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Should We Get A Whippet?

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If you are very worried about your whippet killing a cat that comes into the garden how about cat-proofing the garden - that way you could relax. I'm actually doing this at the moment, not because of my whippet but because one of the four cats she happily coexists with is being badly beaten up by a neighbour's cat and I want to keep him (and all the rest) safe within the confines of the garden. I'm using a system devised by a company called Secur-a-Cat (happy to provide more details if you PM me - and no, I'm not getting a commission!). I guess another solution would be to get a grown up rescue cat with a bit of attitude at the same time as getting the pup, that would teach it a lot about respecting cats. :- "
 
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Where in Australia are you?

I am in Melbourne. My DH wasn't too keen on dogs but has been won over by our whippets and we will always have some. They are fantastic dogs.

Mine have never really been exposed to cats, but they do kill possums, which horrifies me. I'm not sure what they would do if they encountered a cat.

That being said, they are extremely gentle with kids.
 
like someone else said, they are all different, like us humans. Our whippet is a big wuss (baby) she would run after a cat from a distance but actually investigates nose to nose when she meets the neighbours cat close up, she stopped on a wooded path one day and just stared at a young rabbit, think it was too young to realise it should be running away, then she nonchalantly walked on, she goes mad after squirrels that come into our garden or in the park, she has hardly ever chewed anything and only ever steals chocolate papers out of the bin (we don't give her chocolate) .

She hardly ever barks, is not demanding, moults a bit, doesn't smell of wet dog :D (is that because she wears a coat ? :lol: ) is very clean and is the best medicine for a poorly child, 20 mins of sitting quietly on the sofa stroking a soft whippet cures all ills !

You can safely take food off her too.

I was adamant we would never have another hairy 4 legged animal in the house again, after having a golden cocker spaniel that bit us, wouldn't let you enter the room when he had food, came over for a stroke then turned nasty on you for no apparent reason.....and this little girl has completely got me in love with her :wub: o:)

:luck: :luck: with your new family member
 
Im quite surprised that everyone is mainly posting about the chasing cats question and no one has mentioned ( or not that i can see!) about the circumstances in which in pup may, or may not, be purchased. To be honest i find it quite alarming that the breeder just wants to bring him to you and only if you are sure you are having him. Have you not even seen the pup yet? Most reputable, caring and sensible breeders would like to meet you first, ask questions, and be confident that you as a poteintal new owner are confident that the pup is right for you and you are happy instead of just bringing it to your home and buying it there and then.

You ideally should go and view the pup, see his/her mum and where and how he was kept. Especially being an older pup id like to know what basic training he's had and what his own individual personality is like. He may not fit in with your family. I think going to see him first is very important, especially as your husband is not keen on the idea. He needs to meet him really. What if things dont work out> Is the breeder prepared to take him back???? Sorry, i dont mean to sound negative and i really hope it works out for you, your family and the whippet. :luck:
 
I had the exactly the same experience with my hubby, & persuading him to get a whippet. He too was not brought up with animals (although we used to have a house rabbit up until a few years ago). My husband has always been extremely nervous when it came to dogs. Anyway, he could see how much i was craving a whippet, so in the end he relented (after explaining to him how special they are). Hubby now of course adores a whip Louie, & wouldn't be without him. But to this day, he only trusts whippets, & is still scared of every other breed!!

When it comes to cats, i was nervous too about the 'cat & whippet' situation, because i had a 2 year old rescue cat. But i posted on this forum my concerns, & i was inundated with outragously cute pictures of other people's whippets and their cats cuddling up together, which was completely encouraging (although Molly, our cat, & Louie have mutual respect for eachother, im still waiting for snuggling up together stage! :huggles: ) But more to the point about Louie & the other neighbours cats, the cats just dont come in the garden anymore. This is really good, because we dont have other cat poos in the garden, & no cats enter the garden to bully Molly, like they used to do.

Good luck with your decision, you came to the right place when joining this forum. the guys on here have helped me no end! :thumbsup:
 
If I were you I'd risk the round trip and take your OH too ... you can see this pup before you are committed and your husband can perhaps get a better feel for what you are asking of him.

My OH was horribly resistant to the notion of our having a dog ... but having never had a dog he didn't know then how positive an experience dog ownership could be. Once I'd won him around to the idea I got him involved in the choosing process which helped I think. That was over twenty years ago and we have had any number of dogs since ... currently two whippets and two dachshunds. He still moans sometimes about dog related hassels, but he has a pic of the dogs not the kids as his screensaver at work !

Annie
 
cazzzz said:
I've got a feeling this attachment won't work  (puppy photo) ... but here's a go...
Thanks again for all your advice - this is really great.. I am feeling more confident.

It's possible I could buy this pup tomorrow (the breeder is coming into town and it will save me a 2 hour trip...but only wants to bring it if I'm sure I'm going to buy because she'd attending a fmily reunion)...

OR I could go and see it with one of my sons and "road test" it and the rest of it's family later in the week (4 hour round trip for me)

What do you think?

Click to expand...

If you want this dog then you will have a new family member for the next 12-16 years hopefully, a 4 hour round trip is nothing and you ideally want to see the puppy relaxed in his own surroundings not tired and possibly scared after a long trip on his own to see you. Sing showtunes in the car and have a fun day out with your son, take your OH to involve him. Chewing, messing and waking in the night - you have 2 children and you got through it with them ok, the benefits for children having a special friend who will always adore them and forgive them anything and teach them about responsibility empathy and selfcontrol outweigh any initial downsides. Most responsible breeders will allow you to return a dog to them if you really can't manage, you will have to ask her what her policy is on this and refunds. I hope you make the right decision for your family and the puppy, and if you have the puppy, many years of joy with your new addition.
 
Yes some whippets will kill cats when i was growing up we had 5 whippets all dogs kenneled with a 8 foot high fencing run a cat had ran along the top and teased them for months my dad had warned the owners about it the boys where going crazy to get it.

One day it was very icey and the cat slipped into the dog run and didn't come out.

I did have a whippet bitch too who chased cats even knocked herself out running into a tree to try and catch one but everytime she got close enough the cat won the fight and she came away with a very sore nose.

I would say 9 out of 10 times a cat will win a fight against a single dog a couple of swipes by a cats nice sharp claws normally makes a dog respect that a cat is not to be messed with :) I wouldn't worry too much cats are far more agile than dogs too even whippies its suprising how fast they can run and climb onto something high.

Flash has 2 cats teasing him atm they sit on the shed roof or on top of our 6 foot gates so are far to high for him yet. if they are actually in the garden when i let flash out then they go high striaght away.

Whippets make wonderful pets and companions for children i had whippets around me from the day i was born to 17 yrs old and finally persuaded my hubby let me get flash who while is not a full whippet he is whippet x saluki looks more whippet and has all the typical whippet traits my children can enjoy what i had while growing up. They truely are the most special adorable faithful friends.We had a whippet we rescued as a puppy called sugar she used to escape at 3 pm everyday and come to meet me on my way home from school she would go and sit next to the lollipop lady until i got there then just plod along home next to me. we had a dog called biffo he was a beast of a whippet and the gentlest lamb you could ever meet he would chase the lure and race no problem but my dad took him rabbiting he caught a rabbit and laid down with it and my dad found him licking it not a mark on the thing he just couldn't hurt a fly. I have so many happy memories from my childhood with my whippies and dad and granadad i was lucky with teh fact my dad loved the breed so much and and my grandad bred whippies so i always got my fix .

Once you have owned a whippet they take a place in your heart and you will love them forever.
 
whippynit said:
Im quite surprised that everyone is mainly posting about the chasing cats question and no one has mentioned ( or not that i can see!) about the circumstances in which in pup may, or may not, be purchased.  To be honest i find it quite alarming that the breeder just wants to bring him to you and only if you are sure you are having him.  Have you not even seen the pup yet? Most reputable, caring and sensible breeders would like to meet you first, ask questions, and be confident that you as a poteintal new owner are confident that the pup is right for you and you are happy instead of just bringing it to your home and buying it there and then.
You ideally should go and view the pup, see his/her mum and where and how he was kept.  Especially being an older pup id like to know what basic training he's had and what his own individual personality is like.  He may not fit in with your family.  I think going to see him first is very important, especially as your husband is not keen on the idea.  He needs to meet him really. What if things dont work out> Is the breeder prepared to take him back???? Sorry, i dont mean to sound negative  and i really hope it works out for you, your family and the whippet. :luck:

Click to expand...
I totally agree. I am sure you are a very sensible person and you are absolutely doing the right thing coming on here and asking questions before you make this decision. Be very carefull, try not to get carried away by the cuteness of this puppy and rush into taking him home. The decision to get a dog is a huge one, and really it will help if everyone is on board the idea of getting one 100%. There are plenty of whippet puppies out there so take your time and make sure you are ready and you have found a good breeder. Each puppies personality is different also and a good breeder will help you choose the right pup for you, Puppies are hard work, then there is the training, exercising, costs etc. I am sure you have discussed all these things anyway. I think the whippet may or may not chase the neighbours cat, they are all different. My whippet lives with a cat happily but would I am sure chase any other cat that came into the garden. I would not leave my whippet out in the garden alone for fear of her being stolen. Whatever you do, take your time and do your research so you are prepared and then if you do decide to take a whippet puppy home, you must be sure to post all your lovely pictures here :p Best of luck :thumbsup:
 
I'M BACK WITH AN UPDATE.....

Thankyou SO MUCH to everyone who has posted on this topic. I'm amazed to see it's still going after all this time ... I can see I'm speaking to true whippet fans!

SO what has happened...

Well, the situation is that I work 2 days a week. On those days the dog would go to my parents (experienced Golden Retriever owners!). Also because my husband is so dog-resistant we have had to have a family agreement that if he doesn't like the dog... my parents would take it on.

So you can see this is not straightforward for me!

I got very keen on this litter of whippets and spoke to the owners and the sire's owner.

However, my parents said that they are not into whippets... and therefore wouldn't be prepared to act as a back up plan..... Aaaaaaaah!

It sounds pathetic... but I actually felt that I was grieving for several days afterwards. I had really set my heart on the male puppy, and I think he would have been great for us.

So where are we at now?

My mum volunteers at RSPCA each week and she has found a calm terrier cross puppy which she has recommended to me. I went to see him for myself yesterday and he was a very "chilled" and good little boy.

So tomorrow (after more family negotiations!!!), my husband, kids and I are going to see this terrier pup together.

Wish me luck. I am feeling quite "wrung out' by this whole process. I'm relieved that others of you have dog-resistant partners too... my husband was also raised in a pet-free environment and I'm sure this has a lot to do with it.

I'll stop rambling now!
 
:( I am sorry to hear your parents arent into whippets. I have to say I have fostered many different breeds and whippets are the absolute best breed ever IMO. If you have fallen in love with this little terrier well then thats fantastic. Terriers can chase and kill cats too so you will still have to watch him with your neighbours cat. Have your parents met a whippet? If it was me and I really wanted a whippet, I would try to win them round by getting them to meet as many as possible. I cant see why anyone wouldnt fall in love with a whippet. My parents mind my whippet whenever I am not home and they adore her. I got her as an adult and she is just the best dog ever :huggles: You have lots of thinking to do it seems, good luck and keep us posted :thumbsup:
 
cazzzz said:
I'M BACK WITH AN UPDATE.....

Thankyou SO MUCH to everyone who has posted on this topic. I'm amazed to see it's still going after all this time ... I can see I'm speaking to true whippet fans!

SO what has happened...

Well, the situation is that I work 2 days a week. On those days the dog would go to my parents (experienced Golden Retriever owners!). Also because my husband is so dog-resistant we have had to have a family agreement that if he doesn't like the dog... my parents would take it on.

So you can see this is not straightforward for me!

I got very keen on this litter of whippets and spoke to the owners and the sire's owner.

However, my parents said that they are not into whippets... and therefore wouldn't be prepared to act as a back up plan..... Aaaaaaaah!

It sounds pathetic... but I actually felt that I was grieving for several days afterwards. I had really set my heart on the male puppy, and I think he would have been great for us.

So where are we at now?

My mum volunteers at RSPCA each week and she has found a calm terrier cross puppy which she has recommended to me. I went to see him for myself yesterday and he was a very "chilled" and good little boy.

So tomorrow (after more family negotiations!!!), my husband, kids and I are going to see this terrier pup together.

Wish me luck. I am feeling quite "wrung out' by this whole process. I'm relieved that others of you have dog-resistant partners too... my husband was also raised in a pet-free environment and I'm sure this has a lot to do with it. 

I'll stop rambling now!

Click to expand...


you gave in to easily :- "

i pestered my other half for months, he said no everyday, (he grew up with dogs and was happily having a break from the reasponsability)

eventually he said he would hink about it, then he gave me some rules on what sort of dog he would like, and thats how we decided on a whippet, then after months of looking we found our pup, and it was his choice to bring back 2 (w00t) (w00t)

everyone we have met with out dogs, even if they are not dog lovers they comment on how nice the girls are.

i think if its a case that your other half is really that unsure and you have to have a back up owner, i dont think i wouldnt be getting a dog, purely because i couldnt bear having a dog for a week or 2 and then my other half saying he doesnt like it and having to give it away, even if it goes to someone close :b

i hope you have though about that what happens if you spend a few weeks loving it and bonding with it, then your OH say he doesnt want it :(

good luck what ever you do :luck: :luck:
 
That's a real shame. I've never encountered a breed so loving and easy to get on with as whippets. :wub: However, if you're having to make plans so early of passing the dog on to your parents if it doesn't work out then perhaps you should wait a wee while longer before you make any kind of decision. It does sound like your OH hasn't been convinced yet.
 
Sigh

You're all correct.

Thankyou for posting honestly.

I really feel like I am going round in circles.

I think we will go and see this terrier pup tomorrow and try and keep an open mind.

Your suggestions about taking the family to meet whippets is a good one. The whippet sire's breeder said that we would be very welcome to meet his dogs - that would probably be a good idea.

Can any of you ask your other halves what eventually turned them into dog lovers? How does this process work??!! I don't feel I can push this subject too far for the sake of marital harmony!

Here's the ironic bit... I'm actually a vet! How has my husband managed to escape dog ownership for so long....??????!!!!!!!!
 
my OH was a animal lover so once i had got him to say yes to a dog, him liking the dog wasnt a problem :)

i think you should all go along and meet the breeders whippets, then your OH will get t see some pups but also some older dogs so hell get an idea on how big they will grow and stuff. if hes still not convinced then maybe its not the right dog for him or maybe he stil isnt ready for one.

good luck :luck: :luck: :luck:
 
This is a good idea..

I have just been to your website, starwhippets, and had a look at Ruby and Star - gorgeous pics. It's great to see them cuddling up with your kids too. My kids really want the cuddle factor in a pet...
 
PS This is a brilliant sign off line:

-If you can't be a good example -- then you'll just have to be a horrible warning!
 
What a shame!

But bear this in mind - if he isn't really a dog lover then that terrier is going straight to your parents, because IMO a terrier would be a harder dog to win your hubby around with. You MUST get your parents to see whippets and interact with them - otherwise you are really just buying it for them. My parents have always had collies (except for a rescue Afghan, who was the reason I got hounds) but love my pups and how settled and loving they are. The dogs just whip around the garden (can't go out yet, only had 2nd vac today) and then curl up on the sofa. No hideous barking, no pestering. I couldn't have convinced my hubby with any other dog. The pups just pull a blanket into whichever room we are in and settle. I may be wrong, but terrier pups seem to be much more demanding to me. Of course our pups need constant monitoring at the moment but thats because we are so keen to not develop bad habits. They are crate trained at night and already know 'sit'. I can only repeat that my husband did not see the point in dogs at all before we got these two but actually goes teary eyed when he looks into the eyes of our dogs - and he's not an emotional bloke at all normally! There's no way these dogs wil be going to live anywhere else!

Please persevere with the whippet! :luck:
 
Hi - just catching up on this thread. My OH is pretty dog resistant but when our little whippet (then a puppy) appeared at the school gates one day (we were not at the time looking for a dog, let alone a whippet) he unexpectedly agreed to us having it. The reason was quite simply that he appreciated that it is generally a good thing for children (we have an 8 yr old daughter) to grow up with pets because it teaches them how to care for and take responsibility for things more vulnerable than themselves. You could try doing a little research to see if there are any studies showing the benefits to children from having dogs (there are studies on most things - so I am sure there must be one on this!). Then present him with the evidence.

OH has a great relationship with Wizard now. He is the one that brings home the bones and takes him to the pub on a Sat evening. He is not soppy with him (like I am) so the dog sees him as pack leader which I think is great too. All in all it has worked out really well. I think whippets are admired by men more than a lot of more 'furry' type dogs so that helps out with his cred down the pub. (A lot of the compliments Wiz gets when out and about are from men.)

Working on dog number 2 now! :- " Not going too well at the moment. Better research on how 2 dogs are better for kids than one.

Hope this helps. Good luck
 
hi hun welcome to k9.

ive only just caught up with this thread but ive got to put my 2 pence worths in.

im one of the few people on this site that dosent have a whippy ( but my next dog will be). ive had terrers all my life and have currently got a jack russel, now while terriers can be loyal obediant dogs they are a hell of a lot of work. the are headstrong, willfull and stubbern and need alot of time and patience, they are also very smart so they can learn bad behaviour as fast as good. also if u get past this u may well find that the dog will bond and obey one member of the family and generally do wot it likes with the others.

i barely have to whisper to Dana to get her to obey my commands but mark has no chance and while she loves him its on her terms and she will ignor him to be with me.

another problem with terriers is they are very vocal, which is good if ur being broken in but no so good if leaves blowing in the garden. also they are VERY territorial and i think u have much more chance of one killing a cat if it gets hold of than a whippy. also with them being bred to hunt rats they have a stong urge to dig, Dana dug a hole straight through my sofa within a week of getting her.

i really do think u should try to push the whippet option cos if ur fella aint a dog lover a terriers may just be too much for him.

im sorry if this isnt what u wanted to hear but i think they r thinks u need to know hun.

hugs emma
 
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