Whippet Dog Breed Information can help you learn more about this medium-sized breed of British dogs. Whippets are sighthounds descended from the Greyhound. Because they are part of the hound family, Whippets are known to have few health issues. Read on for more information. Whippets are one of the oldest breeds in the world, and they have a long life expectancy.
Characteristics
The Whippet is a British medium-sized sighthound dog breed. This breed is descended from the Greyhound, and their size and appearance are similar to the smaller version of this dog. Though Whippets are part of the hound family, they are relatively healthy and do not suffer from any common health problems. Read on for more information on Whippets and their breed characteristics. Here are a few facts you should know before adopting one of these lovable pups.
The Whippet breed does not require much exercise compared to similar-sized dogs. However, it does need a large, fenced-in yard to exercise. While whippets are relatively quiet indoors, they do tend to have periods of frantic running during playtime. They are rarely destructive during these periods, but if left alone, they may develop undesirable behaviors. For example, they may chew on curtains or couches.
As one of the most affectionate and outgoing sighthound breeds, the Whippet loves to spend time with its family and will often touch people while they’re sleeping. Whippets are gentle but strong and can injure a small animal if provoked. They are also very sensitive and should be handled with care. While Whippets are generally good with children, they are not the ideal protection dog.
As a breed with a tendency to have separation anxiety, whippets are best placed in households where people are available. They do well in households with other dogs, as hounds are pack animals. Their need for human and doggy companionship makes them a good addition to any household. It is not uncommon to see whippets who pitch fits in a crate when left alone, as their lack of protective fur can lead to injure.
Health issues
If you are considering adopting a Whippet Dog, you should know about common health problems, common warning signs, and general health information for this breed. The Whippet Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization, sponsors research and organizes popular health clinics at the AWC National Specialty. In addition to the annual Whippet News publication, the Whippet Health Foundation sponsors studies related to health and safety issues in this breed. These studies include the following: mitral valve disease, Cleft palate, Hemangiosarcoma, and many others.
Heart disease is a common health problem in Whippets. It can cause severe health issues and even death. Another health issue affecting whippets is Von Willebrand’s disease, which prevents blood from clotting properly. Some common symptoms include bleeding gums, noses, and eyes. While there is no cure for Von Willebrand’s disease, treatments are available. Similarly, whippets suffer from various eye problems. It is therefore important to take your dog for annual eye exams to determine if he is affected by any of these conditions.
Although there are no known hereditary genetic tests for the Whippet Dog breed, responsible breeders should be able to provide test results. In addition, breeders should be registered with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to prevent breeding dogs with defective genetics. Genetic testing of Whippet dogs is essential to prevent serious health issues. Genetic testing can detect genetic diseases like von Willebrand disease and myostatin gene.
Several diseases can lead to sudden or chronic death in the elderly Whippet. In addition to the above-mentioned ailments, Whippet dogs can suffer from internal ear infections. The latter can lead to loss of consciousness. If your Whippet shows symptoms of these, visit a veterinarian for further evaluation. If you notice any of these problems, you should take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Life expectancy
While most dogs have an average life span of twelve to fifteen years, the Whippet’s lifespan can vary from nine to eleven years. There are two main causes of Whippet premature death: epilepsy and cancer. While neither cause is fatal, a Whippet with epilepsy may experience seizures that have no apparent cause. If you suspect that your Whippet may be suffering from epilepsy, you should immediately take him to the vet for a checkup. Additionally, autoimmune hemolytic anemia can cause pale gums and a high heart rate.
Despite their sturdy hearts, geriatric Whippets are prone to developing cardiac insufficiency. Symptoms of this condition first appear at about twelve years. Although the cause is not genetic, the condition is a common side effect of the aging process, and many geriatric Whippets live for years on cardiac medication. A healthy heart, a good diet, and regular exercise are all necessary to extend a Whippet’s life.
While Whippets are generally healthy, they are susceptible to several diseases and health conditions. Heart disease is the most common, but other conditions can affect Whippets as well. While Whippets have a relatively long lifespan, it is important to keep an eye on your dog’s health. Many Whippets suffer from mitral valve disease, which occurs when the heart valve is weak.
While sight hounds are not known for their obedience, the Whippet is one of the most attentive and demonstrative sight hounds. Moreover, Whippets love to play and cuddle with their owners. Whippets are gentle and affectionate, making them ideal companions for families with children and other pets. If you’re looking for a dog that will not take a lot of space, Whippets are the ideal breed for you!
Care requirements
If you’re looking for a friendly and fun-loving dog, then consider adopting a Whippet dog. Whippets are known for their gentle nature and love to socialize with other dogs. They need daily walks and off-leash play, so they’ll need a lot of exercise. A Whippet can also participate in dog sports such as lure coursing and agility runs. This breed also excels at flyball and rally.
Regardless of the Whippet’s size, the breed has many common medical concerns. Although rare, Whippets can develop thyroid problems. While this is rare, Whippets can also suffer from idiopathic epilepsy, which typically shows up between the ages of one and three. Treatment for epilepsy involves the use of medication. Whippets are also prone to Addison’s disease and certain autoimmune blood disorders.
Because Whippets are sighthounds, they can be prone to separation anxiety, but they do not show aggression. Though they are friendly towards strangers and do not tend to be aggressive, a Whippet will be a troublesome house dog if he spends too much time alone. It’s advisable to have a fence around your home to keep whippets in your yard.
Eyesight is an essential part of your dog’s well-being. Whippets are susceptible to several eye conditions, and proper care is vital to prevent these problems from causing blindness. This condition can lead to a shortened lifespan and blindness if untreated. To prevent these issues from recurring, veterinarians should evaluate your dog’s eyes regularly. Fortunately, there’s no need to euthanize your beloved Whippet – it’s worth the extra effort.
Frequently asked questions
Many Whippets can swim, but they do not like the water. The average lifespan of a Whippet is 12 to 15 years, but they can live longer than this with proper care. Although Whippets are generally healthy, they are prone to some health issues, including heart problems, hypothyroidism, and congenital deafness. However, there are several common health concerns that you should be aware of.
The slender body shape of the Whippet might confuse people who don’t know the breed. In reality, the Whippet is not supposed to be skinny, so many people assume that the breed must be very thin. If you can see two vertebrae at the top of the spine and no ribs underneath, the Whippet is at a healthy weight. The hip bones should not be buried under fat.
While the Whippet is not aggressive or protective of its territory, he’s friendly with other dogs. But be prepared to watch out for small dogs and cats. Although Whippets are not known to chase cats and other household pets, they are happy to meet other dogs and people. A whippet will happily welcome any visitors with a wagging tail. This breed is a great choice for a pet for a small family, but you should be aware that they can be territorial if they’re in a new environment.
Compared to other dog breeds, the Whippet is an exceptionally high-energy breed. A single Whippet can run up to 35 miles per hour! This means that you can expect to hear them bark for several minutes before they stop chasing. Then there’s the issue of the whippet’s lack of reliability. A Whippet may also develop destructive habits, such as incessant barking and jumping on furniture.
