Alex Perry, age 8, of Las Vegas, Nev., for his question:

HOW FAST CAN A WHIPPET RUN?

A whippet is a lean, muscular dog that looks very much like a small greyhound. It was bred from the Italian greyhound and the terrier and it is a very swift animal.

A whippet, which can run as fast as 35 miles an hour, weighs from 18 to 23 pounds and stands from 18 to 22 inches high. It may be black, red, white, fawn or brindle.

When you examine a whippet you immediately notice its muscular neck, its narrow, pointed head and its long, thin, tapered tail.

Whippets are extremely popular with sportsmen for hunting rabbits. In addition, the dogs make excellent pets. Whippets are also used in dog racing.