Necks

[stephen mason]

I have just seen a couple of photos of U.S. whippets and was struck by the length of the necks to such an extent that the whippet appears unbalanced. The necks certainly seem longer than photos of British whippets. Is this the new fancy? I have tried to attach a photo. I would appreciate hearing comments from British breeders. Regards to all, Stephen Mason

View attachment 1683

 

[JAX]

I see what you mean Stephen . Far too long . I don`t think the markings help and the handler obviously isn`t helping , but maybe they think thats what the judge is looking for ,

It`s not balanced in any way is it !!

 

[Lydia]

Personally, the neck doesn't apeal to me very much.

The markings are accentuating the length,also giving the impression that the neck is weak,very narrow, and very undesirable.

My whippy's also enjoy rabbiting,with a neck like that, I'd imagine this dog would be prone to neck problems,if trying to pick up prey or a lure from the ground.

I do hope you are not going to tell us that this particular dog, is some top winning dog!!!!!!

It is very mean to critisice a dog from a photo,and, this whippy is probably a lovely little person,adored by it's owners.

Lyd

 

[dessie]

But that is what they like in the US, long swan necks, fronts that are not that well angulated and great sweeping hindquarters which do not match the front. They do it to most breeds and exaggerate the way they stand them. Dark eyes and correct ears are also a must, all for show.

Not my cup of tea, not balanced enough.

 

[Cartman]

I dont like a neck that long. But I would rather that than those cow-hocks on the same dog.

 

[aslan]

I agree that exaggerated necks seem to be the flavour of the times in the US.

 

[stephen mason]

Thank you all for your replies. No, the photo is not of a well known champion. The owner is a young Spaniard with about 4 years experience in whippets who asked me give my opinion on this bitch which is mainly of U.S. breeding with a dash of British thrown in. The owner told me that he is afraid to use dogs of British descent or import British dogs due to their short necks and apple heads. I believe these are the conclusions he has reached after many hours surfing the web as he tells me he has only attended one show outside Spain and that was in Bordeaux. As whippets are practically non existant in Spain actual exposure to the breed can only be had at shows most of which are only attended by French breeders. There appears to be a general belief in this country that made in U.S.A is superior to breeds originating in Europe and this extends to irish setters, golden retreivers, labradors, teckels etc. The general opinion is that made in U.S.A is flashier and showier and of course in whippets elegant particoloured brindles with long necks appeal to new comers to the breed. I hope you all enjoy yourselves at the South Yorkshire Show and at Crufts. Please give our regards to Dolly Bradshaw, Roma Wright Smith Dawn and Richard Mason. Stephen

 

[Karen]

From the photo, not very pleasing but it would be nice to see the dog standing relaxed as I think the handler has pulled the neck out therefore making the upper arm look very straight and the top of the neck weak. I like a nice crested shape with a bit of length, I do think SOME English dogs have stuffy necks, they should be able to reach down and snatch prey and they cant do this with short upright necks.

All down to one thing 'no exagerations'

 

[playawhile]

Hi!

I have been attending shows in the UK on a regular basis for nearly 20 years and my impression is that necks are getting shorter than they used to be. This development is also clear in Sweden.

Off course the necks are not supposed to be to long but I think that a whippet without a long neck lacks breed type.

Henrik Härling

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