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Advise About Small Size Whippets.

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lenk

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Hi, I'm new to the forum, have been reading lots of threads here on IGs and whippets. I have been looking for a suitable breed and came across IGs and whippets which tick most of my boxes. After reading much about IGs, went to the IG championship show and Richmond dog show to meet some breeders and IGs, I absolutely fell in love with them and the breeders are very helpful. One of the breeders suggested that I have a look at whippets too, the only thing about whippets that didn't quite check my box is its size(its semi checked for me but had to compromise with the missus as she started off wanting a chihuahua). I've read a few threads on here and another forum that there are whippets that are similar sized to an IG. Would I be right to say the racing lines have smaller sized whippets than the show lines? And temperament wise there is mixed report, it seems that there is no difference between racing and show. Different dog different temperament seems to be the case. Is there any whippets that are similar sized to an IG? preferably around 15-17 inch? Lastly, can you guys put me in contact with any breeders you know that have small sized whippet line. Thanks.

regards,

Len
 
Hi Len

I'm no expert having only been a lucky whippet owner since last December, but when I was looking it seemed that it was the show whips that were much smaller than the racing ones. It has certainly turned out that way for me. My two have more racing dogs in their pedigrees and they are both giants. Everyone who meets them remarks on their huge size. I'm starting to get a bit paranoid about it!! But their Dad (who raced) was very tall so I guess it was to be expected.

You can certainly get some very small whippets as I met one out walking the other day and it was almost half the size of mine- I did ask if the owner wanted to swap but she wasn't haven't any of it!! It was the cutest thing!

If you do get a whippet you won't regret it and I'm sure there are people on here who will know good breeders.

Good luck with your decision.

Laura
 
I think you are more likely to find a little one through race lines as there are some gorgeous tiny 14 / 16 lb out there.

Race people when they breed do keep an eye on the size as oversized dogs cant race so size is more important to them than in the showing world where it can be forgiven
 
Louise_Simon said:
I think you are more likely to find a little one through race lines as there are some gorgeous tiny 14 / 16 lb out there.
Race people when they breed do keep an eye on the size as oversized dogs cant race so size is more important to them than in the showing world where it can be forgiven
Click to expand...
I think you'll find size is just as important to showers, there are

rules as to what size a whippet should be :))

 

But as you say Racers tend to smaller, my 2 showers are bigger

than my work/race bred girls but the showers are still well within

the size standards.

 

Size

Desirable height: dogs: 47-51 cms (181/2-20 ins); bitches: 44-47 cms (171/2-181/2 ins)

copied from the KC site if its any help :thumbsup:
 
I have never owned an IGGY but have owned a lot of whippets :teehee:

I believe that Iggys have quite a different personality and can be a bit more vocal than whippets.

I was told that smaller whippets are not quite so sucessful in the show ring and tend to be overlooked.

I have two 17" whippets bitches, 1 dog and 1 bitch at 19" (shoulder height).

The two smaller ones are one from show lines and one from racing parent(not much help)

There can be quite a lot of variation within a litter as to the eventual size of the adult dog or bitch.

You need to consider personality as well as size in your choice of dog. A small energetic Iggy with a big personality could feel like you have a larger dog in the house compared to a laid back whippet (not all whippets are quiet and laid back tho')

If you go on the Kennel club website you will be able to find a list of registered breeders.

If you contact one or two of them, they may be able to help.

There are sometimes Iggy x Whippets advertised on ePupz and there are some lovely looking small whippet x Jack Russell listed at present but I do not know anything about whippet crosses other than lurchers.
 
I don't have any personal experience with Igs, but from everything I've read they have a different temperament from whippets, so don't assume they are just a smaller version of the same thing. Many toy breeds have difficulty with housetraining because their bladders are so small they can't hold for long, I don't know how much of an issue this is with Igs, but it's something worth discussing with experienced owners.

There is a very good thread on buying an Ig puppy here:

http://www.k9community.co.uk/forums/index....showtopic=50461

Good luck with whatever you decide :luck:
 
Hi Len

I guess it depends what you want your new family member to do in life? Would he/she just be a pet?

If so, then what about considering a whippet/IG crossbreed? There are several breeders who produce this cross and if you choose sensibly you will get a smaller dog with the whippet attributes :D

IGs are very different to whippets in temperament - much more hyper :sweating: although very cute and funny :wub:

If you want a pure bred smalll whippet then the racing lines are best, however, whippets bred for racing are much more active than the average working or show bred whippet (I have all three types and the differences in character are very apparent!)

You will occasionally find a smaller whippet in any type of breeding though, so there is never a hard and fast rule by any means :wacko:

Good luck in your search :luck: - the right dog will come up :thumbsup:
 
As a Iggy and whippet owner I can confirm that whippets and Iggys do have a completely different personality. My Mojo (whippy) is quite content to sleep all day after he has been for a walk and the same can be said for my Dolly (whippy, we lost last year). My two girls Maya and Runa (Iggys) are much more full on and love to play a lot during the day and have lots of mad moments. As for size my Dolly was 17.5 inches, Mojo is around 19 inches. My girls are quite small Runa 5kg and Maya 4kg. You really know you have Iggys in the house. The toy box is raided and especially Maya likes to come up and chat to you.

My husband works from home, he is lucky and gets to spend all day with them!!
 
Thanks for the quick replys.

eve: I have been told by a few IG breeders that they are very different, more hyper and vocal, thus she recommended that I have a look at whippets if I can't handle the manic of an IG. Epupz! I thought everyone on there is evil puppy farmers?

Jinnyfizz: he/she would be a pet. I'm planning to join a puppy training class on the weekend, if it is remotely possible, maybe an obedience class? A whippet/IG sounds good, do you know any reputable breeders? not sure where to start looking. Thanks.

FionaS: 17.5 and 19 inch is okay size for me. I work from home too :)

Len
 
Hello Len

Welcome to K9 Community. This is a friendly forum and I'm sure you will get lots of good advice from members.

I too, have both Italian Greyhounds and Whippets. I do agree they may look similar in appearance but their personalities do differ.

However, I could never be more biased towards my Whippets. Italian Greyhounds are sweet, loving dogs albeit they can be more vocal and energetic than Whippets. I couldn't possibly describe my Italians as hyper but I do spend a lot of time with them and they get the same amount of exercise as my Whippets. I live on a smallholding and as well as lots of walks they get lots of exercise running/playing on our land. They are all fit and healthy and curl up with our Whippets around the fire every evening.

Good luck with whatever breed you decide to choose, but both are just as endearing !

Liza :))
 
Hi Len

ePupz is a cut above most of the websites. A few repuitable breeders use it too so do not discount it. Just make sure that you ask the right questions of any sellers you may be considering. It is one of the few places I have seen IG x Whippets advertised.

IG x Whippets are not registered so you will find no information about available litters on the KC website.

Two of my preloved whippets have come from ePupz, little Lilly from a good home albeit profiteering owner!

The Jack Russel x Whippets look adorable :wub: They may be perfect for you. I know I would love one.

:( I have my hands full so it is not going to happen for me :(
 
hi Len and welcome to k9.

Got our 9.75 kg whippet from here, from show bred litter, she's nice and small, but the smallest by far of her litter, so you can get different sizes from one mating !

If you're not bothered about having a puppy you can pick the size, temperament colour etc by having a grown whippet needing to be rehomed.

Whatever you get, they fold up small, but warn your wife, if you get one like ours (who spends each day with my husband in work) your wife will be second best in your whippets eyes and she'll get really jealous of your special close relationship.

the 3rd person in our marriage is a real bitch who drapes herself around my husbands neck and smothers him in kisses while giving me a snooty look LOL !!
 
Wiggy on here has bred some super IGxWhippets, and a few are owned by forum members. You could always PM her and see if she has any at the moment or planned :thumbsup:

I have two tiny whippets, and when we are away in the caravan they do fit in my sleeping bag quite easily :teehee: I have 5 others too, and they all get in - we have two bags zipped up to make one big one!

There are breeders in racing who do breed small. I favour the smaller whippet, and my latest addition Candy is only 14lbs. I have her dad too, and her grandmother who is only 15lbs. All of the pups from my boy have been under 23lbs, and that's the way I like them. He has been to small bitches too which also helps. I don't breed anymore, but will certainly let you know if I hear of any little'uns coming along. Candy's mum is 18lbs, and is half showbred, so we didn't know what to expect as the show side can be bigger, but we weren't disappointed - she had perfect puppies :wub:

Good luck in your search, and let us know how you get on :thumbsup:
 
I am the same as Liza I love both breeds and they are both really special. My two IGs have a lot of exercise and have even climbed a few munros with us!! I personally love my girls and find their quirky funny personalitys great. My Mojo is such a laid back calm soul and likes the quiet life!!
 
hi there ,i have 2 whippets and 6 italians and they are so very much different it depends on the dog some of my iggys would rather curl up and do nothing all day apart from a run around the fields then will be quiet happy like my whippets to curl up and not move much for the rest of the day ...however some of them are very hyper and are none stop attention seeking all day and they demand your time constanlty ,there very cheeky little buggers and youl have your heart in your mouth at times but i believe with a good routine all can be calm most of the time :teehee: as june said donna somtimes breeds crosses and i suspect there temprement is different again be worth messaging here to find out more good luck in your search ;)
 
hello and wellcome to k9 i dont post very often but had to say i have both big 19 1/2 inchs and much smaller i show all mine big and small do open shows and a few champ get placed most times love them all the same but like the smaller ones the most (but thats saying nothing cos i just love whipppets)i have one very tiny igg left my others live with a close friend i just could not cope with them love the breed but not for me.i all so had a go at raceing well a practic with my little girl alice she loved it. if i was you i WOULD HAVE A WHIPPET YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY

jackie

vandania whippets
 
hello and wellcome to k9 i dont post very often but had to say i have both big 19 1/2 inchs and much smaller i show all mine big and small do open shows and a few champ get placed most times love them all the same but like the smaller ones the most (but thats saying nothing cos i just love whipppets)i have one very tiny igg left my others live with a close friend i just could not cope with them love the breed but not for me.i all so had a go at raceing well a practic with my little girl alice she loved it. if i was you i WOULD HAVE A WHIPPET YOU WILL NEVER BE SORRY

jackie

vandania whippets
 
eve: The jack russel x whippet looks great. Just a little scared of the jack, are they known to be high energy manics?

JulieD: I'm sure she would very jealous I get to spend the whole day with them. :)

June: Thanks. Will pm her later.

nicky12: 6 IGs! Out of the 6, how many would you class as very hyper?

So hard to decide. Will be going to kennel club's discovery dog next week to see both the breed in action.
 
IHi Len

I would not think that a JR x whippet would be any more hyper than an IG :wub:

Are you thinking of a bitch or a dog? Bitches do tend to have less hyper traits than dogs in most breeds.
 
lenk said:
eve: The jack russel x whippet looks great. Just a little scared of the jack, are they known to be high energy manics?
JulieD: I'm sure she would very jealous I get to spend the whole day with them. :)

June: Thanks. Will pm her later.

nicky12: 6 IGs! Out of the 6, how many would you class as very hyper?

So hard to decide. Will be going to kennel club's discovery dog next week to see both the breed in action.
Click to expand...

If you are going on the Sunday when the Junior warrent semi finals is on, come over to the benches as at least 4 whippets have qualified ,

jackie and the Mulcair Whippets

Heres a pic of me with meloody so you know what we look like

and welcome to k9

mid_counties_1st_pg.jpg
 
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