The Elegance of Whippet Size and Colour
Whippets are celebrated for their sleek, balanced build and incredible versatility, but their size and colour add a unique dimension to their elegance. At Ashsinhalt Whippets, we are committed to producing dogs that reflect the original size and diverse range of colours this breed was historically known for, while prioritizing health and temperament.
Size: Compact and Refined
The breed standard defines whippets as medium-sized dogs with males standing between 47–51 cm (18½–20 ins) and females measuring 44–47 cm (17½–18½ ins) at the shoulder. While modern whippets can sometimes exceed these dimensions, we are dedicated to producing smaller, more refined whippets that stay true to the breed’s origins. Historically, whippets were smaller than the average size seen today, bred for agility, speed, and adaptability in their working roles. By maintaining this original size, we aim to preserve the athleticism and elegance that define the breed’s heritage.
Colour: A Tapestry of Variety
One of the most remarkable aspects of whippets is the stunning variety of coat colours and patterns they can exhibit. At Ashsinhalt Whippets, we celebrate this diversity while always ensuring health and temperament remain paramount.
Here’s an overview of the colours found in whippets:
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Black: A classic and striking colour, which can sometimes take on a seal-like appearance.
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Blue: A dilute of black, offering a soft, elegant hue.
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Brindle: A striking pattern where dark stripes overlay a lighter base coat. Brindle can also be diluted to blue brindle, with the pheomelanin pigment varying from light to deep red. Brindles may appear in clear, masked, or shaded forms.
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Fawn: A warm, solid colour that can range from pale to rich red tones. Like brindle, fawn can be clear, masked, or shaded, and can also be diluted to blue fawn.
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Saddle: A distinctive pattern featuring a darker overlay on a lighter base. Saddle patterns can appear on brindle or fawn bases and may also dilute to blue saddle.
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Cream: A soft and delicate shade that can vary from off-white to moderate red, adding an understated beauty to the breed.
All these colours can be further enhanced by a variety of white markings. Whippets can range from solid (no white) to white trim, piebald, or even nearly solid white, showcasing the breed’s incredible diversity in appearance.
Honoring the Whippet’s Heritage
Whippets were originally bred for poaching, excelling in hunting small game with speed, agility, and precision. Their dark coats were highly prized for this purpose, as they provided excellent camouflage for nighttime work. These darker colours, such as black and seal, remain prominent in working whippet lines today. In contrast, modern show lines often favor fawn and brindle coats for their striking appearance in the show ring. This divergence highlights the breed’s versatility and the range of traits celebrated in different contexts.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Our breeding program aims to produce whippets in all these stunning colours, ensuring each dog reflects the breed’s heritage and elegance. However, for us, colour is secondary to health, temperament, and adherence to the breed standard. A whippet’s beauty comes not just from its physical appearance but from its gentle, affectionate nature and adaptable personality. By maintaining a focus on these qualities, we aim to breed whippets that are as exceptional in character as they are in appearance.
At Ashsinhalt Whippets, our mission is to honor the history of this incredible breed while ensuring it thrives in the modern world. Whether it’s their compact size or their rich tapestry of colours, we believe every whippet we breed should exemplify the true essence of this remarkable breed.