Dog walking harness for Whippet dogs:
Source: http://www.whippetworld.net/board/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13161
Dog information
Dog characteristics
- Affectionate
- Lively
- Intelligent
- Gentle
- Friendly
- Quiet
Whippet dog names
- Jake
- Cupid
- Gus
- Twilight
- Puddles
- Lovedy
Overview - Whippet
The Whippet, also known as the Lightening Rag Dog, the Snap Dog, the Poor Man’s Racehorse and the Poor Man’s Greyhound, is a medium-sized sighthound that resembles a smaller version of the Greyhound. Its name is thought to derive from the word “whappet,” which refers to “a small dog that yaps [wapps].” The term “Whippet” was used during the 1600s to describe a “little cur.” The modern Whippet was developed in the 19th century as a rabbit-coursing dog. It was bred for speed and has been used for sport racing for years, capable of reaching bursts of speed up to 35 miles per hour. The Whippet is the fastest domesticated animal for its size and at short distances can outrun a Greyhound. It also is a competent rat- and rabbit-hunter and makes a quiet, affectionate companion dog. As a sighthound, Whippets uniformly chase moving objects and seem impervious to any danger that the chase might entail – such as automobiles or other types of traffic. They require daily exercise in a secure environment or may become bored and destructive. The Whippet was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888, as a member of its Hound Group.
History of Whippet
Small, Greyhound-like dogs resembling Whippets have been portrayed in paintings, carvings and other artwork for centuries. There are several different theories about the Whippet’s ancestry. Some historians believe that the Whippet resulted from breeding runt Greyhounds repeatedly down in size, while others think that Whippets came from crossing Greyhounds with smaller Spaniels. Another theory is that the Whippet descends from crosses between Italian Greyhounds and various terrier breeds, particularly the Manchester Terrier.
For more info please visit http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Breeds/Whippet
Related dog breeds: Pug (male), Bull Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Whippet, Samoyed, Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, American Eskimo Dog, Shiba Inu, Beagle.