Whippet Pointer Mix: A Full Guide

Whippet pointer mixes are among the most confident, affectionate, and loyal canines today. Whipoints are incredibly fast, alert, and playful since they’re bred from extremely agile and energetic purebred dogs.

With the whippets’ calm, affectionate nature and the pointers’ wilfulness, and hardworking nature, the whippet pointer crossbreeds are usually spunky and independent dogs and still exceptionally loving and outgoing.

They’re a great companion for anyone looking for a sweet, charming pup that’s also active and alert.

Like all other canines, whippet pointer mixes have needs you should meet as an owner to fully enjoy their presence in your life.

Understanding your pup’s temperament, origin, potential health issues, and more information about its breed can help you care for your furry friend properly without hassling.

This article extensively discusses the whippet pointer mix, including its appearance, behavior, grooming, feeding, training requirements, and other essential information to help you adequately care for your whipoint, and decide if it’s the right dog for you.

Table of Contents

What Is A Whippet Pointer Mix?

A whippet pointer mix is sometimes called a whipoint. It’s a dog breed resulting from crossing a purebred Pointer and a whippet.

Both whippets and Pointers are usually friendly, loyal, willing to please, and affectionate, but they have other varying personalities. Pointers are generally kind, active, and devoted, while the whippets are tranquil, loving, and speedy dogs.

A whipoint’s behaviour and appearance may vary depending on the parents’ genes and coat colours.

Here is a brief detail about the whippets and Pointers to help you know more about the whippet pointer mix.

The Whippet

In ancient times, whippets were hunters’ best companions, always alert and swift to run after rabbits and other small prey. They were also nicknamed poor man’s racehorse’ for competing in dog spots to help their owners earn a living and recognition.

Whippets are still recognised as the fastest canines globally and still compete in dog games like lure coursing, agility, flyball, and rallies.

Although they’re highly energetic and playful, whippets are also highly affectionate, gentle, calm, and charming pooches. They’re known for their willingness to please, even-temper, and exceptionally elegant and sleek short coats.

Whippets need adequate daily exercise to burn off excess energy their bodies contain. They don’t enjoy being alone for extended periods. When left alone, whippets can be very destructive or develop separation anxiety.

This canine may not be the right choice for you if you want a watchdog since they don’t bark a lot. As low shedders, whippets are pretty easy to groom. They’re also a suitable companion for allergic individuals as they are hypoallergenic.

Pointers

Pointers come in many varieties. The common Pointer breeds you may come across are German shorthaired pointers, English pointers, German wirehaired pointers, English Setter, Vizsla, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, and more.

Recognising Pointers is relatively easy; they have a long head and pointed tail. Their posture usually suggests their purpose, which is directing a hunter to a game.

Pointer dogs usually detect a prey’s scent and stand in a unique posture; one foot raised from the ground, the tail facing upwards, and the muzzle point directly to the direction of the quarry.

It’s believed that Pointers initially came from Western Europe during the 1600s. They were mainly used for hunting and working. Hunters used them for hunting various kinds of birds, and their pointers would ‘point’ them in the right direction.

Although they can be somewhat independent thinkers, Pointers always strive to please and obey their owners. They’re brilliant all-around family dogs. Their sturdiness and agility make them great watchdogs and hiking, walking, or running companions.

Whippet Pointer Mix Appearance

The whippet pointer mix is slightly smaller than a purebred Pointer and somewhat more prominent than a whippet.

An average purebred whippet weighs 18-48 pounds with a height of 19-22 inches. Pointers usually weigh 45-75 pounds standing at a 23-26 inches height.

A whipoint can weigh 25-75 pounds, which may vary depending on the type of Pointer crossbred with the whippet. Female whipoints are more likely to be small-bodied compared to the male ones.

Whipoints coat colours may also vary depending on their parents’ coat appearance. Usually, pointers come in black, orange, liver, and lemon colours. Some are tri-coloured, with a white and other two coat colours.

Whippet can either have black, red, blue, cream, white, fawn, brindle colours. Others can have combined colours that are sometimes blazed, patched, or spotted.

Your whipoint can assume one of the above colours or their mixture depending on the Pointer crossed with the whippet parent.

Pointers usually have shorthaired, smooth, and glossy coats. Whippets also have short elegant coats. Therefore, your whipoint will also have short fur, which is relatively easy and fast to groom.

Whippet Pointer Mix Temperament

Both pointers and whippets are independent thinkers. Therefore, you can expect your whippet pointer mix to be a bit spunky, active, curious, and sometimes stubborn. Although highly energetic and playful, your whipoint will also be very affectionate, loyal, and even-tempered.

Since they’re produced from devoted and sweet-natured dogs, whipoints are also competitive and courageous. They are incredibly energetic, and sufficient daily exercise will be crucial for their health.

With proper care, your whipoint can be an excellent companion in the field and the apartment.

Since both whippets and pointers are highly predacious, their mixes are more likely to be the same. Helping your pup control its prey drive and getting it a GPS tracker can help you quickly get hold of it when it chases after prey.

Whippet Pointer Mix Health

Although whippets and pointers are generally healthy dog species, they may carry some health issues that may affect their young ones. A whipoint is more likely to suffer from common ailments common in pointers and whippets.

Pointers are prone to allergies, hip dysplasia, cataracts, Addison disease, epilepsy, neurotropic osteopathy, entropion, chondrodysplasia, and cherry eye.

Whippets are susceptible to eye and ear problems, deafness, anesthesia sensitivity, and Von Willebrands Disease.

Whippet pointers can suffer from any of the above ailments. To avoid unhealthy puppies, it’s best you get your whippet pointer mix from a trustworthy breeder.

Such breeders have legit documentation of the parents’ health information, ensure their puppies get timely vaccinations and care for the pups’ wellbeing, not just filling their pockets.

Grooming A Whippet Pointer Mix

Both whippets and pointers don’t shed much; therefore, grooming your whipoint won’t be a big hassle. Brushing your whipoint frequently can help detangle and remove the lost hair, making the bathing process faster and less time-consuming.

You’ll need to wash your whippet pointer mix too, but you should keep the bathes at a minimum to avoid drying out its skin. You should remember to trim your pup’s nails and always ensure to clean its sleeping area for a comfortable, sound sleep.

Training Your Whippet Pointer Mix

As intelligent dogs and independent thinkers, training whippet pointer mixes can be pretty challenging.

However, with the right training approach, patience, and consistency, you’ll eventually succeed. For more effortless and practical training, you should let your dog know you’re the one in control.

It’s advisable to start with the basic obedience cues before housetraining and teaching him other tricks. You’d also want to make the training sessions shorter, engaging, and fun as your whipoint is more likely to get preoccupied or lose interest fast.

Using positive reinforcements and praises can significantly impact the training process. Your dog will also need to be socialised to live with people and other pets freely. Taking him to dog daycares or parks is an excellent chance for him to interact with more pets and people.

Exercising Your Whippet Pointer Mix

Whippet and pointer mixes are generally energetic and active. It’s best to regularly involve your little furry companion in numerous activities like dog games, runs, and walks. A whipoint needs about 45-60 minutes of daily exercise and mental stimulation to be satisfied and fit.

Usually, puppies require less strenuous but frequent exercises and plays than seniors and adult dogs. Since pointers are developed to point using their noses, your home needs to be well-fenced for your peace of mind and the pup’s safety.

Feeding Your Whippet Pointer Mix

Like humans, different dogs require varying food quantities and food types based on their ages, activity level, build, size, and metabolism rate. It’s best to give your pup high-quality foods to help it grow faster and stay healthy.

You’re discouraged from underfeeding or overfeeding your pooch. Excess food will make it overweight, putting it at higher chances of getting infections. Less food will make it thin, malnourished, and grow slowly.

It’s advisable to have a consistent dog eating schedule to ensure you feed your pup correctly. You can also include the right raw and human foods in your dog’s eating routine to supplement the commercial foodstuffs. In case of weight or food concerns, it’s always best to reach out to your vet for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Whippet pointer mixes are wonderful family pups, but they need frequent exercising to burn off their excess energies, stay mentally stimulated, and healthy.

Although they’re bold and independent thinkers, they’re also incredibly loving, loyal, outgoing, and affectionate dogs.

If properly taken care of, whipoints are among the best canines to own. Your whipoint will always be ready to cuddle with you and play anytime you signal it.

It’s a fantastic pup for someone looking for a highly athletic, alert, and protective dog that’s also sweet and loving.