Philosophy | Ashsinhaltwhippets

Mission Statement

Breeding whippets has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I’m dedicated to preserving and improving this amazing breed, always striving to stay true to the breed standard in every way.

At Ashsinhalt Whippets, we’re a couple of whippet lovers with a unique goal: to bring back the original purpose and temperament of the Australian pedigree whippet. We believe in whippets that are outgoing, confident, intelligent, and stable—dogs that can snuggle up on the couch with the family but also switch into high gear when it’s time to work.

Whippets are such a versatile breed, excelling in everything from sports and work to just being incredible companions. They’re descended from greyhounds and were originally bred for their size, color, and attitude. These little powerhouses were known for their speed, agility, and endurance, making them the perfect poaching dogs in England. Not only could they hunt with precision and speed, but they were also loving family dogs. Back then, their dark coats made them ideal for working at night—a trait that’s still prominent in original working lines but harder to find in today’s show whippets.

For me, it’s all about honoring the history of this incredible breed and making sure its legacy thrives today.

The Heart of a Whippet

At Ashsinhalt Whippets, we are dedicated to breeding whippets that embody the ideal temperament—gentle, affectionate, and adaptable, as true to the breed standard as possible. For us, the perfect whippet is not only a devoted family companion but also a confident and intelligent dog, equally at home on the couch or out in the field.

Our goal is to produce whippets with an even disposition: calm, relaxed, and easy-going in day-to-day life, but with the intensity and drive to excel when it’s time to work or play. We prioritize dogs that are friendly and approachable, forming close bonds with their families while remaining alert and self-assured. A whippet should never be timid or aggressive but should exude quiet confidence and a willingness to engage with their surroundings when needed.

Through careful and thoughtful breeding, we strive to preserve these incredible traits—creating whippets that are as loyal and loving as they are adaptable and versatile. Whether they’re your trusted companion at home or your partner in adventure, our whippets are bred to meet the needs of modern life while honoring the breed’s rich history and purpose.

FCI

TEMPERAMENT: An ideal companion. Highly adaptable in domestic and sporting surroundings. Gentle, affectionate, even disposition.

Dogs Australia

CHARACTERISTICS He is equally at home as a devoted family pet or a highly intelligent sporting dog, happy to do whatever you are doing. If you feel like lounging around at home, that is fine, he will curl up in a corner and go to sleep, always with one ear cocked to know what you may do next. If you want to go for a day in the bush, that is fine too, as he is up in a flash, ready for anything.

TEMPERAMENT Gentle, affectionate, even disposition.

The Whippet is one of the least aggressive of dogs, both with people and with other dogs. He is gentle and affectionate in the extreme, but will also form a very close relationship with one particular person. He is amenable to discipline and very anxious to please. Whilst all this is true, he should not be at all retiring or shy. He might not be very interested in you, as a stranger, but he most definitely should not be timid, and will, given cause, warn off intruders.

A relaxed but confident, even disposition. A Whippet should be neither timid nor aggressive

AKC

Temperament: Amiable, friendly, gentle, but capable of great intensity during sporting pursuits

Size and Colour: A Whippet’s Elegance

Whippets are a medium-sized breed with a sleek and balanced build. According to the breed standard, males stand between 47–51 cm (18½–20 ins), and females measure 44–47 cm (17½–18½ ins) at the shoulder. At Ashsinhalt Whippets, we aim to produce smaller, more refined whippets that reflect the original breed size—significantly smaller than the larger whippets commonly seen today, maintaining the historical aspect of the breed.

When it comes to colour, whippets display a stunning variety. From deep blacks, to elegant blues, striking brindles, rich fawns and unique saddles and creams, in clear, masked, or shaded patterns, their coats are as versatile as their personalities. Variations like blue brindle, blue fawn and saddle patterns —ranging from soft white to warm red hues—adding to the breed’s charm.
True to original breed purpose of poaching at night, historically, the darker colours were favoured due to their better camouflage and still maintain these colours in working whippets today, unlike what is commonly seen in the show ring.

At Ashsinhalt Whippets, we embrace this diversity and strive to produce whippets in any colour, always prioritizing health, temperament, and adherence to the breed’s unique elegance.

Learn more about the diversity of colours in the breed here.

Whippet Health

Health & Longevity at Ashsinhalt Whippets

At Ashsinhalt Whippets, we believe that health is the foundation of a successful breeding program. We are committed to ensuring that every dog we breed is not only a loving companion but also has the best chance for a long, healthy life. Health testing plays a crucial role in our breeding decisions, and we are dedicated to continuously testing our dogs for various health concerns throughout their lives.

Health testing is essential not just during the active breeding years but for the entirety of a dog’s life. Many health issues in whippets may not appear until later in life, after a dog has been retired from breeding. That’s why we prioritize longevity and breed health by constantly evaluating our breeding dogs even as they age, to make informed decisions that ensure a healthy future for the breed.

Common Health Concerns in Whippets

Heart Conditions
Heart murmurs and mitral valve disease are among the most common heart issues found in whippets. The only reliable way to screen for these conditions is through an echocardiogram performed by a specialist veterinarian. This test should be conducted annually to ensure that no changes in heart health develop later in life. While heart issues are not directly genetically testable, a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to these conditions. We take great care to carefully study pedigrees to avoid breeding dogs with a history of heart problems.

Epilepsy
Epilepsy is another condition that can occur in whippets, though the genetic factors behind it are still unclear. Currently, there is no genetic test to diagnose or prevent epilepsy, and it’s unknown whether it is inherited from the parents. Some bloodlines appear to have a higher frequency of epilepsy, so we err on the side of caution by avoiding known affected lines and not introducing them into our breeding program.

Allergies
While allergies can affect whippets, the specific causes remain unclear. Both genetic and environmental factors likely play a role. We are committed to managing and minimizing the potential for allergies by carefully controlling the diet and environment of our pregnant and lactating dams, as well as all puppies from an early age. By providing diverse food sources and gut health support, we help promote a strong immune system that may reduce the occurrence and intensity of allergies.

Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity is a key factor in maintaining a healthy, long-lived breed. According to the UC Davis Genetic Diversity Study, while whippets generally have good genetic diversity, the breed has a low effective population size, which means there’s a risk of genetic bottlenecks. For this reason, it is vital for breeders to prioritize genetic diversity and work to maintain high heterozygosity in the gene pool. Whippets' effective population size has been calculated at 56.4Ne, which is just above the theoretical limit of 50 individuals required to maintain Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. By ensuring both haplotypes 1 and 2 remain heterozygous, we protect against genetic problems and ensure the breed's health and longevity. This can be easily monitored through a test provided by UC Davis.

Health Testing Protocol

To maintain the health and longevity of whippets, we adhere to the health testing guidelines set forth by the Whippet Health Foundation. This ensures that our dogs meet the highest health standards, and we are doing everything possible to select for strong, healthy genetics.

Required Testing:

Whippet Health Foundation Database: All breeding dogs must be included in the Whippet Health Foundation’s database.
ACES Eye Exam: An annual eye exam to check for any hereditary eye conditions.
Echocardiogram by a Board-Certified Cardiologist: Performed yearly to screen for heart issues.
BAER Hearing Test: A once-only test to ensure proper hearing.

Recommended Additional Testing:

Thyroid Testing: Conducted every two years at an approved lab to ensure proper thyroid function.
Myostatin Deficiency Test: A one-time test to detect myostatin-related muscular issues.
CHED Hips or PennHIP Evaluation: A one-time test to check for hip dysplasia and ensure proper joint health.