Editing Whippet (section)

=== Temperament ===
[[File:Whippet teeth.jpg|thumb|Whippets are known for their loving natures.|alt=A tan Whippet with its mouth partially open]]
Whippets are quiet and reserved, but they also exhibit a playful side and require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quigg |first=Mark |date=2024-02-15 |title=Whippet Care and Breed Insights from a Veterinarian in 2024 |url=https://waterdownonvet.ca/the-whippet-a-waterdown-on-veterinarian-celebrates-a-lightning-fast-dog/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=waterdownonvet.ca |language=en-US}}</ref> They are generally gentle dogs and are often content to spend much of the day relaxing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welton |first=Michele |title=Whippets: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em |url=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/whippets.html |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=www.yourpurebredpuppy.com |language=en}}</ref> The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes them as "quiet and dignified in their owner's living room"<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed" /> and says they make "excellent house dogs."<ref name="AKC Meet The Breed" /> Despite their calm nature indoors, they enjoy outdoor activities, especially short bursts of explosive running that allow them to reach high speeds. These brief, intense sprints are followed by long periods of rest, reflecting their energetic profile and need for recovery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camposano |first=Ejay |date=2024-08-12 |title=How Long Should My Whippet Sleep? |url=https://iheartdogs.com/how-long-should-my-whippet-sleep/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=iHeartDogs.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They have been called a "poor man's racehorse" by the colliers in [[Lancashire]] and [[Yorkshire]].<ref name="Barron8" /><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5FksAAAAYAAJ&q=whippets+%22the+poor+man's+racehorse.%22 |title=The Complete Dog Book |publisher=Howell Book House |year=1997 |isbn=0-87605-464-5 |page=216 |oclc=1725429 |access-date=6 February 2013}}</ref>

The Whippet will form a strong bond and devotion to its owner and, as such, can often suffer from [[Separation anxiety in dogs|separation anxiety]], like many other breeds when left alone.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jamie|title=Can Whippets Be Left Alone?|url=https://www.trendingbreeds.com/can-whippets-be-left-alone/|access-date=26 February 2022|language=en-US}}</ref> Though not prone to excessive barking, Whippets will occasionally vocalize in the presence of intruders, making them passable watchdogs, similar to other small-to-medium dogs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Whippet: An Elegant and Athletic Breed |url=https://dogo.app/dog-breeds/whippet |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=dogo.app |language=en}}</ref> However, a Whippet is unlikely to attack or guard against anyone due to their gentle and often shy demeanor, preferring to retreat rather than confront danger.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 July 2020|title=Is A Whippet A Guard Dog? Will He Protect? - WhippetCentral|url=https://whippetcentral.com/is-a-whippet-a-guard-dog/|access-date=26 February 2022|website=whippetcentral.com|language=en-us}}</ref> While their gentle demeanor makes them a good choice for households with children or other pets, it is important to note that Whippets possess a highly developed [[prey drive]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welton |first=Michele |title=Whippets: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em |url=https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/whippets.html |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=www.yourpurebredpuppy.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Whippet |url=https://www.orvis.com/whippet.html?srsltid=AfmBOoooUwoUsClvT7yoD7qbeBTAIbVwUFdHvcpU6CxEppdkEUzXiL0i |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=www.orvis.com |language=en}}</ref> This instinct, though manageable with proper training and socialization, can make them prone to chasing small animals, such as cats, rabbits, or squirrels, especially in uncontrolled environments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Whippets 101: Lesson 2: "It's How You Raise Them!" |url=https://www.mckadenwhippets.com/blog/whippets-101-lesson-2-its-how-you-raise-them |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Mckaden Whippets |language=en-CA}}</ref> Owners should take care during walks or when allowing them off-leash in unenclosed areas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-21 |title=Ten things you need to know about the whippet before you buy one |url=https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/ten-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-whippet-before-you-buy-one.html |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Pets4Homes |language=en}}</ref>