LONDON, JAN 1: The obscure sport of whippet racing has been stung by allegations that some dogs have failed dope tests after being fed chocolate drops by their owners.
The Whippet, a racing dog found mainly in the north of England, originated in the 19th century as a cross between a greyhound and a terrier. They can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kmph).
The sport — completely amateur — is little known, even in England, but controversy has erupted over the common habit of feeding the dogs with chocolate drops.