Hi

I have a whippet x bedlington called Ella. They are very special dogs with lovely temperments.

Here is some advice from my experience about the breed.

They need allot of time especially during the puppy/adolescent period, as they are very intelligent dogs. If ignored Ella used to frequently escape out of the catflap and explore the village.

I spent hours apon hours training re-call, but be prepared even after all that hard work if there is something more interesting around the corner you may as well not exist. I try to walk in big open areas, if I go into woods she disapears for up to 45 min at a time, chasing deer etc. The record is 2hrs.
This breed needs to run so training off the lead is essential, they also benifit from play with other lurchers etc. You will find that you don't have to walk miles, it is such a wonderful site to see a lurcher at top speed galloping across a field. If they don't get to let off steam they will be unbearable in the house, you won't get a minutes peace.

Ella is not treat or toy orientated which made training very difficult.

Make sure you introduce them to cats and other dogs from an early age.

Ella has a very thin coat and gets cold very quickly (I have seen the breed with a thicker coat but just be awear of this fact).

Ella hates the rain, in fact she's not keen on any form of water.

I hope this has been helpfull, it is not an easy breed to train and look after but if you put the time in the rewards are fantastic.

Just a note, the reason there are so many lurcher rescues is the simple fact that people find they cannot cope with them or havent the time. Allot of blood, sweat and tears went into making Ella the superb dog she is now. Seriously think before getting a lurcher.