Whippet

The Whippet is an elegant-looking dog that is always ready for a good chase. The prey drive of these pups is extremely high, so make sure that any off-leash area is well-secured before removing their leash. Trying to get your Whippet to come back to you once they spot a small animal running by is no easy task. With the help of their slim and athletic build, these dogs are fast runners and are known for their abilities in many different dog-related sports.

These pups were originally bred in the late 18th century in Northern England. While they are purebred dogs today, they were initially a mix between the Greyhound and smaller Terrier-type dogs. It is the Greyhound in their DNA that gives them their athletic abilities, while the Terrier part gives them the desire to hunt. The Whippet was nicknamed “poor mans Greyhound” in their early days as they would assist poachers in hunting rabbits and other small animals on local estates. The moment that it was discovered that the Whippet loves to chase after a waving flag, racing among these dogs became a popular sport. These Whippet races were known as rag races.

While the Whippet certainly loves to hunt small animals, they are no threat to people. They are not suspicious of strangers and will rarely bark in the house. This trait does not make them the greatest watchdog, but they do make a wonderful family dog. These pups are super affectionate with their families and will want to spend as much time as possible with them. These dogs tend to suffer from separation anxiety if they are away from their people for too long, so make sure that your fur friend receives plenty of love every day! It is usually not recommended to keep other small animals in the house if you have a Whippet, as their prey drive can sometimes get the better of them.

Typically weighing between 18-48 pounds, these dogs are highly energetic and will require daily exercise. They tend to get along very well with other dogs, so taking them to a dog park is a great way to let them burn off their energy, so long as the dog park is very well secured. The Whippet will love being in a family setting and will become extremely attached to every family member. They have such friendly personalities that anyone that meets them will instantly make a new friend. This unique-looking dog is also sure to attract a lot of attention in public, so be ready for your dog to receive plenty of recognition every time you leave the house...you can be sure that your pup won't mind!

Instagram Photo Permission: @olli_bout_town