Guidelines for Finding a Whippet Breeder
Proceed with Caution if:
The breeder has several litters available.
Agrees to sell a puppy younger than 7 weeks of age
Cannot or will not answer any of your questions
Is eager to sell you a puppy without asking you a lot of questions about your lifestyle or scheduling a meeting if you are in the area
Is not a member of a Whippet club, either local or the NWCC
Asks for a deposit without asking you a lot of questions about your lifestyle or scheduling a meeting if you are in the area
Charges more for CKC registration papers – this is illegal
Does not want you to see the puppy’s mother or father
If you have concerns after talking to, or meeting, the breeder — keep looking!
Here Are Some Guidelines To Help You With Your Search
The NWCC strongly recommends you purchase only from those breeders that do HEALTH TESTING and have Whippets of sound mind and body. Recommended health testing includes CAER (for eye disease), and the most important one in our breed, CARDIAC (heart). Some breeders will also do BAER testing (for deafness). Ask the breeder to show you documentation of health clearances for an adult dog or the puppy’s parents, if purchasing a puppy.
Whippets advertised for sale in the local newspaper or the likes of Kijiji, Craigslist, etc. might be a bad sign. Reputable Whippet breeders take reservations long before their litter is born and do not have to advertise in the local paper.
Visit the homes of several breeders to see how their dogs are housed and raised. It’s important you see Whippets in their home environment to be sure this is the breed for you. Make sure you meet the puppy’s mother (and father if you can) to evaluate their temperament – are they outgoing, friendly and well adjusted? Remember that most temperament problems (shyness, separation anxiety, aggression) are hereditary.
Get on waiting lists of reputable Whippet breeders that are planning litters and keep in touch. Ask the breeder what kind of health guarantee they provide, i.e. will you be compensated for an issue that proves to be hereditary. Make sure both the health guarantee and contract of sale are in writing and signed by the purchaser and the breeder. Make sure there is a clause that the breeder will take back the dog at any time during its life if you are unable to keep it.
Ask the breeder to show you documentation of health testing (see preamble) of the puppy’s parents. This is very important. If health testing has been done, there will be paperwork to verify it.
Research. Get a copy of the pedigree. If you want a show dog, buy from a breeder that has been successful in the show ring; same with racing or coursing. You want to make sure their ancestors have excelled in whatever endeavour you wish to pursue with your Whippet.
Ask if the breeder has information about these particular bloodlines. For example, ask how long the dogs have lived and what they have died from. Write it down. This may be important for monitoring your pet, as he gets older.
Ask the breeder for a couple of references from people they have sold puppies to and contact them. Find out if they were happy with their experience with that breeder. Ideally, ask for references from owners who share your expectations, i.e. a pet owner if you are solely looking for a companion or a coursing enthusiast if that is your interest.
Find out what vaccinations are included and ask for a copy of the breeder’s vaccination protocol. Ideally, a veterinarian will have given the puppy a health check. This health document will include a vaccination record and written information of the puppy’s physical exam. This veterinary health record should be given to you at the time of purchase.
If you are buying a companion dog rather than a show dog, most breeders will insist on spaying or neutering by a certain age. If a show quality dog, find out what other stipulations there might be and make sure it is in a written contract, signed by the breeder and the purchaser. Regardless of show dog, race dog or companion dog, you are entitled to CKC registration papers in your name, for no additional charge (it’s the law!)
When you purchase your puppy you should receive written instructions on care and feeding (amount and type of food) and have the breeder willing to be contacted at any time with any questions. Most breeders will give new homes a trial period to make sure both new owner and Whippet are a great match.
Lastly, take your time. Hopefully your Whippet will live a long, happy life so it is an important decision as to the “right” one for you. You deserve a healthy, well-bred and well-socialized Whippet that will be an integral part of your family for many years.
