Longhaired Whippet
Silken Windsprite
The Longhaired Whippet is notable for its beautiful, soft, and silky coat, which stands in stark contrast to the usual short and straight fur of the Whippet breed. This relatively recent breed has been around for about 50 years, and discussions about its status as a pure breed are still ongoing. Despite this, the Longhaired Whippet has established a unique presence, winning over fans with its elegant demeanor and gentle nature. Staying true to its athletic heritage, this breed loves to run and play, making it a fantastic companion for children, who appreciate its friendly and well-mannered disposition. The longer coat not only enhances its appeal but also offers protection against cooler weather, and surprisingly, it is quite easy to maintain. Eager to please, the Longhaired Whippet is both attentive and responsive during training sessions. This breed thrives on human interaction and prefers to stay close to its family rather than being left outdoors. It adapts well to living in apartments, displaying a calm and relaxed attitude indoors. With their charming appearance, minimal care requirements, and affectionate nature, Longhaired Whippets are delightful family pets and companions that are truly hard to resist.
Breed Origin
The debate over the origins of the Longhaired Whippet remains a topic of contention. In the 1970s, breeder Walter A. Wheeler Jr. claimed to have created this breed by selectively breeding his dogs with other Whippets that carried the longhaired gene. He insisted that his breeding program exclusively involved Shorthaired Whippets; however, some critics suggest that he may have crossbred with other breeds, such as the Borzoi or Shetland Sheepdog, both of which he owned. A group of breeders argues that the name "Whippet" should be limited to the Shorthaired variety, as it reflects the original standard. Furthermore, a rough-coated strain of Whippets sadly went extinct in 1957. The ongoing discussion about the pros and cons of the rare recessive long coat gene, along with the recessive MDR1 allele affecting the breed, persists. Despite this, the Longhaired Whippet has carved out a niche in the canine community. With their appealing personalities and striking looks, they are gaining popularity among dog lovers around the globe. Another breeder, Francie Stull, crossed Longhaired Whippets from Wheeler's kennels with Borzois, leading to the creation of the breed known as the Silken Windsprite. While the Longhaired Whippet and the Silken Windsprite share many traits, the latter is slightly smaller. Although the Longhaired Whippet has yet to receive recognition from major kennel clubs, dedicated organizations like the Longhaired Whippet Association and the International Longhaired Whippet Club have emerged. These clubs focus on hosting conformation and performance events to foster acceptance of this exquisite breed.
Breed Appearance
The Longhaired Whippet is an exceptionally graceful breed, known for its slender and athletic build that radiates a sense of noble elegance. While it shares a close resemblance with the Shorthaired Whippet, it stands out due to its opulent, long, silky coat, which is adorned with fringes on its legs, tail, and face. This coat features a double layer, comprising a thick undercoat that offers warmth and shields against harsh weather. Its broad, muscular back, deep chest, and tucked abdomen hint at the remarkable speed this breed can achieve. The long, feathered tail, straight forelegs, and well-defined hindquarters further contribute to its agility. The Longhaired Whippet boasts a long, appealing face, characterized by a slender head, large dark eyes, and feathering on its ears. Available in a range of colors such as black, red, brindle, fawn, and brown, it often showcases striking white markings. With its breathtaking appearance and gentle nature, the Longhaired Whippet is undeniably a remarkable companion.
Care Routine
The Longhaired Whippet is relatively easy to care for, needing only a weekly brushing to keep its luxurious, silky coat in optimal shape. This breed, known for its elegance and grace, should not be bathed too often, as frequent washing can remove the natural oils that protect its coat. When baths are necessary, it’s crucial to use a very mild and gentle shampoo designed for dogs. Additionally, routine care tasks like nail trimming, dental brushing, and ear inspections for any signs of infection are vital. It's important to exercise caution with worming medications, as this breed carries a recessive genetic mutation in the MDR1 gene, which can make it sensitive to certain drugs. A simple cheek swab test conducted by your veterinarian can identify this sensitivity and help determine the most suitable treatment options for your pet.
Behavior & Temperament
Charming, playful, graceful, and dignified—the Longhaired Whippet is truly a remarkable breed! This dog combines a delightful mix of sweetness and fun with an unexpected calmness and a strong desire to please its owners. Highly social by nature, these dogs flourish in companionship and are well-known for their affectionate and cuddly demeanor. Their stunning long, thick coat and elegant fringes add to their visual appeal, while their refined heads and dark, expressive eyes exude a captivating charm. Although they may initially seem dignified, they are not hesitant to engage in playful antics with children. When things settle down, it’s a good idea to check on their activities! The Longhaired Whippet can be quite silly when excited, yet they also display a gentle side at times. Generally, they get along well with other dogs, but their compatibility with pets like cats or rabbits largely depends on whether they were raised together. This breed is not aggressive; they will bark to alert you of strangers but are not prone to confrontations. However, they would certainly try to protect you in a challenging situation. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for apartment living, provided they receive daily walks. Inside the home, they are typically less active, preferring to cuddle and nap. With their athletic abilities, the lovable Longhaired Whippet is quickly becoming a popular choice for families.
Play & Exercise
The Longhaired Whippet, akin to its relatives the Greyhound and Shorthaired Whippet, is a remarkable sprinter. Built for speed, this breed is an ideal running partner, effortlessly matching your pace. They excel in a variety of activities, including racing, agility, lure coursing, and other similar sports. In addition to their athletic abilities, Longhaired Whippets are playful and enjoy entertaining children, often delighting in running and spinning around them when they want to show off. These dogs thrive on being involved in family activities, whether it’s going for walks or joining in on outings. At home, they are calm and content, often curling up beside you for a cozy nap. While regular exercise is crucial for their health, it’s also important to provide mental stimulation and training. They are enthusiastic learners who respond well to guidance, making training sessions more efficient than with many other breeds.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.0 Cups
Daily Activity
90 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
1968
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
United States
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Wavy
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Height & Weight
Weight
25 lbs (11 kg)Male: 25 lbs (11 kg) , Female: 25 lbs (11 kg)
Height
20 inches (51 sm)Male: 20 inches (51 sm) , Female: 20 inches (51 sm)
6 Months
11 lbs ( m 11 lbs, f 11 lbs )
11 inches ( m 11 inches, f 11 inches )
12 Months
21 lbs ( m 21 lbs, f 21 lbs )
16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )
18 Months
28 lbs ( m 28 lbs, f 28 lbs )
20 inches ( m 20 inches, f 20 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
White
Fawn
Brindle
Red
Black
