A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BREED

The true origin of the Whippet is something that can never be totally agreed upon by any Whippet enthusiast. Some seek to prove from early paintings and pottery that Whippets have existed as a recognizable breed from as early as the 16^th Century. There are examples of small strong elegant Hounds where ever man has depended on hunting for survival. I personally believe that the Romans possibly introduced a Whippet type of dog to the British Isles, and that these hounds were crossed with various terrier breeds to produce fast little dogs for hunting rabbits and later for racing. The "Snap Dog" was a favourite of Welsh coal miners who relied on their pets to capture fresh meat for the dinner table. The breed's distinct advantages in its swiftness, quietness and earlier small size did not go unnoticed by poachers who would hide the Whippet under their coats away from the warden's suspicious eye and then sneak them onto the king's grounds to hunt. The miners first began competitive racing with the Whippet, dubbing it "The Poor Man's Race Horse." An entire week's wages might ride on the speed of the family hearth dog. A fast dog then, was money in the pocket and special pride to the one who owned him. . Though the Whippet slowly faded from the public's eye during the 40's, it is once again coming back in popularity. The increasing awareness of its several different activities and its easy care in the home has brought it back in all measures of competition. . It was not until towards the end of the 18^th Century that the Whippet appears to have acquired a name of his own.

The Kennel Club UK. Officially recognized the breed in 1890. In 1899 the Whippet Club (UK) was formed.

CHARACTERISTICS AND GENERAL APPEARANCE

Elegant, sleek, so much like a deer, all describe the Whippet. Yet no description would be accurate until swift, powerful and gentle were added. For the Whippet is all this and more. Bred for a purpose, to pursue and capture small game; it has retained all the characteristics first looked for nearly 200 years ago and yet still maintains the place as an ideal home dog to all who own one. The Whippet is a SightHound of medium size, with an overall impression of beautifully balanced muscular power and strength, combined with great elegance and grace of outline. All forms of exaggeration should be avoided. The Whippet is an ideal companion for all age groups. With a temperament that is gentle and affectionate the Whippet is highly adaptable in most situations. Few people who own a Whippet ever stay with just one. In true ‘potato chip” theory, they find that two or three are as little trouble as one of many larger breeds.

TRAINING YOUR WHIPPET

The Whippet is used for a greater variety of purposes than most any other breed. It may be the family pet, show dog or breeding animal, racing dog, obedience or agility performer, but the Whippets original purpose in life was to be a hunting dog, coursing live game. The Whippet is still a strongly competitive breed that can take to the field at a moments notice and handle the most rugged terrain with little effort. Whippets respond best to positive training methods. I have personally been involved in an education programme in schools in the South Auckland area. My Whippets have helped encourage thousands of young children with little or no confidence in dogs. Whippets are extremely quiet and well mannered around children. Far from being nervous, the Whippet instead shows an unusual cool and aloof manner in most circumstances. In the home the Whippet is known for its quietness, however they are quick to make their presence known if a stranger appears. It is only in the field or on the track that a Whippet spirit is released into vocal enthusiasm as it eagerly awaits its turn to run. A large yard is not necessary for a Whippet as long as it is given a chance to stretch his legs regularly. A fenced play area though is essential.

CARING FOR YOUR WHIPPET

Because Whippets have short, fine coats, they can look immaculate with very little help from the owner. But a quick groom daily with a rubber glove, or brush, will ensure that as little loose hair as possible is left to shed on furniture or clothing. The grooming session is good time to check over the Whippet for any sign of abrasions etc, which might require attention. Whippet toenails grow quickly and attention to clipping or filing is necessary every three weeks or so. Since Whippets have thin fine coats, and are susceptible to cold, they must be provided with warm weatherproof accommodation. It would be cruel to expect a single Whippet, kept as a family pet, to sleep alone outside, and if you want one dog and want to keep him under these conditions, do not have a Whippet.

KEEPING YOUR WHIPPET HEALTHY

Fortunately there are no serious genetic problems in this breed, as can sometimes be found in other breeds, and providing you are sensible with diet and exercise you can expect your Whippet to be around for a good few years. With their delicate looks Whippets can easily be considered as dogs with delicate health. But this is definitely NOT the case. Instead a Whippet is a true sporting hound with generally very good health.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BREED

CHARACTERISTICS AND GENERAL APPEARANCE

TRAINING YOUR WHIPPET

CARING FOR YOUR WHIPPET

KEEPING YOUR WHIPPET HEALTHY

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