Whippet fanciers consider it to be the most attractive of all dogs. At first glance it appears to be a miniature English Greyhound. The dog is thought to have been bred 150 years ago by cross-breeding the Italian greyhound and various terriers. From a dog fancier's perspective, this graceful animal makes an ideal show dog. Today the Whippet is highly valued as a lure-courser, racer, show dog, and family companion.