Ireland A Little Bit Of History I dug up on the Whippet, thought it might be of interest to you

[appleblossom 681]

The Whippet, an English Greyhound in miniature, is the fastest domesticated animal of his weight, capable of speeds up to 35m.p.h. There are several different theories about the Whippet’s ancestry. Some historians believe that the Whippet resulted from breeding runt Greyhounds repeatedly down in size, while others think that Whippets came from crossing Greyhounds with smaller Spaniels. Another theory is that the Whippet descends from crosses between Italian Greyhounds and various terrier breeds, particularly the Manchester Terrier.

 

The Whippet arrived in England in the 19th century and originally was bred to compete in rabbit-luring exhibitions. It quickly became a companion animal and utility dog for the working class. Miners in the north of England, and other ordinary working people, could not afford to own the large sight hounds favoured by royalty and gentry of the time. It is believed that they created their own “miniature greyhounds” to participate in the rabbit hunting contests that were then so popular, and they called this dog the Whippet. The early form of these rabbit competitions involved turning rabbits loose in a confined space and then releasing dogs to see which one would make the quickest catch. This provided an avenue for people who were not wealthy to participate in gambling “games” with little initial investment or overhead. Also at that time in history Whippet owners then turned to what became known as “rag racing,” where a cloth or fur lure was pulled down a straight track or alleyway, with speedy dogs being turned loose to chase after it. Again, this was an inexpensive way for townspeople to gather and gamble on their dogs. When not competing in races, the Whippet was able to hunt rabbit and other small game to help feed itself and its family.

The first Whippets came to North America with English immigrants – primarily textile workers who immigrated to New England in the late 19th and early 20th century. They settled in Massachusetts and Maryland and brought their dogs and their Whippet-racing sport with them. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. The English Kennel Club (England) officially recognized the breed in 1891. Today’s Whippet retains virtually all of its original characteristics. It is extremely athletic and excels at hunting in the field, lure coursing, racing, and in the show ring. Its faithfulness has endeared the Whippet to many people. New owners should remember that Whippets are historically bread to chase, jump and run. The average life span of the Whippet is 13 to 15 years. The desirable height of Whippets are : Bitches – 171/2 to 181/2 inches. Dogs 181/2 to 20inches. These are only guide lines, not written in stone

 

 

Margaret Mc Stay

Edited December 3, 2012 by appleblossom

[seamlfc00 5]

would be intresting to find out how the whippet realy was created,i think the bedlington terrier and whippet are related,one being used to create the other. imo

[RobertoS86 3]

Nice read, thanks for that.

[j j m 6,481]

Good read thanks for sharing bud

[appleblossom 681]

would be intresting to find out how the whippet realy was created,i think the bedlington terrier and whippet are related,one being used to create the other. imo

 

I think you are right.Greyhounds were crossed with small terriers, (including possibly the Bedlington Terrier), to produce a small, swift hound capable of hunting rabbits and other small game.

[corpse 16]

thanks margaret

[kevin-Day 9]

would be intresting to find out how the whippet realy was created,i think the bedlington terrier and whippet are related,one being used to create the other. imo

 

I believe the first bedlingtons were bred up in the town bedlington, from a cross with a then hard working french water dog, the Poodle which I guess was for hunting otters and other water game back in the day, here in England they added whippet blood to other breeds for foxing and rabbiting, like the Old English Black & tan terrier x whippet which gave us the Manchester Terrier a very hard dog which could take game twice its size, today the Manie lurchers have more leg around 21"than show dogs of only 16".

[seamlfc00 5]

i read from a good few different sources that the first beddies were bred in rothbury,even tho they are called bedlingtons.

so you recon they were created by crossing a poodle with a whippet,i can see that being right

[BEARINATOR 2,825]

True Seamlfc originally bred in Rothbury but given the name Bedlington. Nice read on the whippets

Edited December 5, 2012 by BEARINATOR

[david2363 42]

i read from a good few different sources that the first beddies were bred in rothbury,even tho they are called bedlingtons.

so you recon they were created by crossing a poodle with a whippet,i can see that being right

WTF?

[appleblossom 681]

would be intresting to find out how the whippet realy was created,i think the bedlington terrier and whippet are related,one being used to create the other. imo

 

 

Think you are right there. Seen that somewhere in my research,that Greyhounds were crossed with small terriers, (including possibly the Bedlington Terrier), to produce a small, swift hound capable of hunting rabbits and other small game.

[appleblossom 681]

would be intresting to find out how the whippet realy was created,i think the bedlington terrier and whippet are related,one being used to create the other. imo

 

I believe the first bedlingtons were bred up in the town bedlington, from a cross with a then hard working french water dog, the Poodle which I guess was for hunting otters and other water game back in the day, here in England they added whippet blood to other breeds for foxing and rabbiting, like the Old English Black & tan terrier x whippet which gave us the Manchester Terrier a very hard dog which could take game twice its size, today the Manie lurchers have more leg around 21"than show dogs of only 16".

 

Very interesting,thank you