Which key economic factor made the Greyhound unsuitable for the average 19th-century Northern English factory worker?
Answer
They were too large and expensive to maintain given modest means
The genesis of the Whippet was fundamentally rooted in socio-economic necessity. The larger Greyhound, though possessing superior speed, represented a significant financial burden for the average working-class individual in industrial England. Maintaining a larger dog requires more resources—more food and more space—which was prohibitive for those with limited income. The deliberate crossbreeding to create a smaller, more compact sighthound was the direct solution to this economic barrier, allowing the working man to afford both sport and companionship.
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?