Whippet Data is a dedicated website referencing the Non-Ped Racing Whippet history. The information provided within has been collated and cross-checked over 25 years by admin Malcolm Clarke.
What is a Non-Ped Racing Whippet?
The so-called Non-Ped term is used by National Non-Ped Whippet Racing bodies members. The BWRA and NNWRF members use the term to distinguish their Whippet strain apart from the KC Registered Whippets.
The term implies a crossbreed without pedigree or history. On contrary, the Non-Ped breeding and racing history goes back beyond 1850 before the Kennel Club accepted the Whippet in 1890 as a KC registered breed or a breed show standard was set.
In the early 50s and 60s, the KC Registered whippets were instrumental in the breeding of the Non-Peds. Their size was ideal in keeping the size down after more Greyhound blood was being introduced. In the late 60s and early 70s, several KC registered whippets were more than capable of holding their own on the race track. some attaining BWRA Racing Champion status.
Even today the origins of the Whippet are still argued. The fact that the Genotype has Whippet, Greyhound, Italian Greyhound and Terrier bloodlines included within its make-up.
Some fractions insist they are a Lurcher Breed. Taking the literal term Lurcher being a crossbred between two or more Gaze Hounds then technically they are correct in their understanding of the Non-Ped Whippet breed.
However, there are a few simple points that define the Non-Ped Whippet. This being only smooth-coated Whippet types are accepted for National registration and the BWRA has a handicap size restriction in place. Set at a strict 32lb and is still in place today. Whippets who exceed the 32lb limit may only enter the scratch racing classes.
Pedigree bloodline history of the so-called Non-Ped can be traced back several decades. In the 50s,60s and 70s, some Non-Ped racing Whippets were broken coated. This trait become undesirable in the 1970s and where possible has been eliminated from the phenotype.
The Non-Ped Whippet has always been about Speed. Looks, shape and deportment came secondary to the Non-Ped Whippet breeders over the decades. Setting it apart from the KC Registered Whippet bred to KC breed standard.
Disclaimer: The site is still under construction. If you see any errors. Please contact the admin who will look into and authenticate your query.