# Whippet (*Canis lupus familiaris*) Whippets are friendly and fast dogs! They love to run and play, making them great companions for families. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Whippet Greyhound ![Whippet](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424229/objects/4430.jpg) ## Appearance The Whippet is a slender, elegant dog with an athletic build, a deep chest, and a gracefully arched back. Its short, smooth coat comes in a vast array of colors and patterns, often without markings, highlighting its sleek, aerodynamic form. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Historically, Whippets were nicknamed 'the poor man's racehorse' due to their speed and affordability. - Their unique 'rose ears' fold back flat against their head, but perk up when they are alert. - They are often called 'velcro dogs' because they love to stay close and cuddle with their humans. - When sleeping, Whippets often curl up into a tight ball, sometimes called 'the Whippet donut'. ## Special abilities - **Burst Speed:** Whippet can accelerate incredibly fast because of powerful leg muscles that help them reach top speeds quickly. - **Agile Turns:** Whippet has a flexible spine and strong joints that help them make sharp, quick turns while running at high speeds. - **Keen Vision:** Whippet can spot tiny movements from far away because of their excellent eyesight that helps them track moving objects. - **Efficient Breathing:** Whippet has a deep chest and large lung capacity that helps them sustain their high-speed chases. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 70-85 cm - **Weight:** 7-14 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-15 years - **Speed:** 56 km/h - **Litter Size:** 3-8 - **Gestation:** 61-65 days ## Diet & Feeding Whippets mainly eat special dog food but also enjoy some meat, vegetables, and fruit for a balanced diet. - **Primary Foods:** commercial dog food, lean meats, carrots, apples, rice - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Relies on humans for food, shelter, and companionship. - **Hunts:** [European Rabbit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-rabbit) (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*) — Historically bred to hunt small, fast-moving prey like rabbits. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Fleas can live on their skin, feeding on their blood. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Whippets are friendly dogs, but always ask the owner before petting them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Whippet? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Whippet? 70-85 cm ### How much does Whippet weigh? 7-14 kg ### How long does Whippet live? 12-15 years ### How fast can Whippet move? 56 km/h ### What does Whippet eat? Whippets mainly eat special dog food but also enjoy some meat, vegetables, and fruit for a balanced diet. ### How does Whippet hunt? Pursuit ### How many babies does Whippet usually have? 3-8 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Whippet: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/whippet)