The term “Poor Man’s Greyhound” is a colloquial name often used to refer to the Whippet, a dog breed that resembles the Greyhound. This moniker is derived from the breed’s history as a versatile racing and hunting dog for people who couldn’t afford the larger and more prestigious Greyhound. This article will delve deeper into how the Whippet earned this nickname, its characteristics, and the history and significance of the breed.
The Origins of the Whippet and Its Nickname
The Whippet breed originated in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Working-class people bred them for hunting small game and as companions. They couldn’t afford the larger and more expensive Greyhounds, hence they opted for the smaller and cheaper Whippet, which subsequently became known as the “Poor Man’s Greyhound.”
The Whippet could chase and fetch small game for their owners, perform in dog races, and even generate additional income through bets placed on these races. The versatility, efficiency, and affordability of the Whippet made it particularly popular among the lower economic classes.
Physical Characteristics and Temperament
Whippets are medium-sized dogs generally weighing 15-30 pounds. Embodying a graceful and streamlined appearance, Whippets are known for their speed, reaching up to 35 miles per hour. Despite their energetic nature and athletic physique, compared to the Greyhound, they’re relatively smaller but maintain a similar build and form.
| Characteristics | Greyhound | Whippet |
| Height | 27-30 inches | 18-22 inches |
| Weight | 60-70 pounds | 15-30 pounds |
| Speed | Up to 45 mph | Up to 35 mph |
Just as their physical characteristics resemble the Greyhound, so does their temperament. They tend to be intelligent, gentle, and friendly creatures who value human companionship, while being equally capable of bouts of high energy and athleticism.
Popularity and Modern Use
The vast majority of Whippets today are kept as companion animals. This is largely due to their adaptable nature, making them suitable for various living environments. Whether it’s an apartment in a bustling city, a townhouse in a suburban neighborhood, or a farmhouse in the countryside, a Whippet will make itself at home.
The Whippet’s versatility isn’t limited to its adaptability. It shines in various competitive dog events. It excels in lure coursing, obedience, flyball, agility, and conformation, and is the undisputed champion in the racing circuit among breeds its size—again reflecting the trait that earned it the name: the Poor Man’s Greyhound.
While no longer serving as the affordable working man’s hunter or racer, the Whippet remains an ideal pet and sporting dog. Its streamlined beauty, loving nature, and racing prowess have earned it a place in the hearts and homes of many worldwide. Despite its nickname, the breed’s noble and adaptable nature elevates it beyond any notion of poverty or class distinction.
Interesting Facts about the Whippet
Exceptional Acceleration and Speed
Whippets are known for their exceptional speed and unique ability to accelerate swiftly. They can hit top speed—up to 35 miles per hour—in mere seconds. This high-speed acceleration rivals that of some of the world’s fastest land animals, including cheetahs, when scaled for size.
Sighthound Classification
Whippets belong to a category of dogs known as sighthounds, breeds that primarily hunt by sight and speed, rather than by scent and endurance. This group also includes the Greyhound, Saluki, and Afghan Hound among others. Sighthounds are known for their keen eyesight, capable of spotting movement from a great distance, and their elongated bodies, which are structured for speed.
Variety of Colors and Patterns
Whippets come in a wide range of colors and patterns. While they are often associated with lighter, more solid colors such as fawn, cream, or white, they can also be black, blue, or brindle. Some Whippets have a mix of colors or even unique patterns, adding to their diverse beauty.
The Importance of Companionship
Whippets are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Often called “Velcro dogs,” Whippets are known for forming close bonds with their owners and enjoy spending as much time as possible with them. They’ve been known to follow their owners from room to room and want to be involved in everything their human family does.
Record-Holding Whippets
Some Whippets have made it into the record books due to their incredible attributes. One Whippet holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to pop 100 balloons by a dog. Another Whippet named Toby holds the record for the highest jump by a dog, at an impressive 1.5 meters.
These embody the versatility, athleticism, and personality of the Whippet breed, justifying its nickname as the “Poor Man’s Greyhound.” However, the popularity and distinctive attributes of this breed surely highlight that there’s much more to these dogs than that nickname suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whippets
Are Whippets Good Apartment Dogs?
A: Yes, Whippets make great apartment dogs. They are often known as couch potatoes and love to lounge around when they are not active. While they do require daily exercise for their physical and mental health, Whippets are usually calm and quiet indoors.
What Exercises are Suitable for Whippets?
A: Whippets require moderate amounts of exercise that allow them to burn off energy. This includes brisk walks, running in a secured area, and agility training. Additionally, mental stimulation can also be provided through puzzle toys and training games.
How do Whippets Handle Cold Weather?
A: Whippets have thin coats and little body fat, which makes them susceptible to cold weather. They should wear a dog coat or sweater during winter walks and should not stay outside for too long when the weather is particularly chilly.
Are Whippets Good with Children and Other Pets?
A: Whippets are often good with children and can be excellent family pets. They are generally gentle, affectionate, and patient. When it comes to other pets, Whippets can typically get along with other dogs but their high prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with small pets like cats and rabbits unless they have been raised together.
Do Whippets Bark a Lot?
A: Whippets are not known to be excessive barkers. They may bark if there is a particular disturbance, but overall, they are relatively quiet dogs.
How Long Do Whippets Live?
A: Whippets typically live between 10-15 years. Their lifespan can be influenced by various factors, including diet, exercise, and genetic health issues.
Are Whippets Picky Eaters?
A: Some Whippets can indeed be picky eaters. They might not seem interested in certain foods while they go crazy for others. Providing a balanced diet is crucial, even though sometimes a bit of experimentation might be needed to find what your Whippet enjoys.
Is Training a Whippet Difficult?
A: Training a Whippet can be both a joy and a challenge. Whippets are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they also can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement techniques work best with this breed.
Can Whippets Swim?
A: While Whippets can learn to swim, they are not naturally drawn to the water like some other breeds. Due to their lean body and lack of body fat, they can get cold quickly, so any swimming activities should be supervised and restrained to warm conditions.
What are the Common Health Problems in Whippets?
A: Generally, Whippets are healthy dogs. However, like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions, including heart problems, deafness, and eye disorders. A reputable breeder will test breeding dogs for these and other diseases that may affect the breed.
