Are whippet dogs related to greyhounds and what are the differences?

Question

What are the cost differences? availability? exercise needs? compatability with cats/other dogs? lifespan? are they diff. from miniature greyhounds? why do they always seem frightened? do they bite when frightened or playing?

Answer 1

They are related, but are different breeds. Whippets, greyhounds, italian greyhound, borzoi, and dogs like those are all called "sighthounds".

They all have different breed traits and temperaments. (For example, if you get an italian greyhound and except it to act like a greyhound, you will find out quickly they act nothing like each other.) Here are some links to get you started on your research:

Whippet - http://www.akc.org/breeds/whippet/
- http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/whippets.html

Greyhound - http://www.akc.org/breeds/greyhound/
- http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/greyhounds.html

Italian greyhound - http://www.akc.org/breeds/italian_greyhound
- http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/italiangreyhounds.html

As far as cost and availability, you'll have to located some reputable breeders in your area, or get in touch with breed rescue groups, to find out.

Any dog may bite when frightened or playing, make sure you properly train the dog that teeth on human skin is not acceptable.

Answer 2

Yes, the Whippet is related to the Greyhound. Whippets were developed by breeding Greyhounds to some terrier breeds.
Greyhounds are going to be much easier to find and much less expensive (if you get a retired racer) because there are really thousands of them needing homes. Whippets also have rescue groups, but the numbers are very small. The Whippet is not a popular breed and so there are not tons of them around. It can take lots of research and the willingness to wait, to find either a puppy or a rescue.
They have similar temperaments to the Greyhound. They are couch potatoes and don't require tons of exercise. A good long walk and a chance to run in a fenced yard is enough. They are not good with cats because they have a high prey drive and will want to chase a cat. Many do live with cats though. I've had cats and Whippets. The Whippets would leave the cat alone when it was in the house, but would try to chase it if it was in the yard. You would never want to leave a cat and any sighthound alone together!
I've always had 2 - 4 Whippets and other breeds. Whippets are a pack breed and usually get along fine with other dogs. A real small dog may not be a good idea though, again because of the prey drive.
I have one who is 15 and still going strong. Others I have owned have lived to 10-12. Heart disease is common.
They are usually a bit on the soft side, but they do carry their tail under their bodies naturally. It does not mean they are frighten. I've never had any issues with Whippets biting. However, because they have little hair and body fat and are on the soft side, I do not recommend them as pets for young children.

Answer 3

There was greyhound 150-200 yrs ago in the whippet breeds origin.After maturity, they need a good spin around the yard for maybe 15 min. morining & evening and are generally content to doze on the sofa the rest of the day, though I will warn you they see no reason not to take the short line across the room OVER the sofa if they wish. Puppies are hellions.
compatibility with cats & small dogs can be dicey because of their strong prey drive,but some do so with no problem (mine do, my foster whippet not good) Their normal body posture fools many people to think them frightened when they are not. The tail at rest is hanging between the hocks and standing is frequently drawn up under the belly, the ears are frequently plastered against the head unless they are alerting on something. If Dr Doolittle asked them about it I have little doubt the answer would be a puzzled "where else would we put them?" Whippet/human bites are scare as hens teeth. Usually they live 12-14 yrs. Not so advaliable as a rescue grey. Major temperment problem is a tendency toward seperation anexity. Major comfort lovers, people attached but not alway obedient.
PS In the US whipets are larger than europe and many books understate weight- females are frequently 30 lb males 40 and larger individuals are known.

Answer 4

In my experience, Italian Greyhounds are very dainty and delicate looking. They are a toy breed and are the bred down version of the Greyhound. I am not an expert on Whippets, but I think the similarities are limited to looks because the Whippet owners I have talked to told me they are much different. Both are great dogs, the Whippet is a little more durable but either one would be a great choice!

Answer 5

Grey Whippets

Answer 6

It is generally agreed that the Whippet as we know it today developed in Northern England during the mid to late 19th century.

Greyhounds were crossed with small terriers, (including possibly the Bedlington Terrier), to produce a small, swift hound capable of hunting rabbits and other small game. During this era, the whippet belonged mainly to the working class people of England. These were factory and mine workers in Northern towns near Manchester and Liverpool, who worked hard and lived simple lives.

Because of this, the whippet became known as the "poor man's greyhound," or the "poor man's race horse." During non-working days, owners raced their whippets in fields and on town roads. These races became known as "rag races," probably because a piece of cloth was used as a lure. The dogs typically ran a straight 200 yard track.

The American Kennel Club first registered a whippet in 1888. The dog was named Jack Dempsey, and was born September 23, 1885. He was bred by P. H. Hoffman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Whippet was first recognized as a registerable breed in England in 1891, when it was recognized by the Kennel Club of England.

Today, Whippets are the most popular of the hound breeds at dog shows. Their size, short coat, and agreeable temperament make them the perfect family pet. Organized activities for Whippets and their families can be found in most areas, and include lure coursing, straight racing, flyball, agility matches, and of course, obedience training. Whippets are independent thinkers, and many of them find obedience training to be somewhat beneath them. But those who do enjoy it have excelled, and there are quite a few Whippets who have earned obedience championships.

Notes on the origin of the word "whippet."

The word "whippet" comes originally from the latin "via" meaning "a road, a street, a path, or way."

Because "via" meant a road or a path upon which people traveled, the words eventually were associated with movement, traveling, or quickness. Some other words derived from "via" are "vibrate," vibrant," "whip," "viper," "wiper," "wife," and "whiplash."

The word "whip" probably derives from the Middle English "whippen" or "wippen," meaning "to whip." "To whip" has such derivative meanings as "to move smartly, quickly or nimbly," hence the quick moving and lively dog, "the Whippet."

all dogs need exercise and I would think a whippet would need a good deal since they are related to greyhounds.

Answer 7

Whippets are related to greyhounds. About exercise needs, well, they're fast dogs and need to be let loose a lot to run around. They need a lot of exercise. Try going to advanced obedience training or agility. If you dont have the time to exercise him, dont get a Whippet or any of the sporting or racing breeds, Greyhounds among them.