THE WHIPPET 103 



work. In the last few days before running a cut out of the middle 

 of a leg of mutton, nicely stewed, with some toast made from a 

 brown loaf, a little of the broth, just a sprinkling of the vegetables 

 already named, and an egg beaten in the broth, are advocated. All 

 stimulants should be avoided. 



As a companion the Whippet has many superiors, though to 

 some he has his good points not the least attractive of which are 

 his conformation, speed, the fact that he occupies but a very small 

 space indoors, and has no long coat to lick up the mud. Nor as a 

 sporting dog is he without his admirers, though the possession of 

 a brace, it must be confessed, is not unfrequently regarded with 

 suspicion by farmers and game-preservers. For rabbit-catching the 

 rough-haired variety is more fancied, such a coat standing them 

 in better stead than the smooth one. When employed for rabbit- 

 catching it is usual to work a brace of Whippets with a smart terrier. 



As a show dog the Whippet does not meet with a large share of 

 support, though there is no reason why so easily kept a variety should 

 not. For this purpose one from i61b. to 2olb. is about the correct 

 weight ; but to win the dog 'must be built upon the lines of the 

 Greyhound, and look all over like a racer. He must be shown in 

 good, hard condition, but not so finely trained as if he were intended 

 for straight-running. Exercise behind a trap or a cycle, if judiciously 

 given, combined with good grooming on return, in which there is 

 plenty of hand- rubbing employed, will soon bring a typical Whippet 

 into really excellent show form. 



The following is the description of the Whippet as drawn up by 

 the Whippet Club : 



Head. Long and lean, rather wide between the eyes, and flat at the top. The 

 jaw powerful yet clearly cut. Teeth level and white. 



Eyes. Bright and fiery. 



kars. Small, fine in texture, and rose shape. 



Neck. Long and muscular, elegantly arched, and free from throatiness. 



Shoulders. Oblique and muscular. 



Chest. Deep and capacious. 



Back. Broad and square, rather long, and slightly arched over loin, which 

 should be strong and powerful. 



Fore Leg*. Rather long, well set under dog, possessing fair amount of bone. 



.Hindquarters. Strong and broad across, stifles well bent, thighs broad and 

 muscular, hocks well let down. 



Feet. Round, well split up, with strong soles. 



7 a/7. Long, tapering, and nicely carried. 



Coat. Fine and close. 



Colour. Black, red, white, brindle, fawn, blue, and the various mixtures of 

 each. 



Weight. 201b. 



In selecting a Whippet, practically the same rules hold good as 

 in the case of a Greyhound. 



