Hi, finding a whippet pup in Scotland from a reputable breeder is proving pretty impossible at the moment. I’m avoiding anything online for obvious reasons....not to mention the crazy prices for dogs that appear to have little history or inexperienced breeders. I’ve been told to expect a very long wait....I just wondered if any reputable breeders out there can advise on when they might start breeding next year....or does it depend on Covid and the Shows starting up again? Is there a main breeding season? Thanks

A lot of breeders choose to raise pups in warmer weather, when they can go outdoors to play during the day - once they are old enough - and when socialisation is easier for new owners and keeping pups warm at night isn't a problem... Basically it is all a lot easier in the summer.

If that helps.

Thanks...that makes sense.

We tried to have our litters INTO the better weather - in other words so by the time the litter was on the ground, it could go outside to get some sun on their backs, if the weather was warm enough.   There's no doubt having a litter to sell when it's not mid-Winter, makes life 'easier' for the buyers.   We did have one litter, in Canada, whelped in November - out there, quite often January would bring a pause in 'Winter', meaning when the sun was out and no wind blowing, they could be outside for short periods.

But you, OP, will be best waiting - looking only yesterday at the current Whippet prices.  Just ridiculous although there is some small sign that prices are dropping again!  And then there's the people who are better breeders, not having litters, yet.

And of course it depends when the individual bitch comes into season, which might be every 8 months.

You could try contacting the Whippet club of Scotland.

I’ve been in touch with the Whippet Club folks who have been very helpful and it does look like nothing doing until next year. A friend has five and shows them and has said similar....will be a long wait. Registered with whippet rescue too....you never know a suitable youngster might come up. We will keep our ear to the ground and keep looking.

I have to say it will be worth the wait

On the other hand I prefered to have pups in the cooler months, but mine is a coated breed, easier to kerp pups warm than cool.

Main reason for me was potential issues with neighbours.

Many small scale hobby breed enthusiasts will live in average homes.

Puppies once they need outdoor space can be pretty noisy, and wake with the dawn.

So havingbthem when the fays are shorter, and neighbours not out enjoying their gardens, with open windows can help with neighbour relations.

As for is there a breeding season, notnreally. Bitches come in season at most twice a year, so you have to work round their timings.

Those who show may also preferbto avoid the busiest part of the show season if possible.

I would contact the Whippet breed clubs for a list of breeders to contact.

Contact them about their plans, and arrange to visit.

Seeing their dogs and meeting them when they don't have pups is a good idea.