The Whippet

 

The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound, believed to have been developed from Greyhounds crossed with the now-extinct English long-legged terrier. The breed was first documented in mid-19th-century England.

​

At that time, English law prohibited those who did not own land from hunting game. Large, “noble” sighthounds such as Greyhounds were largely reserved for the upper classes. Working-class families, with little land or money, needed a smaller, stealthy sighthound capable of helping provide rabbits for the table while also serving as a loyal family companion.

 

From these humble beginnings, the Whippet emerged. Later, as the Industrial Revolution reshaped English society, working-class Whippet owners took great pride in racing their dogs outside of working hours. Through this tradition, the Whippet earned its enduring nickname: “the poor man’s racehorse.”

​

Chapleton Whippets Breeding Philosophy

 

At Chapleton Whippets, my breeding philosophy is that very few dogs are good enough to be breeding dogs.  Our dogs are not only tested in the conformation ring, and lure coursing field, - but our ultimate goal is to produce dogs who perform superiorly in both.  Furthermore, when considering a breeding, we strive to pair animals that are complimentary to each other in hopes that the breeding will produce offspring superior to the previous generation.  For each potential breeding I will consider phenotype (athletic and conformational assets), but known genotype, pedigree, temperament, health testing information (CERF, BAER, Cardio tests at minimum) and past production histories.  Any breeding we do, is done expressly for the purpose of enhancing Whippets as a breed.

​

Athletic show and pet quality puppies may be occasionally available to select homes.  All puppies will be vaccinated, dew claw removed, and vet checked prior to going to new homes. They are accompanied by a health guarantee and a contract entailing my responsibilities to the puppy and buyer as the breeder, as well as my expectations of that puppy's new home.  Pet puppies are sold with spay and neuter clauses, and (in pets) additional, adult health testing is optional but encouraged.