The whippet is a dog breed which is known for its speed when playing games or catching small animals. It competes in fly ball, rally, lure coursing, obedience, and agility. It is a loving dog and has a friendly nature, with a strong look, making him a favorite pet for most families.
These medium-sized hounds resemble strongly to Greyhounds, as they are a cross-breed of a Greyhound with small terriers and Italian Greyhounds. They are smaller than Greyhounds, and sleeker, but more gentle and affectionate. They have a thin fur coat, which makes them suitable to live indoors. They will not make a good watchdog as they do not bark much and are friendly around all people. They do not shed much and require weekly brushing to keep furniture clean. They are an ideal all-purpose dog, and are keen in becoming a companion to their owners.
Whippets have an independent temperament, and require a challenging training, but they will successfully complete an obedience trial. To keep the Whippet more social, they should be exposed to different people, sounds and sights, although they will get along with other dogs and people more easily than other breeds. Without a socialized training, they can be timid dogs, but social Whippets will be more polite and friendly to strangers. If an owner has a cat, however, Whippets may not be adjusted with it easily, and require supervision when kept with cats or small, furry animals. For this reason, Whippets need to be leashed when taken on walks, as they may begin chasing stray animals and not heed to any commands. This is because they have a strong prey drive.
Whippets love daily walks, and running around backyards. They enjoy being around families indoors as well. They are excellent with children of all ages and enjoy snuggling with their owners on a sofa or under their feet in bed. They are best suited for apartment living, although they need to be taken outdoors for exercise.
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