The Whippet 209 



flank. It is almost impossible for a Whippet to have 

 the lumbar muscles too strongly developed. The 

 croup is practically a continuation of the first thigh 

 and buttocks. The former should be long, and the 

 whole region well clothed with muscles. A neatly- 

 turned stifle joint, long, strong second thighs, " clean '* 

 but broad hocks and strong, oblique pasterns, together 

 with compact feet, are additional attributes of a well- 

 shaped Whippet. 



In racing the Whippet the track selected is usually 

 about 200 yards, and the dogs are slipped from the 

 leash by the starter at the snap of a pistol, each owner 

 encouraging the competitor at the opposite end of 

 the track by waving a rag or handkerchief, at the 

 same time lustily shouting, thus contributing to the 

 amusement and excitement of the contest. Racing 

 contests are run according to the weights of the dogs, 

 and are subservient to the rules adopted by the vari- 

 ous Whippet racing clubs. Handicapping is a good 

 deal practised but calls for the exercise of consider- 

 able skill on the part of the handicapper, who, like 

 the referee in a football match, often finds a difliculty 

 in satisfying interested parties. 



Kennel Management. — Beings short-haired and 

 thin-skinned it is necessary, especially during the 

 colder months of the year, to provide a Whippet 

 with suitable woollen clothing, the chief desideratum 

 being warmth combined with lightness; if a dog is 



