Whippets?

SaraB

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#1
No, we are not planning on adding another dog anytime soon. However, as my husband desperatly tries to mold the merle girls into cuddly dogs, I'm realizing just how big of a hole Classic left. Just because I like crazy, go, go, go dogs doesn't mean he does.

So my big question about whippets is... are they cuddly? :rofl1: Not just the "I like attention, and I'll hang out on your lap as long as you are continually petting me, but the second I feel your attention is wavering, I'm off to do better things" that the girls are. I'm talking a full out, there is no better place for me than physically touching you somehow attitude. Bonus points for pictures. :D

Also, I realize fully that no dog will be able to master the art of cuddling as Classic did... (don't mind my crazy hair, I think I was home sick this day)
 

stardogs

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#2
The whippets I've met aren't cuddly, but they are also from coursing lines vs. conformation.
 

AdrianneIsabel

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#3
Yes, the racing whippets I know are amazing cuddlers. :) I don't know about the conformation ones, they all seem a bit neurotic and soft but that's no reflection on their cuddling ability.
 

momto8

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#4
from what i've heard from whippet ppl they are couch potatoe dogs in the house, not sure how cuddly that makes them lol!
 

Barbara!

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#5
You might want to look at Italian Greyhounds... I have heard they are very cuddly. Lol.
 

Taqroy

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#6
I have nothing helpful to add (Tipper is the most cuddly dog I have and she'll split if I stop petting her :() but I have so so much love for that photo.
 

~Dixie's_Mom~

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#7
As far as I know, yes. Everything I've read/seen in videos leads me to believe they are VERY much like my Chloe in temperament who is a pro snuggler/cuddler. Whippets are supposed to be cuddly couch potato dogs in the house and also very intune with their owners.
 

stardogs

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#10
Maybe it's just because the ones I've met were busy with something else at the time! LOL
 

~Dixie's_Mom~

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#11
Bonus points for pictures. :D
Can my points go toward you getting a Whippet so I can live vicariously through you for a few years til I get my own? :D


This one's waiting for your husband to snuggle it!















All photos from google/flickr, none of them are mine.
 

maxfox426

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#13
I don't know how well this holds water scientifically, but I have found as a general rule that boys tend to be cuddlier than girls. Not just dogs... any animals. This is from my personal experience with dogs, cats, rats, gerbils, hamsters, and even cornsnakes. LOL

I realize that this is probably the most useless information I could offer, but... it's all I've got. :p
 

JessLough

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#14
I don't know how well this holds water scientifically, but I have found as a general rule that boys tend to be cuddlier than girls. Not just dogs... any animals. This is from my personal experience with dogs, cats, rats, gerbils, hamsters, and even cornsnakes. LOL

I realize that this is probably the most useless information I could offer, but... it's all I've got. :p
They say that 'bout ferrets too. Don't know if it's true though, I have yet to get a cuddly ferret :lol-sign:
 

Aleron

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#15
I'm not sure "cuddle-y" is the right word, as most of the sighthounds are not really needy dogs. But they are great couch/bed buddies. The Grey I raised slept cuddled up with me every night starting at about 4 months old. All of the Whippets and Greys I have known have been very much creatures of comfort and spend most of the time lounging on furniture or beds. But they are not necessarily touch-y feel-y needy dogs in the way that say...I dunno male Belgians are. They like to cuddle with you cause it's comfy and warm :)

It's hard to get a feel for how they are when you see them out and about I think. IME there is less difference between show and racing Whippets temperament wise than between a lot of working vs. show dogs, especially the breeder is active in coursing as well as showing. You can get nice performance dogs out of either...or performance duds out of either. Although I think a lot also depends on your expectations and approach to training too, sighthounds in general can be really easy to turn off of stuff that isn't naturally rewarding. Whippets are overall the most impressive dogs at our local coursing events - they are just amazing coursers!

I've wanted a sighthound for a long time and while one is not in my near future, when the time comes I will likely go with a Whippet.
 

MafiaPrincess

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#16
Dash and Bounce are snuggly. They want to be pet endlessly. Seek out your hands, put front paws on your lap.. Climb up in to it if you let them. The well bred ones we met in the US for Kerri's thesis were also fantastic. Wanted to be loved on, love on you. Mainly race lines as well.

Baby LHW ;)

They also like to cuddle on each other



Bounce Baby



Crazy Smudge puppy playing with Fly

 

Catsi

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#17
Yes, the racing whippets I know are amazing cuddlers. :) I don't know about the conformation ones, they all seem a bit neurotic and soft but that's no reflection on their cuddling ability.
Yes, my grandma's whippet boy, Locke is from conformation lines and is the softest dog I have ever met. He is an A+ cuddler. Possibly the most affectionate and gentlest dog I've ever had the pleasure of having around.

I would consider a whippet down the road, but because I'd like to dabble in sports I'd be very careful about what lines/breeding. There are outgoing and confident whippets out there for sure. Locke's not one of them - we got him has an adult and it was a long process just to get him comfortable on walks. Going in the car was a big thing too. But that was quite possibly a combination of nature/nuture.

Edit - Aww, whippet babies... cute as.

Maf's post about petting reminded me that when we are out on walks, Locke will check in with me quite often, coming right up to my side and nudging my hand to get a little pat. I've encouraged this... it's quite sweet. Having said that, I wouldn't describe him as a clingy dog.
 

Lyzelle

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#20
I would really love ANY sighthound one day. The only thing that makes me cross them off my list are is the whole not-reliable off-leash thing. I've had my fill of neurotic, ADHD, self-destructive, suicidal dogs. I'd like something a bit more loyal this time around. :rofl1:

But they ARE ridiculously cute and they seem like they are SUCH cuddle buddies! Maybe one day when I'm not such a nervous freak. :D
 

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