The Whippet is very like a small Greyhound in appearance, and possesses a short, smooth coat that can be a variety of 'hound' colors. What is meant by 'hound' colors are those colors usually accepted in any hound, i.e., fawn, red, brindle, black, and cream, and any combination of these colors with white.  Despite its appearance of delicacy and fragility, it is nonetheless a tenacious, intelligent, devoted and courageous dog. The Whippet does not endure the cold, and will shiver quite noticeably when exposed to it.  Under other circumstances it is a hardy hunting hound, and an affectionate life-long companion. The Whippet has a slender body, long legs, very keen sight, and when running can make sharp turns, twists, and attain speeds that are very impressive.
     The Whippet is an awesome athlete, having been timed in a 200 yard run in under 12 seconds.  They can reach a speed of 35 m.p.h. in 15 seconds.  Yet, they love to lounge on the couch, and enjoy the company of their humans and any other pets that may share their world.  This breed of dog is quiet, non aggressive, and very people oriented.  They do not make a very effective watch dog since they do so enjoy being around people and being involved in everything.  Whippets can  not enjoy being a kennel dog, nor being relegated to a backyard run.  They need to be kept indoors due to their being intolerant of extreme cold and extreme heat.
     An important consideration for new owners of a Whippet is for them to be aware that this breed has skin that tears rather easily. Being so 'thin-skinned' can lead to serious cuts which in other dogs would amount to nothing, but for a Whippet can be dangerous. They are very sensitive to flea bites, so these little critters must be controlled, preferably eliminated.
     Few Whippets can be allowed off lead outside of a fenced-in yard, due to their not being reliable in responding to a recall command.  There are Whippets that compete in Obedience Trials, however, as with any hound, a lot of work must be put in by the owner and dog.  Whippets make for very good Therapy dogs, they have competed not only in Obedience and
Conformation, but also, Agility, Lure Coursing, Fly ball, Open field Coursing, Flat racing, and Oval racing.
     The Whippet is a moderately sized dog, the male being approximately 19 to 22 inches at the withers, while the female is 18 to 21 inches.  They are considered a sight hound, and in conformation are placed in the Hound Group when competing in A.K.C.., and in F.C.I. in Group II.
     New owners of Whippets should be prepared to spend lots of time and energy, both physical and emotional, with your Whippet as puppies are bundles of energy, always looking for what to do next.  You will need to take some precautions with their health.  These dogs are very clean dogs, some owners feel that their Whippets are very cat-like when it comes to personal hygiene.  They are very easy to groom, only needing an occasional bath and soft brushing.  Their nails will need trimming, and teeth and ears checked on a regular basis.

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