Longhaired Whippet Dog Breed

Posted on Jul 23, 2021, Modified : May 20, 2024 Zina

Breeds

General Information

Dog Name	Longhaired Whippet
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris
Group	Hound
Breed For	Working
Extinct	Yes
Country of Origin	England

Physical And Size

Size	Smallest

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

Prey Drive	Yes
Fighting Dog	Yes

Friendliness

Stranger Friendly	High
Child Friendly	High
Cat Friendly	High
Dog Friendly	High
Office Friendly	High
Apartment Friendly	High
Senior Citizens Friendly	High
Service Dog	High
Search and Rescue Dog	High
Biting Potential	High

The long-haired Whippet is a medium-sized dog breed known for its long hair that is silky, soft, and dense. If its fur is trimmed, people might confuse it with the Whippet which has a short coat. This fine-looking breed is of loving, sweet, friendly temperament which makes it the best companion for families of all ages of people.

If you are looking for a fun, loving companion that also does best with kids, the Longhaired Whippet is perfect for your home. They love being around people, are easy to train, and are very loving and affectionate with their family. This breed does well in an apartment too, cuddling and cozying on a sofa with the people it adores.

Origin and History

The Longhaired Whippet was bred in around 1970 by a breeder named Walter A. Wheeler Jr. when he wanted a Whippet that had a long, smooth coat. However, people believed that he crossed the Whippet with a Shetland Sheepdog and Borzoi while he insisted that only Whippets were used in the breeding.

No major kennel clubs have recognized the Longhaired Whippet as a Whippet with a short coat that meets the breed standard and not the Longhaired coat. However many clubs are working hard to make this breed recognized by organizing different events and activities.

Is Longhaired Whippet Child-Friendly?

The Longhaired Whippet gets along with children of all ages pretty well. They love spending time with kids, playing, or just sitting by their side. They are very affectionate and playful around them. Although close supervision is always necessary, so is letting them interact with each other.

Temperament, Personality, and Behavior

Temperament: The temperament of the Longhaired Whippet is energetic, loving, and kind. They make a great companion for a family that is loving and active. They love spending time with people and helping them in their various activities.

Personality: The personality of Longhaired Whippet is playful, sweet, and elegant. They are friendly and playful with their people and have a proud sighthound nature.

Behavior: The Longhaired Whippet is very active outdoors and should not be trusted off-leash as they can run off and it will be hard to catch the racing dog. While indoors, this breed loves to sit on the couch, get cozy, and cuddle with its people.

Longhaired Whippets posing for a picture.
Image Source: longhaired-whippet.7x.cz

Trainability

Training the Longhaired Whippet is not so difficult as it is smart and very eager to please its owner. Leadership should be established from a very early age and they will listen to you and follow the things taught by their master.

A positive method of training is encouraged as dogs tend to respond to it very well. Reward them with delicious treats and lots of vocal praises. A gentle pat on the back after your dog completes a certain task will encourage them.

Facts

The Longhaired Whippet is a rare breed with only a few numbers around the world.
It is not recognized by American Kennel Club yet.

Health Issues

The Longhaired Whippet is a healthy breed with a few of the following genetic health problems.

Ear Infection: Ear problems can be seen on your dog sometimes due to some bacteria. If your dog is constantly scratching or being uncomfortable, check its ear to see any infection. If there is, take it to a vet.
Hip Dysplasia: When the hip bone of your dog is dislocated from its original place, it is called hip dysplasia. It can be painful for your dog making it difficult to move from one place to another. This health problem is genetic, so before bringing a puppy home, check for its parent’s health report.