Longhaired Whippet

Overview of Longhaired Whippets

The Longhaired Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound. They are a variety of the Whippet, carrying the gene modification for longer coat. Although controversy originally focused on the origin of the longer hair, the modified FGF5 gene for longer hair in Greyhounds and Whippets has been scientifically proven, as reported by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 2215 Biomedical Physical Sciences.

Description

Appearance

The Longhaired Whippet is a medium-sized, athletic sighthound, similar in build to the Whippet but with a long silky coat. The breed standard indicates that the Longhaired Whippet should conform to the general appearance outlined by the Whippet breed standard except, of course, for the longer coat. However, the coat should not prevent the dog from being able to fulfill its function in the field as a running dog. They come in a variety of colors including: solid colors like red and black, parti-colors such as red and white, and various shades brindle. They also appear in colors not found in the Whippet such as black or blue grizzle. They range in height from 18-22 inches at the shoulder and usually weigh between 20 and 30 lbs.

Temperament

Longhaired Whippets have sweet, friendly personalities and enjoy spending time with people and other dogs (especially dogs of their own kind). They are affectionate and loving yet still maintain the typical dignified sighthound demeanor. They tend to be a bit more biddable and eager to please than other sighthounds which makes them well suited to obedience and agility training. They do not make good guard dogs, but will bark a warning to their owners if they feel it necessary.

Exercise

Longhaired Whippets are capable of reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour, but are not high-strung or hyperactive. They are sprinters and do enjoy being able to run and play, but spend a large amount of their time sleeping.

History

The history of the Longhaired Whippet is shrouded in controversy. The issue began about 50 years ago when an AKC Whippet breeder named Walter Wheeler claimed that he had been successful in bringing out a recessive long-coat gene in his smooth coated whippets. Ever since then, two main camps have formed: those who believe that Wheeler's "longhaired whippets" are indeed purebred whippets with a recessive coat gene, and those who believe that the breed known as the "longhaired whippet" is actually a cross breed between the Whippet and another long-coated breed (most likely the Shetland Sheepdog). However, 2006 scientific research has proven the modification for long hair does exist in Greyhounds, the foundation breed for Whippets.

Evidence from paintings and other artwork do depict whippet-like dogs with long coats used for hunting. Evidence like this supports the idea that longhaired Whippets may have once existed at some point in history but then disappeared for one reason or another. However, the American Whippet Club contends that there is no genetic evidence to support the idea that the Whippet breed ever had a long-coat gene. After receiving information from the AWC, the AKC eventually removed a number of dogs from their studbook after conducting their own investigation into the matter.

The Longhaired Whippet is often confused with the Silken Windhound due to their similar appearance. The similarities between them have to do with the fact that the Longhaired Whippet is actually one of the founding breeds behind the Silken Windhound. Silken Windhound breed founder, Francie Stull, crossed Longhaired Whippets from Walter Wheeler's breeding kennel with Borzoi to create the breed now known as the Silken Windhound. While the two breeds are related, they have developed in separate directions and are two very different breeds.

Recognition

The Longhaired Whippet is not currently recognized by any of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world. However, there are two national parent clubs set up for the breed: The Longhaired Whippet Association (established in 1981) and the International Longhaired Whippet Association, which offer conformation and performance events.

In addition to the events held by the national parent clubs, the Longhaired Whippet is also eligible to compete in conformation events held by minor kennel clubs including the Continental Kennel Club, the North American Kennel Club and the International All-Breed Canine Association (IABCA).

Longhaired Whippets, like other Whippets, can excel in dog sports such as agility and obedience, which are open to all dogs through clubs such as the United States Dog Agility Association.

Health

Longhaired Whippets are potential carriers of Mdr1 which makes them sensitive to certain chemicals, particularly the common dewormer known as Ivermectin. Carrier status for MDR1 can be established through a simple cheek swab tissue test. The eye disorder choroidal hypoplasia sometimes occurs in this breed and in other types of dogs. A genetic test for this recessive trait is available.

External links

• Longhaired Whippet Association
• International Longhaired Whippet Club
• The Hounds of Claybrook breeder of Longhaired Whippets

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