Whippet Info & Whippet Breeders

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The Whippet (also English Whippet or Snap dog) is a breed of medium-sized dog. They are a sighthound breed that originated in England, where they descended from greyhounds. Whippets today still strongly resemble a smaller greyhound. Shown in the Hound group, Whippets have relatively few health problems other than arrhythmia. Whippets also participate in dog sports such as lure coursing, agility, and flyball.

 

Whippets were originally greyhounds that were deemed unsuitable for hunting because of their size. They were returned to their peasant breeders after being maimed so that they could not be used to hunt and break the Forest law. These maimed dogs were bred together and used to catch rats, and hunt rabbits. When the Forest law was repealed, these "miniature greyhounds" became popular in the sport of dog racing. This has led to Whippets being described as "the poor man's racehorse." They are still frequently used as racing dogs today, as they have the highest running speed of breeds their weight: 35 miles per hour (56 km/h).

 

Whippets are quiet, intelligent, and not prone to barking, but require regular exercise. They are generally gentle dogs, and may be content to spend much of the day resting. The AKC describes them as "quiet and dignified in their owner's living room" and says they make "excellent house dogs."

 

Despite being bred for racing, Whippets are couch potatoes. When they aren't running around, they're usually asleep. They aren't prone to fighting, but have been known to chase small pets, and have a tendency to get up on furniture. Whippets are touch sensitive, meaning that they tend to jump or overreact when touched unexpectedly.

 

Whippets are the fastest dog of their weight, capable of achieving speeds of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). This is due to their unique way of running, which is referred to as a double suspension gallop. This gait results in four of the dog's legs being off the ground twice in each stride, once when the legs are completely extended and again when they are tucked under the body.

 

Racing was originally an extension of hare coursing, with whippets first being bred to race in the mid-nineteenth century. The first form of the sport was a rudimentary form of coursing known as 'ragging', and dogs who participated were said to be 'trained to the rag'. Dogs were kept on a leash by a person known as a slip, who was frequently also the race judge. The slip would release the dogs from their collars at the same time, and they would race towards their owners, who were standing at the opposite end of the track waving towels.

 

Source: Wikipedia

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Registered Whippet Breeders

Alltalk Whippets - Whippet Breeder - Diggers Rest, VIC
Dogs
My involvement in breeding & exhibiting Whippets has spanned many years. Successfully bred SPECIALTY BEST IN SHOW Winners; Best In Group & ... read more
Ashsinhalt Whippets
Dogs
Ashsinhalt Whippets are ANKC registered, in-home purpose bred, true to function companions. Located in Adelaide, South Australia, we are not a kennel ... read more
BRINBRAE WHIPPETS - Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Dogs
We strive to breed happy, healthy Whippets sound in mind and body. First and foremost our Whippets are much loved family members. Temperament and ... read more
CALAHORRA - Afghan Hounds & Whippet Breeder - Sydney, NSW
Dogs
We have been breeding Afghan Hounds since 1962. At least 224 conformation championships have been conferred on our Afghan Hounds world wide, we are ... read more
Gelbregen - German Shepherd Dog Breeder - Ballarat, VIC
Dogs
We have been breeding and showing since 1995, for dogs that can perform the function they were designed for. We have well adjusted and ... read more
Harroway Whippets
Dogs
I have owned and shown whippets for over 30 years and remain passionate about these fabulous dogs. Our dogs share our homes as well as the show ring ... read more
Nabihah Whippets
Dogs
Profile last updated: Sept 2024
Next litter: Dec 2024

Quality Purebred Whippets, bred for the home, the ring and the field, occasionally we have ... read more
Parnew - Whippet Breeder - Launceston, TAS
Dogs
Breeding and showing whippets for the last 25 years. read more
Pressage Pharaoh Hounds & Whippets - Brisbane, QLD
Dogs
PRESSAGE Pharaoh Hounds we are extremely excited to announce our very first Pharaoh Hound litter. We have carefully researched champion lines from ... read more
Whippawill Whippets
Dogs
After many years of showing racing and breeding Siberian Husky’s, I now have whippets. Whippets have a beautiful temperament and I love having them ... read more