Whippet Clothing For Racing Dogs

Essential whippet clothing and dog supplies for racing dogs.

The first time you’ll take your whippet to a coursing or racing meeting you’ll be amazed to discover a new dog.

The decorative creature that has been gracing your sofas, will suddenly wake up from his beauty sleep and without hesitation will remember all the racing dogs in his pedigree.

Here is a list of essential whippet clothing and equipment you’ll need if you plan to attend a coursing o racing meeting with your whippet dogs.

Some of these very specialized articles can be difficult to find.

I found out that e-Bay is an inexhaustible source of cheap dog supplies and I added a selection to the description of the most basic equipment.

To enlarge a picture, just click on it.

RACING JACKETS AND COURSING BLANKETS

This item of whippet clothing is used to clearly distinguish the racing dogs.

They are made with brightly colored, lightweight material. The colors are associated to the numbers. The American official lure coursing colors are yellow, pink and blue. This is the list of the American official racing colors for whippets:

White #1 on a red blanket, White #2 on a blue blanket, Black #3 on a white blanket, White #4 on a green blanket, White #5 on a black blanket, Black #6 on a yellow blanket.

In Europe the official colors are slightly different: #4 on black, #5 on yellow, #6 on white/black stripes.

RACING MUZZLES

During a race even the quietest whippet dogs get very excited and muzzles are used for safety and because, once a whippet gets the lure, he won’t easily let it go.

The most common muzzle for racing dogs are made of wire with a plastic coating or of firm plastic.

When wearing it your dog should be able to open his mouth and pant. There should be some space between the dog’s nose and the muzzle.

SLIP LEADS

Make sure the leash and collar are strong enough and well attached, your whippet won’t think twice in joining the race even if it’s not his turn.

Hounds are not supposed to wear a collar when coursing. The coursing slip lead is a collar and leash in one and allows to release the hounds quickly and safely.

There are various kind of slip leads: the simple two rings slip type, made of nylon or leather and the more modern quick release with a locking clip or a mechanical trigger handle.

DOG COATS

In cold weather, don’t forget this essential whippet clothing item, the racing dog coat to keep your champion warm and dry between races.

DOG CRATE

Crates are the safest way to transport you pets and they will provide a place for your dog to relax between races and in unfamiliar surroundings.

With a crate it will be possible to leave your dog safely in a car with open doors.

FIRST AID KITS

Cuts and bruises are not uncommon for dogs running at 35 miles per hour, be prepared for any emergency with a sensible first aid kit.

FOLDING CHAIRS

Comforts might not be at hand. Picnic supplies and some folding chairs will make your day at the races more enjoyable.



WATER

Don’t forget to bring sufficient drinking water for you and your dogs and a clean bowl.

Never leave a dog in a vehicle parked in the sun, even with open windows. Temperature inside can rise very quickly to dangerous or even fatal levels with disastrous consequences.