Help us celebrate
National Whippet Day
on February 19th
About National Whippet Day
National Whippet Day is a day for Whippet lovers to celebrate this charismatic and charming breed taking place on February 19th.
I’m Debbie Humphreys from Redhound for Dogs and I created the day in memory of my first Whippet love Bruno, who came into my life 20 years ago and inspired our dog lifestyle brand.
If you’ve ever known the love of a Whippet, you’ll know how adorable and addictive they can be.
Loving and loyal, quiet and quirky, they make the best companions and are perfectly suited to life in the city or country.
And it’s great to see the rise in popularity of Whippets following the pandemic with many Millennial pet parents recognising what perfect pets they are leading to a huge online hound community.
Why I created National Whippet Day
Back in 2003, Bruno started my love of Whippets and inspired my business creating clothing to keep whippets warm, dry and happy in style. February 19th 2003 is the day he was born, his legacy lives on.
My early career was spent making wedding dresses but when faced with a shivering whippet, I knew I needed to pick up my knitting needles and make him a cosy jumper.
When other whippet parents saw Bruno looking snug and stylish the order book soon became full!
So I created jumpers, then knitting patterns and kits which led to my book celebrating the joy of knitting for your dog, Dogs in Jumpers.
Coats, fleece jumpers, tee shirts and collars were added to the range and now thousands of whippets around the world stay warm and dry with Redhound.
Back then we had Bruno and Frankie, who both died in 2017 aged 14. We now share our lives with two 5 year olds, George and Winnie who have inspired much more active attire that appeals to so many.
#nationalwhippetday @redhoundfordogs
#nationalwhippetday @redhoundfordogs
Who is National Whippet Day for?
National Whippet Day is for Whippet owners, rescue shelters, breeders, charities, trainers, dog friendly destinations, makers of Whippet themed products, and anyone who loves this elegant breed.
Terriers, Retrievers and Schnauzers all have a national day to celebrate so surely it's time to celebrate the wonder of whippets. With the popularity of social media in the last 10 years this very photogenic breed has inspired an amazing whippet community online which often leads to actual face to face friendships being found through our dogs. Whippets are a sociable breed who love their owners and other whippets and we need a day to shout about it!
#nationalwhippetday @redhoundfordogs
The whippet is not only photogenic it has been the muse of many makers and artists inspiring incredible products with the whippet taking centre stage, this day is a day to share and shout out for these small businesses from bunting makers to potters.
A raft of dog friendly destinations welcome whippets who are generally quiet and well behaved in pubs, cafes and hotels. Clean dogs who settle well on a blanket or their owners lap. This day will give them a chance to shout about their services too.
Trainers - whippets are a very sensitive breed but also have a naughty streak - so those who understand their needs will no doubt get involved along with whippet rescue charities who need to raise funds to continue their good work.
And then there are the breeders, those who love the whippet and dedicate their time to continuing healthy lines of this popular dog.
#nationalwhippetday @redhoundfordogs
How to get involved in National Whippet Day
Here are some suggestions for activities you can enjoy on National Whippet Day.
- Whippet owners - this is the day to share photos of your dogs and flood the internet with pointy faces! Whether it's Twitter, Instagram or TicTok get online and show us your whippet!
- Makers and Artists can create a limited edition product
- Dog trainers who work with whippets could do some online training for new whippet parents
- Charities and rescues might do a raffle or auction off donated items
- If you’re a breeder why not do a live Q & A online
- Dog friendly destinations - you could share the special touches you have to welcome sensitive dogs
- Cafes - Offer FREE sausage for every whippet that comes through the door!
- Online dog biscuit/cake makers - why not create some pointy face inspired products?
What we will be doing to celebrate in the lead up and on the day
Sharing the hashtag with the enormous sighthound community so we can all join in
Charity Auction of hand knitted jumpers - 2 day event on Instagram
Whippet Themed Blanket auction
Whippet themed products from artists and makers new for the day
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