely fenced backyard can typically meet these needs and prevent any destructive habits. [15]

    Did you know? Though not quite as quick as Greyhounds, Whippets are the fastest breed when compared to dogs similar to them in size, with a top speed of about 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). [16]

  3. Though they were originally used as a hound, Whippets have the potential to do well in homes. They love being around people and are a notably affectionate breed. [17]
  4. When Whippets were initially being bred, two traits that carried along in their genes were obedience and intelligence. Thus, they are highly intelligent dogs and can be easy to train with a willingness to follow directions. [18]
  5. Whippets are known to vent their energy by playing. They can be great with other dogs and children if properly socialized and exercise them through playing. [19]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to identify the breed of your own dog, consider using a DNA test. This will confirm if your dog is a Whippet.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/whippet/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/whippet/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/whippet/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Whippet.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/whippet/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-things-only-a-whippet-owner-would-understand/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-things-only-a-whippet-owner-would-understand/
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/whippet/
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-things-only-a-whippet-owner-would-understand/
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-things-only-a-whippet-owner-would-understand/
      10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-things-only-a-whippet-owner-would-understand/

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