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ABOUT US
The name Shantellie Whippets came about after reading an article in the Whippet News about how people came up with their kennel names. This got the wheels turning and my kennel name of Shantellie was born.“Shan” is for Shandy a devoted, super obedient crossbred female of Doberman Pincher and German Shepard. The “te” is for Tess a wonderfully patient German Shepard/St Bernard cross old dog that still travels with me and baby-sits all the young whippets. The last four letters ”llie” is for my first beloved Whippet Ellie. 
I am located in rural northeast Oregon approximately 13 mile northeast of Pendleton, Oregon in the middle of the wheat fields where my whippets have room to run and we love to trail ride in the nearby Blue Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness and raising a variety of livestock. The Whippets engulf most of my time anymore.
Growing up my family usually had one or more dogs in our menagerie of animals and it was usually some stray that needed a home, after I moved out on my own I continued to take in what ever puppy or stray needed a home. After the loss of my son's favorite Border collie mix dog I went in search of something smaller than I was used to with a short easy care coat. I started my search on the Internet at the AKC website. I narrowed down my selection to a hand full of breeds mostly in the hound group. I then attended a few local dog shows. I was hooked, not only did I find the breed that I adore, but I decided I want to show and participate in agility events. Of course after being in the whippet breed a short time I was invited to participate in a lure-coursing event. Oh what fun we had and I have also attended a couple of obedience seminars. The more I do with my wonderfully versatile whippets, the more I love the breed. I was told when purchasing my first whippet from Allen Nowatski that you won't have just one. He was right! I purchased my second whippet, Becky from Pat Miller of Woodsmoke Whippets. I have met so many wonderful people in my adventure. I have tried to keep an open ear and mind to absorb all that I can. Along the way some have proven to be great mentors and I graciously accept their advice and am always striving to improve. 
In all my life my family and I have always spayed or neutered our animals, but the desire to breed a litter, create my own line was compelling me. I needed some guidance, so I turned to Debi Adams (Jade Whippets), who in turn guided me to Deann Christianson (Chelsea Whippets) and Susan Vernon (Summit Whippets).
Deann was a little harsh my first contact, but she really helped me to define “What I wanted in my line” and for that I sincerely thank her. Susan Vernon bred my Ellie to Remington and was so patient with my daily e-mails and calls. I can't thank her enough for all her help with the first litter. I of course had bought a few books, done endless hours of research on the Internet, but it was so comforting to be able to ask any and all questions and get her valued advice in such an important event.
My goal in my breeding program is not to follow the flock. I want to combine what I feel is the best qualities in my bitches with outstanding males to promote and better the Whippet breed. I am building my base with some outcrosses to obtain that goal and then I hope to excel from there. My ideal whippet is elegant, long lean muscles built for speed, powerful gait, keen head with “melt you” eyes and outgoing temperament for true versatility. My dogs all have CERF (eyes) clear/normal; BAER (hearing) normal; Auscultation by cardiologist (heart) normal. I am happy to supply references from my many new friends that have purchased a Shantellie Whippet. |