THE WHIPPET 115 



grounds at Bury are also noted centres for races. It is a 

 remarkable but well recognised fact that bitches are faster than 

 dogs, and in consequence the terms upon which they are 

 handicapped are varied. The general custom is to allow a 

 dog 2\ to 3 yards advantage for every pound difference 

 in weight between it and the gentle sex. 



One of the fastest dogs that ever ran was Collier Lad, 

 but he was almost a Greyhound as regards size. Whitefoot, 

 whose owner challenged the world, and was considered to be 

 quite unbeatable, was a Whippet in every sense of the word, 

 and was a nice medium weight, though probably Capplebank's 

 time of ii \ seconds stands alone. The best of the present-day 

 racing dogs are Polly fro' Astley (15 Ibs.) and Dinah (nj Ibs), 

 and of those which promise well for the future, Eva, whose 

 weight is only g| Ibs., is most prominent. 



The training of Whippets is by no means easy work, and is 

 more expensive than most people imagine. The very choicest 

 food is deemed absolutely necessary, in fact a Whippet 

 undergoing preparation for an important race is provided 

 with the most wholesome fare. Choice mutton-chops, beef- 

 steaks and similar dainties comprise their daily portion. Of 

 course exercise is a necessity, but it is not considered good 

 policy to allow a dog in training to gambol about either on the 

 roads or in the fields. Indeed, all dogs which are undergoing 

 preparation for a race are practically deprived of their free- 

 dom, in lieu of which they are walked along hard roads 

 secured by a lead ; and for fear of their picking up the least 

 bit of refuse each is securely muzzled by a box-like leather 

 arrangement which completely envelops the jaws, but which is 

 freely perforated to permit proper breathing. Any distance 

 between six and a dozen miles a day, according to the stamina 

 and condition of the dog, is supposed to be the proper amount 

 of exercise, and scales are brought into use every few days to 

 gauge the effect which is being produced. In addition 

 to this private trials are necessary in the presence of someone 

 who is accustomed to timing races by the aid of a stop-watch 



