Advice on whippets

[Des]

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Hi my 11 year old stepson is really keen to get a whippet but we have several concerns - hoping other owners can help?

We have a 19 month old toddler, will he be ok around a whippet ( we would try never to leave them alone together)

how are they to walk/exercise? I've heard they like to run short burts and may chase cats/squirrels etc. is there a danger they could just run off and not return?

We have a large garden (200 feet) with 4 to 6 foot fences. Will a whippet be ok in there?

We also keep chickens which we were hoping to let roam free in parts of the garden. Anybody have experience of whippets with chickens?

Thanks in advance!

Des

 

[murphyrules]

I don't have a whippet, know lots though and they are lovely dogs, I walk with my friend and her 2 regularly and they run off lead well, they will chase things but with decent training they come back when called, her kids were 4 and 6 when she got her dogs and they are very good with the kids and friendly, they are quite lazy in the house once walked they curl up in their beds and snooze the afternoon away. With regards to the chickens I would think if you get a pup and train it properly around them it should be okay, obviously I would not ever leave dog and chickens alone together LOL Good Luck :luck:

 

[cindy]

You could not get a better breed for kids to be around for Whippets are almost humans themselves, they are so gentle and love human company and as Carolyne said any dog will need trained, as a puppy to do what you bid, sensible owner does that anyway.

yes they love to chase, but there are clubs you can take Whippets to and they can chase a false lure which is fun for the family as well as the whippet, so you can be assured you would not go wrong with a Whippet.

 

[lurcherman]

Wow you mayhave a few problems there lol whips are great but yes they like to chase and can jump so be aware and with chickens hahaha i can see fun there, a slow introduction you may need, they can be aloof but saying all that i wouldnt change my whipx whos been a loyal sidekick for the last 11 years

 

[Cloke]

Hi Des,

I've been owned by whippets for nearly 30 years so perhaps I can help answer your questions. As a breed they are very affectionate, crave human company, are an excellent choice of fun dog for a family and make fantastic affectionate pets. They love being with children-my grandchildren always manage to sneak one into to bed with them when they stay. They are quiet around the house- once they have had their exercise they curl up on a chair or sofa and sleep. Their short coat make them easy to clean and groom and because they do not have an under coat there is no "doggy " smell. However, like any other breed you might choose,you have to be aware of breed characteristics. Whippets are a sight hound and so have a high prey drive and you must be aware of this when you free run your dog. Mine will give chase to anything, rabbits squirrels, deer, birds etc. and they mean business! A fenced garden like yours is essential. We have kept chickens for years but they are in an area of the garden fenced off from the dogs, the temptation is too great for them to mix freely. Mine have good recall but when the prey drive kicks in they are nigh impossible to stop,( but they always come back !) Whippet activities you and your stepson might take part in and enjoy are racing and lure coursing where your dog can exercise and have fun using his/her natural abilities in a safe environment. Look on www.whippetforum.co.uk for more whippet info on racing and www.lurecoursing.org for info on lure coursing, visit the Whippet Club website, or if you can, "Discover Dogs " at Crufts. Hope this helps in making your decision.

 

[Jill wp]

I recently have adopted a two year old female whippet lurcher cross and I too have some concerns. She is a wonderful affectionate house dog but am wondering if we will ever be able to even let her off in our garden and if she does run, when she gets to know us and her home, will she return to us ? Thank you anyone for the advice.