Whippet Border Collie Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
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A Whippet Border Collie Mix, commonly known as a “Lurcher”, is an interesting mix of speed, intelligence, and grace. This hybrid breed offers a delightful blend of the Whippet’s agility and the Border Collie’s intelligence. Let’s explore further into this captivating mix.
| Height: | 18–22 inches |
| Weight: | 25–55 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–17 years |
| Colors: | Black, white, blue merle, sable, brindle, and cream |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those looking for a highly trainable and friendly dog |
| Temperament: | Highly intelligent, loving, agile, friendly, and adaptable to other pets |
The Whippet Border Collie Mix offers an interesting mix of traits inherited from the two parent breeds, the Whippet and the Border Collie. This breed can display a distinctive blend of the Whippet’s slender, sleek appearance and the Border Collie’s sturdy, alert posture. Often called “Whollies”, the breed’s intelligence and adaptability make them an ideal choice for families looking for an active, friendly, and trainable pet.
Whippet Border Collie Mix Characteristics
Whippet Border Collie Mix Puppies
Whippet Border Collie puppies are adorable balls of energy. They are quite playful and need to be engaged in consistent mental and physical activities. These puppies might be slightly challenging to find as this is a unique mix, and not every breeder may have them. However, with some patience and due diligence, it’s possible to find a responsible breeder who specializes in this breed.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Whippet Border Collie Mix 🧠
With a Whollie in your life, you can expect a harmonious blend of temperaments that produce a friendly, intelligent, and energetic dog. While the Whippet is known for their keen eyesight and speed, they are also celebrated for their affectionate and calm demeanor.
On the other hand, the Border Collie, a working dog, is recognized as one of the most intelligent breeds. They’re loyal and attentive and can maintain their focus even in the most complex tasks.
As a result, the Whippet Border Collie mix showcases a strong prey drive courtesy of its Whippet parentage, paired with the loyalty, attentiveness, and work ethic of the Border Collie. This blend makes them not only smart but also capable of quickly forming strong bonds with their human families.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes, Whollies make an excellent addition to active families. Their Whippet side helps them embrace their affectionate and people-loving nature, which means they’re usually great with kids and adults alike.
The Border Collie side of them brings loyalty and a protective nature into the mix. These dogs love spending time with their families, whether it’s playing, running around, or simply lounging. Therefore, a family with an active lifestyle will be a great fit for this breed.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Given their sociable nature, Whippet Border Collie mixes generally coexist peacefully with other pets. They tend to inherit the Whippet’s adaptable nature and the Border Collie’s social skills. However, it’s important to remember that early and consistent socialization plays a crucial role in nurturing this friendly behavior.
Things to Know When Owning a Whippet Border Collie Mix:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
When feeding a Whollie, consider their high energy levels and cater to their nutritional needs accordingly. This hybrid breed thrives on a balanced diet that’s rich in high-quality protein sources.
Protein fuels their energy and supports muscle development, promoting overall well-being. It’s also beneficial to incorporate carbohydrates for additional energy and fats for maintaining a healthy coat and skin.
In addition, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals contribute to their overall health. It’s crucial to avoid dog foods with lots of fillers like corn, wheat, or unnecessary by-products. Portion size is another important factor to consider.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health issues, while underfeeding might not provide them with the necessary nutrients they need to thrive. The specific dietary needs of your Whippet Border Collie mix may vary based on factors such as their age, weight, health status, and activity levels. Always consult your vet to develop a feeding routine that’s tailored to your pet’s needs.
Exercise 🐕
As an active breed, Whollies require a substantial amount of daily exercise to keep their physical and mental health in check. Ideally, these dogs should get about 1 to 2 hours of vigorous exercise each day.
Given their lineage, they enjoy activities that let them unleash their speed and agility, like running, playing fetch, and agility training. Mental stimulation is just as critical, considering their intelligence and curiosity. Interactive games and puzzle toys are excellent tools to challenge their minds and prevent boredom.
Remember that a bored or under-exercised Whippet Border Collie mix may develop behavioral issues. Keeping them engaged physically and mentally not only ensures they remain fit and healthy but also promotes better behavior.
Training 🎾
Training a Whollie is generally a rewarding experience, thanks to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They inherit the Whippet’s independence, which can sometimes be perceived as stubbornness, and the Border Collie’s love for mental stimulation and challenges. This mix results in a breed that can be trained relatively easily as long as you utilize the right methods.
Consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed. Praising them for good behavior or rewarding them with treats can motivate them to learn commands and tricks more effectively. It’s also essential to start training and socialization early to shape their behavior positively.
That said, the Whippet’s independent streak might require you to exercise a bit more patience during training sessions. However, with persistence and positivity, your Whippet Border Collie mix is likely to pick up training cues fairly quickly.
Grooming ✂️
As far as grooming goes, the breed is relatively low maintenance compared to many others, but their grooming needs are slightly higher than a pure Whippet. Their coat is a bit thicker and will need regular brushing to keep it clean, shiny, and free from loose hair.
A good brushing every 1 to 2 weeks is usually enough to keep their coat in good condition. However, during shedding seasons, usually in spring and autumn, they may shed more heavily, and more frequent grooming may be required.
Along with brushing, routine checks of their ears for any signs of infection, regular teeth brushing, and nail trimming are necessary grooming practices to keep your Whollie healthy and looking their best.
Health and Conditions ❤️
- Allergies
- Skin issues
- Sinus problems
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Deafness
- Hearing loss
Male vs Female
When it comes to the Whippet Border Collie mix, both males and females exhibit similar temperaments and health profiles. The choice between the two mostly comes down to personal preference, as both genders will make loyal, affectionate, and intelligent companions.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Whippet Border Collie Mix
1. This Mix Are Known By Another Name
In certain circles, Whippet Border Collie mixes are sometimes referred to as “Lurchers”. The term “Lurcher” traditionally describes a dog that’s a cross between a sighthound and any other breed, usually a pastoral dog or a terrier.
Since the Whippet Border Collie mix combines the sighthound Whippet and the pastoral Border Collie, it fits the description perfectly.
2. Whollies Are Highly Adaptable Companions
A unique trait of Whollies is their adaptability to various lifestyles. Despite being high-energy dogs, they can adjust to quieter households as well. As long as they get their required exercise, they’re equally content to chill out at home, demonstrating a calm and relaxed demeanor.
This makes them an excellent fit for a variety of homes, from active outdoor enthusiasts to those looking for a companion to enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle.
3. These Dogs Are Incredible Jumpers
Whollies have an amazing jumping ability, thanks to their Border Collie parentage. Border Collies are famous for their leaping ability, especially when herding livestock. This talent is often passed down to their Whippet Border Collie offspring.
Don’t be surprised if you find your pet effortlessly hopping over obstacles or jumping high to catch a Frisbee. This skill also makes them stand out in various dog sports and can provide an excellent form of exercise.
Final Thoughts
Whippet Border Collie mixes are a wonderful blend of traits that any dog lover would appreciate. They are intelligent, loyal, and come with a loving temperament that can easily fit into various lifestyles. This breed requires a committed owner ready to meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs. In return, you’ll have a delightful and engaging pet that’s sure to bring joy and fun into your life.
See Also:
- Whiphund (Whippet Dachshund Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
- Whipbeagle (Whippet Beagle Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
Featured Image Credit to: Left – S J, Unsplash | Right – Eric Isselee, Shutterstock
