Whippet Borzoi Mix: A Complete Guide

This is a complete guide to the Whippet Borzoi Mix. So if you want to learn about:

The personality of the Whippet Borzoi Mix
Training and grooming requirements
Health and lifespan

Then you’ll appreciate the comprehensive information in today’s guide. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Quick Whippet Borzoi Mix Facts

Size: Medium to large, standing 1.5-2.5 feet (45-76 cm) tall.
Coat: Luxuriously fluffy and sheds significantly.
Energy: Energetic, requiring ample space for exercise.
Suitability for Children: Good, with proper training and socialization.
Life Span: 15-20 years.
Temperament: Friendly, non-aggressive, obedient, and sociable.
Training: Rewarding, due to their loyal and intelligent nature.
Grooming: Regular, due to significant shedding.
Friendliness: Generally sociable and friendly with other dogs and humans.

Origin of the Whippet Borzoi Mix

The Whippet Borzoi mix is a special breed that brings together the friendly and lively nature of the Whippet with the loyal and playful character of the Borzoi. This mix is popular for its attractive features, such as its fluffy coat, long sturdy legs, small eyes, and unique rose ears.

The colour usually varies from black, brown, or copper, often mixed with white. Even though there might be minor health problems, this mix usually has good health because of its varied gene pool.

The size of the Whippet Borzoi mix can change, depending on the genetic input of each parent breed.

Origin of the Whippet

The Whippet came about in the late 18th or early 19th centuries, but its exact beginnings are unclear. Small, smooth-coated dogs that look like Greyhounds have been seen in art from the 1400s. At first, these quick dogs were mainly used to hunt hares in open fields. This earned them nicknames like the “Poor Man’s Racehorse” and the “Lightning Rag Dog.” The name “Whippet” is believed to come from “whappet,” a word for a small, noisy dog.

In the early 20th century, textile workers from Lancashire took Whippets to America. There, Whippet racing became popular. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered its first Whippet in 1888.

Whippets are 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) tall and weigh 25-40 pounds (11-18 kg). They are known for being calm, loving, and playful. They usually live 12-15 years and are part of the Hound Group.

Origin of the Borzoi

The Borzoi breed dates back to sixteenth-century Russia. It was created by crossbreeding Saluki and European sighthounds with thick-coated Russian breeds.

This breed was highly valued by the Tsars before the 1917 revolution. It could only be given as a gift by the Tsar himself.

The Borzoi was officially recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1956. But, its first standard was written as early as 1650.

Known as the Russian Wolfhound until 1936, the Borzoi was a symbol of Russian aristocracy for centuries.

The breed arrived in America in 1889, brought over from England.

Whippet Borzoi Mix Appearance

The Whippet Borzoi Mix has a fluffy coat, covering a body with thin but strong legs. Its tail is long and fully furred, which matches its long face. This face is similar to the Borzoi but is more hairy.

Small eyes and rose ears add to its unique charm.

Colour

Usually, the Whippet Borzoi mix displays a fascinating mix of black, brown, or copper shades, often highlighted by white patches. This vibrant colour combination adds to their distinctive and attractive look.

However, it’s crucial to note that they should not be judged solely on their colour. The breed’s temperament, health, and overall well-being are far more important.

Size

The Whippet Borzoi mix is a medium-sized dog, standing roughly 1.5-2.5 feet (45-76 cm) tall. This size is neither too big nor too tiny, making it a great pet for families.

Typical Temperament Traits

Whippet Borzoi mixes are energetic and friendly, making them great family pets. They are usually easy to train and love playing with children.

They are also friendly towards strangers. Regular exercise is needed because of their high energy levels.

Whippet Personality

Whippets are known for being sensitive and liking a calm home. They often reflect their owner’s feelings. They enjoy physical activities like running, but can also adjust to a quieter lifestyle. You’ll often find them cuddling with their owners.

They excel in various activities such as agility, flyball, lure coursing, and racing. This shows how versatile they are. Their kind and gentle nature makes them great therapy and service dogs.

Being curious and having a strong instinct to chase are also part of their personality. At first, they might seem distant towards strangers, but they quickly become friendly in a safe and comfortable setting.

Whippets share these traits, being equally loving and family-oriented, with a low-maintenance care requirement.

Borzoi Personality

Borzois are known for their calm and loving nature, which makes them faithful friends. They have a sporty build that matches their high energy and playful character.

Although they might warn their owners about strangers with a bark, they are usually friendly towards new people. Borzois are also easy to train, which adds to their appeal.

These dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. Their love for everyone, including children, increases their charm. This makes them a wonderful addition to any family.

Whippet Borzoi Mix Combined Temperament

The Whippet Borzoi mix is a friendly, non-aggressive dog with a long, fluffy coat and strong, thin legs. Its face has the long features of the Borzoi, with lots of hair.

Small eyes and rose ears add to its appeal. The colour mix often includes black, brown, or copper, set against white.

Despite its gentle nature, if not raised properly, it can become aggressive towards other breeds. But, this mix isn’t suitable for guard dog duties because of its friendly nature.

Training should be done with the right methods to ensure a well-behaved pet.

Raising a Whippet Borzoi Mix Puppy

Raising a Whippet Borzoi mix puppy needs patience and steadiness. Early socialisation and training are vital for shaping their character and behaviour.

This breed is smart and keen to please, which makes them fairly easy to train. But, they can be sensitive, so a soft approach is advised.

Regular exercise is needed to keep them fit and cheerful. They do well on a balanced diet that fits their size, age, and activity level.

Regular vet visits are also key to keep an eye on their health and spot any possible problems early.

Whippet Borzoi Mix Socialization

Socialising a Whippet Borzoi mix is crucial for its development. This involves introducing the puppy to different surroundings, people, and animals. This helps to build confidence and adaptability.

However, it’s important to note that they should be exposed to these elements gradually. Overwhelming them with too many new experiences at once can lead to fear and anxiety.

Remember that socialisation should be a positive experience for the puppy. Rewarding them with treats and praise for good behaviour during socialisation can help reinforce positive associations.

Lastly, it’s crucial to understand that socialisation is an ongoing process. It doesn’t end once the puppy has been exposed to a variety of environments and situations. Regular socialisation throughout the dog’s life will help maintain their confidence and adaptability.

Socializing With Other Dogs

The Whippet Borzoi mix is usually friendly and sociable with other dogs. This breed’s natural curiosity and playful character make it a great mate for other dogs.

But, you should watch over interactions with smaller dogs or pets because of the Whippet’s hunting instincts.

Introducing them to different dog breeds early and often can help develop a positive view of other dogs. This can lessen the chance of aggressive behaviour.

Regular trips to dog parks or setting up playdates with other dogs can be good for encouraging healthy social interactions.

Socializing With Children

Whippet Borzoi mixes can be taught to get along well with children due to their obedient nature. Small treats can be used to help with this training.

These dogs have lots of energy, making them fun playmates. But, they don’t like being alone and can get upset if left by themselves for too long.

Their fur can shed a lot, so they need regular grooming to keep the area clean for children.

Training And Exercise

Training a Whippet Borzoi mix is a joy because of their loyal and loving nature. But, their short attention span means you should use treats during training.

The old trick of using small treats as rewards works well to keep them interested. As for their food, a diet of raw food, including boiled meat and grains, is good for their health and energy.

These dogs are full of energy. They need lots of exercise, making them great friends for outdoor activities like hiking.

This mix of training and exercise not only keeps them fit but also makes the bond between pet and owner stronger.

Space Requirements

The Whippet Borzoi mix, which stands 1.5-2.5 feet tall (45-76 cm), needs lots of space to move around and play.

They are very energetic and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Being alone for a long time can upset them, so they should live in a home where there’s always someone around.

They also need regular grooming because of their long, shedding coat.

With the right care, they can live for 15-20 years.

Whippet Borzoi Mix Health And Care

The Whippet Borzoi mix might inherit health problems from both parent breeds. Regular vet visits and a balanced diet are key to keeping them healthy.

Make sure to keep an eye on their weight as obesity can lead to other health issues.

However, it’s important to note that they should not be over-exercised, especially as puppies, as this can lead to joint problems later in life.

Also, they are prone to certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems.

It’s vital to ensure they are regularly groomed to keep their coat healthy and free from parasites.

Grooming Requirements: Do Whippet Borzoi Mixes Shed?

Whippet Borzoi mixes shed a lot, so they need careful grooming to keep their coats looking good. But, they are quite easy to manage and train.

Whippet Health

Whippets are usually healthy but can have some health problems. These can be heart issues, eye problems, and von Willebrand’s disease, which affects blood clotting.

Regular vet check-ups are needed to spot any possible problems early. Whippets are energetic and need lots of exercise to stay healthy.

But, they can get upset if left alone for too long. This shows how much they need company. Regular grooming is also needed because they shed a lot.

Vaccinations can also help to improve their health and reduce possible health risks.

Sources: WebMD, PetMD

Borzoi Health

Borzois, although usually healthy, can be prone to certain health problems. Common issues are elbow and hip problems, bone conditions, and eye diseases. They can also suffer from bloat, a serious stomach condition, and react more strongly to anaesthesia than other breeds.

Regular ear checks and teeth cleaning are key for keeping a Borzoi healthy. Health tests such as thyroid checks, DNA tests for nerve diseases, heart exams, and eye checks are recommended.

Regular grooming, including brushing and baths, is needed, as well as regular nail trims. Regular exercise is also a crucial part of a Borzoi’s health routine.

Sources: PetMD

Whippet Borzoi Mix Health

Whippet Borzoi mixes usually have good health because of their mixed genes. But, they can still face small health problems. These can be controlled with regular jabs.

These dogs are full of energy and need lots of exercise to stay healthy.

However, they don’t like being alone for a long time as it can make them upset. So, regular training is needed for their overall health.

Life Expectancy

The Whippet Borzoi mix typically lives for 15-20 years. This breed is generally healthy and makes a wonderful family pet.

Their long life, good health, and friendly nature make them a popular choice for families with children.

Rescuing A Whippet Borzoi Mix

Rescuing a Whippet Borzoi mix can be a joyful experience. These dogs are friendly and active. They are known for their loyalty and playful nature, making them a great addition to any home.

Their physical features, including a fluffy coat and long, strong legs, add to their appeal. Their coat can be black, brown, or copper, often mixed with white.

Despite their different sizes, these dogs are generally healthier than purebred dogs. This makes them a safer choice for adoption. But, anyone thinking of adopting should be ready for the responsibility that comes with caring for a mixed breed dog. They should ensure they can provide a loving and suitable home.

Where to Find A Whippet Borzoi Mix Puppy

Finding a Whippet Borzoi mix puppy can be done by carefully looking into trustworthy breeders or adoption centres that focus on mixed breeds. This special breed, a mix of Whippet and Borzoi, is known for its friendly, active, and loyal nature. This makes it a popular choice for many.

Its unique fluffy coat, long, strong legs, and a range of colours from black and brown to copper with white markings, make the Whippet Borzoi mix a beautiful sight. Even though they may have minor health problems, regular jabs can help keep them healthy.

But, they should remember that the size of this breed can change. Generally, it falls within the medium to large range.

Whippet Borzoi Mix Breeders

Finding a good breeder for a Whippet Borzoi mix can be tricky due to the unique nature of this mixed breed. You need to do a lot of research and carefully check potential breeders.

Look for breeders who care more about the health and temperament of their dogs than how they look or their lineage. A good breeder will be open about the health history of the parent dogs and will be willing to answer any questions you have.

They should also keep their dogs and puppies in a clean, safe place.

Remember, adopting a mixed breed dog like the Whippet Borzoi mix can be a rewarding alternative. There are many rescue organisations with mixed breed dogs looking for loving homes.

Whether you choose to buy from a breeder or adopt, you’re starting a journey with a loyal and friendly companion.

Adopting a Mix Breed Dog. Cost and Challenges

Adopting a mixed breed dog like the Whippet Borzoi mix is often cheaper than buying a purebred. Adoption fees can differ a lot, but they’re usually lower, from free to several hundred pounds. These fees often include initial vet care, such as vaccinations and neutering.

Adopting also has the moral benefit of not supporting commercial breeders and puppy farms, which often face criticism for their treatment of animals. Instead, you’re giving a loving home to a dog in need.

Mixed breed dogs like the Whippet Borzoi mix can be healthier than purebreds. They often have a wider genetic pool, which can lead to fewer inherited health problems. But, every dog is unique, and health can differ from one dog to another.

Even with the lower cost and potential health benefits, adopting a mixed breed dog has its challenges. It needs a commitment to provide a loving, stable environment and meet the dog’s physical and emotional needs. But, for those ready for the responsibility, the rewards of adopting a mixed breed dog are countless.

FAQs

We’re going to answer the most asked questions about the Whippet Borzoi Mix.

What are the different names for a Whippet cross Borzoi?

Usually, a Whippet cross Borzoi is called a Whippet Borzoi mix. This name reflects the special mix of these two different breeds.

Does the Whippet Borzoi Mix Breed Bark a Lot?

Whippet Borzoi mixes are usually quiet dogs. They rarely bark or howl unless they see a danger. They are not often aggressive, making them a calm addition to any home.

Is the Whippet Borzoi Mix Breed Intelligent?

The Whippet Borzoi mix is likely to inherit the cleverness of its parent breeds. Whippets are known for their fast learning, while Borzois are known for their independent thought.

So, this mix is expected to be a bright and flexible breed.