Do We Have An Obligation....

[Nicola]

Am I the only one that gets quite concerned for potential owners of whippets that come on to K9 seeking a pup?

If they were anything like me 11 years ago, when I was first searching, they won't really know what type of pup they are looking for and won't know the difference between a quality pup and a pup bred with no regard to lines, temperament, type etc etc. :wacko:

Quite often they see a post with puppy pictures, see all the encouraging comments (and yes, it's difficult not to coo over puppy photos, I'm do it too :- " ), and think this must be a nice litter, and can end up buying one. They know little of the person who has posted the pictures, or their dogs, and just see all the encouraging comments and cute pictures.

It isn't until after they have acquired their first whippet pup, that they think...maybe I'd like a go at showing, or racing etc. When they start to make further enquiries, it turns out they have a pup that isn't really suitable for the hobby they intend to pursue. They may even end up paying good money for a pup (i.e. the same as you'd expect to pay for a pedigree, KC registered pup), that isn't KC registered (and the reasons for this haven't been made clear to the purchaser or the implications haven't been explained).

I'm not making an out and out case for breeders that work hard to promote and campaign their dogs, be it at shows, races and have proved their whippets have qualities worth perpetuating (whether show, working, racing). I know I'm biased in that direction.

I can also hand on heart state that I'm not against the odd owner who wants a whippet pup from their own dog (what gives me that right?), because their whippet has obvious qualities, and breeds a one off litter (possibly a second because the first litter turned out so well and there is continuing demand). It's those that do nothing to prove their dogs, breed their whippets regularly, and just post on K9 (or even e-pupz) when they have a litter to sell that concern me. :unsure:

Could someone maybe post some guidelines about how to look for a good quality pup, and guide them to the questions they need to ask themselves first i.e. am i interested in showing/racing etc.

I don't want this to turn into a heated debate. It would be good to get some constructive comments on how we can guide potential new owners to seek a good quality pup, that is ultimately going to suit their situation and possible future hobby.

 

[AnnSa]

I think some guidelines would be a good idea :thumbsup:

 

I wouldn't swop my Sada for a gold pig she's my first

whippet and i adore her. She's my pride and joy. But

had i known a few things i have since picked up from

reading on here i wouldn't have brought her.

 

[maggie217]

Am I the only one that gets quite concerned for potential owners of whippets that come on to K9 seeking a pup?
If they were anything like me 11 years ago, when I was first searching, they won't really know what type of pup they are looking for and won't know the difference between a quality pup and a pup bred with no regard to lines, temperament, type etc etc. :wacko:

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Nicola, I understand your concerns but do you not think that K9 is a good place to find out more about the breed, different lines, temperament etc, as well as where there may possibly be puppies for sale? Surely it can be part of finding out what type of puppy a person would like. If they end up buying from someone who has posted about their litter then surely the potential buyer still has the same responsibility to themselves to find out if the pup is suitable for them. I would think that they have a better chance of doing that than from ads in the newspapers or websites. K9 may well be a good way to find out about breeders, check credentials [maybe not publickly I know but could be done by pms/emails etc.] and just learn more about the breed whether for showing, racing, or as a pet.

Pauline

 

[doggy182]

I agree with Maggie.

I came on here looking for more info on whippets before we made the decision to get a puppy. Since then I have read so much advice and learned a lot about the breed. So I think it is better to come on here looking for a litter where there is good help and advice from people who own the breed. :thumbsup:

To me the whole forum makes up 'guidelines' and has been a brilliant source of info and support.

 

[hely]

I agree with Maggie.I came on here looking for more info on whippets before we made the decision to get a puppy. Since then I have read so much advice and learned a lot about the breed. So I think it is better to come on here looking for a litter where there is good help and advice from people who own the breed.  :thumbsup:

To me the whole forum makes up 'guidelines' and has been a brilliant source of info and support.

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couldnt agree more :thumbsup:

 

[Janimal]

In my opinion people should have done most of their homework before they come onto a site like K9 anyway.

I already had in mind in 2004 what colour and type of whippet Id like to own .....so I went online to have a look for potential litters/puppies...and came across K9. Im so glad I did or I wouldnt have Oscar or Kobi for that matter. :cheers:

I said I was looking for a puppy and several people pm'd me with offers of puppies for sale.....and this lead me to seeing a picture of Oscar....which I fell in love with... :wub: but I did speak with the breeder on the telephone and asked loads of questions before I went ahead...

I know Id already owned two whippets before, but when you post that you are looking for a puppy, I think you have already made your mind up...

I hope other people will do the same... :thumbsup: meaning be sensible when making the decision...and also ask lots of questions, and finally prepare yourself.

 

[phill]

I agree with what you have all said above,We had done our research before we came on here,By going to shows and asking lots of questions and talking to owners and breeders.Also read up a fair bit!

But this was/is a great place to back it all up with "guidelines" already here.

We ultimately got our whippet through this site and it is a good site.

 

[k4tie-d]

Am I the only one that gets quite concerned for potential owners of whippets that come on to K9 seeking a pup?
If they were anything like me 11 years ago, when I was first searching, they won't really know what type of pup they are looking for and won't know the difference between a quality pup and a pup bred with no regard to lines, temperament, type etc etc. :wacko:

Quite often they see a post with puppy pictures, see all the encouraging comments (and yes, it's difficult not to coo over puppy photos, I'm do it too :- " ), and think this must be a nice litter, and can end up buying one. They know little of the person who has posted the pictures, or their dogs, and just see all the encouraging comments and cute pictures.

It isn't until after they have acquired their first whippet pup, that they think...maybe I'd like a go at showing, or racing etc. When they start to make further enquiries, it turns out they have a pup that isn't really suitable for the hobby they intend to pursue. They may even end up paying good money for a pup (i.e. the same as you'd expect to pay for a pedigree, KC registered pup), that isn't KC registered (and the reasons for this haven't been made clear to the purchaser or the implications haven't been explained).

I'm not making an out and out case for breeders that work hard to promote and campaign their dogs, be it at shows, races and have proved their whippets have qualities worth perpetuating (whether show, working, racing). I know I'm biased in that direction.

I can also hand on heart state that I'm not against the odd owner who wants a whippet pup from their own dog (what gives me that right?), because their whippet has obvious qualities, and breeds a one off litter (possibly a second because the first litter turned out so well and there is continuing demand).  It's those that do nothing to prove their dogs, breed their whippets regularly, and just post on K9 (or even e-pupz) when they have a litter to sell that concern me. :unsure:

Could someone maybe post some guidelines about how to look for a good quality pup, and guide them to the questions they need to ask themselves first i.e. am i interested in showing/racing etc.

I don't want this to turn into a heated debate. It would be good to get some constructive comments on how we can guide potential new owners to seek a good quality pup, that is ultimately going to suit their situation and possible future hobby.

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i came on k9 looking for a puppy and to get advice,

when i came to the time of being ready for a puppy a litter popped up on here and every one coo'd over the pups and i contacted the breeder, although at first we were going along the path of those pups are cute and everyone else thinks they are cute so lets see if we can have one,

when we eventualy got to speak to the breeder we found out about mum and dad and if they would be registered and dew clawed and price and lots of other things, and then when we went to view them we asked more questions and they told as more,

and to be honest i am over the moon with my choice even if they dont meet the grade at showingg or racing or working (what ever i decided to do)

because as we didn't know what we may or may not do.

you have to pick a pup that you feel the connection with, a pup that you would love no matter what.

as it grows, when you do decided what you want to do, if they arnt very good at it then it makes no difference as you love it all the same

you are then start to learn what lines to look at for your next pup,

cause lets face it you can never just have one whippet :thumbsup:

 

[Misslara]

I came on K9 looking for a whipet puppy but i already have a whippet and we lost our other whippet in march so know the breed,i am looking for another whippet for a family pet which both ours other have been.

I find the information on here good and from experienced people :thumbsup:

I am finding it hard to get a male puppy that isn't miles away from us

 

[Vicky]

I think some guidelines drawn up is a fab idea, not only would it make the new owner think more about what exactly they want in a puppy but also know what questions they might need to ask the breeder.

I'd recommend any puppy buyer to speak to people from racing / coursing / showing lines also before their purchase whether they intend to do any of the above or not with their new pup.

 

[fable]

Am I the only one that gets quite concerned for potential owners of whippets that come on to K9 seeking a pup?
If they were anything like me 11 years ago, when I was first searching, they won't really know what type of pup they are looking for and won't know the difference between a quality pup and a pup bred with no regard to lines, temperament, type etc etc. :wacko:

Quite often they see a post with puppy pictures, see all the encouraging comments (and yes, it's difficult not to coo over puppy photos, I'm do it too :- " ), and think this must be a nice litter, and can end up buying one. They know little of the person who has posted the pictures, or their dogs, and just see all the encouraging comments and cute pictures.

It isn't until after they have acquired their first whippet pup, that they think...maybe I'd like a go at showing, or racing etc. When they start to make further enquiries, it turns out they have a pup that isn't really suitable for the hobby they intend to pursue. They may even end up paying good money for a pup (i.e. the same as you'd expect to pay for a pedigree, KC registered pup), that isn't KC registered (and the reasons for this haven't been made clear to the purchaser or the implications haven't been explained).

I'm not making an out and out case for breeders that work hard to promote and campaign their dogs, be it at shows, races and have proved their whippets have qualities worth perpetuating (whether show, working, racing). I know I'm biased in that direction.

I can also hand on heart state that I'm not against the odd owner who wants a whippet pup from their own dog (what gives me that right?), because their whippet has obvious qualities, and breeds a one off litter (possibly a second because the first litter turned out so well and there is continuing demand).  It's those that do nothing to prove their dogs, breed their whippets regularly, and just post on K9 (or even e-pupz) when they have a litter to sell that concern me. :unsure:

Could someone maybe post some guidelines about how to look for a good quality pup, and guide them to the questions they need to ask themselves first i.e. am i interested in showing/racing etc.

I don't want this to turn into a heated debate. It would be good to get some constructive comments on how we can guide potential new owners to seek a good quality pup, that is ultimately going to suit their situation and possible future hobby.

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I couldn't agree more with what you've said - and I think guidelines for potential whippet owners would be very sensible.

 

[meddling]

Clear guidelines to the various 'types' of whippet would be great and the characteristics of each, such as racers being smaller, and a generalisation of the differences in temperment would be great.

I had just bought my first Whippet when I discovered K9. and have found the extensive imformation on here invaluable, and the way you can ask a question one minute and have a host of answers the next

(and I know these answers don't have any authority behind them bar years and years of experience and knowledge with a whole lot of common sense thrown in)

I had no idea that there could be such a difference between show, racing and coursing bred Whippets.

 

[Janimal]

Yes it would be good for some Guidlines to be pinned at the top of Gen Discussions Whippets, like the Italian Geyhound section for all to see.... :thumbsup:

 

[Hebridean]

Yes it would be good for some Guidlines to be pinned at the top of Gen Discussions Whippets, like the Italian Geyhound section for all to see.... :thumbsup:

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I agree with the above. After nearly 40 years countinuous ownership of whippets, and having showed, raced and lure-coursed, I have found that not all advice/opinion that you get on the track, field or ring is of great value. A few people I have met have been more interested in the kudos of the passtime they pursue over and above the interest of their dogs, and will 'pass-on' an animal that doesn't quite make the mark.

It was refreshing when I recently joined K9, to find people who genuinely love and enjoy the company of their animals, regardless of looks, breeding, and potential.

So yes, pin some guidelines, and also listen to those without an agenda when they give advice and opinion.

There, that's my bit.

 

[Nicola]

It's very encouraging to read that many owners have already done their research prior to joining K9, and use this forum to glean further information. I know Helen spent a lot of time compiling the FAQ section to assist with all those questions from first time owners (where is Helen these days?). Lots of members have a wealth of knowledge to share too, having been whippet owners for many years!

Reputable breeders are an invaluable source of information too. I've had a quick scan through the FAQ section and can't find any guidelines as to the best ways to start a search for a whippet pup, and what questions one needs to ask oneself first and a breeder (and what questions they will want to ask you). Sometimes there will be questions that one doesn't realise need asking, until you know what they are! I'm assuming that the decision to get a whippet has been finalised at this point.

So, who is prepared to draft these guidelines? Any volunteers? I know we have a number of reputable breeders on the board............probably the best place to start although I note Hebridean's comments too. I guess one has to be clear about what one hopes to achieve from a pup and let the breeder know, although nothing is guaranteed. :b

I agree with your post too K4tie-D...you love them all the same..............

 

[em21]

Am I the only one that gets quite concerned for potential owners of whippets that come on to K9 seeking a pup?
If they were anything like me 11 years ago, when I was first searching, they won't really know what type of pup they are looking for and won't know the difference between a quality pup and a pup bred with no regard to lines, temperament, type etc etc. :wacko:

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Nicola, I understand your concerns but do you not think that K9 is a good place to find out more about the breed, different lines, temperament etc, as well as where there may possibly be puppies for sale? Surely it can be part of finding out what type of puppy a person would like. If they end up buying from someone who has posted about their litter then surely the potential buyer still has the same responsibility to themselves to find out if the pup is suitable for them. I would think that they have a better chance of doing that than from ads in the newspapers or websites. K9 may peopleswell be a good way to find out about breeders, check credentials [maybe not publickly I know but could be done by pms/emails etc.] and just learn more about the breed whether for showing, racing, or as a pet.

Pauline

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I agree with you too Pauline. I did quite a bit of reading before purchasing my lickle whippet but I found soo much more on k9 and everyone on here is generally very honest, they are not afraid to give their opinions as they have a dogs interest at heart :thumbsup: I'm really glad I found this site, it has given me great advice (thanks everyone :thumbsup: ) :cheers: Guidelines are a good idea but you will find them in most books.... k9 offers peoples experiences which I think, combined with the guidelines, is the best information you can get But I can deffinately see where you're coming from Nicola :thumbsup:

Emma x

 

[saraquele]

i have only bred the one litter and the amount of people i got phoning beacause " whippets are such a quiet breed " 8) i soon put them off when i invited them to come along and see the huge hole the little darlings had dug in my wall right down to the brick (w00t) and to see them flying around like mad people :- " i asked if they were looking for show / work / pet etc and spent a lot of time going over there views / myths lol and lifestyle to find out what dog / age etc dog would be suitable for them . if they were unsure id inform them of shows in there area or invite them to see my pups etc and im lucky as my dad owns a working bred bitch too so could show them her to see the difference .

i went to shows to find the type i liked , i was lucky to have grown up with whippets so knew to some degree the different types but im sure a lot of people think all whippets are the same as after all its a whippet 8)

i think most of the people on here would go through this with potential new owners but also thing a faq would be a good idea too :thumbsup:

 

[quintessence]

I am sure Cathie would not mind me re-posting her post of 21-02-08 on a similar topic.

I have spoken to several people over the past weeks while vetting homes for my litter and I have been horrified by some of the stories that I have heard. I am also shocked that so many people seem to buy from puppy farmers out of ignorance so I make no excuses for posting this. I put it on another forum originally in response to someone wanting to know where to get a puppy. There are lots out there and you might find them on a website, in a paper or a magazine or through a contact. The KC accredited breeders scheme is NO guaranteof quality.

This is what SHOULD happen when you look for a puppy

Looking For A Whippet Puppy

Before you get an invitation to visit the litter you should have a detailed conversation with the breeder who should ascertain that you have thought carefully about your choice of a whippet, what your garden is like (fences should be mentioned), what the family thinks about the potential new arrival....and so on. If the breeder asks no question then they don't care enough. Move on to another breeder. You should be weeding out the puppy farmers right now.

When you visit a breeder this is what you should see

1. Happy healthy clean adult dogs in the house/kennel in clean beds.

2 Spotless puppy accommodation . If it is not clean when you look in, the breeder should be right there with the mop and the newspaper to freshen up. You should be able to see where the puppies are being reared

3. Plump healthy bouncy shiny puppies.

4. Evidence that the puppies socialise with older dogs, maybe a few brought into the house while you are there.

5. CLEAN water bowls (don't laugh) no algae or encrusted bits.

6. Neatly trimmed nails on the dogs.

7. Clean teeth

8. You should be asked many questions about your home, garden, lifestyle relevant to the puppy having a happy life with you.

If you get a puppy, this is what you should be given (particularly if you are a first time whippet owner)

1. A decent sized bag of the food they are eating, with feeding information

2. Puppy insurance & exhortations to continue with same

3. Detailed puppy notes covering aspects of whippet care and behaviour, first aid kit list, excersise requirements etc etc.

4. A collar and maybe a toy

5. A plea from the breeder that you phone them with even the smallest worry.

6. A list of questions from the breeder before you pick up the puppy about traveling crates, sleeping arrangements etc for the pup

7.A lesson in nail clipping, you should have a go at it while the breeder can help you.

8. Pedigree and registration documents (sometimes these follow on later)

9. A guarantee that the breeder will take the puppy back at any time.

10. A puppy of at least 8 weeks old. Any younger is wrong and I personally prefer 9-10 weeks when the puppy will have been disciplined by its mother and learned a little more about the world & how to behave in it. My girls seem start the schooling process with their puppies at about 8 weeks.

One more thing...No breeder should say that a puppy is guaranteed show quality until 6 months old. Just my not so humble opinion.

If you don't get the above you probably shouldn't be getting a puppy from that breeder! Keep looking you will find one that is perfect from a breeder you respect.

If any other breeders out there have additions for my list of "must haves" please feel free to add them.

Cathie

Bluestreak Whippets

 

[Janimal]

i have only bred the one litter and the amount of people i got phoning beacause " whippets are such a quiet breed "  8)   i soon put them off when i invited them to come along and see the huge hole the little darlings had dug in my wall right down to the brick  (w00t)   and to see them flying around like mad people  :- "   i asked if they were looking for show / work / pet etc and spent a lot of time going over there views / myths lol and lifestyle to find out what dog / age etc dog would be suitable for them . if they were unsure id inform them of shows in there area or invite them to see my pups etc and im lucky as my dad owns a working bred bitch too so could show them her to see the difference . i went to shows to find the type i liked , i was lucky to have grown up with whippets so knew to some degree the different types but im sure a lot of people think all whippets are the same as after all its a whippet  8)  

i think most of the people on here would go through this with potential new owners but also thing a faq would be a good idea too  :thumbsup:

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Have to agree here too... :lol: :thumbsup:

the amount of people I talk to on my walks, 'Oh they look such quiet little sedate dogs....do they need a lot of excercise???? :wacko: :blink:

Quiet.....Definitely Not............just some of the time... :lol:

 

[JAX]

This is an article I did a while ago for a magazine that has yet to be published ,Im sure they wont mind me putting it on here ,

It is very similar to Cathys :cheers: