The Whippet breed originated from selective crossbreeding between greyhounds and terriers in England, resulting in its appearance as a miniature greyhound. It was initially used by the English working class to hunt small game and eventually became valued in the sport of coursing. The breed was first brought to the U.S in the late 1800s and registered with the American Kennel Club in 1888, but was not officially recognized by the English Kennel Club until 1891.