Information, Facts & Origins of the Whippet
The Whippet is believed to originate from the Greyhound, but they are physically smaller, and they share a common ancestors with Roman and Egyptian dog breeds. The Whippet Hound is referred to by other names such as 'The Poor Man's Greyhound'. the 'Rag Dog' and the 'Snap Dog'. The Whippet was bred originally to hunt rabbits. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. Whippet Dog NamesThe Whippet - A Sighthound
The Whippet Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet, although they were bred to hunt rabbits, the Whippet is active and playful. It is good around children and will adapt well to family life. The whippet is virtually free of "doggy odor." Information, Facts and History of the Whippet Hound Dog
The Whippet is a very old sight hound dog breed claiming an ancient heritage as it's ancestor was the Greyhound. The Pharaohs of Egypt kept the the Whippet's ancestors and references to these appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient papyrus, pillars and tablets. The whippets spread right across the Roman Empire and resembles the greyhound but is somewhat smaller. The modern whippet was created by working-class people of northern England by crossing Greyhounds with several other breeds including the terrier. These small coursing hounds were much cheaper to feed and house than the conventional Greyhounds, which is why they proved so popular with the working classes. So how did the Whippet get it's name? It is believed to be derived from Middle English word wippen, to whip or to move in a sudden, quick manner similar to a whip - to thrash or snap about. We can therefore understand why Whippets are so called and why they are also referred to as 'Snap Dogs'. It is no coincidence that whippets have a long whip like tail. Their hunting prowess proved extremely useful to poorer families but as time went by, and man's requirements changed, the Whippet was bred specifically for dog racing. The racing function was believed to have started in the 1700's when men, many of them coalminers, used their hunting dogs for racing on their day off. When their owners raced them they also waved rags at the finish line hoping that it would encourage them to run faster. Thus the Whippet acquired another nickname of 'Rag Dogs'. Whippet racing has never gained the commercial appeal of greyhound racing and so it remains a strictly amateur sport. The Whippet was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1888.Description of the Whippet Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Whippet's coat can be any selection of colours from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue and cream. The coat is short, fine and close.Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Whippets
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Whippet, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Whippet may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:- Eye problems including cataracts
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our: This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional. |
