Whippet
It has be claimed that British coal miners created this small gazehound for poaching purposes in the 19th century, by crossing terriers and Greyhounds.
However, many Renaissance paintings show hunting scenes as well as domestic scenes by the gentry with similar dogs, so it is certainly a much older breed.
The description of his temperament in the official standard – ‘gentle’ and ‘affectionate’ – is a considerable understatement; he loves the company of mankind and is equally at home in castle or cottage. Light enough to pick up when necessary, but spirited enough to spend a day on exercise, with a tremendous turn of speed over short distances, he represents one of the most deservinly popular of all the sporting dogs.Source : The UK Kennel Club
See also Wikipedia
