There are many Whippet mixes out there, all with their own unique charms. The Whippet, sometimes called the “Poor Man’s Racehorse” is one of the speediest sighthounds in the world.
This dog looks so much like a related breed, the Greyhound, that some people get them confused. The difference is in their size – Greyhounds can be up to 76cm tall at the shoulder, whereas the daintier Whippet only reaches 56cm.
In this article, you will learn about some of the most popular Whippet mix breed dogs!
The Whippet
The Whippet has been measured reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making this hands-down the fastest pup in their size class.
But when not chasing after a real (or imagined) prey target, these dogs are actually rather quiet and self-contained.
The breed as a whole recently got a worldwide chin-up when Whisky the Whippet, a truly adorable pet as well as show ring champ, won “best in show” at the National Dog Show!
Personality and temperament
The Whippet’s adult personality is gentle and calm in the home, provided he receives enough daily activity and exercise. They are also known to be snugglers – think “Velcro” and you’ll get the right idea.
The breed’s temperament in adulthood is generally calm, gracious and mannerly.
However, a Whippet’s puppyhood can bring some challenges as you and your dog learn to work together to channel this breed’s natural prey drive and energy level in positive ways.
A word to the wise: due to this breed’s strong “need for speed”, you’ll need to practice a faultless recall to rely on when you let your dog off the lead.
Coat care and grooming
A Whippet has a single-layer straight coat. However, this dog does shed lightly year-round.
Brushing is the best way to keep your Whippet’s coat and skin healthy.
Health and longevity
The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends that breeders pre-test Whippet breeding dogs for
- hip dysplasia
- autoimmune thyroiditis
- eye issues
- heart disorders
- and congenital deafness.
The American Whippet Club also highlights four other health concerns:
- epilepsy of unknown cause
- Addison’s disease
- blood disorders
- and skin autoimmune conditions.
Whippet Mixes
Hybrid vigor promotes the theory of “heterosis” which states that crossbred species typically exhibit superior traits in a number of categories when compared to purebred peers.
Today’s hybrid breeding programs often aim to strengthen the health of certain purebred dog breeds by crossbreeding strategically.
Whippet Types
Now let’s look at some of the most popular types of Whippet mix, and what to expect from them!
American Fox Hound Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Foxwhip
A Foxwhip may weigh anywhere from 25 to 70 pounds when fully grown. This sweet-natured, genial pup makes a great family pet for an active family and can get along well with kids and even cats.
The typical life expectancy is 11 to 15 years.
It is important to be aware that your Foxwhip may inherit the American Fox Hound’s tendency to howl – something you may find charming but your neighbors may not.
Also, these dogs will need lots of exercise.
American Pit Bull Terrier Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Pippet
The adorably-named Pippet can weigh 25 to 65 pounds and has a lifespan of 8 to 15 years.
This dog will likely shed quite a bit year-round, but brushing will do for general coat maintenance.
Always check with your state’s dog laws as well as your insurer before choosing a Pitbull mix just to be sure you don’t run into any legal or coverage issues.
Australian Shepherd Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. and Aussiewhip
The Aussiewhip has an adult weight range of 25 to 65 pounds and a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
This dog will shed quite a bit year-round and may also shed seasonally. Prepare for plenty of brushing.
Your Aussiewhip will need plenty of daily exercise and activity to stay out of trouble.
Beagle Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Whipbeagle
Your Whippet and Beagle mix will likely weigh between 25 and 40 pounds and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
This dog will shed year-round and perhaps seasonally.
You can expect a friendly, smart, happy pup that wants to be near (or on) you as often as possible.
Learn more about the Whipbeagle with our mix breed review article:
Border Collie Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. Colliewhip
The Colliewhip is going to be an active, energetic dog! Your Border Collie cross can weigh 25 to 55 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
This dog will shed year-round and may shed seasonally.
A Colliewhip will fare best with lots of daily exercise and activity, formal participation in canine athletics and/or a regular job to do.
Boxer Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Boxerwhip
This dog will weigh 25 to 80 pounds with an expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Expect a strong, muscular pup with a short coat that sheds moderately year-round.
Boxawhips can inherit the brachycephalic muzzle shape from the Boxer side, which may present some ongoing health challenges.
Bulldog Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Bullwhip
The Bullwhip’s weight range in adulthood is from 25 to 50 pounds with a lifespan of 8 to 15 years.
This dog will shed year-round and possibly seasonally, too.
Your Bullwhip will likely inherit some of the health concerns of the Bulldog parent, with their brachycephalic (flat-faced) muzzle shape and screw tail.
Chihuahua Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Chiwhip
The Whippet and Chihuahua mix is likely going to be a petite pup, even though the potential weight range is 6 to 40 pounds. The lifespan for this pup on average is 12 to 16 years.
Your Chiwhip won’t shed much and may need some help from you to stay warm in the winter.
Chihuahuas and their crossbreeds can be very small and fragile dogs. For this reason they are often safest in homes without very small children.
German Shepherd Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a German Whippet
The German Whippet is an interesting hybrid, often combining the natural reserve of the German Shepherd with the gentle clinging affection of the Whippet.
This pup will weigh anywhere from 25 to 90 pounds depending on which parent your puppy most favors. The life expectancy is 7 to 15 years.
The German Whippet will have a short to medium straight coat that will shed year-round and may shed seasonally.
Golden Retriever Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Golden Whippet
When the Whippet’s gentle, affectionate nature and the Golden Retriever’s never-met-a-stranger exuberant friendliness collide, you’re certain to end up with sweet-natured puppies Be prepared to be overpowered by love and devotion!
Your Golden Whippet may weigh 25 to 75 pounds with a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
This dog will shed quite a lot and perhaps go through a seasonal shed as well. You will need to keep your dog brush handy with this hybrid!
Greyhound Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Grey Whippet
The Greyhound and the Whippet are very closely related. They are very close to being the same dog, just in different sized packages!
Which means a Grey Whippet isn’t as much of a wildcard pairing as some of the other hybrid dogs in this article.
Your Grey Whippet will have a short, neat coat, a gentle demeanor and a yen for chase and pursuit unmatched by any other dog breed on the planet.
When not running or racing or chasing, you won’t have to look far to find your Grey Whippet, who will likely be monopolizing the sofa, or trying to fit into your lap!
Italian Greyhound Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Whippig
The standard Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound, and the Whippet are all very closely related, making the Whippig a particularly complementary hybrid pairing in many ways.
This dog may weigh 7 to 40 pounds and has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
This dog will shed moderately at most and may need special help staying warm in winter due to naturally low body fat and a lean physique.
Jack Russell Terrier Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Jackawhip
The Jackawhip weighs 14 to 40 pounds and has a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
This dog will be lively, smart and perhaps stubborn, as per the terrier temperament. Expect an independent streak and high prey drive inherited from both the Jack Russell and Whippet parent dogs.
Your Jackawhip will have a short, smooth coat that will shed year-round.
Labrador Retriever Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Whipador
A Whipador can grow up to weigh anywhere from 25 to 80 pounds. This dog’s life expectancy ranges from 10 to 15 years.
Your Whipador will shed moderately year-round and may also go through a seasonal shed.
This dog is going to inherit the friendly, closely bonded temperament of both Whippets and Labrador Retrievers – you won’t want to leave this dog alone for long because they won’t do well without company.
Pointer Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Whippoint
A Whippoint may weigh anywhere from 25 to 75 pounds with an average lifespan of 12 to 17 years. Thier “other” parent could be an English Pointer, or a German Shorthaired Pointer.
This can be an interesting hybrid, and you can count on a speedy pup with extra-keen vision and overall enhanced sensory input.
The Whippoint will likely shed year-round but not overwhelmingly so. Brushing will do for routine coat maintenance.
Poodle Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Whipoodle
You can count on a Whipoodle to be a smart, athletic, people-focused dog. Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, your Whipoodle may weigh anywhere from 4 to 70 pounds.
The typical life expectancy for this hybrid dog is 10 to 18 years.
Your Whipoodle likely won’t shed much but you will need to do daily brushing if your pup inherits more of the Poodle’s dense, wiry coat.
Shiba Inu Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Shiba Whippet
The Shiba Whippet may weigh 17 to 40 pounds with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
This dog will probably shed quite a bit owing to the Shiba Inu influence!
While Shiba Inu dogs are the most popular dog breed in their home country of Japan, in the United States they are routinely included in the top 25 most dangerous dog breeds list.
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
Just to avoid preventable heartache, it can be smart to check with your state laws and insurance company before inviting a Shiba mix into your life.
Viszla Whippet Mixes
A.K.A. a Viszlawhip
Your Vizslawhip may weigh 25 to 60 pounds with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
This dog will inherit some similar personality traits from both parents, including natural gentleness, an affectionate nature and natural enjoyment of running.
You won’t want to leave this pup alone because they don’t tolerate it well.
Your Vizslawhip will shed moderately year-round but coat maintenance will be easy and quick.
Is A Whippet Mix Right For Me?
Whippets have iconic looks and a famously docile temperament which sits in stark contrast to their high prey drive and racing speed.
When Whippets are crossed with breeds that have similar traits (for example other sighthounds), their puppies will turn out in a fairly predictable way.
But when they mix with a dog who looks or behaves very differently, you need to prepare for a puppy who combines any possible mix of qualities from each parent.
We don’t recommend purchasing any puppy from a parent with conformational health problems such as brachycephaly, dwarfism or screwtail.
Do you have a favorite Whippet mix dog from the wonderful pups you’ve just met? Please drop us a comment to share your favs!
References and Resources
Barnes, B. et al, “Questions and Answers About Whippets,” Whippet Rescue and Placement, 2019.
Arthur, M.B., et al, “Whippet Health Information,” Whippet Health Foundation, 2019.
Lee, H., et al, “Whippet Health,” American Whippet Club, 2019.
Etheridge, M., et al, “A Brief History of the Whippet,” The Whippet Club UK, 2019.
Creedon, N., et al, “Dog bite injuries to humans and the use of breed-specific legislation: a comparison of bites from legislated and non-legislated dog breeds,” Irish Veterinary Journal, 2017.
Gyles, C., “Brachycephalic dogs – time for action,” The Canine Veterinary Journal, 2017.
Leave a Reply