Whippet Pitbull Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
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Amazing things are bound to happen when you marry the canine world’s ultimate athlete with arguably its most family-friendly breed. The Whippet Pitbull is a rare and relatively recent crossbreed, but if you’re lucky enough to find one, you’ll discover the perfect fit for an active lifestyle and a loving family. If a Pit Whip is a current contender for your next pet, we’ll explain what to expect in the Whippet Pitbull mix’s care, temperament, and traits.
| Height: | 18–22 inches |
| Weight: | 30–60 lbs. |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Colors: | Black, blue, fawn, red, white, sable, cream, tan |
| Suitable for: | Active families and individuals, those looking for a dog with minimal grooming needs |
| Temperament: | Energetic, athletic, friendly, affectionate, loyal, relaxed, sensitive |
The Whippet Pitbull combines the lightning-fast Whippet with the burly Pitbull, making for an impressive specimen that is doubtlessly as energetic as it looks. The low-maintenance and highly active breeds ensure an excellent fit for anyone wanting to spend less time grooming and more time playing with their pet outdoors. Combining the larger Pitbull with the medium-sized Whippet makes their adult size hard to predict, but the two breeds offer dependably loyal and loving temperaments regardless of looks.
Whippet Pitbull Breed Characteristics
Whippet Pitbull Breed Puppies
Whippet Pitbulls are a rare mix, and finding a reputable breeder offering reliably healthy crosses is unlikely. Unlike doodles, the Pit Whip is not an in-demand designer dog, and they aren’t the most obvious pairing in terms of compatible temperaments.
The best place to find a Whippet Pitbull mix will be a shelter. Pitbulls are the most abundant breed in adoption networks due primarily to their reputation for aggression. Often victims of unethical ownership and governmental or landlord restrictions, many Pitbulls unfairly end up in shelters. But while finding a Pitbull won’t be much trouble, finding a Whippet cross can be challenging. If you don’t know anyone who had a recent litter, you may have better luck searching for “Whippets” on PetFinder or Adopt a Pet.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Whippet Pitbull 🧠
Whippets and Pitbulls are affectionate, devoted dogs, making exceptional companions for everyone in the family. They’re mild-mannered and laid-back, though the Whippet’s playful personality and the Pitbull’s goofiness make for a fun addition to the home. While they’re highly active, Whippet Pitbulls are happy to cuddle up on the couch when they receive ample exercise. The Whippet can be wary of strangers, but the Pitbull’s influence makes these mixes generally outgoing around anyone.
Intelligence is a given. Whippets and Pitbulls are brainy breeds, and the Pit’s eagerness to please their people will help you take advantage of the Pit Whip’s intellect. At the same time, those smarts can present stubbornness and mischief without firm, positive guidance and adequate attention.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Whippets and Pitbulls are excellent with families and bond closely with their owners. They’re outgoing and good-natured but also gentle and aware. Although you should always provide supervision, they can be exceptional for children, especially with proper training and socialization. Though they are infrequent barkers and friendly to strangers, Pit Whips are protective of their pack and willing to step in if they sense a threat.
Whippets and, to a greater extent, Pitbulls can be sensitive dogs, making their mix prone to separation anxiety. Pit Whips are often Velcro dogs, becoming stressed and potentially destructive when left alone for too long. They’re a normally calm breed, but keeping them relaxed during their alone time takes a consistent routine and quality training.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
With the Whippet Pitbull, you get parents from both sides of the dog-friendly spectrum. Whippets love company. They’re excellent companions for other dogs, especially as a motivator to help your pets exercise. By contrast, Pitbulls often need more attention around animals. While they can get along beautifully with other pets in a loving home, their background allows for conflict with dogs.
When Pitbulls gained popularity, it was for blood sports like bullbaiting, dog fighting, and ratting, instilling an aggression many feel persists to this day. Owners often won’t take Pitbulls to dog parks for fear of an incident. Socialization is more crucial for Pitbulls than for many breeds, as are early introductions to new pets.
The Whippet Pitbull’s parents bring a strong prey drive, with the Whippet having a pronounced urge to chase. The speedy sighthounds were ideal for coursing game like rabbits, an enduring trait in modern Whippets. Running after small pets isn’t uncommon for a Whippet Pitbull, so they may not be ideal in a home with cats. Keeping them on leads is crucial in public, and they’ll likely run after whatever they see, from squirrels to newspapers blowing in the breeze.
Things to Know When Owning a Whippet Pitbull
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Whippet Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs that need about 1.5–2.5 cups of food daily. With their active lifestyles, high-quality nutrition is crucial. As growing puppies, they’ll need several feedings throughout the day to keep their blood sugar up, while adults only need two or three daily meals.
Exercise 🐕
Whippets and Pitbulls are playful, exuberant dogs that thrive in a large, fenced-in yard as long as the fence is tall and strong enough to contain them. They need about an hour of daily exercise. The Whippet side will especially appreciate an expanse for full-speed running. Daily runs and hikes are perfect outlets for their energy if you don’t have a yard.
Training 🎾
Whippet Pitbull mixes are intelligent dogs, but that doesn’t guarantee an easy time training them. Pitbulls can be stubborn, while Whippets are independent, leading to a frequently frustrating training experience. Patience and positive reinforcement are crucial. Whippet Pitbulls can benefit significantly from early obedience training if you have the means.
Early socialization is equally critical. Although you may never be able to walk your dog off the leash in public spaces, you can quell any potential aggression around people and other animals with regular interactions. They have a high ceiling for friendliness, but you must encourage them to subdue an overly protective nature and remain calm in novel situations.
Grooming ✂️
You can’t predict every side of a Whippet Pitbull’s character, but one trait that you can expect is a delightfully low-maintenance coat. Whippets and Pitbulls have short, smooth hair needing minimal upkeep. You may have to brush them weekly with a bristle brush, but mats, tangles, and haircuts will generally be a non-issue. Though hardly hypoallergenic, they are limited shedders and droolers, leaving little concern for exhaustive cleanups.
Health and Conditions ❤️
As a cross between different breeds, Whippet Pitbulls benefit from a broad gene pool. They are generally healthy dogs with life expectancies of up to 15 years. Still, although they are less likely to suffer from recessive genetic disorders, Whippets and Pitbulls are prone to certain conditions that they may pass on to their Pit Whip offspring.
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Luxating patella
- Cataracts
- Deafness
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Arrhythmia
- Nervous system disorders
- Von Willebrand’s disease
Male vs. Female
Male and female Whippet Pitbulls provide a similar ownership experience, but you have a few physical and personality differences to consider. Whippet and Pitbull males are larger than their female counterparts. They tend to be friendlier with everyone but can be more challenging to train and socialize. Spaying and neutering are particularly vital with Pit Whips to reduce aggressive and destructive tendencies.
3 Little-Known Facts About The Whippet Pitbull Mix
1. They’re Incredible Athletes
Whippet Pitbulls invariably look lean and powerful, but even their toned muscles don’t do their true athleticism justice. The Whippet is one of the most well-adapted dogs for sports. Their thin frames, powerful legs, and explosive acceleration make them consistent winners in sports like lure coursing, flying disc, dock diving, and flyball. With another capable parent in the Pitbull, the Whippet Pitbull mix is a wonderful breed to test in diverse competitions.
2. There Are Several Potential Pitbull Parents
While most people lump Pitbulls under one umbrella, it isn’t a true breed. There are four Pitbull varieties: American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pitbull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Bullies. Although they all have relatively similar looks and temperaments, minor size differences could impact your mix.
3. They Go By Several Names
“Whippet Pitbull mix” may be more than you want to say when someone inevitably asks you what kind of dog you have. Fortunately, there are plenty of abbreviated names to lean on, including Whippet Pit, Pit Whip (not Whip Pit, for obvious reasons), or Pippet.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dog with an affectionate side as impressive as their athleticism, a Whippet Pitbull mix may be perfect for you. The fit and friendly dogs bring a relaxed yet upbeat attitude to the home. Since they’re always looking to enhance their bond with the family, Whippet Pitbulls are happy to keep up during your morning run, play in the yard, or snuggle on the couch as long as it means quality time with those they love.
Featured Image Credit to: Left – S J, Unsplash | Right – CrystalHeadbandz, Pixabay
