Whippets are not as popular in the United States as Greyhounds. However, like Greyhounds they make excellent pets and are happy to share them home with other animals. In addition, the Whippet is very good with children and offers his, or her, owners an enormous amount of love and affection.

Like Greyhounds, Whippets were developed in the United Kingdom, where they were created through breeding Greyhounds, Italian greyhounds and various breeds of terrier. The breed's purpose was as a racing dog. Today, Whippets are still used in recreational racing, but they are predominantly kept as family pets.

Size and Appearance

Whippets are generally smaller than Greyhounds. In fact, typically, a Whippet is approximately half to one third smaller than a Greyhound. An adult Whippet will reach a height of 20 inches at the withers and weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Of course, dogs are often slightly larger than bitches.

The coat of a Whippet is very short. However, they do shed, which means that unlike the Greyhound, which is often dubbed as a 'hypoallergenic pet', they may cause problems for allergy sufferers.

Whippets come in a vast array of colors. In fact, there are so many colorings that the American Kennel Club states that the color of a Whippet is immaterial when showing the breed. However, the most common colors are black, brown, white and blue/gray.

The Whippet is Similar to the Greyhound

If you consider that the Whippet is a descendant of the Greyhound, it is unsurprising that the two breeds have many similarities in appearance and temperament. One of the reasons that the Whippet makes such a good family pet is that, like the Greyhound, it is incredibly patient, laid-back and loving.

Generally, a Whippet will be very good with children and other animals. Aggression in Whippets is extremely unusual and is only caused by abuse and incessant provocation.

As well as sharing the Greyhound's loyal and loving temperament, the Whippet shares many physical traits, including its svelte figure. A lack of body fat means that the breed is not suitable for outdoor living, particularly in the winter. Although they are sporting dogs, they are not hardy enough to withstand the bitter cold.

In addition, it is always a good idea to provide a Whippet with plenty of soft bedding to lay on, because his, or her, joints can become damaged through persistent contact with hard surfaces.

The Whippet is Dissimilar to the Greyhound

Despite many shared traits, there are also marked differences between Whippets and Greyhounds. Firstly, a difference in temperament means that the Whippet is known for being an extremely clingy breed, which can follow its owner everywhere. This unflinching loyalty and devotion marks the Whippet out as a steadfast companion, but it is important for the dog to learn boundaries, which can be difficult for a softhearted owner.

When considering which dog breed is right for you, it is advisable to consider how much time you will be able to spend with your pet. With breeds that become incredibly attached to their human family, it is unwise to leave them alone for several hours during the day.

Another difference between Whippets and Greyhounds is that the Whippet is, typically, more active. Both breeds have a capacity for short bursts of speed, but do not have long-term endurance. However, while a Greyhound is known for being one of the laziest breeds of dog, the Whippet will require slightly more exercise.

If you like the sound of a Whippet and think you can offer a dog a good home, you may wish to consider adopting one from one of the many Whippet Rescue organizations. More details can be found from your local rescue center or through a simple search on the internet.