Whippets are undeniably one of the most elegant and graceful canine breeds, renowned for their sleek lines, remarkable speed, and affectionate dispositions. Among the various coat colors, the “Blue Whippet” stands out as a particularly striking and sought-after variation, captivating enthusiasts with its unique and subtle hue. This rare coloration adds an extra layer of mystique to an already dignified breed, making blue whippets a true treasure for those who appreciate both beauty and temperament in their canine companions. At Dog Care Story, we delve into the world of these magnificent dogs, exploring what makes them so special and the dedication behind breeding such exemplary animals.
The Allure of the Blue Whippet
The term “blue whippet” refers to a dilute black coat color, appearing as a soft, almost smoky grey. This distinctive shade is a genetic rarity, making blue whippets less common than their fawn, brindle, or black counterparts. Their unique appearance often garners significant admiration, enhancing their inherent elegance. Our foundation dam, Zelda (Bobbilees Race Like an Ace FCAT, CA, SC), exemplifies this stunning coloration. Imported from the UK as a puppy, Zelda was specifically chosen for her beautiful blue coat, which was exceedingly rare in the US at the time, and for her outstanding qualities, making her the cornerstone of our Moodyblues Whippets program.
Zelda is truly a dream dog, possessing the ideal whippet temperament – gentle, intelligent, and eager to please. Beyond her captivating blue coat, she boasts excellent conformation, reflecting the breed standard perfectly. Her athleticism is equally impressive, with a successful career in dog frisbee sports, FastCat, and lure coursing. Her multifaceted talents and wonderful disposition ensure that the “blue whippet” lineage we are establishing carries forward not just a rare color, but also superior genetics in health, structure, and character. We are committed to producing blue whippets that are not only visually stunning but also embody the finest traits of the breed.
A beautiful blue whippet with a white chest standing gracefully in a field.
Our Journey with Whippets: A Legacy of Excellence
Our enduring love affair with whippets began in the late 1980s, sparked by an encounter with my grandfather’s whippet, Justy. Having previously shown and bred Dalmatians, the whippet’s unparalleled elegance, gentle nature, and breathtaking speed profoundly resonated, cementing a lifelong devotion. This passion culminated in acquiring my first whippet, Shannon, in 1998. While Shannon’s early experiences as a show dog meant she wasn’t perfectly suited for family life, leading to her rehoming, this incident highlighted the critical importance of early socialization and conditioning for puppies. This experience has profoundly influenced our breeding philosophy, leading us to adopt comprehensive programs like Puppy Culture to ensure our puppies are well-adjusted, confident, and ready for their forever homes from day one.
The journey continued with Tiffany, a wonderful whippet from the esteemed Sporting Field Kennel, known for her excellent disposition. Her first and only litter in 2003 produced four beautiful puppies, two of whom, Cassie and Louie, became cherished family members, living long, healthy lives well into their late teens. These early experiences reinforced the joy and fulfillment that whippets bring to a home and laid the groundwork for our dedication to ethical and responsible breeding. Our aim has always been to share these exceptional companions with others, fostering a deep appreciation for the breed’s unique qualities.
Meet Our Foundation Dogs: Zelda and Zeppola
Our current breeding program at Moodyblues Whippets is proudly built upon two exceptional foundation dogs: Zelda and Zeppola. Zelda, our magnificent blue whippet female, as previously mentioned, brings a rare beauty and an impeccable pedigree from the UK. Her achievements in various dog sports, combined with her exemplary temperament and conformation, make her an ideal mother and a perfect representation of the breed. Her lineage ensures that future generations of Moodyblues Whippets inherit these desirable traits, particularly the stunning blue coloration that so many admire.
Zeppola (CH Almawhip Albinoni vs Star Wars for Moodyblues), our impressive “Italian stallion,” serves as our exciting foundation stud. Imported from the renowned Almawhip Kennels in Italy in December 2021, Zeppola contributes a robust genetic profile and an equally outstanding disposition. His strong genes are evident in his gorgeous offspring, who are often described as his “little clones,” inheriting his excellent qualities. The pairing of Zelda and Zeppola brings together diverse, top-tier lineages, ensuring genetic diversity and enhancing the overall quality and health of our whippet puppies, including those with the coveted blue whippet coat.
Zeppola, a handsome whippet with a fawn coat, standing confidently in an outdoor setting.
The Next Generation: Zuppa and Zen
From Zelda’s first litter, we are thrilled to introduce Zuppa (Moodyblues Cool Wind In My Hair) and Zen (Moodyblues Dark Desert Highway), two sisters who are already making their mark. These vibrant young females embody the athleticism and intelligence of their parents. They are actively engaged in frisbee, FastCat, and lure coursing, showcasing their natural abilities and competitive spirit. Their success in these demanding activities is a testament to the strong genetic foundation provided by Zelda and Zeppola, reinforcing our commitment to breeding whippets that excel not only as beloved family pets but also as capable athletes.
Zuppa and Zen’s development is closely monitored, and their continued progress in various canine sports speaks volumes about the health, trainability, and temperament of Moodyblues Whippets. Their presence in our program ensures the continuation of a legacy of excellence, demonstrating the potential of blue whippets and their offspring to achieve great things while remaining affectionate and devoted companions. We look forward to seeing them try rally obedience this year, further expanding their repertoire of achievements.
Two whippets, Zuppa and Zen, gracefully running across a grassy field, displaying their speed and agility.
Remembering Our Beloved Past Whippets
Our history with whippets extends far beyond our current breeding program, encompassing a lineage of beloved dogs who have shaped our understanding and passion for the breed. Shannon, our first whippet, taught us invaluable lessons about the importance of early socialization. Tiffany, from Sporting Field Kennel, was a magnificent dog whose first litter produced Cassie and Louie, who lived exceptionally long and healthy lives into their late teens. Cassie even achieved a Best in Show win, a testament to her beautiful conformation, while both she and Louie were cherished pets that brought immense joy to our family.
These past companions, including Jack who went on to train with a marathon-running owner, represent the diverse potential and enduring charm of the whippet breed. Their memories underscore our commitment to breeding dogs that are not only healthy and well-conformed but also possess the loving temperaments that make them ideal family members. We believe that every whippet, whether a show dog, an athlete, or a “couch ornament,” deserves a life of love and care, and our past dogs have truly exemplified the breed’s ability to be wonderful pets and lifelong companions.
A beautiful whippet named Cassie standing proudly with a show ribbon.
A Commitment to Exceptional Blue Whippets
At Moodyblues Whippets, our mission is clear: to produce high-quality, healthy whippets, including the exquisite blue whippet, with exemplary temperaments, conformation, and athleticism. We are dedicated to ensuring that each puppy we breed is destined to be a cherished member of a family – a beloved “couch ornament,” an enthusiastic playmate, and a loyal lifelong companion. Our rigorous breeding standards, informed by years of experience and a deep understanding of the breed, ensure that we contribute positively to the whippet community. If you are seeking a whippet that embodies grace, loyalty, and health, consider the exceptional blue whippet from Moodyblues.
We invite you to explore more about our breeding program and our beautiful dogs, understanding the dedication that goes into every litter. The journey of finding your perfect whippet companion begins with a commitment to responsible breeding and a passion for the breed’s well-being.
