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Chi Whip (Whippet Chihuahua Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Parent breeds of the Chi Whip

The tiny Chihuahua is a spunky breed jam-packed with personality in a small body but has a large heart that is full of love and loyalty. The Whippet is sophisticated and athletic, and while a little shy, their personality is also a big one that is easily loved.

Each breed is interesting and lovable for its unique traits, but when you bring them together, an endearing, high-spirited, and fun-loving companion is created. If you are curious about what the Chip Whip offers, here is everything you need to know!

Height: 8–18 inches
Weight: 6–15 pounds
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Colors: Cream, chocolate, gold, brindle, fawn 
Suitable for: Singles, couples, families with older kids, active families
Temperament: Affectionate, loving, loyal, wary, protective

The Chi Whip is a cross between the spirited Chihuahua and the athletic Whippet. They are a unique blend that combines the graceful, athletic nature of the Whippet with the spunky, vibrant energy of the Chihuahua. They’re known for their curious and prominent personality, and their appearance can vary depending on the dominant genes.

They are typically small dogs with slender legs and bodies and sleek coats. They look graceful and alert, and their small size and frame are deceiving since they are athletic and full of personality. Their energetic nature makes them great gym partners or companions for active families.

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Chi Whip Characteristics

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Chi Whip Puppies

The best way to find a Chi Whip puppy is to network with local breeders since the hybrid is more intentional than accidental. Speak to dog owners in the Chi Whip community to find a reputable breeder who can provide you with health records and allow you to meet the parents.

If you are patient enough, you can also wait until a local shelter or rescue receives one of these unique mixes. It’s not impossible to find a Chi Whip puppy at a shelter, but it’s not guaranteed. A Chi Whip from a shelter may also be older, and there is no certainty that the dog they have is really a Chi Whip, and you may need to order a DNA test.

Either way, your Chi Whip puppy will be as adorable as any puppy and need extra attention and care. This is a vital stage where you should start training and socialization.

Parent breeds of the Chi Whip
Image Credit by: Left – Eric Isselee, Shutterstock | Right – Africa Studio, Shutterstock

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Chi Whip 🧠

Chi Whip hybrids can be highly devoted and caring companions. They’re athletic like their Whippet parents and spirited like their Chihuahua parents, which makes a great mix of energy and personality. However, these alert and sprightly little dogs are happy to stay by their owner’s side and relax while not having a job to do. They are loyal and protective, especially toward strangers, and they will pursue a goal with the utmost determination.

It is important to remember that this temperament is a generalization, and your companion’s personality will be shaped by their history, environment, and upbringing. Early training and socialization are the best way to ensure your dog grows up well-rounded and well-mannered.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Chi Whips make lovely companions to the right family. They are incredibly loving and loyal and tend to form strong bonds with their owners. However, they may not be best for a family with small kids. They have a delicate frame and may become injured by kids who do not know how to handle them. This is not to say that if you have kids, you can’t own a Chi Whip; it just means that you will need to prepare your kids and teach them how to interact with the dog properly.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Chi Whips can undoubtedly get along with other pets depending on the temperament and personality of both dogs. It’s best for dogs to be brought up together and introduced slowly and carefully. Chi Whips also have a reputation for being more independent and thriving as an “only child,” but as long as they get the love and attention they need from their owners, they can still be a part of a multi-pet household.

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Things to Know When Owning a Chi Whip

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

All dogs need a diet that is well-balanced and high-quality. The best way to determine the optimum diet for your Chi Whip is to speak to your veterinarian. They can guide you on the best food brands and portions and tell you if supplementation is needed.

Your Chi Whip can eat high-quality kibble, wet food, or even a mixture of both. Along with a healthy diet, your Chi Whip will need access to fresh, clean water every day. Treats are also a great reinforcement tool, but you must ensure they only make up 10% of your Chi Whip’s overall diet.

Chi Whips have a small and slender frame, but they can quickly become overweight if you don’t monitor their portions.

Exercise 🐕

Chi Whips can be active dogs like their Whippet parents, and they will need 30 minutes to an hour of exercise a day. This can include a jog, a long walk, a game of fetch in the park, or social interactions with other dogs. Along with physical stimulation, they will also need daily mental stimulation, which can be provided through puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek games, or a short session of obedience training.

Training 🎾

Like all dogs, your Chi Whip will need patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Fortunately, they are intelligent and eager to please, so training should be manageable, especially if you start as early as possible. Some Chi Whips can be stubborn, which requires a firm leader to keep them engaged.

Early socialization is also vital in ensuring your Chi Whip grows up well-mannered and well-rounded. They’re wary of strangers, which can lead to territorial behavior, but obedience training at an early age can prevent aggressive tendencies.

Grooming ✂️

Your Chi Whip will have a short coat that won’t shed excessively, but it will still require regular brushing to remove loose hair and debris. Regular brushing also helps distribute the skin’s natural oils and allows you to assess your dog’s skin and body for any injuries or issues.

Your Chi Whip won’t need to be bathed often, but when it’s necessary, use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo. You will need to brush their teeth at least once a week and provide chew toys to prevent plaque build-up. Also, you should regularly check their nails for trimming and ears for mites or redness.

It would be best if you started grooming when your dog is still young to get them used to being handled or maintain a standing appointment with a professional groomer to ensure all your dog’s grooming needs are met.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Chi Whips typically have a lifespan of 12–16 years when provided with the proper care. Like all dogs, they are prone to health issues that every owner should be aware of so they know what to look out for and can provide them with the necessary preventive care. Some predisposed health issues can be serious, while some are minor and can include:

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Heart murmurs
  • Deafness
  • Patella luxation
Serious Conditions
  • Pulmonic Stenosis
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Hemangiosarcoma
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Mitral Valve Degeneration

A predisposition to health issues doesn’t mean that your dog is guaranteed to develop them; it just means that there is a chance, and you need to be aware of them to provide your Chi Whip with the best care. Your Chi Whip should have a veterinarian check-up once to twice a year to ensure they’re in good health and to catch any potential health issues early. Your Chi Whip should also receive all the necessary vaccinations and preventative medicine for ticks, fleas, and worms.


Male vs Female

While males may be slightly bigger, they may also be more protective and energetic, but this is just a generalization. The best way to decide whether a male or female is the better choice is to speak to the breeder about their litter. You may also already have a preference if you have owned dogs before, but at the end of the day, your dog’s personality will depend on many more factors than their sex.

Their behavior will also be affected if they are still intact. Males can become territorial, display sexual behaviors like humping, and wander looking for a female in heat. Intact females will also experience a heat cycle every 6 months. Having your Chi Whip neutered or spayed can prevent these behaviors and protect them from health issues such as uterine and testicular cancer.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Chi Whip

1. Chi Whips Are Athletic

With one parent being a Whippet, it only makes sense that the little dog is athletic. Whippets are sprinters by nature and excel in many canine sports and activities.


2. Chi Whips Have Big Personalities

While their small and slender frames and big alert eyes make Chi Whips appear timid and subdued, they have big personalities that are fun, lovable, and vibrant.


3. Chi Whips May Not Be the Best Companion for Kids

The Chi Whip is known to startle easily and is easily stressed out in busy environments. An energetic child may be too much for them, and their small and fragile bodies can easily get hurt.

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Final Thoughts

The Whippet Chihuahua mix is a small dog that usually maintains the slim and graceful physique of their Whippet parent. They are also athletic, which makes them ideal for active families or as a running buddy. While this mix may appear somewhat timid and startle easily, they are devoted, protective, and loving toward their owners.

The Chi Whip is typically easy to groom and doesn’t require excessive exercise or training. However, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak when it comes to training, so their owner should be firm and consistent. With the correct attention, care, and training, the Chi Whip will be a caring, loyal, and protective new family member.

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Featured Image Credit by: Left – S J, Unsplash | Right – Daniel Kondrashin, Pexels

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