Whippet
The Whippet as we know it today was developed in Britain. However, what is less certain is the Whippet's ancestry. Some feel the breed was a mix between the Italian Greyhound and the terrier, while others firmly believe the breed is related to the ancient Pharaoh Hound found in England since 55 BC and that it descends from selective breeding of small Greyhounds. The Whippet, however, has most likely existed since the fourteenth century and was often depicted in works of art, sculptures and paintings. The Whippet made its way to New England in North America when textile mill workers from Northern England brought the breed and the sport of racing with them in the early 1900's. Since that time, the Whippet's endearing personality has made it a favorite family pet, one that adapts well to city or country living. It loves human companionship and a good run every now and then.
Height: 19 - 22" (48.3 - 48.3cm) for dogs, 18 - 21" (45.7 - 45.7cm) for bitches
Weight: 18 - 28 lbs (8 - 8 kg) for dogs, 12 - 20 lbs (5.4 - 5.4 kg) for bitches
Coat Type: The coat is short, hard and flat. All colors, solid or mixed, are allowed. Gentle brushing to remove dead hair is all the grooming the Whippet needs.
Temperament: This very people-oriented dog is happy, loving, intelligent and laid-back.
Special Interest: Once referred to as the "poor man's race horse", the Whippet has provided humans with plenty of entertainment in the sport of dog racing. In short races, the breed has been clocked at 37 mph (60 km/h).
Classifications:
AKC: Group 2 - Hounds
CKC: Group 2 - Hounds
KC: Sporting - Hound Group
FCI: Group 10
ANKC: Group 4 - Hounds
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