Meet Daisy, a docile whippet dog, a cousin breed of the greyhound, who spends most of her time curled up on the ground sleeping, according to her owner Shepparton’s Norm Kortum.
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“She sleeps for about 20 hours a day. So it’s generally a walk in the morning then we go to the dog park four or five times a week,” he said.
Despite the apparent lazy nature of the whippet at times, they are a fast, eccentric dog when they’re awake, and can run at speeds of up to 56km/h.
“They (whippets) are quite fast. It’s good to watch them run,’’ Mr Kortum said.
“Even on the morning walk, we stop at a park, take the lead off or get her to sit metres away and then call her and you just watch her sprint flat out.”
Daisy lives with Mr Kortum and his partner Adele Fraser, who bought her in May last year when she was just eight months old.
Training Daisy proved to be a fun but demanding task for the pair as she struggles with separation anxiety.
“I was dying to get a dog for a long time and I finally got my partner to cave,” Mr Kortum said.
“Working from home has been an absolute godsend, I mean it has been good and bad.
“It’s helped me to train her but it’s also been difficult with her separation anxiety going back into the office for about three months late last year.
“So it was a bit tough and she had to do a lot of doggy daycare and a lot of training to get her to be out here by herself.”
Now working from home permanently, Mr Kortum is finding it a lot easier for Daisy as she loves nothing more than to be around people.
“She’s quite happy to sit here all day as long as she's close to someone,” Mr Kortum said as he cradled her.
When she’s not asleep, Daisy enjoys a good game of keepings-off with her chewed up footy or bone toy, where she frantically runs around in an effort to keep the toy away from Mr Kortum.
“She loves playing keepings-off and it must annoy the neighbours cause she runs along the back fence and you hear her go bang bang bang bang bang,” he said.
“She’s happy as long as she can run, so she’s quite good.
“She’s pretty quiet and doesn’t really bark or anything like that.
“So, aside from running on the back fence, the neighbours probably wouldn’t even know we have a dog.”
Despite Daisy’s petite frame and shy personality, she’s a strong dog with plenty of spirit when it comes to playing with others.
“I always thought whippets were really fragile and worried they’d get hurt, but she’s probably one of the toughest dogs,’’ Mr Kortum said.
"She’s been split open a couple of times and it hasn’t worried her and she’s more than happy to rough and tumble with the bigger dogs.
“She’s actually chipped my teeth before where she's headbutted me.
“I think she's given me a couple of concussions as well when we’ve been playing.’’
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Comfortable: Daisy likes to snuggle in Norm’s arms. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 10
Keepers off: Daisy enjoys using her favourite footy and running around the backyard with Norm. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 10
All for the pats: Daisy is always up for some attention and love. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 10
Loving the attention: Daisy is always looking for a cuddle. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 10
Keen for a bone: Daisy enjoys playing with her toy bone and chasing Norm for it. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 10
Distracted: Something catches Daisy’s eye as she plays around in the backyard. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 10
Downright adorable: Daisy the whippet knows how to win the hearts of her owners. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 10
Calm after the storm: Daisy takes a moment to catch her breath after running around for awhile. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 10
An obedient pup: Whilst initially a struggle, training for Daisy has become easier for Norm over time as she’s grown. Photo by Megan FisherImage 10 of 10
Sulky eyes: Daisy knows how to lay the charm on thick. Photo by Megan FisherJournalist