The origin of the Whippet will never be satisfactorily known but the Whippet type has been around for centuries. Examples of these hound type dogs can be seen in works of art from Europe, Greece, Egypt and from Roman times.

These hounds were thought ot be bigger than the Whippet we know today and we believe they were crossed with terriers, which brought the size down and brought an element of gameness to the breed.

The advantage to bringing the size down meant a dog that was easier to feed and keep in the home.

In the nineteenth century this type of dog was very popular with the miners in the Nort East. Kept mostly for racing. Beauty or elegance didn't come into it then, only speed, strength and racing intelligence. It was only in the late nineteenth century that the Whippet was recognised as a seperate breed.

The Whippet is referred to by other names such as "The poor man's Greyhound", the "Rag Dog" and the "Snap Dog". The Whippet was bred originally to hunt rabbits.

So how did the Whippet get it's name? It is believed to be derived from the Middle English word wippen, to whip or move in a sudden, quick manner similar to a whip - to thrash or snap about. We can therefore understand why Whippets are so called and why they are also referred to as "Snap Dogs".

In 1899 THE WHIPPET CLUB formed. The breed is now one of the most popular in the Hound Group, with no less than 11 Breed Clubs in the United Kingdom.

They are still very much used as a working and racing dog and take part in agility, obedience, showing, but their main role is as a companion.