Whippet mixes include any pup that is bred from a pure Whippet parent and another parent from a different pedigree breed.
With a variety of unique characteristics and a vast combination of history, intelligence, and talent, Whippet mixes are steadily increasing in popularity.
What are the most popular Whippet mixes, you ask?
Keep reading, because we have a list of nine of the world’s favorite Whippet mixes available.
What Is a Whippet Mix?
Whippet mixes are crossbreed dogs.
Also known as hybrid or designer dogs, Whippet mixes are quickly rising in popularity across the world.
But what makes Whippet mixes so popular?
To understand this question, we must understand the Whippet.
Meet the Whippet
The Whippet is a purebred dog directly descended from the Greyhound.
Originating in England, the Whippet was originally used as an exterminator.
Too small to hunt but still quick and agile, the Whippet helped to catch rats and other vermin for his masters.
Due to his speed, the Whippet was also used in a number of dog sports and has been known for quite some time now as the “poor man’s race dog.”
And although the Whippet is smaller than his Greyhound counterpart, the Whippet is considered to be the fastest racing dog in the world.
Whippets come in a number of different colors:
- Brindle
- White
- Fawn
- Black
- Blue
- Tan
Due to his desirable disposition, resiliency, and incredible racing talents, the Whippet and other Whippet mixes, such as the ones described below, have become quite popular.
Read on to learn more about the most popular Whippet mixes around!
No 1: The Whippet Lab Mix
About the Mix
The Labrador Retriever, (especially the black Lab) is the number one most popular dog in the US, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), so it is no wonder those who love Whippets thought to cross these two.
A joyful, family-oriented, and highly playful combination, the Lab Whippet mix is a family favorite, and the black Lab Whippet mix is especially loved by those who enjoy this crossbreed!
What Might He Look Like?
With a number of physical traits that will be left up to chance, the Lab Whippet mix could be between 19 to 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 25 to 80 pounds.
While the Lab comes in black, yellow, and chocolate, the Whippet could pass on to the Lab Whippet coat any of the colors mentioned above.
His Possible Temperament
Both the Whippet and the Labrador are affectionate and friendly dogs. However, they are somewhat different when it comes to energy.
While the Whippet is, for the most part, a calm dog, the Black Lab is highly energetic and will need lots of exercise and playtime.
A Lab Whippet mix will do best in homes with fenced-in backyards, where he can run freely, and an owner who will be able to offer him plenty of exercise.
As always, we recommend early socialization and obedience training to help ensure your Lab Whippet mix grows up to be a happy and healthy adult crossbreed.
Health Concerns and Estimated Life Expectancy
The Black Lab Whippet mix has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.
One of the things we love about Whippets is that they are primarily healthy dogs with very little genetic health concerns outside of arrhythmia.
Also, due to their thin, lean bodies and short coats, they can be sensitive to severe climates.
However, keep in mind that all Whippet mixes are going to be susceptible to any of the genetic health issues their purebred parents are most prone to.
In this case, a Lab Whippet mix could be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart issues, hereditary myopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, and bloat.
To start your Lab Whippet mix puppy off right, you may want to consider early health screening.
No 2: The Whippet Jack Russell Mix
About the Mix
The Whippet Jack Russell mix is a lively little cross between the Whippet and the Jack Russell Terrier.
Crossing spunk, playfulness, and a zest for life, the Whippet Jack Russell mix is a great addition to homes that need a little livening up!
What Might He Look Like?
The Whippet Jack Russell mix could be between 10 and 22 inches tall and weigh 9–40 pounds.
However, it will likely be on the smaller side of the spectrum.
This crossbreed could come in any of the Whippet colors or these additional Jack Russell ones:
- White and Chestnut
- Blue Belton
Possible Temperament
When it comes to Whippet mixes, temperament will be left up to chance and genetics.
In this case, a Whippet Jack Russell mix could be highly energetic, like his Jack Russell parent, or a bit calmer with bursts of energy, like his Whippet parent.
Either way, both the Jack Russell and the Whippet are friendly, alert dogs who will need daily exercise and early socialization and obedience training.
Health Concerns and Estimated Life Expectancy
With a lifespan of 12–15 years, the Whippet Jack Russell Terrier mix could be most susceptible to arrhythmia, patellar luxation, deafness, and eye issues.
No 3: The Whippet Border Collie Mix
About the Mix
A cross between the intelligent Border Collie and the quick-as-a-whip Whippet, the Whippet Border Collie mix may be one of our most intelligent and talented Whippet mixes on this list.
Beloved for his affectionate nature, beautiful and unique look, and clever mind, the Whippet Border Collie mix makes a wonderful cross for the right family.
What Might He Look Like?
This Whippet mix could stand around 18–22 inches tall and could weigh about 25 to 55 pounds.
As well as a long, dense coat or a shorter, sleek coat, there are a number of coat color combinations you could get with this crossbreed.
The Border Collie coat adds the following to the Whippet color list:
- Lilac
- Red Merle
- Sable Merle
- Gold
- Sable
- Blue Merle
His Possible Temperament
As previously mentioned, the Whippet Border Collie mix is going to be an intelligent crossbreed who is pretty energetic and needs lots of mental and physical stimulation.
He does great with families but may be more suitable for experienced dog owners, who are prepared for the amount of work and training that will go into raising this mix.
Health Concerns and Estimated Life Expectancy
This is one of those Whippet mixes who has a nice long lifespan of 12–15 years.
The Whippet Border Collie mix is most susceptible to arrhythmia, hip dysplasia, progressive renal atrophy, epilepsy, deafness, collie eye anomaly, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and trapped neutrophil syndrome.
No 4: The Whippet Terrier Mix
About the Mix
The Whippet Terrier mix, as we explain in the linked article, is an expansive concept due to the fact that terriers are a type of breed, not just one specific purebred dog.
Still, terriers do have a few characteristics unique to their type, with the most prominent being a feisty personality that is affectionate, energetic, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn.
What Might He Look Like?
The Whippet Terrier mix can come in quite a variety of looks and coat colors depending on the terrier type the Whippet is crossed with.
Terriers can be as small as 2.5 pounds and as large as 70 pounds, with coats that can be rough, smooth, long, short, shedding, or mostly hypoallergenic.
This means your Whippet Terrier mix could inherit any number of the above traits, including a wide variety of coat colors and textures, as well as a wide variety of size options.
His Possible Temperament
As we are starting to learn, Whippet mixes can have a number of different temperaments depending on which purebred parent they are mixed with and take after.
When it comes to the Whippet Terrier mix, you can expect a temperament that is inquisitive, energetic, outgoing, and sassy.
Health Concerns and Estimated Life Expectancy
Remember, the health concerns and life expectancy are going to depend mostly on which terrier breed the Whippet is crossed with.
And while the Whippet has a lifespan of 12–15 years and is primarily healthy outside of possible arrhythmia, we recommend researching the specific terrier breed your Whippet is crossed with to get a better understanding of other potential health issues.
Early health screening can also help determine what your Whippet Terrier mix could be predisposed to throughout his life.
No 5: The German Shepherd Whippet Mix
About the Mix
German Shepherds are famous for their courage and loyalty, and Whippets are known for their speed and resilience.
Mix the two together, and you get the German Shepherd Whippet mix!
What Might He Look Like?
The German Shepherd mix may be one of our larger Whippet mixes on the list, with a possible height of 18–26 inches tall and a weight of 25–90 pounds!
With a coat that could come either long, thick, and dense or short and sleek, the German Shepherd mix could come in a number of color combinations.
The German Shepherd adds the following possible coat colors:
- Black and Gold
- Black and Silver
- Red and Black
- Sable
His Temperament
The German Shepherd is a bold, courageous dog who is beloved for his intelligence and work ethic.
The Whippet, on the other hand, is a more docile breed who can have quick bursts of energy.
The Whippet German Shepherd mix will need plenty of early socialization and obedience training, especially considering the German Shepherd can become overprotective, and your Whippet Shepherd mix could inherit this trait.
Health Issues and Lifespan
With an average lifespan of 7–15 years, the German Shepherd Whippet mix could be most prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, myelopathy, bloat, and arrhythmia.
No 6: The Whippet Chihuahua Mix
About the Mix
When tiny meets speedy, you have the Whippet Chihuahua mix!
A cross between the feisty little Chihuahua and the spirited Whippet means you’ll have a combination of a number of unique and fun traits!
What Might He Look Like?
The Chihuahua is a tiny little thing, and the Whippet is more of a medium-sized dog.
Still, the average size of a Whippet Chihuahua mix, according to crossbreed enthusiasts, is somewhere between 8–22 inches tall and in the middle of 6–40 pounds in weight.
Like all the other Whippet mixes on this list, the coat and coat color combinations will depend on genetics and chance, but your options added by the Chihuahua parent are below:
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Gold
His Temperament
The Chihuahua and the Whippet have similar needs when it comes to exercise and training.
However, the Chihuahua can prove to be a bit more temperamental and stubborn than his Whippet counterpart.
For the most part, this is one of our Whippet mixes that will do best in homes with older children and families who have time to spend with this charming little crossbreed.
Of course, he will need early socialization and obedience training.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Whippet Chihuahua mix has a lifespan of about 12–16 years.
He is most prone to arrhythmia, patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disease, patellar luxation, idiopathic epilepsy, and eye disease.
No 7: The Whippet Poodle Mix
About the Mix
This is perhaps one of our more clever and entertaining Whippet mixes.
Meet the Whippet Poodle mix!
With a history that goes back for centuries and a combined resume that includes hunting and performing, it’s no wonder so many people have become so fond of the Whippet Poodle mix!
What Might He Look Like?
Whippets and Poodles look very different.
The Poodle comes in three size varieties, including toy, miniature, and standard. The Whippet, as we’ve covered, is medium in size.
The size of your Whippet Poodle mix is going to depend on the Poodle parent the Whippet is crossed with, and the coat texture and colors are going to be left up to chance.
Take a look for yourself!
In addition to the brindle, white, fawn, black, blue, and tan that the Whippet could pass on, the Poodle adds these additional possible coat colors to your mix:
- Apricot
- Cream
- Blue Belton
- Brown
- Silver
- Sable
His Temperament
A mix of intelligence, affection, and speed, the Whippet Poodle mix makes a wonderful family pet for the active family who enjoys being outdoors and has lots of time to train this energetic cross.
As always, we suggest early socialization and obedience training.
Health Issues and Lifespan
With a lifespan of 10–18 years, the longest-lived of the Whippet mixes can be most prone to
- hip dysplasia
- eye issues
- epilepsy
- von Willebrand’s disease
- sebaceous adenitis
- orthopedic problems
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- luxating patellas
- arrhythmia
- orthopedic problems
No 8: The Whippet Beagle Mix
About the Mix
The Whippet Beagle mix is a cross between two beloved family pets.
The Beagle is a world favorite with his adorable personality, cute looks, and spunky attitude, and of course, we know the Whippet to be full of love and charm.
His Defining Characteristics
Like a number of Whippet mixes on this list, the Whippet Beagle mix’s purebred parents could not look more different.
Despite their smooth, sleek coats, and their medium size, there isn’t much more in common with these two physically.
They will have a height of 13–22 inches tall and a weight of 20–40 pounds.
The Whippet Beagle mix’s coat could be a number of colors.
Check out your additional Beagle options below!
- Lemon and White
- Tri-Colored
- White and Chocolate
- Orange and White
- White and Chestnut
- Red and White
- Chocolate Tri
His Temperament
The Beagle and the Whippet do have similar temperaments, which makes it wonderfully easy for us to tell you how your Whippet Beagle mix may behave!
With a calm demeanor (with spurts of energy), an intelligent mind, curious nature, and affection for family, the Beagle Whippet mix does great with children of all ages and loves other household pets.
However, while the Whippet is rather quiet, the Beagle is known for his howling bark.
Keep in mind your Beagle Whippet mix could be loud like his Beagle parent or quiet like his Whippet parent.
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Beagle Whippet mix has a lifespan of 10–15 years.
They can be most prone to genetic issues like arrhythmia, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, luxating patella, and eye issues.
No 9: The Whippet Pitbull Mix
About the Mix
Also known as a Pit Whippet, this mix is a type of bull lurcher. Sometimes the Pitbull gets a bad rap, but studies have shown that Pitbulls, when properly trained and socialized, make wonderful and loving pets.
Mix the Whippet with the Pitbull, and you are likely to have a devoted, friendly, and athletic canine companion!
His Defining Characteristics
A cross between a muscular, loyal breed and a lanky, lean breed, the physical appearance is going to be anyone’s guess!
The Pitbull Whippet mix could weigh 25–60 pounds and stand 18–22 inches tall.
Like many of the Whippet mixes listed above, the Whippet Pit mix’s coat could come in a number of colors.
While both Whippets and Pitbulls come in brindle, white, fawn, black, blue, and tan, Pitbulls can also be brown.
That adds one more possible color outcome for your Whippet Pitbull mix.
His Temperament
A great dog comes down to proper socialization, beginning in puppyhood, and the right amount of obedience training.
The Pitbull Whippet mix is no exception.
And although the Pitbull does have a sad history of being raised for fighting and blood sports, today, many Pit enthusiasts and experts insist this breed is truly a lover at heart.
Keep in mind that while the Whippet is pretty calm, the Pitbull is known to be a very energetic breed.
This cross is going to need plenty of exercise, obedience training, and early socialization to grow into a happy and healthy companion!
Health Issues and Lifespan
The Pitbull Whippet mix has a lifespan of 8–15 years.
They can suffer from arrhythmia, hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, knee issues, skin allergies, mange, skin infections, ichthyosis, and nerve disease.
Is a Whippet Mix Right for Me?
If you have your heart set on a Whippet mix, then you are not alone.
Whippet mix crossbreeds are quickly becoming family favorites!
Do you think one of the Whippet mixes listed above is right for you?
We encourage you to do even more research on the specific crossbreed you want.
Learn more about his health, lifespan, temperament, and physical characteristics.
Then make sure you go through reputable sources to find yourself a Whippet mix puppy!
Remember, research is key!
Do you know of any Whippet mix facts we missed?
Drop us a note in the comments!
References
E Schalke, et al. Is Breed-Specific Legislation Justified? Study of the Results of the Temperament Test of Lower Saxony, Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research
GD Shelton, E Engvall, Gross Muscle Hypertrophy in Whippet Dogs is Caused by a Mutation in the Myostatin Gene, Neuromuscular Disorders, Volume 17, Issue 9-10, Pages 721-722
V Bavegems, et al. Vertebral Heart Size Ranges Specific for Whippets, Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound
C Vila, et al. Phylogenetic Relationships, Evolution, and Genetic Diversity of the Domestic Dog, Journal of Heredity, Volume 90, Issue 1, Pages 71-77
TJ Howell, et al. Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Volume 6, pages 143-153
NB Sutter, EA Ostrander, Dog Star Rising: The Canine Genetic System, Nature Reviews Genetics, Volume 5, pages 900-910
L Acumen, The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition, 2011
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Peekapoo Dog Breed – The Pekingese Poodle Mix
Hi. I’m looking for another, NOT a young puppy.
We had a rescue whippet x Staffordshire bull terrier female from the age of one until she passed at eighteen and a half. A bit timid of men at first, she became my husband’s biggest fan. A great family dog who needed one good run a day, then settled in her bed voluntarily and was very restful around the home. Thought I’d let you all know we found her an excellent family pet even when she turned into a grumpy old lady in her sixteenth year;-) still liked to walk and sniff.
Please tell me if you know of similar adult mix which needs a good home.
I have what is to believed to be a rescue, whippet/pit bull mix. She is very loving & loves to sleep under the covers and curl up next to you. We aren’t certain if she was beaten or just extremely timid. Would not go outside at all and still requires coaxing, cowards down to the ground when you first go towards her (depending on the reason), runs at the sight of a cell phone to take a photo and flashlights. If you can gt her to stay still, she will lay down, but if she she’s any movement, she’s moving to.
Hi, I’ve been looking for a Bedlington/Whippet cross (happy with either first cross or more whippet) for some time. We would also consider other ‘whippet lurcher’ type crosses. We are genuine dog lovers and not part of this lockdown craziness. Does anyone know of anyone who breeds them? Thank you!
The best mix nobody ever heard of is the Whippet/Rhodesian Ridgeback. My rescue girl inherited the best of both breeds, was a perfect addition to our family and lived to be 16. Our only concern was her hobby of hunting small wild critters that wandered into the yard. Whippets need a good fence, a slip proof leash and a strong recall. Learning the command “no bunny!” helped too 🙂
I have adopted 2 whippet-terrier mixes from two different local (low-kill) shelters. They are both fawn and white, about 25 pounds (the same age – possibly same litter) and extremely smart. I know getting them from a shelter is not ideal, but these are the most remarkable, loving dogs. They are runners, so having more than 1 and a big yard lets them exercise themselves. They are easy to train and full of laughter-inducing behavior. I highly recommend this crossbreed and have volunteered to adopt another (same age and markings) from yet another kill shelter. I hate any would end up in shelters. They are very smart and fast, so may run away (or escape) if not trained and controlled while out. I use a harness for each and have trained them to come in frequently from the yard for a reward. Once caught in a shelter, they seem to be subdued and very sensitive, which may make them hang back timidly, but if you can spring them, they are worth every penny! They pay it back ten times over in joy and love. This is an amazing cross breed!
Agreed! I rescued my whippet mix from the Pasadena shelter and he’s a cross between labrador and a few other breeds. He looks very much like a whippet! He also has been trained for medical alert as my health is very poor and he’s saved my life numerous times. He is the best thing to ever happen to me and has traveled internationally all over the world. I love to share my story and I’d see for yourself at the shelter if looking for a future family member because what I was told was he was labeled as a chihuahua. He couldn’t be anything further from that haha. Shelter staff are not well informed of breed description etc. Especially as sighthounds are less common the US.
I am looking for a whippet min-pin mix… any suggestions?
I would be very interested in a whippet Chihuahua mix. Does anyone know of a breeder in the Uk?
I would like to buy a whippet / beagle or a whippet / kelpie cross. I want a female. Do these ever come up for sale ?