I'm Alex/Maureen L., the breeder behind Laurel-Highmoor Whippets located in Highland Park, IL. We breed health-tested, AKC-registered Whippet puppies produced by champion dogs. We breed for quality, not quantity. Our goal is to produce puppies with lovely temperaments, good health and typical whippet looks and behavior. All dogs are health tested prior to breeding and have been recognized as a good example of the breed by several judges and breeder colleagues. We would be honored to introduce your family to your next Whippet puppy.
Q. & A. with Alex/Maureen
Why did you start breeding?
Alex and his partner, Kevin, met their first Whippet on a sidewalk in Chicago one summer afternoon. Ten days later, they had their first Whippet (from Maureen)! Six months later, their second Whippet puppy finished her AKC championship. A year later, they bought a house on an acre lot so the dogs could safely do what they love to do: RUN!
Maureen downsized from Irish Wolfhounds and discovered her true love, Whippets! She has been active in breeding, showing, obedience training and other dog sports for 25 years. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit and values both the many Champions she has produced as well as the wonderful family pets she has placed across the country.
What makes your program special?
Many of today's breeders are second or third generation in their breed, which comes with huge advantages. We didn't grow up breeding dogs, and never felt any obligation to continue a family tradition; we have Whippets because we love them. They are our family first and foremost and we strive to prepare each puppy to excel in his or her forever home. Maureen has a background in behavioral science and brings those philosophies to her interactions with dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Alex/Maureen
Alex/Maureen has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $1,500 refundable deposit and $1,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes first vaccinations and vet check, microchip, AKC registration, health guarantee, and a lifetime of support to ensure the happiness and well-being of your new dog. We don't know how many puppies will be in each litter, and each puppy has to be the right fit for the right family. We'd rather gauge your interest by regular communication and following the litter to determine the best fit for both you and the puppies!”
Contract & health guarantee
Alex/Maureen may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Alex/Maureen offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Alex/Maureen directly.
Laurel-Highmoor Whippets meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Effie, mom
Whippet
About Effie
Effie came from a littler of ten and we knew right away she’d be staying. She commands just as much attention at home as she does in the show ring: reminders for meals, affection, and time to “hunt” outside aren’t easily ignored when Effie is around! She is fiercely loyal to her people and bonds quickly. She can entertain herself, throwing toys in the air to see if she can catch them. Effie is fine with other dogs but has been on the road as the only dog for days at a time happy to soak up all the love (and covers).
Christopher, dad
Whippet
About Christopher
Goofy and still wild at age 8.5. He has always been high energy, but also likes a good snuggle. He loves his toys and will present them to you so that both he and the toy can be admired.
Ivy, mom
Whippet
About Ivy
Ivy is sensible, loving, and generally middle of the road in terms of activity. She's a very easy dog to live with and has a great sense of humor and ability to communicate. We are really lucky that she is so easy to get along with because when she doesn't want to do something, she's stubborn!
Etta Grace, mom
Whippet
About Etta Grace
Etta Grace is a female Whippet. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alex/Maureen decided to make her part of their program. Alex/Maureen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Jamie, mom
Whippet
About Jamie
Jamie is a female Whippet. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alex/Maureen decided to make her part of their program. Alex/Maureen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cooper, dad
Whippet
About Cooper
Cooper is a male Whippet. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Alex/Maureen decided to make him part of their program. Alex/Maureen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Katie, mom
Whippet
About Katie
Katie is a female Whippet. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alex/Maureen decided to make her part of their program. Alex/Maureen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Calvin, dad
Whippet
About Calvin
Calvin is a male Whippet. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Alex/Maureen decided to make him part of their program. Alex/Maureen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Betty, mom
Whippet
About Betty
Betty is a female Whippet. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Alex/Maureen decided to make her part of their program. Alex/Maureen has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Laurel-Highmoor Whippets reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Whippets.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA), Whippet Health Foundation Database
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Alex/Maureen to bring home their puppies.
Robert B.
Verified owner · Dec. 2022
It was extremely helpful that we'd spent a significant period of time with our new pup, Jerome, in his home environment, visiting with Alex and a few other Whippets, before we decided to add Jerome to our family. He's a marvelous, magnificent pup.