An Interesting Whippet Snippet
August 9th, 2008
I was always under the impression that whippets maintained their twig-like physiques through a self disciplined regime of restrained kibble nibbling and isometric butt clenches, but it turns out that all they have to do is inherit the right number of MSTN genes from their parents.
Recipients of one mutated copy grow into lithe, prudently packed pooches destined for lives of getting up at 5am every morning to chase mechanical rabbits around frosty race tracks. But recipients of two of the genes - “bully whippets” (pictured) - are born looking like canine Charles Atlases and I presume more cut out for lives of kicking sand in the faces of chihuahuas at the beach and mugging the other dogs at obedience school for their lunch money.
They say that “no-one likes a bully” - and unfortunately in the case of these plentifully packed powerhouses, most are given the old heave-ho soon after birth by barbarous breeders for whom the idea of having such a brawny beefcake scampering about the place is a non starter.
But why? I’d bet my front left paw that these bully whippets would make excellent security guards…and I wouldn’t mind guessing that most New York City dog walkers would feel safer on their rounds with a few of these in tow. Step aside, string beans!
Eek.