A Bully Whippet may be a little overly muscular. This isn’t a sign of aggression, but a condition that causes them to look pumped. If you have ever wondered if your Bully Whippet has a problem, read on for information. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below. I hope you enjoyed learning about this unusual breed. Have you ever owned one? If so, please leave a comment below!
Myostatin deficiency
The double muscle mass of the “bully” whippet can be a result of a mutation in the MSTN gene. These dogs carry two copies of a deletion, resulting in a premature stop codon in the MSTN gene at amino acid 313/AVE. The deleted version of the myostatin protein has a 17% shorter amino acid sequence, and is inactive. This results in abnormal muscle fibers and double muscling.
Genetic mutation
Bully whippets are affected by a genetic mutation called MSTN, a gene responsible for muscle mass. The dog will develop double muscling if it carries two copies of the mutation. Because of this, the breed is prohibited from racing, and the dog is known as a “bully whippet.” While the bully whippets do meet the breed standards, they may be at an athletic disadvantage to other, more muscular competitors.
Muscle mass
The double muscling phenotype of the Whippet dog breed is known as the Bully whippet syndrome. While it is a relatively recent condition, variations of muscular hypertrophy have been described in cattle, sheep, mice, cats, and human beings. The severity of the condition varies depending on the dog’s genetic background. Affected dogs typically reach calf size, have broad chests, and exhibit muscle cramping in the shoulder and thigh region. The condition also causes the dog to develop an overbite, which is a sign of a weakened bite.
Corneal dystrophy
Corneal dystrophy in a bully whippet is an inherited eye condition that causes small, white crystals to accumulate on the outer surface of the eye. Left untreated, this disease can lead to complete blindness or partial vision loss. In severe cases, surgery can correct the problem, but the crystals may return over time. In addition to surgery, you should monitor your dog’s eyesight for other signs of disease.
Skin allergies
Many dogs suffer from allergies, and Whippets are no exception. Pollen, dust, and mold are all common causes of atopy, which is characterized by sneezing and itchiness on the skin and eyes. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of one and three, and can include itchy paws and ear infections. Fortunately, there are ways to treat these problems.
Fastness
Recent genetic studies have shown that the bully whippet’s muscle mass, speed, and agility are largely determined by the MSTN mutation. In the study, researchers found that bully whippets have one normal copy of this gene, and two mutated copies. The results indicate that the bully whippet has the genetic makeup of a superior racing dog. The increase in the MSTN mutation may have resulted from selective breeding.
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