What two canine profiles formed the foundation of the Whippet breed through targeted crossbreeding?
Answer
The Greyhound and various Terrier breeds
The Whippet was deliberately engineered in the 19th century specifically to combine desirable traits from established breeds. The primary genetic source for speed, lung capacity, and the sighthound profile—including the deep chest and arched loin—came from the Greyhound. To make the resulting dog more affordable, smaller, and hardier for the working class, stock from various Terrier breeds was introduced. This introduction of Terrier genetics provided necessary hardiness and tenacity, often linked to their suitability for catching quarry, resulting in a compact dog that retained the speed characteristics of its larger cousin.
Related Questions
What two canine profiles formed the foundation of the Whippet breed through targeted crossbreeding?Why did early Whippets sometimes earn the nickname "snap dog" in local coursing circles?Which physical blueprint elements did the Greyhound primarily contribute to the Whippet's velocity?What was the singular primary goal when engineering the Whippet during the 19th century?What factor caused the Terrier influence to potentially diminish in focus as the breed matured toward standardization?What administrative step formalized the ideal Whippet blending grace with pluck?Which defining size difference separates the finished Whippet from its Greyhound parent?What key development in North America provided a humane alternative for exercising the Whippet's innate chasing drive?What characteristic of the Whippet’s physical structure is described as essential for providing the 'crucial spring' in its stride?What critical trait ensured the Whippet's continued success into the 21st century beyond its initial coursing speed?Which key economic factor made the Greyhound unsuitable for the average 19th-century Northern English factory worker?