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| Whippet Racing | ||
 Huh? Whippet racing? I’ve never heard of it.Racing is a hobby that you can participate in with your whippet. It is the performance aspect of the breed - it is the same as teaching an Alaskan malamute to pull a sled, or letting your kid join soccer.  And don’t confuse it with greyhound racing - there is no betting, or financial incentive of any kind. In fact, betting is strictly prohibited. The dogs win ribbons and trophies, and earn points toward racing championship titles.
Some people have gotten the idea in their heads that racing whippets are not good pets; that somehow the two roles are mutually exclusive. Nothing can be further from the truth. People who race their whippets do so because they know it makes the dog happy to do what it was bred to do. Race meets are relaxed, informal events where we gather to admire the athleticism of the breed and enjoy the company of friends while engaging in some friendly competition. These are our pets first and foremost…a whippet will race for maybe five or six years, but they will grace our couch for their entire lives. |
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| The difference between racing, lure coursing and open field coursing These are three different sports, and people often get them confused. Let me explain the differences. In racing, its all about who crosses the finish line first. The judging is objective - there is no room for personal opinion. There are two types of whippet racing. |
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| When a club sponsors a race meet, they typically hold a straight track meet on Saturday, and an oval on Sunday.
In lure coursing, the dogs are judged subjectively, based upon the opinion of the person who is judging that day. Pairs or trios of dogs chase a lure on a much longer course (usually between 800-1200 yards) that can be designed in any number of ways. Sharp corners, gradual turns, long straight-aways, figure eights, you name it. The course is intended to represent the path a dog might take when chasing a jackrabbit through a field. A judge or two stand in the middle of the field and rate the dogs on 5 different criteria - follow, enthusiasm, agility, speed and endurance. Note that speed is only one of the criteria, so a greater variety of dogs can excel in lure coursing. The dogs typically run twice in a day. Open field coursing is also an event that is judged subjectively, but the dogs are chasing a real jackrabbit in its natural habitat. Note that I did not call it a bunny - these are not the cute little cottontails you see in the neighbor’s garden. Participants, human and canine, walk in formation through the countryside in an effort to flush a jackrabbit. When a rabbit is spotted, the hunt master gives the signal to release the pair or trio of dogs competing in that course. The rabbit determines the length of the course; sometimes he is quickly able to shake the dogs pursuing him and other times he has to run for miles. Occasionally he is caught by his predators and pays the ultimate price for his miscalculation. The dogs are judged by the hunt master according to the athletic and predatory skills they exhibited during that course. Each dog typically runs twice in a day. Of all the field events open to whippets, open field coursing is the most rigorous, and requires that the dogs be in extremely good physical condition. |
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| Why are races referred to as “NAWRAs” and “NOTRAs,” etc.? Sprints meets are sanctioned by two different organizations, North American Whippet Racing Association (NAWRA) and Whippet Racing Association (WRA). NAWRA is more prevalent in the western United States and Canada; WRA is more prevalent in the east. The National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA) sanctions all oval meets. All sight hound breeds can race in NOTRA meets (greyhounds, Afghan hounds, borzoi, etc.). |
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| Race dogs can be shown and show dogs can be raced, but… Yeah, it would be great to have a whippet that “does it all.” I love hearing the elders of whippet racing recall the days when a dog could “take Best of Breed (in the show ring) in the morning, then win the race meet in the afternoon.” Well, those days are gone. I am not arguing the value of that ideal, and I admire the efforts of those who attempt to breed the “dual purpose” whippet. But the reality is that the breed has evolved into different types as a result of specialization for different activities. Sure, a show-bred dog can race, and have great fun doing it, just as a race-bred dog can be shown, and enjoy that. But neither is going to do very well, and they sure as hell don’t have a snowball’s chance of winning. The characteristics that are rewarded in the show ring do not enhance performance on the track. In fact, they often inhibit it. By the same token, in breeding for speed, race breeders often overlook the cosmetic traits that are valued in the show ring. So which is correct? It depends on what you personally value in the breed - the “porcelain statue” type of appearance, all curves and smooth, flowing lines; or the kick-ass athletic ability that was the goal of the breed’s originators. And there you have it - the great Race vs. Show debate (according to Scott). What if you like both types? Its simple, really - get one of each! What if you prefer only one sport? Get a dog that was bred to excel in it, and refrain from putting down the dogs of people who prefer a different activity. These are hobbies, for chrissakes, and we all love our dogs as much as you do! |
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| What if I have a show-bred dog, but I want to try racing? Well then get your butt out to a race practice! We’d love to have you, and your dog doesn’t know the difference between show-bred, race-bred or white bread. She’ll think she’s a meet winner regardless of where she places. Look in the “Links” section of this web site and consult the various racing organizations listed for the racing club nearest you. There are many regions of the continent where there is no racing to be had, so you may have to either drive long distances or start your own club. (Hey, I’m not kidding about that last part…there are plenty of people who would be happy to come out to your part of the country and help you get started.)
I live in the Portland (Oregon) metropolitan area, and our local racing club is called Washington Whippet Racing Club. If you are anywhere close, you are more than welcome to come out and join us. Heck, you’re welcome if you live a ridiculously long distance away! You can’t just throw your newbie whippet into a race. Whippets instinctually chase whatever is moving, so that’s a no-brainer. But we do have to gradually introduce them to wearing a muzzle, breaking out of a starting box, and running with other dogs without interfering. More importantly, however, your dog must be in shape to run. This is a sport, and “weekend warriors” will get injured. Just like any athlete, your dog must be in condition to safely participate in racing or any field event. The best form of exercise is walking, but a whippet must also be allowed to run full out a couple times a week in order to get the back muscles into shape. That can be accomplished at a race practice or by teaching your dog to fetch a tennis ball or Frisbee. |
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| Why do I get such attitude from race and show breeders when I inquire about their puppies? I am a good home and isn’t that what’s most important? Because in the final analysis, if they are breeding good quality dogs, it is not difficult to find a home that is “good” and wants to participate in the hobby of choice. Yes, a responsible and loving home is what is most important. But we are not breeding for the pet market - the local pound is full of wonderful pets. We are breeding for a purpose - to achieve excellence in conformation, running ability, or whatever the goal may be. When a racing or showing enthusiast breeds a litter, the only way they can evaluate whether their breeding was a success is to place as many pups as possible in homes that participate in that activity. That’s why breeders ask the questions they do. They’re trying to determine if your home meets their needs. Just be honest and be patient. Most of the time there will be puppies in the litter for which a race or show home cannot be found. That is when the breeder will consider a home that is only interested in a companion for the family. By the way, a breeder who sells you a dog simply because you got there first with cash in hand is exactly the breeder you want to avoid. They are what we call “puppy mills” and they couldn’t care less whether the puppy they sell you will be healthy, has a good temperament, and is a good personality match for you and your home. |
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| You don’t have to race your whippet to be a good whippet owner. But I recommend that you at least try it - your dog will absolutely love it (its in their genes!) and you probably will too! |