Official ICCF Breed Standard
Brief Historical Summary
The Whippet developed in the United Kingdom as a working sighthound used for hunting and racing, derived from the Greyhound and local small coursing hounds. In the 19th century the breed gained popularity among miners and craftsmen of northern England, where the dogs were employed for rabbit hunting, racing, and lure–coursing competitions. Strict selection for speed, explosive start, and the ability to work in confined spaces shaped the modern type: compact, dry, extremely fast, and remarkably agile. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the breed was recognized by kennel clubs and quickly spread throughout Europe and the United States, retaining its natural elegance, strong working energy, and friendly, steady temperament. It continues to be valued as both a sporting and family breed.
General Appearance
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog, slender, dry and distinctly aerodynamic, combining lightness with well-developed musculature. The outline is slightly elongated, with smooth body lines and a silhouette reminiscent of a smaller Greyhound. The chest is deep with well-arched ribs; the loin is moderately arched; the croup is powerful; thighs are long and dry. Fore- and hindlimbs are straight, fine-boned yet strong, with well-defined angulation providing strong propulsion and high speed. The typical expression is a blend of strength, flexibility, and elegance without coarseness. Movement is light, free, and extended, with powerful acceleration. Sexual dimorphism is moderate; overall balance is essential.
Important Proportions
The Whippet should retain a balanced height-to-length ratio, where the body is slightly longer than tall yet proportional. Chest depth reaches the elbow, providing lung capacity for high athletic load. The loin shows a smooth rise forming the characteristic arch, which must not be extreme or flat. Shoulder blades are well laid back, forming with the upper arm the structure required for an extended stride. Thigh and second thigh are long, with rear angulation corresponding to the front. The head is elongated but not narrow, with balanced proportions between muzzle and skull. All proportions must optimize speed, agility, and fluid movement.
Behavior and Temperament
The Whippet is gentle, even-tempered, and friendly, not prone to aggression and highly people-oriented. Indoors it is calm and unobtrusive, enjoying comfort and close contact with its owner. Outdoors the breed displays a strong chase instinct, energy, and great speed, requiring reliable control and safe conditions. It is easily trained, responsive to voice, and prefers soft, positive handling. The Whippet is sociable and good with children, yet benefits from early socialization. Within the family it is devoted and affectionate, while retaining independence and sporting drive.
Head
The Whippet’s head is long and dry, with a flat, moderately broad skull tapering toward the muzzle. The stop is slight and smooth. The muzzle is long and straight, with strong jaws and tight lips. Nose black or dark, with acceptable variations depending on coat color. Eyes oval, large, expressive, dark or harmonizing with coat; expression gentle and attentive. Ears small, fine, rose-shaped, set high, rising slightly when alert. Teeth strong, scissor bite. Overall head expression is elegant and refined but not overly fine.
Foreface
The foreface must be elongated, dry, and tapering neatly toward the nose, without excessive refinement or coarseness. The muzzle is straight, nearly equal in width at the base and mid-section, narrowing toward the tip. Jaws are fine but strong, with well-formed teeth and correct scissor bite. Lips thin and tight. Nose dark with open, mobile nostrils; lighter shades acceptable in light-colored dogs. The suborbital region is dry, without hollows. The stop is shallow and smooth. The general line of the foreface expresses lightness, speed, and refinement, harmonizing with the skull.
Eyes
Eyes are oval, large, moderately wide-set, with a soft, attentive expression reflecting the breed’s calm and friendly nature. Color is preferably dark; lighter tones are acceptable in light coats but must not appear glassy or disproportionate. Eyelids dry, tight, with a clear dark rim enhancing expression. The orbit neither protruding nor deep; gaze is lively but not wary. Round, bulging, or overly small eyes, as well as uneven lid closure, are undesirable. Expression must reflect elegance and intelligence.
Ears
Ears are small, thin, soft to the touch, set high; in repose forming the typical rose shape, lying back and exposing the inner edge. When alert they may lift slightly but must not stand erect or appear heavy. Shape is smooth with a gently rounded tip. Undesirable are large, heavy, long, or high-carried ears disrupting elegance. Skin fine and elastic. Correct ear carriage contributes to refined expression and lightness.
Neck
The neck is long, dry, gracefully arched, widening toward the shoulders and forming a harmonious transition to the body. The topline shows a slight arch emphasizing elegance. Musculature is well developed but not coarse. Carriage is high but not exaggerated. The throatline clean, without dewlap. The neck must allow free head movement and proper balance at speed. Thick, short, or overly long necks impair type. Correct proportions create an impression of lightness and unity.
Body
The body must be dry, firm, and elegant, yet sufficiently muscular for powerful acceleration. Topline smooth: withers moderately defined; back short and strong; loin with the typical but not extreme arch. Chest deep to the elbow; ribs well arched; croup long, slightly sloping, muscular. Underline rising; abdomen well tucked. Coarseness, looseness, a straight topline without arch, or an overly pronounced arch are undesirable. Correct body structure ensures balance, speed, and endurance.
Tail
The tail is long, thin, tapering, set low, carried in a soft curve at rest. In motion it may rise but must not exceed back level or curl. It should enhance silhouette and smooth body lines. Coat short and close. Thick, short, high-set, sharply kinked or stiff tails are faults. Proper tail form contributes to aerodynamic elegance and fluid movement.
Exterior Description
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, fine-boned yet strong, set under the body without rotation. Shoulder blades long, well laid back, forming correct angulation with the upper arm for reach and free movement. Upper arm long and muscular. Elbows close, not turning in or out. Forearm long and straight; wrist strong and slightly elastic. Pasterns moderately sloping. Limb length must support balance and lightness. Coarseness, curvature, weak pasterns, or shortened proportions are faults.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are long, powerful, well-angulated, providing strong thrust and speed. Thighs long and muscular without coarseness; second thighs long and dry, forming an efficient leverage system. Stifles well defined with balanced angulation; neither straight nor overly sharp. Hocks low, strong, not turned. Rear pasterns vertical, short, strong. Viewed from behind the limbs are straight and parallel. Weak joints, cow-hocks, or barrel-hocks are unacceptable. Correct angles ensure power and agility.
Gait / Movement
Movement is light, free, extended, springy, with marked reach in front and strong rear drive. Gallop is natural—extremely fast with instant acceleration. At the trot, movement is straight, even, without lateral deviation or body roll. Back firm, transmitting drive forward. Short stride, stiffness, high lifting of forelegs, crossing limbs or “bunny hopping” are faults. Correct movement reflects balance, strength, and aerodynamics.
Coat
Coat short, smooth, close-lying, with little or no undercoat. Texture soft, fine, yet weather-resistant. Slightly coarser texture on tail and limbs permitted without length or harshness. Coat must emphasize dry musculature and smooth lines. Long, wavy, harsh, sparse, brittle coat or bald patches are undesirable. Proper coat ensures clean outline and easy care.
Permissible Colors
All colors are allowed, including solid, brindle, particolor, white combinations, and various pigment intensities. Common shades include blue, cream, fawn, red, black, and brindle, but the standard does not restrict color as long as pigmentation is sound. White markings may appear on chest, feet, tail, muzzle, or neck. Only colors linked to genetic defects or weak pigmentation affecting health are prohibited. Pigmentation of eyelids, nose, and lips should harmonize with coat.
Size
A medium-sized breed with clear sexual dimorphism but without extremes. Males: 47–51 cm; females: 44–47 cm. Weight is not strictly fixed but must correspond to type: dry, muscular, neither obese nor overly thin. Size must preserve aerodynamics and speed. Oversized, heavy, or overly light dogs that impair function are faults.
Faults
Faults include any deviations not destroying type but affecting balance, movement, or general impression. Slight topline deviations—too straight or slightly over-arched. Weak loin, insufficient chest depth, flat ribs. Mild elbow turning, weak pasterns, insufficient rear angulation. Flat or splayed feet, weak pads. Slightly large or high ears. Too light, protruding, or narrowed eyes. Weak pigmentation not harmful to health. Minor movement faults: stiffness, reduced reach. Immature musculature in young dogs is a temporary fault if balance remains.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations destroying breed type or function. Aggression or extreme shyness; behavior preventing examination. Incorrect bite: level bite, underbite, overbite; missing teeth beyond allowed limits. Erect or semi-erect ears; large heavy ears. Blue eyes unrelated to coat; heterochromia; major eyelid defects. Complete lack of nose pigment or pink nose except in dilute colors. Limb deformities, severe movement abnormalities, major structural faults, incorrect number of toes. Albinism, harmful colors, extreme emaciation or gross build.
Important Notes
The Whippet is built for speed, agility, and clean lines; therefore ring evaluation must emphasize balance, proportion, and quality of movement. Excessive thinness or exaggerated loin arch is unacceptable. The dog must appear dry, toned, never exhausted; musculature firm and elastic. Pigmentation of eyelids, lips, and nose must be correct. Young dogs may show temporary instability in joints or incomplete development; these should not be judged harshly if type is preserved. The priority is breed typicality, lightness, elegance, and sporting functionality.
Conclusion
The Whippet embodies a harmonious blend of athleticism, elegance, and gentle character. Its outline, proportions, and movement serve the purpose of high speed, agility, and endurance. Evaluation must consider the whole dog: silhouette smooth, balanced, light; movement free and precise. Exaggerated traits reducing function are unacceptable. The Whippet must retain natural dryness, elasticity, and expression without losing type. The breed combines affectionate temperament, adaptability, and strong working qualities, making it both a superb companion and a versatile sport dog. Breeding aims include health, stable temperament, and preservation of true breed type.
