Vizsla Whippet Mix: Pictures, Temperament & Traits
By Grant Piper
Updated on
Vizsla Whippets, or Vizsla Whips, is a dog breed combining two hunting dogs with excellent pedigrees and athletic ability. The result is a fascinating combination of loyalty, speed, and intelligence that is capturing hearts around the world. Many people do not know much about Vizsla Whips, and there is a lot to learn and a lot to love. Here is everything you need to know about Vizsla Whippet mixes including temperament, facts, stats, health issues, diet, and more.
| Height: | 20–24 inches |
| Weight: | 30–50 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
| Colors: | Golden, black, fawn, white, red, cream, blue, or brindle |
| Suitable for: | People looking for the intelligence of a Vizsla and the speed of a Whippet, families looking for a loving medium-sized dog |
| Temperament: | Playful, energetic, loyal, loving, and friendly |
Vizsla Whippet mixes are created by breeding purebred Vizslas with purebred Whippets. They are called Vizsla Whips, and they have started to be bred as designer dogs. Both Whippets and Vizslas have numerous desirable traits that make them great family dogs. Mixing the two together creates an athletic, loving, and friendly dog that can come in a variety of sizes and colors. These dogs are very loyal and make great family dogs. They also do not bark as much as a purebred Whippet, which is a plus.
Vizsla Whippet Mix Characteristics
Vizsla Whippet Mix Puppies
Vizsla Whippets are becoming more popular, but they are still uncommon. In order to get a Vizsla Whip, you will likely need to find a breeder that specializes in mixed dogs. You might not be able to acquire one easily. One of the easiest ways to get a Vizsla Whip is to breed one yourself, but that will require you to get a Vizsla and a Whippet. Or you can try to find an owner of a purebred that would be willing to stud out their dog to you. There is also the chance that you stumble upon one at a puppy store or at the shelter by accident, but the odds are low.
Vizsla Whips are great puppies. They usually come out in a variety of colors, and they have floppy ears, which makes them super adorable. They are usually fairly small when young and very, very energetic.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Vizsla Whippet 🧠
Vizslas and Whippets are both dogs prized for their intelligence and athleticism. They are playful and energetic, loyal, and sweet. Vizsla Whips are easy to train and eager to please, which makes them easy to integrate into a family. Vizsla Whips need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from getting too energetic. Since Vizslas and Whippets are both working dogs, Vizsla Whips will like having a job. Whether that means training, daily exercise, or playing with the kids is up to you and your individual household, but do not ignore your dog’s need for stimulation.
Both Vizslas and Whippets are a type of hunting dog. That means that Vizsla Whips will be very prey motivated. They are going to chase after birds, squirrels, and stray cats. That means that you need to have a strong, secure yard to hold them, or they will take off after something good. The hunting dog background is also what makes Vizsla Whips both intelligent and loyal.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes. Vizsla Whips are excellent family dogs. They are playful, fun, loyal, and affectionate. As puppies and juveniles, they are extremely energetic, but they slow down as they get older. Vizsla Whips will eventually enjoy taking long naps on the couch with you or the kids. Vizslas are known to be “Velcro dogs,” meaning they attach themselves to your hip. The addition of Whippet tones down that neediness while still keeping a high level of affection that is perfect for families.
One thing to note is that these dogs do not like to be left alone. They can become very attached to their people and develop separation anxiety. For large families where people are often home, this is not a problem, but it is something to consider if you are gone for long hours.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Vizsla Whips should get along very well with other dogs. They will love to play with other dogs and run around the yard with them. There is nothing in either Vizslas or Whippets that will make them aggressive or territorial towards other dogs. There should be no problems integrating a Vizsla Whip into a household with other dogs, especially other playful and friendly dogs.
However, these dogs might not get along very well with other pets. Since Vizsla Whips have a hunting dog pedigree, they will be very reactive to other animals, especially small animals. They might chase cats or bark at birds. Since they are trainable and eager to please, they can likely be integrated into a household with a variety of pets, but there might be an adjustment period. If you are someone who has cats that do not like dogs, you might want to avoid getting a Vizsla Whip.
Things to Know When Owning a Vizsla Whippet:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Vizsla Whips require a standard diet. They should be fed twice per day at regular intervals. Since these dogs are so athletic, they might benefit from active fit foods or foods that support joint health. If you are unsure exactly what kind of kibble is best suited for your Vizsla Whip, you can ask your veterinarian for a suggestion. Vizsla Whips need a lot of good food to keep their energy levels up and replenish them after they exercise, but they do not need any special diets to keep them happy and healthy. If you plan on regularly exercising your Vizsla Whip, you should consider investing in high quality food for the best performance possible.
Exercise 🐕
Vizsla Whips need a lot of exercise. Experts suggest giving your dog at least 1 hour of active time per day. That could be time in the yard, time playing fetch, time on walks, or something else like agility training. If these dogs do not work out regularly, they can get anxious or overzealous when in the house. The high exercise requirement is something to strongly consider before getting a Vizsla Whip. These dogs might need a little less exercise as they age, but when they are young, they need a minimum of 7 hours of working time per week.
Training 🎾
Vizsla Whips are very intelligent and come from working dog stock. That makes them very easy to train. These dogs are eager to please and can be trained for a variety of jobs. They can be socialized to be loving family dogs, or they can be trained to be extremely athletic companions for people who love to work out and spend time outdoors. Like with any dog, socialization is key. Repetition is key. Starting young helps training set in. Reinforce good behaviors and ignore bad behaviors for the best results. Vizsla Whips will have the ability to learn a number of words. They can learn up to 80 words or more by some counts, so using verbal commands can also help with training.
Grooming ✂️
Vizsla Whips have short coats that are low maintenance and easy to manage. These dogs will need occasional brushing and a good bath every couple of weeks. Your dog might need more frequent baths if they work out a lot or spend a lot of time outside. They do not shed much, and they do not require daily brushing or coat maintenance. Generally, these dogs are very clean. That makes them perfect for people who are wary about caring for a dog with a long coat.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Both Vizslas and Whippets are generally very healthy dogs. Neither breed has a concerning level of genetic health issues or predispositions to serious issues. That, in turn, makes Vizsla Whips very healthy as well. However, like all dogs, there are some health concerns to be aware of.
If you are going through a breeder to obtain a Vizsla Whippet mix, make sure that the breeder has a good health record. Good breeders should work diligently to identify and avoid major health issues, but not all breeders are so attentive. Good health for dog mixes starts with good health from the parents.
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Cancer
Minor Conditions
- Deafness: Dogs can exist just fine without their hearing. Having a deaf dog can come with some extra challenges and concerns, but it will not affect the dog’s overall quality of life in most situations. Unlike humans, dogs generally don’t know what they are missing and will continue happily without their hearing. Whippets are predisposed to congenital deafness, and that can be passed along to Vizsla Whips in some circumstances.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a deficiency of the thyroid. It can cause metabolic slowdowns and loss of energy. This is something to monitor in your dog, but it is usually not too serious and can be easily managed with medication. This condition can cause your dog to lose weight and can lead to increased urination and thirst.
Serious Conditions
- Von Willebrand’s disease: Both Whippets and Vizslas are susceptible to Von Willebrand’s disease, which is a clotting disorder. Dogs with this condition cannot clot properly, which puts them at an increased risk of bleeding incidents, both internal and external. This is a condition that your veterinarian needs to know about because it can affect how they treat your dog and can make them difficult to operate on during emergencies.
- Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hips of dogs, making them bow and become painful and stiff. Hip dysplasia often affects athletic dogs, and it can become a progressive problem that needs constant management and attention. Active dogs are at a higher risk of developing painful symptoms of hip dysplasia. Vizsla Whips are at an increased risk of hip dysplasia.
- Eye problems: Whippets can develop a condition called Progressive Retinal Atrophy which will slowly cause the dog to go blind over time. Vizslas can develop cataracts and glaucoma, which also affect eyesight. The result is that Vizsla Whips are at an increased risk of eye problems, especially as they age.
- Cancer: All dogs are at risk of cancer, especially as they age. Vizslas are predisposed to developing lymphoma. This predisposition can be passed down to your Vizsla Whip and is something to be aware of.
Male vs. Female
There are not too many differences between male and female Vizsla Whips. Females might be more disposed to be clingy and exhibit that “Velcro” personality that makes them become very attached. Males are typically slightly larger and will have slightly better muscle tone, making them faster. Males might also be more reactive towards animals, especially prey animals. Overall, you will not find many differences between the males and females in this dog mix.
The 3 Little-Known Facts About the Vizsla Whippet
1. Vizslas and Whippets are some of the fastest dogs in the world.
The world’s fastest dog is the Greyhound, with a top speed of 45 mph. Whippets have been described as a poor man’s Greyhound, and they can reach speeds of 35 mph. Vizslas are even faster. Vizslas can reach speeds of 40 mph. That means that Vizsla Whips are incredibly fast. These dogs will be able to run between 35 and 40 mph, making them some of the fastest dogs in the world. Keeping them in shape will allow you to watch them zoom around the yard at incredible speeds.
2. Vizsla Whips make the perfect workout companion.
Since Vizsla Whips are so intelligent and athletic, they make amazing workout companions. Whippets have been used in the past as an exercise companion for other dogs, kids, and even adults. A Vizsla Whip will be more than happy to go hiking, swimming, biking, running, or fetching with you. These dogs can help up your workout game because they are so incredibly fast and love working out.
3. Vizsla Whips are excellent swimmers.
Vizslas are natural-born swimmers, and Whippets have the perfect body shape to cut through the water. The result is that Vizsla Whips are great swimmers. Vizslas actually have webbed feet that allow them to swim quickly and efficiently. Whippets are not natural swimmers, but they can learn to swim. Vizsla Whips should therefore have a ton of natural swimming ability even if they need to gain a bit of confidence in the water. If you love having your dog out on the water, Vizsla Whips should have no trouble adapting to a wet environment.
Final Thoughts
Vizsla Whips are excellent dogs that are loyal, friendly, and personable. They are easy to train, are largely healthy, and have low-maintenance coats. All of these characteristics make these dogs excellent family dogs that are becoming more and more popular with dog breeders and hobbyists alike. These dogs are highly athletic and have a lot to offer a wide variety of dog enthusiasts.
Related Read:
- Vizsla German Shepherd Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
- Golden Retriever Vizsla Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
Featured Image Credit: Left – Vizsla (Vizslafotozas, Pixabay) | Right – Whippet (S J, Unsplash)
