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Breed information
Length range : 58-79 cm
Height range : 45-56cm
Weight range : 7-18kg
Coat : short fine smooth coat|thin coat|low-shedding|no undercoat
Life expectancy years : 12-15
Colors: fawn|blue|black|brindle|white|various patterns.
Activitity Level : Moderate|High bursts
Origin: United Kingdom
Similar Breeds : Italian Greyhound|Greyhound|Saluki|Basenji|Vizsla
History
Whippets originated in England during the 18th and 19th centuries and were developed from Greyhounds crossed with smaller terriers for speed , rabbit coursing , racing and hunting small game. They later became popular with working-class families and were brought to the United States by English mill operators in Massachusetts. The breed has long been valued for lure coursing , racing , companionship and elegant athleticism.
Temperament
calm|sweet|friendly|reserved with strangers|goofy|sensitive|even-tempered
Personality
amiable|gentle|affectionate|quiet|dignified|playful|sensitive|loving
Needs
daily exercise|secure fenced running area|warm clothing in cold weather|gentle handling|mental stimulation|regular dental and skin checks
Social Needs
people-oriented and affectionate|generally good with children and other dogs when socialized|can become anxious if left alone too long
Grooming
Whippets are low-maintenance and usually need only weekly or twice-weekly brushing with a soft brush or grooming mitt. Bathe only every couple of months or as needed with gentle dog-safe products. Check thin skin for cuts after activity , clean ears regularly , trim nails , and brush teeth frequently.
Nutrition
Feed a balanced AAFCO-complete diet with high-quality animal protein and moderate fat to support a lean athletic body. Most adults do well on two meals daily and puppies need more frequent meals. Avoid overfeeding and one large meal because deep-chested dogs have bloat risk. Supplements should only be added with veterinary guidance.
Breed Standard
sleek and slim sighthound build|deep chest|long neck|small waist|graceful legs|narrow head|short smooth coat
Did you know?
Whippets can reach about 35 miles per hour and are often called the Poor Man’s Racehorse. Despite their racing ability they are famously quiet couch companions at home.
Most Common / iconic illnesses
Mitral Valve Disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Corneal Dystrophy, Alopecia, Anesthetic Sensitivity
Symptoms
Mitral Valve Disease
1. Heart murmur
2. Exercise intolerance
3. Coughing after rest
4. Rapid or labored breathing
5. Lethargy , weakness or collapse may occur.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
1. Night blindness
2. Hesitation in dim light
3. Dilated pupils
4. Increased eye reflectivity
5. Daytime vision loss and clumsiness may occur later.
Corneal Dystrophy
1. Grayish-white or crystalline corneal opacity
2. White dots or haze in the cornea
3. Vision haze may occur
4. Squinting , redness or discharge may occur if ulceration develops.
Alopecia
1. Symmetrical hair loss on chest , thighs , flank or neck
2. Dry or brittle coat
3. Hyperpigmented exposed skin
4. Secondary skin infections may occur.
Anesthetic Sensitivity
1. Prolonged recovery after anesthesia
2. Hypothermia
3. Respiratory depression
4. Disorientation
5. Drug reaction concerns may occur during or after procedures.
Onset of symptoms
Anesthetic Sensitivity
It can be triggered at any age whenever sedation or general anesthesia is used during veterinary procedures.
Probability Of Onset:
High risk is described in the supplied external text and breed sources note increased anesthetic risk in Whippets and sighthounds.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Early symptoms generally begin around 3 to 5 years of age and supplied external text places typical presentation around 3 to 6 years depending on mutation line.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate risk is described in the supplied external text and Whippets are described as somewhat more likely than other dogs to have PRA.
Corneal Dystrophy
It is often first visible in young adults and supplied external text places typical onset around 1 to 4 years of age.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate risk is described in the supplied external text and inherited corneal dystrophy is specifically noted in Whippets.
Alopecia
Symptoms typically manifest in young adult dogs and supplied external text places onset around 1 to 3 years of age.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate risk is described in the supplied external text and pattern baldness is specifically noted in both male and female Whippets.
Mitral Valve Disease
It typically manifests in middle-aged to senior dogs and the supplied breed-matched text places onset commonly around 6 to 10 years of age.
Probability Of Onset:
Moderate to high breed-specific risk is described in the supplied external text and Whippets are repeatedly noted as predisposed to age-related valve disease.
Reasons
Mitral Valve Disease
Structural integrity of the mitral valve matrix is lacking as age-related myxomatous degeneration thickens and weakens the valve leaflets. This allows the valve to lose proper closure and blood can leak backward into the left atrium. No specific nutrient deficiency is established as the direct cause in the supplied text. Progressive valvular insufficiency can then strain the heart over time.
Corneal Dystrophy:
Normal corneal clarity is lacking because inherited defects allow lipids , fat droplets , minerals or calcium-related deposits to accumulate within corneal layers. Local regulation of corneal tissue transparency is therefore impaired. No general body-wide deficiency is established because this is described as a primary inherited eye condition. Deposits can make the cornea cloudy and severe cases may become painful if ulceration develops.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Normal retinal photoreceptor function is lacking because inherited mutations cause rods and cones to degenerate. Rod function is lost first in true PRA which reduces night vision before day vision declines. No single missing nutrient is established as the cause in the supplied text. This cellular loss can progress to complete blindness.
Alopecia
Normal hair follicle support and pigment distribution may be lacking because genetic follicular dysplasia or localized follicle atrophy affects the coat. The supplied text also notes that true pattern baldness is not due to a primary systemic deficiency once treatable causes are ruled out. No single nutrient lack is established as the root cause. Hair can thin progressively and exposed skin may become dry or vulnerable to secondary infection.
Anesthetic Sensitivity
Protective fat reserves are lacking because Whippets have extremely low body fat and a very lean body conformation. Drug handling capacity may also be reduced for specific agents because altered metabolism is described in the supplied external text. This can increase vulnerability to prolonged recovery , hypothermia and respiratory depression during anesthesia. Deficient cytochrome P450 handling for certain agents is described as part of the vulnerability.
Mitral Valve Disease:
- Early stages may require monitoring only while more advanced stages may need echocardiographic follow-up and medication. Management may include pimobendan , diuretics such as furosemide or torsemide , spironolactone , ACE inhibitors and heart-supportive diet with exercise moderation. Acute congestive heart failure may require hospitalization and oxygen support.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
- There is no approved medical or surgical cure and management may focus on routine ophthalmic checks , DNA testing , environmental adaptation and safety support as vision declines. Antioxidant support may help retinal function or delay cataract formation. Dogs that test positive should not be bred without careful genetic planning.
Corneal Dystrophy
- Mild cases may need no treatment because vision is often not significantly impaired. Referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist may be needed for repeated ulceration and severe or painful cases may require topical medications or surgery. Monitoring eye changes promptly is important.
Alopecia:
- Management may include ruling out other causes , gentle moisturizing shampoos , skin protection , melatonin support and topical therapy for secondary infections. Harsh grooming chemicals is not recommended because Whippets have thin sensitive skin. Protective clothing may help with cold sensitivity where hair loss is present.
Anesthetic Sensitivity:
- Sighthound-safe anesthetic planning may be required with close temperature and multi-parameter monitoring. Modern protocols using carefully selected agents may help reduce risk while active warming and individualized recovery support may be needed. Extra attention to drug interactions and prolonged recovery risk may be important. Ask professional vets for detailed information.
Mitral Valve Disease :
- 1. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for myocardial cellular support.
2. L-carnitine can,might be helpful for cardiac energy metabolism support.
3. Taurine can,might be helpful for myocardial function support.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for reducing cellular oxidative stress and supporting heart health.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- 1. Lutein can,might be helpful for retinal cellular support.
2. Zeaxanthin can,might be helpful for ocular antioxidant support.
3. Vitamin A can,might be helpful for retinal health support.
4. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for antioxidant support.
5. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for retinal cellular resilience.
Corneal Dystrophy
- 1. Vitamin C can,might be helpful for ocular surface antioxidant support.
2. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for corneal tissue antioxidant support.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for ocular surface health support.
Alopecia
- 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for skin and follicle support.
2. Omega-6 fatty acids can,might be helpful for epidermal support.
3. Melatonin can,might be helpful for supporting hair regrowth in some pattern baldness cases.
4. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for skin health support.
5. Biotin can,might be helpful for coat support.
Anesthetic Sensitivity
- 1. Vitamin E can,might be helpful for general cellular antioxidant support before elective procedures though it may not correct the anesthetic risk itself.
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+852 9160 8619
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