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Whippet
Short History of the Breed
It is generally agreed that the Whippet as we know it today developed in Northern England during the mid to late 19th century. Greyhounds were crossed with small terriers, (including possibly the Bedlington Terrier), to produce a small, swift hound capable of hunting rabbits and other small game. During this era, matches, and of course, obedience training. Whippets are independent thinkers, and many of them find obedience training to be somewhat beneath them. But those who do enjoy it have excelled, and there are quite a few Whippets who have earned obedience championships. Notes on the origin of the word "whippet." The word "whip" probably derives from the Middle English "whippen" or "wippen," meaning "to whip." "To whip" has such derivative meanings as "to move smartly, quickly or nimbly," hence the quick moving and lively dog, "the Whippet."
The whippet belonged mainly to the working class people of England.
These were factory and mine workers in Northern towns near Manchester and Liverpool, who worked hard and lived simple lives. Because of this, the whippet became known as the "poor man's greyhound," or the "poor man's race horse." During non-working days, owners raced their whippets in fields and on town roads. These races became known as "rag races," probably because a piece of cloth was used as a lure. The dogs typically ran a straight 200 yard track. The American Kennel Club first registered a whippet in 1888. The dog was named Jack Dempsey, and was born September 23, 1885. He was bred by P. H. Hoffman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Whippet was first recognized as a registerable breed in England in 1891, when it was recognized by the Kennel Club of England. Today, Whippets are the most popular of the hound breeds at dog shows. Their size, short coat, and agreeable temperament make them the perfect family pet.
Organized activities for Whippets and their families can be found in most areas, and include lure coursing, straight racing, flyball, agility
Temperament
The Whippet is intelligent, lively, and affectionate. They are usually quiet and calm in the home. They do benefit from early puppy training and socialization in classes. Without varied experiences and some structure they can develop fearful or anxious tendencies. This breed should never be roughly trained. The benefit from lure and clicker training. They are generally good with children. Whippets are clean, virtually odor free, easy to care for and easy to travel with.
They get along quite well with cats, but should be introduced to them in puppyhood.
The Whippet is the ultimate racer and is the fastest animal on land for short distances. Whippets can be used to hunt small game. They should be trained to come when called for months online in the presence of distractions before used for coursing or live hunts.
The Whippet's sweet personality makes him a fine companion dog. Some can be difficult to housebreak while others housebreak quickly. Some can be tenacious chewers. Many are alarm barkers, while some can develop nuisance barking. All need crate training for the first year.
Dog Care
Moderate exercise. Whippets have no doggy odor and require few baths. Wide sighthound collars are best for walking and training. Whippets love to run and therefore should never be taken off of the leash in unfenced areas. They do well usually at dog parks, and many love retrieve games if started in puppyhood. They have little to no body fat and do not tolerate hard surfaces (like concrete-floored kennels) without developing pressure sores or callouses, and do not tolerate long periods of cold weather. They do love the sun, but Whippets who are predominately white can develop melanoma and other skin tumors.
Health Issues and Life Expectancy
1. Occasional genetic eye problems
2. Thin skin that tears easily if they run into wire fences, thorns, or in play with other dogs.
3. White whippets can develop more tumors than darker pigmented dogs.
4. Occasional deafness is also seen in predominately white dogs with little to no color on the head and pink pigment.
A well cared for Whippet can easily live to be 14-16 years of age.
Additional Resources
www.fullcircleobedience.com
Latest page update: made by fullcircleobed
, Nov 15 2007, 2:01 PM EST
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Edited by fullcircleobed
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Edited by fullcircleobed
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- complete history)
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | |
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| carycat1 | My Whippet | 0 | Apr 28 2008, 12:34 AM EDT by carycat1 | |
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Thread started: Apr 28 2008, 12:34 AM EDT
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You are right about their speed... mine is faster than lightning and loves running laps around the back yard when she is playing fetch!
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| Yatahae | Whippett | 0 | Nov 11 2007, 11:50 PM EST by Yatahae | |
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Thread started: Nov 11 2007, 11:50 PM EST
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Nice dogs, thanks for updating this page.
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