Whippet Articles
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Whippets are one of the rare breeds of dogs that cannot be disqualified because of the color of its coat. Whippets not only come in a wide variety of colors but it beautiful combinations of colors in what is called Parti-color. In this article, we'll take a color look at the coat colors of the Whippet and the genetics that determine the coat colors of a Whippet litter.
The basic colors that a Whippet can inherit are black, dun (sometimes called chocolate or liver), blue, brindle or fawn. It is possible to also have white Whippets, but most experts don't include white in the list of basic colors as it is considered to be the absence of color. White Whippets are relatively rare and it is more likely to have a combination of white with patches of other colors, called Parti-color, which we'll discuss later in the article. [...]
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Thanks to their high intelligence and willingness to please, Whippets are reported to be relatively easy to house train. Some fanciers claim that Whippets are as clean as cats, and if they were whelped in a very clean environment, chances are that they'll wish to continue their good habits when they join their new family. Because of their very light coats, Whippets are not suitable for outdoor living, as both weather extremes are difficult for Whippets - they are not suited for extended periods in very cold weather and can sunburn if left in the summer sun for too long, so house training will be essential. In this article, we'll go over a few tips to help in house training a Whippet. [...]
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Whippets are very athletic dogs and do require a minimum of walking a playing every day. In the best cases, Whippets will have access to a safely enclosed backyard with lots of room to run and play, but those owners that are willing to make the time to go to a local park or other safe area will find that this will be sufficient for their pets. Whippets are well known for their love of being couch potatoes for the majority of the day, but do require a way to use up their stored energy every day. In this article, we'll take a look at the best places to exercise your Whippet and some suggested activities to keep your Whippet in good shape. [...]
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Whippets are renowned for their calm, laid back nature. They are considered to be patient and tolerant and very affectionate. In short, Whippets are, in most cases, excellent pets for families with children. That being said, just because a dog is reputed to be excellent with children doesn't mean it will automatically be so without training and intervention. Responsible parents must teach both their dogs and their children how to play together safely. In this article, we'll take a look at how to make sure Whippets and children can get along with each other.
The best way to help children and dogs to learn what is expected of them is to attend an obedience class, sometimes called a Puppy Kindergarten, very early in the young dog's life. This is an activity that the whole family can participate in. This is a good opportunity for both the dog and the kids, as dogs will learn how to tolerate the presence of other people and dogs while the children will learn the correct way to interact with the family pet. [...]
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Those that are interested in purchasing a Whippet as a pet are often concerned about which gender will make a better pet. Male dogs are sometimes considered to be aggressive while female dogs often have a reputation for being more aloof. In truth, the Whippet is a breed apart and perhaps can be considered outside the norm when it comes to gender differences. In this article, we'll take a look at the differences between male and female Whippets as well as benefits of having pets spayed or neutered. [...]
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While Whippets may be best known for their participation in racing events, the truth is that they are very versatile dogs and can excel in a wide variety of events, including Agility trials. The best feature of Agility trials is that the handler and dog have to work together towards a common goal and appear together in the event. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what tasks are included in an Agility trial and how interested owners can learn more information about this exciting event.
In an Agility trial, a handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in which they are racing against the clock but are also judged on accuracy. Each obstacle course is different, as they are designed by the judge before each event, and no dog will run the same course twice. The courses are designed to be just difficult enough that a dog couldn't complete the course without the direction of the handler, and the handler's job is to study the course before an event begins to determine the safest and fastest route for his dog, which he must run off leash and without the aid of toys or treats. [...]
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A common concern for those that are interested in purchasing a Whippet is its housing situation. Unlike other medium sized dogs, Whippets cannot be considered outdoor dogs. Whippets are certainly not fragile, but do not do well when left exposed to extreme temperatures because of their light coats. They also prefer soft bedding and comfortable places and can often be seen lounging on furniture. In this article, we'll take a closer look at why Whippets need to live indoors as well as why Whippets will benefit from a home with a large, enclosed backyard.
Whippets have a very fine coat, described in the breed's standard as "short, close, smooth and firm in texture." Unlike other hardy breeds with thick double coats, Whippets cannot handle long exposure to very cold temperatures. Fanciers of the breed will even recommend sweaters and other warm accessories for Whippets when they take their daily exercise during the winter in northern areas. [...]
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Whippets, like other members of the Sighthound group of breeds, have traditionally had problems undergoing anesthesia for surgery. Thanks to advances in veterinary science, most veterinarians are aware of the special needs of these dogs when administering anesthesia and there are fewer problems today than in the past. That being said, every responsible Whippet owner should be aware of the dangers of anesthesia in Sighthounds in case there is a chance of having to undergo surgery during the dog's lifetime. In this article, we'll take a look at why Whippets need special care when being administered anesthesia and what you can do to make sure your dog will be safe if it has to undergo surgery. [...]
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Whippets, like other members of the Sighthound group of breeds, have traditionally had problems undergoing anesthesia for surgery. Thanks to advances in veterinary science, most veterinarians are aware of the special needs of these dogs when administering anesthesia and there are fewer problems today than in the past. That being said, every responsible Whippet owner should be aware of the dangers of anesthesia in Sighthounds in case there is a chance of having to undergo surgery during the dog's lifetime. In this article, we'll take a look at why Whippets need special care when being administered anesthesia and what you can do to make sure your dog will be safe if it has to undergo surgery. [...]
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Racing events are a very exciting event and a lot of fun for both Whippets and their owners to get involved in. Thanks to their history as hunters of small, furry animals, Whippets will take a lot of pleasure from chasing a lure over a field or a race track. That being said, they will still need proper training in order to learn to chase the lure and not play with other dogs on the track. In this article, we'll take a look at some tips for training a racing Whippet.
Preparing a Whippet for a life of chasing lures can begin when the dog is just a puppy. Using a cloth or furry toy attached to a string, pull the object in front of the dog and encourage it to chase it. In the beginning, never let the lures get very far away from the dog and allow it to catch it and play with it often, always praising the dog. At this stage, the important concepts are always praise the dog when it does well and never play so long that the dog becomes tired or bored. The idea is to make sure the dog always wants more. [...]
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Intelligent, affectionate, devoted and playful are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Whippets. These medium sized dogs often provoke cries of "Do you feed that dog?!" because of their very lean body type. Sometimes confused for Greyhound puppies, Whippets also excel in running and racing. Fanciers of the breed affectionately call them couch potatoes because of their love of comfort and rest during the majority of the day, but they do require a daily session of exercise in order to use up stored energy. Whippets are said to be excellent pets for families with children and are not excessive barkers. [...]
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