Wonderful Whippet Mixes: Your Guide to Whip-Smart Designer Dogs
Sleek, sweet, and endlessly versatile, the whippet has won countless hearts in the dog world. But did you know this superstar sight hound also shines in designer mixes? If you‘re seeking a unique, athletic companion with the whippet‘s signature affectionate nature, a whippet mix might be your perfect match.
Why Whippet Mixes?
Whippet mixes are skyrocketing in popularity, and it‘s easy to see why. Crossing a purebred whippet with another breed allows you to customize your ideal canine cocktail. Want the whippet‘s gentle spirit in a hypoallergenic package? Try a Whipoodle (Whippet/Poodle). Seeking whippet speed with a side of sass? A Jackwhip (Whippet/Jack Russell Terrier) delivers.
The whippet‘s growing profile has also boosted demand for mixes. "Whippets have had a real ‘moment‘ the past few years, with high-profile wins at Westminster and Crufts," notes Jamie Green of Elite Whippets in Bend, Oregon. "That rising star power has sparked interest in crosses as well."
Indeed, the numbers speak for themselves. The Whippet Health Foundation reports a 25% uptick in whippet mix registrations since 2015. And in a 2022 survey by Whippet World magazine, 78% of whippet owners said they‘d consider a whippet designer mix in the future.
The Beauty of the Blend
So what is it about the whippet that lends itself to successful mixing? For many, it comes down to temperament. "Whippets are famous for their sweet, cuddly nature," says Dr. Elena Rodriguez of Gentle Touch Veterinary Clinic in Tampa. "That carries through in many mixes, softening more intense breeds like the Border Collie or Jack Russell."
Of course, the whippet‘s show-stopping looks don‘t hurt either. Their lean lines and graceful movement turn heads whether in purebred or mixed form. Alicia Simmons, a whippet mix enthusiast in Portland, sums it up: "My Whipador Cooper stops traffic on walks. People can‘t resist that ‘lean and loving‘ visage."
Choosing Your Ideal Mix
With dozens of devine combos to consider, how do you find "the one"? Renowned whippet trainer Miriam Davis advises starting with an honest assessment of your lifestyle and what you want in a dog.
"If you‘re a couch potato, a Collie Whip (Whippet/Border Collie) will run circles around you," she warns. "But for an avid hiker or runner, that intense drive is ideal." Likewise, a tidy Whipoodle makes more sense for neatniks than a heavier shedding Shippet (Whippet/German Shepherd).
To help narrow the field, we‘ve compiled key stats and facts on today‘s most sought-after whippet mixes:
Whippet / Labrador Retriever (AKA Whipador)
Weight: 30-60 lbs
Coat: Short, Black/Chocolate/Yellow
Energy: High
Grooming: Minimal
Trainability: High
Health Highlights: Hip & elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, bloat
Pros: Friendly, athletic, great family dog
Cons: High exercise needs, can be mouthy
Whippet / Poodle (AKA Whipoodle)
Weight: 15-45 lbs
Coat: Medium-Long, Curly, Various Colors
Energy: Moderate-High
Grooming: Extensive
Trainability: High
Health Highlights: Hip dysplasia, PRA, Addison‘s, Cushings
Pros: Smart, hypoallergenic, adapts well
Cons: Pricey, high grooming needs
Whippet / Jack Russell Terrier (AKA Jackwhip)
Weight: 15-30 lbs
Coat: Short-Medium, White w/Tan or Black
Energy: High
Grooming: Minimal
Trainability: Moderate
Health Highlights: Deafness, Patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes
Pros: Spunky, portable, less prone to separation anxiety
Cons: Can be stubborn, high prey drive
Whippet / Italian Greyhound (AKA IG Whip)
Weight: 8-20 lbs
Coat: Short, Various Colors/Patterns
Energy: Moderate
Grooming: Minimal
Trainability: High
Health Highlights: Dental issues, luxating patellas, color dilution alopecia
Pros: Elegant, devoted, low-maintenance
Cons: Can be timid, prone to cold
Whippet / German Shepherd (AKA Shippet or Whipet)
Weight: 50-90 lbs
Coat: Medium-Long, Sable/Black&Tan
Energy: High
Grooming: Moderate-Extensive
Trainability: High
Health Highlights: Hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat
Pros: Loyal, protective, intelligent
Cons: Sheds heavily, can be aloof with strangers
Sources: Whippet Health Foundation, UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
From Breeder to Bestie
Once you‘ve ID‘ed your ideal mix, where to find your forever friend? Adoption is a terrific option to save a life. "With whippets in vogue, we‘re seeing more whippet mixes in shelters and rescues," affirms Green. Sites like Petfinder allow you to search by breed mix, making it easy to track down eligible whip-crosses.
For those set on a breeder pup, due diligence is key. "Look for whippet mix breeders who health test, provide thorough vetting and socialization, and insist on meeting potential owners," says Davis. Be wary of anyone hawking ‘rare‘ mixes at a premium or breeding dogs in harmful color patterns.
Finding a breeder committed to the long-term well-being of their litters can translate into a lifetime of love. Simmons still marvels at her luck in finding Cooper. "He came from an incredible breeder who temperament tests, raises pups in her home, even does puppy kindergarten," she says. "That early TLC set him up for success."
Worth the Wait
Living with a whippet mix can spark a special kind of magic. "Having both the whippet‘s snuggles and the retriever‘s goofiness in one dog is a joy," raves Rodriguez, a proud Whipador mama. "Pietro is always up for anything, whether it‘s a 10-mile hike or a Netflix marathon."
That chameleon-like adaptability is a hallmark of many whippet mixes, says Davis. "A well-bred whippet cross is often the best of both worlds – the perfect companion for your lifestyle, with a dash of the whippet‘s signature sweetness. They‘re more than worth the wait."
Simmons agrees. "Cooper has grown with me through law school, marriage, kids – he‘s my congenial constant. I can‘t imagine better company on this wild ride of life."
If you‘re craving a dog with the whippet‘s gentle heart and a pedigree all their own, a whippet mix may be the way to go. With research, patience, and an open mind, your custom canine soulmate could be just around the corner, ready to whip up a love story for the ages.
