jomaxsmith Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 This is chook related, honestly! Dh and I were watching Crufts tonight and were talking about which dog we'd get if we ever decided to get one. We've both always fancied a whippet and I've just been doing some sneaky research in case dh ever sounds as if we just might buy one straight away (there's nothing like being prepared!). Basically, what I've read suggests Whippets will chase anything that moves, which doesn't sound fair on our current pets (the hens). Would a sharp peck on the nose train the dog, or would it be instinct bound to chase them over the fence everytime it went in the garden? Thanks for any advice Jo PS - sounds like a romantic Saturday night, doesn't it. Watching Crufts together then he's watching the rugby he recorded earlier while I browse the Internet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chili pepper Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 I dont have a whippet but I have 3 greyhounds, so very close relations. Personally, I never let my hounds out if the girls are free ranging, so my garden is on a strict timetable, which works absolutely fine for us. I have had one hound out in the garden when they were freeranging but it was by accident and she escaped, luckily she was the most obedient of the 3 and came when called so didn't get the chance to chase. I think it would be unfair to expect the whippet to overcome years of breeding and to ignore its instnct to chase. But it may be possible, maybe someone else on her has had success in this area, if so they will be along soon to advise I am sure. If like me you could keep the dogs and chicks apart (it is possible quite easily) then I would say go ahead, or why not rehome a gorgeous greyhound? They are in desperate need of homes and make the most amazing, calm, rewarding pets! (PM me if you want the number of a great rescue kennels!) Best of luck in whatever you decide to do!! Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted March 8, 2008 Author Share Posted March 8, 2008 Thanks Kim, A neighbour has got a rescue greyhound and I hadn't realised how enormous they can be! I think whippets are a better size for us and with 2 small boys I would probably want to start with a puppy rather than a rescue dog. This is all a theoretical discussion, I don't expect we'll be getting a dog for many years! Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chili pepper Posted March 8, 2008 Share Posted March 8, 2008 I know what you mean about enormous! I got Rio my first girl as a 6 month old pup, Hubby thought she was huge then and she has grown into a 26kg girl, but when we rescued my second dog, Seamus, also 6 months old at the time, he has grown to an amazing 30+kg 18 months later!! we look at Rio now and cant believe we thought she was big!! But they bring me endless joy and I love them to bits. Hypothetical ? Hmmmmm! Once the seed is sown! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pickled egg Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 sorry, jusy caught up with this thread - i've been away. Hope I'm not too late. Anyway, we have a whippet (and a lurcher and a greyhound). The whippet is OK with the hens - she will half heartedly chase them occasionally, so she is not perfect. The old lurcher is absolutely fine with hens and so was our last lurcher (now sadly passed away). A bit of training with a water pistol works really well I realy hope you do decide (did decide?) to get a whippet - they are great characters and love people - we adore ours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 I have a lurcher (rescued) who has a chase instinct, but not for things that fly; once she realises something can get off the ground, she loses interest. I would have a good talk to where you think of getting a dog from (PLEASE rescue one, there are so many wonderful dogs out there needing homes). They generally "cat test" dogs and one which passes this test is unlikely to bother chickens; to be on the safe side, you can always use the omlet fencing and a bit of supervision until you feel there is no threat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jomaxsmith Posted July 17, 2008 Author Share Posted July 17, 2008 Thanks both - the decision is still up in the air. We are set on having a whippet, the question is whether to get a dog at all! Watch this space.... Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 I would not assume that whippets are any less work than greyhounds - from people I know who have kept both the greyhound tends to be lazier and the whippet a bit more boisterous. I would suggest seeking out a good greyhound/whippet rescue centre as they tend to have good idea of the chase instincts of individual dogs and may even chicken test them for you as how the dog is with one type of animal may differ from another - a friend of mine rehomed a whippet collie cross who took no bother to the cats in the house but who jumps up and plucks birds from the sky and savages them, so he won't be around my chickens! Also, some are handed into rescue centres as they are hopeless for racing due to lack of chase instinct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs chook Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 I have a terrier x, who chases the girls for bread or to try and get them to play footy with him, otherwise ok. My old lady greyhound who I had until she passed away 3 yrs ago would chase cats, but totally ignored anything else, bunnies included - hence she was a rescue, didn't fancy the racing lark. It depends on the individual dog to a degree. If you get one (breeder or rescue) sometimes they can be 'tested' and if it is young you can do some encouraging along the right path, or if older, may come with some previous experience. Good luck, they are LOVELY, graceful dogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted July 17, 2008 Share Posted July 17, 2008 A friend of mine has two Whippets and hers will chase anything small.They are great pets though and love being around people,but they are ultimately hunters and damn good ones at that.Cats,rabbits,birds-nothing is sacred to them and they would kill given the chance so bear this in mind. The original use for a breed plays a large part in what it will be like when mature.Terriers for example were bred to be feisty and not to back down,Labradors to retrieve,Collies to herd so taking away hundreds of years of instinct will be very hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...