whelp (n.) Look up whelp at Dictionary.com
O.E. hwelp "whelp, young of the dog," from a Gmc. root related to O.S. hwelp, O.N. hvelpr, Du. welp, Ger. hwelf; of unknown origin. Now largely displaced by puppy. Also applied to wild animals. Sense of "scamp" first recorded early 14c.