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14 Quick Facts About Whippets

Published: · Modified: by Alka Polischuk · This post may contain affiliate links

If you own of these pups, you know that they can disappear in a second. They are faster than lightning when something caught their attention. But when they are not on the run, whippets are quiet and friendly dogs.

Know about them with this list of 14 quick facts about Whippets.

They can disappear in a second. You should be very attentive with this dog!

#1 The name can be originated from the old English phrase “Whip it”

Whippet wearing a blue with sunny side-up egg design around its neck while smiling hilariously
It means to go swiftly, specifically referring to riders whipping their horses to move more quickly.

#2 Another theory is the name is a misspelling of “wappet”

Whippet sitting on the carpet while looking up with its adorable face
It`s a small yipping dog.

#3 Whippets have been present in art and literature going back to the 1600s

two adult Whippets with a Whippet puppy sitting in between them
The idea of an official pure breed didn’t come about until the 1800s.

#4 They were considerer the poor`s Greyhound

Whippet puppy in the arms of a man
Greyhounds were seen as refined and elegant dogs, so only the rich had access to them. The poorer class settled for the modest Whippet instead.

#5 Sometimes they are called “snap dogs”

Whippet puppy sitting on the floor
Whippets would enter arenas with rabbits and “snap” them up.

#6 Whippets love to run and are incredible sprinters

three Whippets standing on the ground while lookin up
On the other hand, after brief periods of activity, they're ready to kick back. If you get a whippet, be prepared to share some space on the couch.

#7 Whippets have very little body fat

Whippet standing in pathway going to the door while looking up in sideways
So they need an extra layer or two when winter rolls around. Luckily, they look pretty cute in sweaters and coats.

#8 THEY’RE EXTREMELY POPULAR
Whippet lying on the couch
#9 Whippets are incredibly quiet, friendly dogs

two Whippet drinking water from the pink bowl
Most love strangers, and some Wippets don't ever bark.

#10 THEY’RE TOO CUTE FOR HORROR MOVIES

Whippet lying on the floor while sleeping
The Whippet was shot in Alien 3. Watching a Whippet run down a corridor in costume was not quite as horrifying as the director hoped, so the idea was scrapped.

#11 Whippets are known for their well-mannered temperament

Whippet with its one ear up sitting on the grass with flowers behind him
While Whippets are great apartment dogs, they do extremely well in a fenced-in backyard.

#12 Whippets are a very intelligent

Whippet standing on the mattress
They come with a bloodline of intelligence and obedience.

#13 Whippets get commonly confused as a Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, and Great Dane because of their build and short hair

Whippet wearing a red scarf while smiling with its tongue out
Part of the same group as the Greyhound, Whippets are a breed of their own. Well-mannered and quick, they are the fastest breed of their size.

#14 THEY’RE SUPER-SPEEDY

Whippet standing on the dried leaves while the hands of a woman is on the side of its face while holding a piece of dried leaves
Whippets are the fastest domesticated animals of their weight. They can get up to breakneck speeds of 35 mph.
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