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WHIPPET |
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Additonal Breeds Starting With Letter:
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English miners
loved to gamble, but didn't have the finances for horses or even large
dogs, so these sportsmen turned to the "snap" dog trials in
the 1800s. Rabbits released in an enclosure were chased down and killed
by dogs racing against the clock. The English terriers were outstanding
at killing rats, but suffered embarrassment when pitted against the speed
of rabbits. They couldn't catch them to kill them!
These terriers
were modified with Greyhound blood to increase speed, and some say the
Whippet was the result. Later humane laws put a crimp in the gambler's
"fun," and the passion turned to racing. Lure or "rag racing"
was substituted for the live rabbit. At that time, small greyhound types,
such as the Italian Greyhound, added refinement to the terrier blend.
Lancashire textile workers, immigrating to New England in the early 1900s,
introduced the Whippets and their racing to North America.
As the poor man's race
horse, Whippets served the purpose of the working class, who wanted a
piece of the racing action. Because these men didn't have fancy oval tracks,
and had to arrange their races in back alleys and empty lots, the Whippet
became a straight-away sprinter. His acceleration ability gives him jack-rabbit
starts, covering 200 yards in 12 seconds! Whippets have been clocked at
up to 37 mph.
They have a
fragile appearance, but that is belied on the track. Slim and powerful
as a mara-thoner, Whippets have the clean lines and dignity of their larger
half-brothers the greyhounds. Many breed champions also hold a racing
merit award. They make quiet, sturdy and affectionate pets and obedience
dogs, delighting in the company of people and other dogs—especially
other Whippets!
Recently the
appearance of a longhaired version has stirred much controversy. The American
parent club has denied them status.
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