Whippet Clothing: Coursing Blankets

A necessary item of whippet clothing for the racing dogs is the coursing blanket.

The first time you’ll take your whippet to a coursing or racing meeting you’ll be amazed in discovering 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.

Whippets are among the most enthusiastic hunting dog breeds and will quickly get into the game of coursing.

Here are few items that will come handy at a coursing meeting.Probably you’ll be able to borrow them at the first trials, but in time you might need to assemble your own collection of racing dog supplies.

Coursing Blankets or Jackets

It is used to clearly distinguish the racing dogs.

They are made of lightweight material and come in sets of six.

The colors are associated to the numbers in a definite standard.

If you want to make a set at home, use the pattern of the picture for the European standard.

The American official lure coursing colors are yellow, pink and blue.

And this is the list of the American official racing colours 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

Muzzle

During a race even the quietest 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 whippets are made of wire with plastic coating. When wearing it your dog should be able to open his mouth and pant and there should be some space between the nose and the wire.

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.

The pictures below show how to use it.

It is initially held with both hands, then when the left hand lets go, the dog is released and the leash is left, open, in the right hand.

In cold weather, don’t forget this essential whippet clothing item to keep your champion warm between races.

Click on the picture or the link above to learn how to make one at home.


First Aid Kit

Cuts and bruises are not uncommon for dogs running at 35 miles per hour.

Folding Chair

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

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