General Description: Lean delicate breed with a short clean coat Height: 43 - 51cm Weight: 8 - 10kg Hound group Temperament The Whippet is sensitive, lively, affectionate, and docile. This very obedient companion is quiet and calm indoors and playful and alert whilst outside the home. The Whippet is extremely sensitive both physically and mentally and should never be roughly treated by their handler. Whippets are very clean dogs and virtually odour free. They are good with other dogs, but not so good with small fleeing animals. The Whippet is the ultimate sprinter and is able to accelerate quickly and to turn sharply whilst maintaining very high speeds. The Whippet's sweet, gentle personality makes them a wonderful companion. Exercise The Whippet requires regular exercise, a daily walk for around 20 – 50 minutes is sufficient. Grooming A weekly groom with a bristle brush is recommended. Health The Whippet is generally of good health but can be prone to eye trouble. Whippets are sensitive to cold and may get sunburned. This breed also has weak bones that are broken easily. Life Expectancy 12 – 15 years History The Whippet was created in Northern England by crossing the Greyhound and small terriers, (including possibly the Bedlington Terrier). Its name derives from the expression "whip it" meaning to move quickly. The Whippet is an extremely fast track racer over short distances and can reach speeds of up to 37 miles per hour. The Whippet belonged to many working class people of Northern England and because of this, the whippet became known as the "poor man's greyhound," During non-working days, owners raced their whippets on town roads and in local fields.