Editing Whippet (section)

== Description ==
=== Appearance ===
[[File:Brindle and white whippet puppy.jpg|thumb|Brindle and white Whippet puppy]]
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog with a sleek, aerodynamic body typical of [[Sighthound|sighthounds]], adapted for speed and agility. It has a deep chest for efficient lung capacity, long, slender legs, and a narrow, muscular build characteristic of breeds developed for running.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Conaway |first=Evan S. |date=2023-09-01 |title=Whippet Anatomy: Complete A-Z Guide |url=https://azgreyhounds.com/whippet-anatomy/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=A-Z Greyhounds |language=en-US}}</ref> The ideal height for bitches is {{convert|44|to|47|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}}, and for dogs {{convert|47|to|51|cm|in|round=0.5|abbr=on}}.<ref name="FCI">{{cite web | url=http://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/WHIPPET-162.html | title=Fédération Cynologique Internationale - Whippet | publisher=Fédération Cynologique Internationale | access-date=6 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="The Kennel Club">{{cite web | url=http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/services/public/breed/standard.aspx?id=1030 | title=The Kennel Club - Whippets | publisher=The Kennel Club | access-date=24 January 2013 |format=DOC}}</ref> The standards of the [[American Kennel Club]] and [[Canadian Kennel Club]] allow for larger animals, with an upper limit of {{convert|21.5|in|cm|0|disp=flip|abbr=on}} for bitches and {{convert|22.5|in|cm|0|disp=flip|abbr=on}} for dogs.<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed">{{cite web|title=American Kennel Club - Get To Know The Whippet|url=http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/whippet/|work=AKC: Meet The Breeds|publisher=American Kennel Club|access-date=16 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="CKC">{{cite web | url=http://www.ckc.ca/en/Portals/0/pdf/breeds/WIP.pdf | title=Canadian Kennel Club - Whippet | publisher=Canadian Kennel Club | access-date=24 January 2013 | archive-date=5 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005155010/http://www.ckc.ca/en/Portals/0/pdf/breeds/WIP.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref> Because colour is considered immaterial in judging Whippets, they come in a wide variety of colours and marking patterns, ranging from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, [[brindle]], blue, or cream.<ref name="FCI" /> In 2019, The Kennel Club announced that it would no longer accept registrations for [[Merle (dog coat)|merle]] Whippets, as it is not a naturally occurring colour in the breed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Merle coloured Whippets|url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/press-releases/2019/february/merle-coloured-whippets/|access-date=30 June 2020|website=www.thekennelclub.org.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Whippet Colors {{!}} American Whippet Club|url=https://americanwhippetclub.net/about-whippets/whippet-colors|access-date=30 June 2020|website=americanwhippetclub.net|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203072231/https://americanwhippetclub.net/about-whippets/whippet-colors|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The coat is short, smooth, and close-fitting, contributing to the breed's streamlined appearance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quigg |first=Mark |date=2024-02-15 |title=Whippet Care and Breed Insights from a Veterinarian in 2024 |url=https://waterdownonvet.ca/the-whippet-a-waterdown-on-veterinarian-celebrates-a-lightning-fast-dog/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=waterdownonvet.ca |language=en-US}}</ref> Due to their short coat and low body fat, Whippets are not well-insulated against cold temperatures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Quigg |first=Mark |date=2024-02-15 |title=Whippet Care and Breed Insights from a Veterinarian in 2024 |url=https://waterdownonvet.ca/the-whippet-a-waterdown-on-veterinarian-celebrates-a-lightning-fast-dog/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=waterdownonvet.ca |language=en-US}}</ref> While they are well-suited for indoor living due to their minimal grooming needs and low [[Moulting|shedding]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hitchcock |first=Kristin |date=2024-07-30 |title=How Much Does a Whippet Shed? Facts & Grooming Tips |url=https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-much-does-a-whippet-shed |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Dogster |language=en-US}}</ref> they may require additional protection, such as a coat or sweater, when exposed to cold weather.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camposano |first=Ejay |date=2023-11-23 |title=Are Whippets Safe in Cold Weather? |url=https://iheartdogs.com/are-whippets-safe-in-cold-weather/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=iHeartDogs.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Temperament ===
[[File:Whippet teeth.jpg|thumb|Whippets are known for their loving natures.|alt=A tan Whippet with its mouth partially open]]
Whippets are quiet and reserved, but they also exhibit a playful side and require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quigg |first=Mark |date=2024-02-15 |title=Whippet Care and Breed Insights from a Veterinarian in 2024 |url=https://waterdownonvet.ca/the-whippet-a-waterdown-on-veterinarian-celebrates-a-lightning-fast-dog/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=waterdownonvet.ca |language=en-US}}</ref> They are generally gentle dogs and are often content to spend much of the day relaxing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welton |first=Michele |title=Whippets: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em |url=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/whippets.html |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=www.yourpurebredpuppy.com |language=en}}</ref> The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes them as "quiet and dignified in their owner's living room"<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed" /> and says they make "excellent house dogs."<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed" /> Despite their calm nature indoors, they enjoy outdoor activities, especially short bursts of explosive running that allow them to reach high speeds. These brief, intense sprints are followed by long periods of rest, reflecting their energetic profile and need for recovery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camposano |first=Ejay |date=2024-08-12 |title=How Long Should My Whippet Sleep? |url=https://iheartdogs.com/how-long-should-my-whippet-sleep/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=iHeartDogs.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They have been called a "poor man's racehorse" by the colliers in [[Lancashire]] and [[Yorkshire]].<ref name="Barron8" /><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5FksAAAAYAAJ&q=whippets+%22the+poor+man's+racehorse.%22 |title=The Complete Dog Book |publisher=Howell Book House |year=1997 |isbn=0-87605-464-5 |page=216 |oclc=1725429 |access-date=6 February 2013}}</ref>

The Whippet will form a strong bond and devotion to its owner and, as such, can often suffer from [[Separation anxiety in dogs|separation anxiety]], like many other breeds when left alone.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jamie|title=Can Whippets Be Left Alone?|url=https://www.trendingbreeds.com/can-whippets-be-left-alone/|access-date=26 February 2022|language=en-US}}</ref> Though not prone to excessive barking, Whippets will occasionally vocalize in the presence of intruders, making them passable watchdogs, similar to other small-to-medium dogs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Whippet: An Elegant and Athletic Breed |url=https://dogo.app/dog-breeds/whippet |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=dogo.app |language=en}}</ref> However, a Whippet is unlikely to attack or guard against anyone due to their gentle and often shy demeanor, preferring to retreat rather than confront danger.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 July 2020|title=Is A Whippet A Guard Dog? Will He Protect? - WhippetCentral|url=https://whippetcentral.com/is-a-whippet-a-guard-dog/|access-date=26 February 2022|website=whippetcentral.com|language=en-us}}</ref> While their gentle demeanor makes them a good choice for households with children or other pets, it is important to note that Whippets possess a highly developed [[prey drive]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welton |first=Michele |title=Whippets: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em |url=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/whippets.html |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=www.yourpurebredpuppy.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Whippet |url=https://www.orvis.com/whippet.html?srsltid=AfmBOoooUwoUsClvT7yoD7qbeBTAIbVwUFdHvcpU6CxEppdkEUzXiL0i |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=www.orvis.com |language=en}}</ref> This instinct, though manageable with proper training and socialization, can make them prone to chasing small animals, such as cats, rabbits, or squirrels, especially in uncontrolled environments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Whippets 101: Lesson 2: "It's How You Raise Them!" |url=https://www.mckadenwhippets.com/blog/whippets-101-lesson-2-its-how-you-raise-them |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Mckaden Whippets |language=en-CA}}</ref> Owners should take care during walks or when allowing them off-leash in unenclosed areas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-21 |title=Ten things you need to know about the whippet before you buy one |url=https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/ten-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-whippet-before-you-buy-one.html |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Pets4Homes |language=en}}</ref>

=== Speed and gait ===
[[File:Fireworks Whippets.jpg|thumb|190px|A trio of racing Whippets|alt=see caption]]
Whippets are known as the fastest dogs of their weight class, capable of achieving speeds of up to {{convert|35|mph|km/h|disp=flip|abbr=on}},<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed" /> due to their ability to run in a [[double suspension gallop]].<ref name="Dogs101">{{cite video | url=http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/dog-breeds-l-z.htm | title=Dogs 101: Whippet | publisher=Animal Planet | access-date=2 February 2013}}</ref> This distinctive gait, in which all four legs are off the ground twice during each stride—once when fully extended and again when tucked under the body—allows for maximum speed and efficiency.<ref name="Dogs101" /> Combined with their muscular build, this running style enhances their agility and athleticism, making them highly skilled competitors in racing and field trials.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=Understanding Your Whippet's Exercise Needs |url=https://drydogs.co.uk/blogs/news/understanding-your-whippets-exercise-needs?srsltid=AfmBOoqzxKE_Q-dzM_6N5mcs5inWmQwMV1FQ3H8OZ-ahsRqYbgIGThsO |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=DryDogs.co.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Conaway |first=Evan S. |date=2023-09-01 |title=Whippet Anatomy: Complete A-Z Guide |url=https://azgreyhounds.com/whippet-anatomy/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=A-Z Greyhounds |language=en-US}}</ref>