Ears

[stephen mason]

Not too sure how the new K9 method operates but here goes. A number of questions. Hope I´ve hit the right section. Some 10 years or so ago many U.K bred whippets had pricked ears. Is this still a problem to-day? On the continent no one would show a whippet with doubtful ear carriage. I was told that crosses with U.S. imports improves ear carriage. Are the Italian Rivarco dogs which did so well at Crufts continue to be shown in the U.K?. From memory I believe the Rivarco dogs are Nevedith based. How many U.K. champions are made up a year? approx. Would the use of U.S. dogs be successful. A well known French breeder seems to have attained extraordinary results Why not in U.K? Thanking you all.

 

[Karen]

Hi Stephen, Firstly, I dont think ears are such a problem now in England, BUT when I see bad ears they are normally with a novice handler so cant be so sure. Perhaps some good handlers manage to keep them down.  I would not go in the ring with a dog with bad ears as its no good me winning with a hound I cant breed from, and I think this has been most peoples attitude. The US dogs show thier ears (for those who may not know) they are trained to look alert so must have correct ear carridge.  I cant imagine an English breeder though, just using an American dog for his ears as you may also get lots of things you dont like!!   Ital Ch Rivarco velvet voice is being shown over here for a while.  Her breeding is almost all English with just a line on the top from the states.  She is mainly Hillsdown and is a granddaughter of that lovely brood bitch Hillsdown Molly, she also goes back to Dutch Gold and Nutshell through Justa Joker.  So you see most continental breeders will use English breeding with just a little US, Nearly all the imports into England have mainly English lines returning to this country after one or two generations.  Mrs Wilton Clarks recent import From Lorricbrook has Dutch gold/Nutshell connections.  I hope this helps, cant help with how many Ch were made up last year as Patsy won almost everything with Single malt so perhap just one or two males!!

 

[stephen mason]

Thank you Karen for your reply. I had completely forgotten that a champion dog in Britain continues to accumulate CC´s as there is no " Champion Class" as there is here. I have Mary Lowe´s "Whippet Champions " 1991- 1995. Is there a 1996 -2000 edition and where could I obtain a copy?. regards Stephen Mason, in cold, windy and rainy Madrid.

 

[Claire]

Hi Stepehen

I spoke with Mary just a few weeks ago and her computer had crashed half way through the new book, so heres hoping she doesn't have to start all over!!

They are a great information source. and I am looking forward to the new edition