Dog

Whippet Pitbull Mix: Complete Info and Guide

All About the Whippet Pitbull Mix

November 29, 2024

A whippet pitbull mix is one of the most sorted crossbreed dogs today, but most owners know little about how to care for their dog correctly. Whippet pitbull mix dogs are small and friendly and make great companions, but their unique needs need to be met if they’re going to be happy and healthy at home.

Before you decide to purchase this crossbreed, it’s important to learn more about the it and understand what this type of dog has to offer your family.

Luckily, you will know way to caring for your whippet pitbull mix, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to handle the training, grooming, health concerns, and more to help your dog live its best life possible.

This guide will cover everything from their appearance and size to how they should be trained and socialized, as well as discuss the pros and cons of owning this specific dog breed. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about adding one of these unique dogs to your family.

What Is a Whippet Pit Bull Mix?

Quick overview table showing difference characteristics of Whippet Pitbull Mix.

Trait	Result
Height	17 to 21 inches
Weight	25 to 60 pounds
Color	Fawn, White, Blue, Black, Red and Brindle
Intelligence	Very intelligent and can learn tricks easily
Breed Type	Cross Breed
AKC Recognition	Not recognized
Temperament	Very gentle and protective, and can sometimes be uneasy and wary around strangers.
Daily Food Consumption	2 to 2.5 cups per day of protein-rich dog food
Common Health Issues	Hypothyroidism, Heart diseases, Elbow and hip dysplasia, Congenital, Deafness
Life Expectancy	10 to 14 years
Cost	$200 to $500
Trainability	It is not hard to train

The whippet pitbull mix is a crossbreed dog that is a combination of the Whippet and the American pit bull terrier. It was previously called a whap, which was an abbreviation for whippet-American pit bull terrier. These dogs usually weigh between 20 and 60 pounds. Some are smaller, weighing as little as 30 pounds. As with any crossbreed, there can be variations in personality traits from one to another.

History and Origin

The whippet pitbull mix is often referred to as the Sporting Dog or Sporting Whippet. This mix is a product of crossbreeding the toy dog, the Whippet, with a larger dog pitbull. Usually, when people ask about the history of this crossbreed, they are really asking about its origins. They want to know what breeds have been used in creating this unique animal.

This breed has been around for quite some time. The first Pitbull and Whippet crossbreed appeared in the early 2000s, while they probably initially appeared during the 1990s dog breeding boom.

Let’s quickly review the histories of the two parent breeds to understand better where the Pitbull Whippet breed originated.

Whippet

The history of The Whippet starts in Victorian England. On their days off, northern coal miners participated in sports like dog racing and rabbit hunting. However, they lacked the funds and space necessary to exercise or kennel huge athletes like Greyhounds properly. Breeding a smaller Greyhound was the miners’ practical response. Although it is unknown which breeds were used to produce the Whippet, it is obvious that the miners did a good job. The Whippet, one of their creations, is the quickest breed of its size and can run up to 35 mph.

The Whippet breed was once known by colorful nicknames like “Poor Man’s Racehorse” and “Lightning Rag Dog” (they would chase a rag dragged along a straight course in an early version of lure coursing). The term “whappet,” an old word that means “a little dog that yaps,” appears to be the source of the name Whippet.

Workers in the textile industry from Lancashire began flocking to New England by the turn of the 20th century. Their Whippets were among the homey touches they carried to the New World. The Whippet was an immediate hit in America. Like in England, Whippet racing—whether for money or pure enjoyment—became popular with individuals from all walks of life. In 1888, the AKC registered its first Whippet. Nowadays, lure coursing is a fantastic way to satisfy the Whippet’s need for speed.

Pitbull

The American Pitbull Terrier is a breed with English island origins and history of dog fighting. They were developed from certain shepherd dogs that had taken part in the terrible pastime of bull and bear baiting during the nineteenth century. The majority of the viewers of this sport were members of the lower classes who viewed it as a fun way to escape the stress of daily life.

Bull and bear baiting was outlawed in 1835 as a result of the UK Parliament’s passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act.

A short time afterward, ratting and dog fighting caught the public’s attention. These sheepdogs were crossed with Terriers to produce a more active and tenacious dog. However, various precautions were made to stop human biting, protecting the owners of these dogs in the process.

Pitbulls followed immigrants as they made their way to the United States with their possessions. In America, pit bulls were popular as family pets rather than dogfighting champions. They are regarded as devoted farm dogs and hold a special place in the hearts of many households.

Comparison: Whippet vs Pitbull

Trait	Whippet	Pitbull
Height	19-22 inches (male) 18-21 inches (female)	18-19 inches (male) 17-18 inches (female)
Weight	25-40 pounds	55-70 pounds (male) 40-55 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy	12-15 years	12-16 years
Breed Group	Hound	Terrier
Behavior	playful / affectionate / calm	good-natured / confident / smart
Barking	Low, only to alert	Medium
Energy	High	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Watchdog/Protective	Medium	Very High, Vigilant
Shedding	Low	Low
Coat type	Smooth	Smooth
Coat length	Short	Short

Appearance

The Whippet Pitbull mix is a combination of two unique breeds that give this dog its personality. Whippets are elegant, long-legged dogs, originally bred to hunt rats on rural English farms. These days, they can be found lounging on window sills and getting spoiled by their owners all over the world.

Meanwhile, pit bulls are popularly known for their loyalty and goofy demeanor. They make fantastic family pets because they love children and other animals and are very obedient and eager to please them.

The dog inherits from both of its parents and breeds a short-haired fur coat that lies flat on his body. The Pitbull Whippet mix is a low-maintenance breed because of its fur. Additionally, the type of fur it has makes it tolerant of relatively hot temperatures, and the bodily fat under its skin also makes it tolerant of cold weather. As a result, although it can handle changes in weather, your small dog is most suited for moderate weather.

Coat

Depending on which parent genes are dominant, these puppies’ coats differ in density and thickness. Its coat can be any Fawn, White, Blue, Black, Red, or Brindle in color. You may even find a combination of these colors depending on the inherited genes.

Size & Weight

Whippet Pitbull mix might weigh between 25 and 60 pounds and be between 17 and 21 inches tall. Thus, this dog will be of medium size.

Personality

Whippets are often difficult to train because of their quick movements and playful attitude. Pitbulls, on the other hand, are known for their protective nature and sheer determination. These two breeds make a potentially explosive mix that is nearly impossible to understand when put together. But before you decide to welcome one of these aggressive animals into your home, there are a few things you should know first.

Firstly, whippet pitbull mixes have been called too aggressive by many who have owned them in the past. In addition, they are not recommended for households with children or other pets as they may not get along well with either type of animal.

Whippet Mix with Pitbull also require lots of exercises and mental stimulation to keep from getting bored.

And finally, since it can be hard to predict what will happen when this mixture comes together, it is important to remember that you might end up losing more than just your couch if you adopt one.

Temperament

A whippet mix with a pitbull is a very intelligent and energetic dog that needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation to be happy. Being such a diverse breed, they may show characteristics of either of their parents.

Generally speaking, they are moderately calm and gentle dogs that are good with children as well as other animals when properly socialized from an early age. However, this dog can also have some wild traits, which may include play biting, barking aggressively at strangers, or constantly chasing objects.

Grooming and Caring

Grooming a whippet mix with pitbull is challenging because the terrier ancestry contributes long, silky hair that is prone to tangles and mats. Regular brushing will help reduce these problems, but still be careful with grooming to avoid over-brushing, which can cause excessive wear on the coat and lead to irritation of the skin underneath.

When it comes to bathing and cleaning, there isn’t really a specific procedure. You can give your dog a thorough wash bath whenever you feel it has become a little bit dirtier than usual. The Pitbull Whippets’ thick fur allows them to withstand cold temperatures even though they have shorter coats. However, this does not give you the power to leave them outside in icy weather. Depending on the temperature, be sure to provide your dog with a warm blanket or some sunscreen.

Make careful to periodically check for debris and pests in your dog’s ears. Make sure to clean them according to a schedule your veterinarian has advised. Additionally, cutting your dog’s nails before they become excessively long is ideal. It should be done once or twice every month. In order to prevent tooth problems, you should also brush your puppy’s teeth frequently. It should be able to get it by brushing its teeth once or twice a week.

Exercise

The whippet pitbull mix is an intelligent breed that needs a lot of exercises. Whippets are great at agility and can be trained to do almost anything, while pit bulls are natural retrievers.

Allowing it to continue to burn its excessive energy would encourage its destructive traits inherited from its Pitbull parent. The Pit Whip is a very amiable dog.

The Pit Whip’s parents are both high-energy dog breeds. It is normal for children to have a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Therefore, you must ensure that it is kept active throughout the day to prevent your puppy’s surplus energy from building up.

Make sure you provide your new puppy with the right training in order to succeed with your new family member.

Food Requirement

All dogs need good food and nutrition, so it happens to Whippet Pitbull Mix, regardless of age. The foods are specially formulated to meet the dietary needs of all different breeds. Adult dogs require one cup of kibble per 20 pounds (9 kilograms) body weight, which is approximately five cups per day for a 50-pound dog. When it comes to treats, you want to follow the same rules as you would for human treats – if they’re healthy for us, they’re probably healthy for our pup too.

Health issues

Many mixed breeds face health issues, but there are also many that have few or no health problems. The whippet pitbull mix is one example of a mixed breed with few or no health problems. Very few reported cases of this crossbreed having any health issues; however, these can occur because they inherit various genes from both dogs.

The following are some health conditions the Whippet mix with Pitbull may be prone to:

Hypothyroidism
Heart diseases
Elbow and hip dysplasia
Congenital Deafness

If you experience bloating, cataracts, hypothyroidism, heart murmur, cryptorchidism/cryptorchidism, epilepsy, and pancreatitis, you may need to have your dog in for a routine veterinary checkup. Regular health checkups might be beneficial, such as eye tests, heart tests, X-rays, thyroid tests, blood tests, and elbow and hip checks. Your veterinarian can help you create monthly routine maintenance that will keep your dog healthy.

Shedding

whippet pitbull mix

Owning a whippet pitbull mix is a big responsibility and commitment, so it’s important to be prepared. They need at least one bath every two weeks. Just like any other dog, they also shed, but their shedding is usually not as extreme and can be brushed out with a firm bristle brush or regular comb. Their fur can mat if it isn’t brushed on a consistent basis.

Lifespan

Typically, this hybrid is fairly healthy and long-lived. Most have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Whippets and pit bulls can live anywhere from 9 to 13 years, but in some cases, they may not make it past their first birthday. Most hybrids with this cross will live just as long as the parents’ species.

How much does a Whippet Pitbull mix cost?

The puppy should cost you a reasonable amount of about $200 to $500. Do your research and ensure that the breeder is responsible and not selling these dogs for an unreasonable price. They are most likely scamming you if they are charging more than what the average dog costs.

Whippet Pitbull Mix for Sale

If a Whippet Pitbull Mix puppy tickles your interest and you want to buy it, you should get him from a reputable breeder who lets you meet both parent dogs.

Additionally, they must show you documentation of all necessary medical examinations performed on the puppy and both parent dogs. Even after locating the Pit Whip puppy of your dreams, you need to do your research to make sure the pup is healthy.

As an alternative, you could save a dog that needs it. To find out whether Pit Whip dogs are up for adoption, all you have to do is stop by a few local animal shelters or rescue groups.

Where can I find a breeder, shelter, or rescue near me?

Locating a breeder, shelter, or rescue may not be as difficult as you think. First things first, use our adoption finder to see if there is a rescue near you. If so, visit their website to see what breeds they have up for adoption and get in touch with them to set up an appointment.

Who should get a whippet pitbull mix dog?

Pitbull and whippet mix owners will get the most enjoyment from their dog.

If you have a large home with a yard for the dog to roam, then this is probably the best option for you.

Someone who wants an athletic and intelligent pet with lots of energy would do well with this kind of dog.

This might not be suitable for someone who lives in a small apartment or condo because they need space to run around and explore.

This is not the best choice if you want a lap dog or a cuddly pet because they can be skittish around people they don’t know.

They also require regular exercise, so if you are too busy at work or school, it’s not recommended that you adopt one of these dogs.

Are they good with kids?

If socialized with children from a young age, whippets can be fantastic with kids. They have lots of energy and are very loving, making them ideal for family life. However, if you’re getting a whippet to watch over your child for you, that’s when things get more difficult.

There is no such thing as a babysitter in the dog world, so they will not understand the role they’re being asked to play in this case.

If it is an adult whippet you want instead of a puppy, make sure they are used to being around other dogs. Many people assume their dog is good with other dogs because they like their dog, but it’s not always true- especially if the person has never been introduced to other dogs before.

How active is the dog?

Whippit mix with Pitbull is very active. The breed needs a lot of exercises and cannot be left alone for more than five hours at a time. If you can’t provide this, we recommend looking for another breed that would be more suitable.

Should I get this dog if I have other pets in my home?

First, make sure your other pets are compatible with a whippet pitbull mix. If they have an aggressive past, adding a new dog to the pack may not be the best idea. This can result in the injury or death of one of your current pets. Second, consider whether this is the right size for your home. You should get a small breed if you live in an apartment or condo.

Conclusion

As the name suggests, this is a hybrid dog and can be difficult to train due to the mix of the two breeds. Often times they do not have an eagerness to please their owner. If you are looking for a pet with a sweet temperament who will happily follow your commands, this is not the dog for you. But if you are willing to put in the time training and love that comes with every family member, then a whippet pitbull mix might be just what you are looking for.