History and origins
The Whippet is an elegant and athletic sighthound, renowned for its speed, grace and gentle temperament. Appreciated as much for its performance in the field as for its role as a faithful companion, it is today a versatile dog that appeals to many fanciers. But where does this small sighthound with its expressive gaze and thoroughbred appearance come from? Its history goes back several centuries and reflects its evolution from a hunting and racing dog to a true member of the family.
The Origins of the Whippet
The Whippet is a relatively recent breed, whose origins date back to the 19th century in England. It is the result of crossbreeding between several types of sighthounds, including the Greyhound, the Terrier and the Italian Greyhound. This selection was aimed at creating a fast, agile and enduring dog, capable of hunting small game, particularly rabbits.
The breed was developed primarily by workers in the north of England, particularly in the mining regions of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Unable to afford large Greyhounds, which were considered dogs of the nobility, they selected smaller but equally fast and efficient dogs. This is how the Whippet became a popular dog for hunting, but also for racing, where it earned the nickname "the poor man's Greyhound".
Evolution into a companion dog
Over time, the Whippet has conquered homes thanks to its affectionate and gentle temperament. Its calm nature and attachment to humans have made it an ideal companion, as comfortable on a sofa as in full race on a PVL (Lure Chase) field.
Officially recognized by the British Kennel Club in 1891, it quickly spread to Europe and the United States, where it gained popularity both in show rings and on race tracks.
Greyhound between performance and elegance
Today, the Whippet embodies the perfect balance between beauty and performance. Light but muscular, fast but enduring, it appeals to dog sports enthusiasts as well as to lovers of refined and sociable dogs. It continues to shine on the racetrack and in shows, while remaining a loyal and affectionate companion, perfectly suited to family life.
From its modest origins to its status as an exceptional sighthound, the Whippet has managed to cross the ages while retaining its natural elegance and its incredible capacity for adaptation.