Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
Tell me about whippets. Pros and cons please?
Whippets
- Thread starter Patchworkpony
- Start date
Chiffy
Well-Known Member
Fabulous! My first dog after I was married and once I stopped to not working full time. Perfect in the house, great on a walk. Good at obedience classes, there wasn’t agility or flyball back then. Great companions. Like warmth and a coat in winter if only trotting along on a lead. We bred from my first one and kept another bitch. Had a rescue one a few years later.
I have flatcoats now, but my daughter has a whippet that joins my dogs quite often. They live on a farm.She is steady with all livestock including free range hens. They also have a cat.
Does that answer enough questions.
PS, they come in lots of fun colours and different markings!
I have flatcoats now, but my daughter has a whippet that joins my dogs quite often. They live on a farm.She is steady with all livestock including free range hens. They also have a cat.
Does that answer enough questions.
PS, they come in lots of fun colours and different markings!
Parrotperson
Well-Known Member
I like a whippet. They’re generally nice dogs. They’re so that hounds f course and some (if not all) have a very hard wired instinct to chase and kill.
Chiffy
Well-Known Member
Parrotperson, ours liked a sprint after a rabbit or even a hare, but none of them ever killed anything. We could take them hacking with the horses and you can’t have them diving off chase ing things then.
Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
Thank you SO much. I am very tempted to get one.
Penguin_Toes
Well-Known Member
Pros:
Gentle
Great with kids
Sleep for 18 hours a day
Only *need* one walk a day, but also will happily walk and walk
Don't bark much
Don't really smell
Very snuggly
Cons:
You get A LOT of comments about them being too thin/feed your dog etc especially if in a town rather than rural areas. This is what I have struggled with most
They pi$$ all over their legs so you are constantly wiping them down
Not super obedient, they are easily distracted since they are hounds.
Probably wouldn't get on with a cat
I really don't know what I'm talking about, mine is my first ever dog, but he's been such a pleasure. People often say he's like half cat half dog.
@Cortez and @I'm Dun really know their stuff.
Gentle
Great with kids
Sleep for 18 hours a day
Only *need* one walk a day, but also will happily walk and walk
Don't bark much
Don't really smell
Very snuggly
Cons:
You get A LOT of comments about them being too thin/feed your dog etc especially if in a town rather than rural areas. This is what I have struggled with most
They pi$$ all over their legs so you are constantly wiping them down
Not super obedient, they are easily distracted since they are hounds.
Probably wouldn't get on with a cat
I really don't know what I'm talking about, mine is my first ever dog, but he's been such a pleasure. People often say he's like half cat half dog.
@Cortez and @I'm Dun really know their stuff.
Penguin_Toes
Well-Known Member
Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
Thanks for that very useful info. People are so ignorant!Pros:
Gentle
Great with kids
Sleep for 18 hours a day
Only *need* one walk a day, but also will happily walk and walk
Don't bark much
Don't really smell
Very snuggly
Cons:
You get A LOT of comments about them being too thin/feed your dog etc especially if in a town rather than rural areas. This is what I have struggled with most
They pi$$ all over their legs so you are constantly wiping them down
Not super obedient, they are easily distracted since they are hounds.
Probably wouldn't get on with a cat
I really don't know what I'm talking about, mine is my first ever dog, but he's been such a pleasure. People often say he's like half cat half dog.
@Cortez and @I'm Dun really know their stuff.
Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
Absolutely gorgeous.A picture of him, having to dress them up is an added bonus, he can look quite equine
Horseysheepy
Well-Known Member
Im sure Cortez on here has whippet(s)!
I love them but don't own one, but maybe one day I will!.
I love them but don't own one, but maybe one day I will!.
I'm Dun
Well-Known Member
the only con is one is never enough.
Mine are the easiest dogs I know. Today I got up and pottered around before forcing them out of bed at 9.30am, they prefer around 11am as getting up time. Chucked them in the car and spent 4 hours going back and forward with a car full of stuff, moving things in and out of my storage unit. At either location they were given the option to be out mooching around or staying in the car. They had a run about once or twice, but mainly just stayed in the car with the door open. Finally done, we went for a walk. I was tired and it was drizzling, so we did a mile, off lead round a local country park. They ignored all other dogs, even the rude ones. My older boy did greet a teenager, but was called over and I said he could go. He gave the boy a lovely whippet body hug, and caught me up. I never have to worry about them with people, even tiny children. They wouldn't react no matter how roughly they were treated, they don't have it in them.
The youngest is very sharp and likes to run, my old boy just trots along at my heel mainly sniffing things. Back in the car for an hour while I braved the supermarket, then home for food and back to bed. I've been in and out all afternoon. They were forced out for a wee a few mins ago at 6.30pm and they wont want to go again till tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow I'm less busy, so we will do a big walk, somewhere between 6 and 10miles. The youngest will probably cover 30 miles while me and the old boy cover 10miles. He has to run every day or he's like a fresh box rested horse. He also has a prey drive like no other whippet I have ever met. We keep this in check by rabbiting. or we go to places there are lots of grey squirrels and he picks them off, which given the damage they have done to red squirrels, is fine by me. Hes had no training, but is phenomenal. The other boy couldn't catch a cold and eats dead things given a chance, so he doesn't get to join in hunting.
They both are very cuddly loving dogs and love nothing more than me getting in bed with them so they can cuddle me.
Theyve lived on boats, in hotel rooms, in caravans, basically anywhere I end up, they just settle in. I can confidently leave them alone in a hotel room, knowing the wont make a fuss or do any damage. I can walk them through Oxford centre on a Saturday afternoon, take them on a train, in a bus or car, and they both know how to run with me when I cycle. They are honestly, so, so, so, so easy and adaptable.
They are both sensitive. If I shouted at them the oldest boys heart would break and the younger one would decide he was terrified of me. They do both have an independent streak despite being velcro dogs. Its something that's bred into them to make good working dogs, and I always go for working lines as I like the brain and temperament.
My oldest boy has lived with other dogs since he was born, and when I lost my old boy developed separation anxiety. I tried to fix it but never succeeded, so I bought him a puppy and he instantly relaxed.
The youngest is sharp as hell. I've never known anything as clever as he is, and when you combine that with a phenomenal prey drive, bring super athletic and fit, he'd have been a problem for a lot of people. He was a massive problem for me when he was an adolescent, but I just rode it out and he's an absolute delight now. I just have to have him on a lead when there might be deer about, because despite being far too small, before I realised what he might do, he took out munt jack AND fallow deer. Biggest shock of my life seeing him do that and people don't really believe me as a 20kg dog shouldn't be able to bring down something 3 times at least his size and weight. No one told my little lion heart dog.Hes destined for lure racing next year when hes fully mature, he will be unbeatable.
and here they are this afternoon, looking like they have been out on a drinking binge, come home and eaten a cheesecake and passed out
Mine are the easiest dogs I know. Today I got up and pottered around before forcing them out of bed at 9.30am, they prefer around 11am as getting up time. Chucked them in the car and spent 4 hours going back and forward with a car full of stuff, moving things in and out of my storage unit. At either location they were given the option to be out mooching around or staying in the car. They had a run about once or twice, but mainly just stayed in the car with the door open. Finally done, we went for a walk. I was tired and it was drizzling, so we did a mile, off lead round a local country park. They ignored all other dogs, even the rude ones. My older boy did greet a teenager, but was called over and I said he could go. He gave the boy a lovely whippet body hug, and caught me up. I never have to worry about them with people, even tiny children. They wouldn't react no matter how roughly they were treated, they don't have it in them.
The youngest is very sharp and likes to run, my old boy just trots along at my heel mainly sniffing things. Back in the car for an hour while I braved the supermarket, then home for food and back to bed. I've been in and out all afternoon. They were forced out for a wee a few mins ago at 6.30pm and they wont want to go again till tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow I'm less busy, so we will do a big walk, somewhere between 6 and 10miles. The youngest will probably cover 30 miles while me and the old boy cover 10miles. He has to run every day or he's like a fresh box rested horse. He also has a prey drive like no other whippet I have ever met. We keep this in check by rabbiting. or we go to places there are lots of grey squirrels and he picks them off, which given the damage they have done to red squirrels, is fine by me. Hes had no training, but is phenomenal. The other boy couldn't catch a cold and eats dead things given a chance, so he doesn't get to join in hunting.
They both are very cuddly loving dogs and love nothing more than me getting in bed with them so they can cuddle me.
Theyve lived on boats, in hotel rooms, in caravans, basically anywhere I end up, they just settle in. I can confidently leave them alone in a hotel room, knowing the wont make a fuss or do any damage. I can walk them through Oxford centre on a Saturday afternoon, take them on a train, in a bus or car, and they both know how to run with me when I cycle. They are honestly, so, so, so, so easy and adaptable.
They are both sensitive. If I shouted at them the oldest boys heart would break and the younger one would decide he was terrified of me. They do both have an independent streak despite being velcro dogs. Its something that's bred into them to make good working dogs, and I always go for working lines as I like the brain and temperament.
My oldest boy has lived with other dogs since he was born, and when I lost my old boy developed separation anxiety. I tried to fix it but never succeeded, so I bought him a puppy and he instantly relaxed.
The youngest is sharp as hell. I've never known anything as clever as he is, and when you combine that with a phenomenal prey drive, bring super athletic and fit, he'd have been a problem for a lot of people. He was a massive problem for me when he was an adolescent, but I just rode it out and he's an absolute delight now. I just have to have him on a lead when there might be deer about, because despite being far too small, before I realised what he might do, he took out munt jack AND fallow deer. Biggest shock of my life seeing him do that and people don't really believe me as a 20kg dog shouldn't be able to bring down something 3 times at least his size and weight. No one told my little lion heart dog.Hes destined for lure racing next year when hes fully mature, he will be unbeatable.
and here they are this afternoon, looking like they have been out on a drinking binge, come home and eaten a cheesecake and passed out
Parrotperson
Well-Known Member
The whippets I know killed a hare and some rabbits last week. They’re fine around chickens cos they’ve always lived with them but I’m told would kill a cat. Some are good. Some are not. Defines a lot on upbringing!
I'm Dun
Well-Known Member
the only food item the youngest has ever stolen was a piece of cucumber out of the bin, I dunno what he thought it was but he was bitterly disappointed
the youngest again, furious that I dared to disturb him
hes an absolute athele
the older boy, who is an adorable clumsy clown and the most delightful friendly creature you will ever meet
his favourite thing to do is to pop bubble wrap
how he would choose to sleep if I let him
we regularly go into coffee shops, the youngest is addicted to puppacinos. They wont lay on the hard floor, but know to tuck out of the way and not bother anyone without my say so.
Even as a tiny puppy, I could park them both on the tow path and they would just sleep. A handy trait for boat dogs
the youngest again, furious that I dared to disturb him
hes an absolute athele
the older boy, who is an adorable clumsy clown and the most delightful friendly creature you will ever meet
his favourite thing to do is to pop bubble wrap
how he would choose to sleep if I let him
we regularly go into coffee shops, the youngest is addicted to puppacinos. They wont lay on the hard floor, but know to tuck out of the way and not bother anyone without my say so.
Even as a tiny puppy, I could park them both on the tow path and they would just sleep. A handy trait for boat dogs
I'm Dun
Well-Known Member
One of mine, the oldest, is fine with everything with the exception of sheep. Even when I had my own sheep I never managed to break that habit. The younger one despite being a hunting machine is fine with all livestock, but NOT deer/rabbits/foxes/squirrels/rats. Both are ok with cats, the oldest lived with them. The younger boy has never lived with a cat, and would adapt to living with one, but I wouldn't do it with him now. I think the risk of something going wrong is too high. They all are fine if you introduce them as puppies though.
Its not upbringing, its breeding mainly. My oldest is perfect as he came from working lines, but failed working lines, so he doesn't have the drive. The young boy is like nothing I have ever met. I have never known a dog this drivey and when you combine that with brains and athleticism he needs careful handling, and an outlet for the prey drive. If he doesn't get to run off lead every day, and hunt a couple of times a week he suffers from depression and mopes about. If he lived somewhere urban where he was constantly on his lead he'd hate it. Mine are off lead almost all the time. Both have super recall.
Both hack out with horses off lead and are fine
Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
the only con is one is never enough.
Mine are the easiest dogs I know. Today I got up and pottered around before forcing them out of bed at 9.30am, they prefer around 11am as getting up time. Chucked them in the car and spent 4 hours going back and forward with a car full of stuff, moving things in and out of my storage unit. At either location they were given the option to be out mooching around or staying in the car. They had a run about once or twice, but mainly just stayed in the car with the door open. Finally done, we went for a walk. I was tired and it was drizzling, so we did a mile, off lead round a local country park. They ignored all other dogs, even the rude ones. My older boy did greet a teenager, but was called over and I said he could go. He gave the boy a lovely whippet body hug, and caught me up. I never have to worry about them with people, even tiny children. They wouldn't react no matter how roughly they were treated, they don't have it in them.
The youngest is very sharp and likes to run, my old boy just trots along at my heel mainly sniffing things. Back in the car for an hour while I braved the supermarket, then home for food and back to bed. I've been in and out all afternoon. They were forced out for a wee a few mins ago at 6.30pm and they wont want to go again till tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow I'm less busy, so we will do a big walk, somewhere between 6 and 10miles. The youngest will probably cover 30 miles while me and the old boy cover 10miles. He has to run every day or he's like a fresh box rested horse. He also has a prey drive like no other whippet I have ever met. We keep this in check by rabbiting. or we go to places there are lots of grey squirrels and he picks them off, which given the damage they have done to red squirrels, is fine by me. Hes had no training, but is phenomenal. The other boy couldn't catch a cold and eats dead things given a chance, so he doesn't get to join in hunting.
They both are very cuddly loving dogs and love nothing more than me getting in bed with them so they can cuddle me.
Theyve lived on boats, in hotel rooms, in caravans, basically anywhere I end up, they just settle in. I can confidently leave them alone in a hotel room, knowing the wont make a fuss or do any damage. I can walk them through Oxford centre on a Saturday afternoon, take them on a train, in a bus or car, and they both know how to run with me when I cycle. They are honestly, so, so, so, so easy and adaptable.
They are both sensitive. If I shouted at them the oldest boys heart would break and the younger one would decide he was terrified of me. They do both have an independent streak despite being velcro dogs. Its something that's bred into them to make good working dogs, and I always go for working lines as I like the brain and temperament.
My oldest boy has lived with other dogs since he was born, and when I lost my old boy developed separation anxiety. I tried to fix it but never succeeded, so I bought him a puppy and he instantly relaxed.
The youngest is sharp as hell. I've never known anything as clever as he is, and when you combine that with a phenomenal prey drive, bring super athletic and fit, he'd have been a problem for a lot of people. He was a massive problem for me when he was an adolescent, but I just rode it out and he's an absolute delight now. I just have to have him on a lead when there might be deer about, because despite being far too small, before I realised what he might do, he took out munt jack AND fallow deer. Biggest shock of my life seeing him do that and people don't really believe me as a 20kg dog shouldn't be able to bring down something 3 times at least his size and weight. No one told my little lion heart dog.Hes destined for lure racing next year when hes fully mature, he will be unbeatable.
and here they are this afternoon, looking like they have been out on a drinking binge, come home and eaten a cheesecake and passed out
Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
Thank you fo
Thank you so much for your wonderful long reply and the pictures of your beautiful dogs.
I'm Dun
Well-Known Member
I thought I'd kept it short
I just think they are amazing pets for pretty much anyone
Spotherisk
Well-Known Member
I will second the sleeping for hours, the pissing on the front legs (boys only!), the general loveliness and the flakiness with livestock (shall I, shan’t I chase it?).
A friend of a friend has a new puppy of a few months old now, and he is a winger. My first one was a bit of a winger, apparently this one just whinges to himself a lot in a ‘woe is me’ way, which would be very tedious!
And… pictures - caveat, mine is whippet x (whippet x greyhound) x (whippet x Bedlington terrier), so whipetty, rather than a whippet!
A friend of a friend has a new puppy of a few months old now, and he is a winger. My first one was a bit of a winger, apparently this one just whinges to himself a lot in a ‘woe is me’ way, which would be very tedious!
And… pictures - caveat, mine is whippet x (whippet x greyhound) x (whippet x Bedlington terrier), so whipetty, rather than a whippet!
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Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
They certainly look it thank you.I thought I'd kept it short
Patchworkpony
Well-Known Member
Thank you for the lovely pictures.
pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Aww how cute are they? My friends whippet boy really struggles with his recall. Otherwise he’s perfect.
neddy man
Well-Known Member
We're on out 2nd whippet, having had working lurchers for 30 years. Brought in when we had the other whippet a mini daschund and cats, became sole occupant earlier this year, now has a kitten as a companion. She's 9 and fit and healthy always has been only goes to vets for yearly jabs, walks/runs between 6 and 10 miles a day. Terrific dogs will go for miles, but if your poorly will happily just lay about all day, good with other dogs, and if trained right will be very obedient. Just get one, you won't regret it.
WuzzBred
Active Member
My friend has has a one year old that is the exact opposite of all your pro pointsPros:
Gentle
Great with kids
Sleep for 18 hours a day
Only *need* one walk a day, but also will happily walk and walk
Don't bark much
Don't really smell
Very snuggly
Cons:
You get A LOT of comments about them being too thin/feed your dog etc especially if in a town rather than rural areas. This is what I have struggled with most
They pi$$ all over their legs so you are constantly wiping them down
Not super obedient, they are easily distracted since they are hounds.
Probably wouldn't get on with a cat
I really don't know what I'm talking about, mine is my first ever dog, but he's been such a pleasure. People often say he's like half cat half dog.
@Cortez and @I'm Dun really know their stuff.
WuzzBred
Active Member
Really sorry and I’m sure yours are truly lovely. But I’ve known two (both owned by the same persons) and neither were/are nice dogs. It may be the way she raises them but as they are the only ones I’ve ever got to know in the flesh I couldn’t say. But based on those two I’d rather have no dog than a whippet. Having said that Her horse is a neurotic arsehole and wasn’t when she first got him so really I imagine she is the route of the problem animals.I thought I'd kept it short
I'm Dun
Well-Known Member
They arent much fun as adolescents. My older boy was quite a naughty puppy, then just seemed to be an adult over night. The younger one was absolutely mental. He did things that were so stupid and dangerous that I had no idea a dog would do them till I met him. Jumping off the top of a 20ft canal bridge was one of the worst. He did it rather than run back round to me. A grown man in a tractor actually screamed and I expected his legs to be shattered. He landed, pecked a bit and ran up to me like nothing happened. I used to say he was like a cat with 9 lives and all I could do was try and keep him alive. He was very extreme though. Most of them fall somewhere in the middle.
I can imagine that in the wrong sort of home with the wrong sort of person, the show-bred ones in particular could easily turn into frightened, neurotic dogs. They pick up on emotions and moods very easily. My oldest is my medical assistance dog, as he taught himself to wake me up if I have a hypoglycemic attack overnight. Worried about me enough that he learnt he had to paw me awake. He is a bit of a legend in every way though
They hate if if I'm sad and will comfort me.
I can imagine that in the wrong sort of home with the wrong sort of person, the show-bred ones in particular could easily turn into frightened, neurotic dogs. They pick up on emotions and moods very easily. My oldest is my medical assistance dog, as he taught himself to wake me up if I have a hypoglycemic attack overnight. Worried about me enough that he learnt he had to paw me awake. He is a bit of a legend in every way though
They hate if if I'm sad and will comfort me.WuzzBred
Active Member
Are yours good with other dogs? The original one didn’t have a clue how to inter act with the and this young one is dog aggressive, so much so that now don’t take my two schnauzers to the yard as they love other dogs and this whippet has tried to attack them more than once
Esmae
Well-Known Member
I have had whippets for many years. We have 2 currently. Lost one recently, very sadly, in an accident. They have, without exception, been fabulous with every other creature we have owned. Horses, cats, chickens, goats, ducks, geese. Lovely with children. Quiet, clean and easy to have around. 2 of ours were scared of sheep, so no worries regarding them. Best dogs ever. If I weren't this old I would have more. To answer your question Wuzzbred, mine have always been super with other dogs. Currently there is one visiting dog they don't seem to like, but oddly neither do any other dogs that come across it. Usual canine chums here are 2 GSD's, 1 Lab, 2 Spangles, 1 cockerpoo, several other whippets and whippet x's, and 2 xbreeds beagle sized. Nobody around me has mini dogs so unsure about that, but can't think they'd be any different. Suspect, from what you say, that upbringing is off in the 2 you know. Mine are totally devoted to me, both boys. Previously I had only girls and they, although they loved us both, attached themselves more to my husband.
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Annette4
Well-Known Member
Awful, terrible dogs.....wouldn't catch me with one.....two maybe 
Spotherisk
Well-Known Member
Just remembered, they can suffer with dental problems - having a tight dry mouth means bacteria can get a hold. At three years old Rew has already had a GA for a dental 
he’s fed on dry food. He does submit to tooth cleaning and nail clipping without an argument though. (Nail clipping OMG I should really do it twice a week, they grow so fast).
he’s fed on dry food. He does submit to tooth cleaning and nail clipping without an argument though. (Nail clipping OMG I should really do it twice a week, they grow so fast).I'm Dun
Well-Known Member
yes, totally neutral. when my youngest was growing up we moored the boat near a big park and he had 3 friends whose owners would come and knock on the door for him to go and play. They will greet other dogs and occasionally play now, but arent really interested. They do get terribly excited if they see another pointy dog, that does seem to be a breed thing. They recognise their own type and want to greet them and sometimes have a big energetic play session.