Another 1

[picki]

hello, we are thinking about getting another whippet but we already have 2 we dont want a pup, 1 a little older as harry is 7 and cilla 4 so no young 1`s lol..

what we want to know is would a dog or a bitch, and would it be harder with 3....

 

[TillynPip]

I have two rescue dogs, both spayed bitches, a X breed and a whippet X aged 4 and 2 years. Last May Gracie, a 9 week old whippet, joined our family and it has been hard work in some ways but mostly a complete joy. You won't have the puppy stage but your introductions may have to be more careful with an older dog and much depends on whether your new whippet comes with any emotional baggage such as separation anxiety or food/toy possessiveness. Regarding dog or bitch, as you already have one of each, I think it all hinges on the temperament of your existing two and that of your new one - if one of yours is particularly dominant and a pack leader, then you won't want to introduce a pushy, dominant third dog. Some people told me I was mad getting a third bitch but it has all worked very well and whippets do have such lovely demeanors.

The main thing I am very thankful for is that all mine walk really well on the lead, even 7 month old Gracie and I can't imagine how hard it would be if they didn't walk to heel when told to. Even my three as good as they are, at the end of a lead walk, the leads resemble a pile of knitting! I wouldn't be without any of mine and would even consider a fourth! Good Luck whatever you decide. :luck:

 

[jinnyfizz]

I started with one, Jinny, over two years ago and I now have 6 whippets and 3 lurchers (w00t)

They are all bitches, apart from Irie and one of the lurcher puppies. Irie is neutered so I don't have any problems with the girls coming into season - I haven't yet decided what to do with the lurcher boy as he wasn't planned (he came as part of the deal with my new lurcher bitch) so I shall cross that bridge when I come to it!! You don't say if yours are neutered/speyed? But, if not, you may have to consider having them done to avoid hormone issues as two boys may scrap over one girl and two girls will vie for top dog position

Three is certainly no harder work than two and as you already have a mixed pack the only thing you will have to bear in mind is that they are currently a "couple" and bringing in any other whippet may create a bit of jealousy. I had no problem until I integrated an older lurcher into my whippet pack - she wanted to be top bitch and Jinny wasn't having any of it so there was a bit of argie bargy for a while.

It's all cool now, however, as I didn't allow the dominant attitudes to continue on the basis that I am pack leader - not any of them :lol: :lol: :lol:

I'd say go for it - there are so many older whippets looking for a new forever sofa and they are generally such mild mannered and gracious dogs that I'm sure you would have a happy pack in no time at all :wub: :wub: Good luck with whatever decision you make :luck: :luck: :thumbsup: