The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds, typically weighing about 8 to 15 lb (3.6 to 6.8 kg) and standing about 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) tall at the withers.

The Italian Greyhound’s chest is deep, with a tucked up abdomen, long slender legs and a long neck that tapers down to a small head. The face is long and pointed, like a full sized greyhound. Overall, they look like “miniature” Greyhounds. Their current small stature is a function of selective breeding. Their gait is distinctive and should be high stepping and free, rather like that of a horse. They are able to run at top speed with a double suspension gallop, and can achieve a top speed of up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h).

The Italian Greyhound makes a good companion dog and enjoys the company of people. However, the breed’s slim build and short coat make them somewhat fragile, and injury can result from rough or careless play with children. The breed is good with the elderly or a couple without any children for it prefers a quiet household but they are also generally fine with older children. They also are equally at home in the city or the country, although they tend to do best in spacious areas. They are fast, agile and athletic. Like any dog, daily exercise is a must for a happier, well-adjusted pet. Italian greyhounds love to run.

Dogs of this breed have an extremely short and almost odorless coat that requires little more than an occasional bath about once a month (though many veterinarians suggest that even bathing one per month is too frequent for this breed), but a wipe-down with a damp cloth is recommended after walks as seeds, burrs and floating dust in the air can get into the coat and irritate the skin. This breed sheds medium to little hair.

The Italian Greyhound has a median lifespan of 13.5 in a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey.

Check out the link on the American Kennel Club regarding the Italian Greyhound for more information.

A sighthound breed of a medium-size dog that originated in England. Whippets  They were commonly known as “snap dogs” for their tendency to “snap up” nearby prey. They are the fastest dog of their weight, capable of achieving speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h). This is due to their ability to run in a double suspension gallop. They are wonderful family companions and a properly socialized Whippet is a polite and undemanding dog, who’s wonderful with kids and adults with an easy to care for short coat and among the healthier of dog breeds. They are highly adaptable to a variety of living spaces provided they are given regular exercise including leashed walks and jogs, or access to a fenced yard. They do get along with family cats and dogs and are gentle with children. They are gentle and nonaggressive. 

Out of the sighthound group, the whippet is probably the most obedient of them. They are also among the most demonstrative, enjoying cuddling and playing with their family. Whippets are attached to their family and do not like to be separated from them.

Grooming a whippet is easy, a weekly brushing with a rubber glove and a bath when needed is all that is required to keep the coat free of dead hair and impurities. Keeping an eye on nail growth and trim as required.

A male Whippet is 19 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder; females are 18 to 21 inches. Their weight ranges from 22 to 45 pounds, with females being smaller. Males average 34 pounds, females 29 pounds.

Check out the link on the American Kennel Club regarding the Whippet for more information.