Whippet mixes, which are the result of breeding a Whippet with another breed, have gained popularity in recent years. These designer dogs often exhibit a combination of the best traits from both parent breeds, making them attractive to dog lovers who appreciate the unique characteristics and appearance of mixed-breed dogs. This blog will explore some of the most popular Whippet mixes, their physical and temperamental traits, and provide insights into their training, exercise, and health considerations.
Types of Whippet Mixes
There are numerous Whippet mixes available, each with its unique appearance and personality traits. Here, we will discuss some of the most popular Whippet crosses:
A. Pippet (Pitbull Terrier and Whippet mix)
The Pippet combines the muscular build of the Pitbull Terrier with the slender elegance of the Whippet. This mix is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and athleticism. Pippets make excellent companions for active families, as they require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
B. German Whippet (German Shepherd and Whippet mix)
The German Whippet is a blend of the powerful German Shepherd and the agile Whippet. This mix is intelligent, energetic, and protective, making them suitable for various roles, such as search and rescue or agility competitions. They require consistent training and exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
C. Aussie Whip (Australian Shepherd and Whippet mix)
Combining the herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd and the speed of the Whippet, the Aussie Whip is an energetic and intelligent mix. They excel in dog sports and enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for this mix.
D. Collie Whip (Border Collie and Whippet mix)
The Collie Whip is a combination of the intelligent Border Collie and the fast Whippet. They are agile, intelligent, and enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their minds and bodies. This mix is well-suited for dog sports, such as agility and flyball, and requires daily exercise and mental stimulation.
E. Chi Whip (Chihuahua and Whippet mix)
The Chi Whip is a small, energetic mix that combines the Chihuahua’s spirited personality with the Whippet’s agility. These dogs are affectionate, intelligent, and may have a strong prey drive. They enjoy regular exercise, playtime, and socialization to prevent boredom and ensure a well-rounded temperament.
F. Grey Whippet
A Grey Whippet is a cross between a Greyhound and a Whippet. This mix is known for its speed, grace, and gentle demeanor. They are typically calm and easygoing, making them ideal companions for those who appreciate a quieter, more laid-back dog.
G. Italian Whippet
The Italian Whippet, a mix between an Italian Greyhound and a Whippet, is a small, delicate, and affectionate dog. They are sensitive and intelligent, often forming strong bonds with their families. Due to their size and temperament, they are best suited for families with older children or adults.
H. Whipoodle (Poodle and Whippet mix)
A Whipoodle is a dog breed resulting from breeding a Whippet and a Poodle together. They are also called Whippadoodle or Whipoo. Most Whipoodles are bred from standard Poodles, which makes them a medium to large-sized Doodle breed. An average Whipoodle weighs about 15-40 pounds with an 18-20 inches height. They can also have a long snout because both Whippets and Poodles have that feature too. Most Whipoodles don’t have short hair like Whippets. Their coats are a bit wavy or curly like their Poodle parents. Their coat colours are usually more than two, and they are mixed up depending on their parents’ colours or the recessive genes.
I. Staffy Whippet (Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Whippet mix)
The Staffy Whippet is a mix of the muscular Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the agile Whippet. This combination creates a strong, athletic, and friendly dog. They are known for their loyalty and loving nature, making them excellent family pets. Daily exercise and mental stimulation are essential for this mix.
J. Whippador (Labrador Retriever and Whippet mix)
The Whippador, a blend of the Labrador Retriever and Whippet, is an intelligent, energetic, and friendly dog. They are excellent family pets, as they are good with children and other animals. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training are crucial for this mix to thrive.
K. Jackwhip (Jack Russell Terrier and Whippet mix)
The Jackwhip combines the spirited nature of the Jack Russell Terrier with the speed and grace of the Whippet. They are energetic, intelligent, and may have a strong prey drive. Regular exercise, playtime, and socialization are necessary to keep this mix happy and well-rounded.
L. Boxwhip (Boxer and Whippet mix)
The Boxwhip is a mix of the sturdy Boxer and the slender Whippet. This combination creates a muscular, agile, and friendly dog that enjoys spending time with its family. They are intelligent, energetic, and require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training.
M. Doxie Whip (Dachshund and Whippet mix)
The Doxie Whip, a blend of the Dachshund and Whippet, is a small, energetic, and intelligent dog. They may have a strong prey drive and enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Regular exercise, playtime, and socialization are essential for this mix.
N. Beagle Whip (Beagle and Whippet mix)
The Beagle Whip combines the friendly and curious nature of the Beagle with the speed and grace of the Whippet. This mix is known for its affectionate and playful personality, making them excellent family pets. Daily exercise, mental stimulation, and training are necessary for a well-rounded Beagle Whip.
O. Corgi Whip (Corgi and Whippet mix)
The Corgi Whip is a cross between a Corgi and a Whippet, creating a small, energetic, and intelligent dog. They may have a strong herding instinct and require regular exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
P. Dalmatian Whip (Dalmatian and Whippet mix)
The Dalmatian Whip is a blend of the striking Dalmatian and the agile Whippet. This mix is known for its unique appearance, athleticism, and friendly nature. They are intelligent and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
Q. Golden Whip (Golden Retriever and Whippet mix)
The Golden Whip, a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Whippet, is a friendly, intelligent, and energetic dog. They make excellent family pets and enjoy engaging in activities that challenge their minds and bodies. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training are essential for this mix.
R. Husky Whip (Husky and Whippet mix)
The Husky Whip is a combination of the energetic Husky and the fast Whippet. This mix is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and unique appearance. They require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training to keep them happy and healthy.
S. Shiba Whippet (Shiba Inu and Whippet mix)
A Shiba Whippet is a dog breed resulting from breeding a Shiba Inu and a Whippet together. It is one of the most in-demand dog species today in the United Kingdom. A Whippet Shiba Inu Mix Breed resembles its Shiba Inu parent in appearance. It comes with a dense and fluffy coating of hair, only that it is comparatively shorter than a purebred Shiba Inu. It has small eyes and cropped ears, resembling those of a Shiba Inu’s. A Whippet Shiba Inu Mix Breed is just the right size for a kid-friendly, playful indoor dog. It inherits its height from its Shiba Inu parent, coming with a 15 to 20-inch stature. However, unlike its size, ear shape, and hair coating, the weight of this mixed breed comes from its Whippet parent, which is an average of 20 to 35 pounds.
T. Schnauzer Whip (Schnauzer and Whippet mix)
The Schnauzer Whip is a blend of the intelligent Schnauzer and the graceful Whippet. This mix is known for its unique appearance, friendly nature, and athleticism. They require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and training to thrive as well-rounded pets.
Characteristics of Whippet Mixes
A. Physical characteristics
Whippet mixes can exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics, depending on the other breed involved in the mix. Generally, they will have a slender, athletic build, with a deep chest and long legs. Their coat may vary in color, length, and texture, depending on the traits inherited from their parent breeds.
B. Temperament
The temperament of Whippet mixes can also vary greatly, depending on the other breed in the mix. Generally, they are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and friendly nature. They may have a strong prey drive and a high energy level, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-balanced.
Training and Exercise for Whippet Mixes
Whippet mixes are typically intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods are most effective for these dogs. Due to their energetic nature and potential for a strong prey drive, Whippet mixes require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Activities such as running, hiking, fetch, and agility training can help meet their physical and mental needs.
Health issues in Whippet mixes
Whippet mixes, like any mixed breed, can be susceptible to health issues inherited from their parent breeds. Some common health concerns in Whippet mixes may include hip dysplasia, heart issues, eye problems, and certain types of cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help to catch and treat these issues early, ensuring the best possible quality of life for your Whippet mix.
Some Common Questions and Their Answers
What is the best Whippet cross?
There is no definitive “best” Whippet cross, as the ideal mix will depend on an individual’s preferences and lifestyle. Consider the traits, exercise needs, and temperament of each Whippet mix to determine the best fit for your family and situation.
What dogs go well with Whippets?
Whippets can get along well with various breeds, especially those with similar energy levels and temperaments. Some examples include Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, and other sight hounds, as well as breeds with a similar prey drive, such as terriers.
What 2 breeds make a Whippet?
A Whippet is a purebred dog and not a mix of two breeds. However, Whippets are part of the sighthound family and share similarities with breeds like Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds.
What is a Whippet dog mixed with?
A Whippet mix is a cross between a Whippet and another breed. The other breed involved in the mix will determine the specific traits, appearance, and temperament of the resulting Whippet mix.
Is a Whippet aggressive?
Whippets are generally not aggressive and are known for their friendly and gentle nature. However, like any dog, they can display aggressive behaviors if they feel threatened or are not properly socialized and trained.
Is a Whippet a calm dog?
Whippets are generally calm and laid-back dogs, especially when indoors. They are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families, often described as “couch potatoes.” However, they do have bursts of energy and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Conclusion
Whippet mixes offer a diverse range of characteristics and traits, making them an attractive option for dog lovers seeking a unique and engaging companion. By understanding the specific needs and potential health concerns of these mixes, you can provide the best possible care and environment for your Whippet mix to thrive. With proper training, exercise, and love, a Whippet mix can make a wonderful addition to any family.