Whippet Facts and Fun
What is a Whippet? The Whippet is a member of the Hound Group and more specifically one of a number of breeds that fall into the group of dogs classified as sighthounds. These are hounds that hunt their prey mostly by sight; their bodies are lean and powerful, with deep chests for plenty of heart and lung room, longer limbs, a flexible, slightly arched spine and keen eyes along with tremendous speed. This conformation enables them to use a "double suspension" gallop when they run. Most other dogs run like a horse; at full speed there is one period, when the feet are all contracted under the body, that all four feet are suspended off the ground. In the double suspension gallop, a second suspended phase occurs when the feet are fully extended in front of and behind the dog. It is this double suspension gallop that gives sighthounds such tremendous speed.
Sighthounds are adapted for finding prey in open regions and once it is located, it can be overtaken by speed and endurance. Sighthounds have historically been found in regions where there is open countryside - North Africa, Arab countries, Afghanistan, Russia, Ireland and Scotland. However, the Whippet is a more recent member of this group of dogs and was developed by the miners and millhands of Northern England during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Whippet became known as "the poor man's greyhound" and they were often used for poaching and rabbit coursing to fill the supper pot.
In its early days, the Whippet was known by many different names, one of which was 'Snap Dog', supposedly given because, when running along a track or when meeting a strange dog, Whippets had a tendency to snap at one another. Another explanation given for this name - competitions were held and bets were made on which dog could 'snap up' the most rabbits. They were also known as 'Rag Dogs' - a name given to them when rural workers moved to industrial centers and brought with them the sports involving their dogs. Those who had enjoyed betting on enclosed coursing found that rabbits weren't necessary; the dogs would chase a waving rag and betting on rag dog races became a passion among the coal miners of Northern Britain. A good running dog brought a great deal of pride to family and the dog would be treated as well or better than any other family member. In the region's chilly climate, the dogs were also valued as bedwarmers. It is said that the name Whippet may have been based on the word 'whip' conveying the breed's sharp characteristics and speed.
