If you’re a hunter, then the Whippet could be a marvelous and loyal friend to you. A much better friend than US Marshal Robert DeGuerin (James Caan) was too US Marshal John ‘The Eraser’ Kruger (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in the movie The Eraser since DeGuerin tried to kill Kruger and killed vital witnesses too of course that is not saying much!
A Whippet could love you just like Megan Leavey’s German Shepherd loved her in the eponymous movie Megan Leavey!
Moreover, they are fantastic at speeding after small game, particularly rabbits. In addition, the Whippet most agilely competes in flyball, rally, lure coursing, and obedience tests. No, not Algebra though! Though most people are too adept with Algebra either!
It’s also a fine therapy dog because of its extremely friendly personality. Also called the “poor man’s Greyhound,” the Whippet’s history dates back to the late Eighteenth 18th century when they were made to participate in a sporting event called “snap” contests, where a trained dog would snap up rabbits from a circle. It was later that Whippet racing was to become popular among the working classes.
Features
This hound is medium-sized with a short and dense coat. The coat comes in myriad colors and with distinct markings on a finely streamlined body. It stands out for its affectionate and gentle nature. They have an independent temperament and training them to be obedient can be challenging.
They mix well with people and other dogs but early socialization is required to prevent the animal from becoming wary of strangers and new situations. They, however, don’t get along with cats because of their acute prey drive. Even though they are trainable to be social with cats, constant supervision is fundamental and a Whippet should never be left alone with a cat together.
A Whippet loves its daily walks, provided it’s kept on a leash all the time. Unleash them and they’ll run after anything that catches their fancy. Rather, a fenced yard is better for their daily exercises. Indoors, they’re undemanding, mischievous and playful, particularly with children (but children can mean to animals so constant supervision is required here). Outdoor living is not advisable because of their thin coat unless it is the summer time and it depends what type of climate you live in. They can be couch and bed potatoes, too.
With lower energy levels, Whippets can become overactive, even destructive if they are not exercised regularly. Lack of proper socialization can also make them excessively stressed and timid if they are exposed to a changed environment. You can’t call them very effective watchdogs because they rarely let out a bark and approach everyone with a friendly wag of their tails.
Care
This breed is not an excessive shedder and a weekly brushing is enough for them. However, care needs to be taken of its thin skin, which is prone to tears, scrapes, and nicks. A comfortable, soft bed is always welcome to a Whippet. They easily fall prey to separation anxiety. That’s why you need to spend quality time with them and allow them free access all over the house. The Whippet is known to catch colds easily and needs to wear warm clothing during winters.
Heavily exercising a puppy is never advisable. Rather 5 minutes for every month age wise is just right. Otherwise, it strains their joints and system. Crate training is also not really essential (crate training has been said to be futile and inhumane) and rewarding them with praise or food yields the best results always. Remember, they’re sensitive dogs and forcing them on anything or hurting their feelings never works.
Feed
The daily amount recommended is 1 to 1 & ½ cups of high- protein, high-quality dry food daily, spread over 2 feedings. However, the intake of an adult dog eats will depend on its size, build, age, activity level, and metabolism. No, you do not need to feed a Whippet spaghetti, that is not necessary!