History and Origins of the Whippet

The History and Origins of the Whippet is really interesting. This article will prove interesting to all Whippet lovers and includes details of the country of origin, the history, purpose and background of the dog and how the dog got his name!

History and Origins of the Whippet

The History and Origins of the Whippet is really interesting. The history of the Whippet began in England although there are depictions of dogs bearing similarities to whippets dating back to Roman times. The first English records of this breed are from 1610 where the word Whippet was used with reference to a dog breed. This dog was bred and developed during the 19th century, it is basically a miniature version of the English Greyhound through which it was believed to have been crossed with the Italian Greyhound and some kind of terrier type breed. It is thought that this sighthound was originally developed for hunting at speed by sight. It has great power, strength, stamina and endurance. The Whippet is the fastest domesticated animal of its size and can reach speeds of 35 m.p.h. This breed was used for dog racing and was nicknamed 'the poor man's racehorse'.


History and Origins - How the Whippet got its name
The history and origins of the Whippet continues with how the dog got his name! The name simply derived from the speed in which the dog can run. It is so fast and reaches such high speed in a matter of seconds that the phrase 'whip it' arose and this is how the breed's formal name derived.   Whippet racing became a national sport in England during the nineteenth century. The breed was officially recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1890. America saw the introduction of this breed when it arrived in Massachusetts alongside English mill operators. Massachusetts became a popular location for whippet racing until it moved south to Maryland, and in particular Baltimore. The American Kennel Club recognized this breed in 1888. This breed is now a popular companion and makes a great family pet. It is good at hunting, sighting, agility, racing, lure coursing and as a watchdog.

History and Origins of the Whippet

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History and Origins of the Whippet

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