Whippets living outside.

[T42 44]

Evening all,

 

Basically looking into getting a running dog, ethier a whippet or a lurcher.

 

Prefrebly a Whippet as thats whats been recommended to me, and it's what people I know around these parts have got.

 

I know some people say that whippets are more fragile and less hardy? Is this true?

 

Also been looking into there living habits and it is said that they don't like living outside as they obviously have short hair. I'm just basically wondering if any of you do keep them outside?

 

Any tips for keeping them outside?

 

Note: I currently have four other dogs, three labs and a spaniel. all working dogs that also live outside, so I can't be having one living inside.

 

What are the Pro's / Con's of Whippets against Lurchers?

 

Many Thanks.

 

T42

[Ideation 8,216]

They can live outside with a decent dry/warm/draft proof sleeping box.

 

Biggest disadvantage by far is fragile skin, which if cut, kind of peels open.

 

Fast, agile, high drive (right lines), good temp / nature etc. Good ferreting / mooching dogs.

[chartpolski 23,718]

If you already have dogs living outside, then you'll know all a dog needs is a dry, draught free kennel, with some decent bedding. A Whippet should be no different to your other dogs if that is provided.

 

Cheers.

[B.P.R 2,798]

Never owned a running dog before and decided to get a whippet. They are brilliant dogs, very loyal and as mine is only a pup she sleeps 23 hours a day. Had 2 major injuries already, 2 broken legs but nothing wrong with her, just a bad run of luck. She's on the mend now.

 

The sire and dam to my dog live outside happily and manage just like any other dog but my bitch would not be happy at all outside. She lives indoors and shivers like hell In the conservatory.

 

I would recommend a whippet for the house or get something with a bit more durability like a beddy/whip etc for outside. Not saying she wouldn't be fine outside with the right care but mines loves the house.

 

Great wee dogs. Super agile and can turn on a tuppence and keep the speed.

 

Good luck

[T42 44]

@Chartpolski

 

Yeah they all have draft free, clean and warm sleeping boxes with shredded newspaper as bedding with an exterior kennel with fresh water.

 

They also get doubled up in winter for extra warmth.

 

I just wanted to double check that one of them would be alright outside prior to getting one.

 

Thanks

 

@Veedublee

 

Thanks for your help, I'll definately look into a beddy / whip. Trying to ensure I can give the little tyke the best bed possible for outside. I hope your misfortune incured so far with your whippet turns around for you and wish you all the best for the future.

 

p.s. Own a little VeeDub?

 

 

T42

[T42 44]

They can live outside with a decent dry/warm/draft proof sleeping box. Biggest disadvantage by far is fragile skin, which if cut, kind of peels open. Fast, agile, high drive (right lines), good temp / nature etc. Good ferreting / mooching dogs.

 

Great stuff. Thanks for your help!

[bird 9,926]

keep it warm when outside,because they will drop bodyweight (shiver) when cold.This is for any smooth coated dog. Years ago had smooth coated dogs outside, but kept losing weight in the winter, even though they had good warm kennel with blankets and given plenty of good grub. A mate said try (heat-lamp) and that done the trick, with the lamp it will keep constant temp , when it drops very cold in the night, thats when the dog started to get cold and shiver. They are Brill and your whippet will be 100% better for it

[SLiP tHe DoG ! 129]

Go for a beddy whippet

 

never cared much for ped whippet

[B.P.R 2,798]

No expert on dogs mate, just suggesting something with a thicker coat. I like whippets, great wee dogs, maybe a heat lamp then? That would work wonders in there.

 

Used to own a veedub mate. Your the only person who's clocked onto that haha

[kevin from bristol 95]

knit em a few jumpers ..... and have a staple gun handy as they peel like fruit

[flash3241 32]

they have got a coat they will learn 2 cope with the cold

[dogger 100]

kennel it up with one of your other dogs to keep it warm if your worried

[jarv5116 57]

Yeah I know mate

iv just got my first whippet pup and thinking the same

Iv never had whippet before and its a little bone shaker dont know if will be alright outside.

Fuckme it was -20 up ere past 3 winters.

Not sure if whippet be alright outside with lurchers or its going be a indoor dog

[lurchergrrl 1,441]

Both of mine lived inside for a couple of years, but as of this summer they've been kennelled out The whippet has no problem at all. I do put a coat on him if it's really cold, and he's got plenty of bedding to curl up in. Hasn't done him any harm.

 

For a whippet he's fairly robust, only ever had one small cut on his head. Not like the lurcher; her skin splits open if you stare at her too hard.

 

I think a lot depends on the lines to be honest. Mine's a ped, but he's big and strong If you're concerned, wire a heat lamp out to the kennel and that'll be good enough.

[Guest born to run1083]

For me even tho whippets are great little animals and punch above there weight there to much of a liability I like a dog that can take a knock and if it does can get back out soon as possible to work but like said majority of whips peel easily and stitches are the norm where most other lurchers wouldn't need. Ask ideation about there skin he would tell you about his in last 12 months got some good pics to lol