Whippets are sleek, mid-sized dogs that are often confused with their Italian Greyhound cousins. They are very friendly, charming and a great pet to have. At Dog Chef, we help you learn all you can about the Whippets’ character, temperament, and demands before bringing one into your home.

The Whippet’s story began in the 18th century in Great Britain. The dogs were initially used for hunting rabbits. Over time the Whippet became a source of entertainment for large masses with “Snap Dog” contests. In these, Whippest were let loose in an enclosure with rabbits. The Whippet that could snap up the most rabbits would be declared the winner. Over time their incredible speed and agility made them race dogs. The races were simple, down a straight line. They were nicknamed the poor man’s racehorse. The modern-day Whippet comes from a combination of the Italian Greyhound and the Terrier. Today, they are the fastest dogs in the world.

The Whippet is a tall, slim, medium-sized dog. Their slender bodies often mislead people into thinking they are malnourished, but that is their body type. Their build’s slim nature gives them their speed and agility. A normal, healthy Whippet is around 9 to 19 kg in weight. This is a healthy weight for the Whippet breed. Their height, being medium-sized dogs, is between 47 cm to 55 cm. Their height and weight make them the best family companion in apartment homes.

When it comes to their coat, they have a simple, thin coat that is immaterial. This means that you can find Whippets in all colour combinations. They also have different patterns on their coats. They have large dark eyes and large ears, which makes them good guard dogs, as no sound can get past a Whippet.

Since Whippets were hunting dogs, most people ask how much exercise Whippets need. Whippets do not need much exercise. They can do all the exercise they need in just a short amount of time. This makes them great for families who don’t often have access to large areas for dogs to exercise in. Once they are done with their burst of energy, they will lounge around the rest of the day.

Many people wonder if Whippets are good with cats, and the answer is yes. They are very gentle and friendly with other dogs and animals.

When it comes to caring for a Whippet, it is easy. Once you let them out for 30-40 minutes, they will be happy to curl up with you on the bed or sofa. They do not make much noise and are great for apartment homes. They get alert at the sound of strangers but do not bark as much as guard dogs do.

When it comes to grooming, Whippets do not require much effort. Brushing them down once a week is more than enough. They have sensitive skin, so using a soft brush is advised. Their coat is flat and short, which results in just moderate shedding.

When it comes to food, they are not fussy eaters. Keeping a balanced diet is all you need to keep your Whippet healthy. Keep in mind that their slim build will make them look malnourished but always check with a vet to know about your Whippet’s health.

Whippets are known to have minimal health issues. Daily exercise and a balanced diet will ensure your Whippet is in optimal health. Ensure you include regular vet appointments when you get a Whippet. This will be helpful in the long run. Even with their slim build, they can be really strong when needed.