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Joan and Michael Gambino(formerly Tennessee Woods) now Kaprhys Kennel has owned whippets since 1985, and has owned dogs since 1974. When I began to look for a breed of dogs, I had a desire for a breed that had few inherited health problems, was mid-sized, easy to groom and long lived. They were NOT my first breed. I was involved with several before deciding on this as "my" breed. I also liked the idea they were not a "puppy sale" breed, like Bloodhounds or Bassets. Unless you know a whippet you rarely buy one on impulse like so many other breeds. The breeders on the whole are also more educated and dedicated than in some "puppy sale" breeds I have been associated with.
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I have three people who really assisted me with whippet. They are Dr. James R. Gray (Elysian), Larry Shaw (Kirklea) and Peggy Swayze (Longlesson). Jim allowed me to co-own some incredibly beautiful and well bred animals that gave me a solid start. Without Dr. Gray I would not be anywhere in this breed. This is one man that the breed could garner a vast amount of knowledge from. His head if full of pedigrees many have long forgotten. Larry assisted my learning with his vast wisdom and wit and shared a great deal with his old photos. Peggy and I have co-bred many litters. She has forgotten more about dogs than I shall ever learn.
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Best memories with the breed would have to include all of The wins as they were great-BOS at the Midwest b/o/h over the top dog in the country with "Jeffery", my first major with a 14 month old from BBEX (Molly), Zipper having his very own cat, and the time we had a litter of 10 in the house, 6 weeks old at Christmas! Every day with whippets is a memory!
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I see the future of whippets as a sound, happy breed that KEEPS it's super temperament. I'd like to see all venues of whippeting become accessible for all whippet owners. I see it as a breed that will suit many people's needs, too. I love the breed, but don't want to see it become too popular or over produced. There are many more whippets about now than when I first came into the breed. We need to be careful about that. I also want breeders to be as concerned with temperament as with type and function. We have pack animals who should get along VERY well with other dogs and all people.
I think it's easy to breed a mediocre, finishable champion. Those kind are a dime a dozen. It's my greatest desire to breed a dog that takes your breathe away to look at and can function as it needs to. Titles mean little to me, living with a well bred, sound (mentally and physically) and beautiful animal is FAR more important.
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