Whippet Doberman Mix: What You Need To Know

If you are looking to get a new pet, and you are looking at Whippet Doberman mixes, you have come to the right place! To decide if this dog is right for you, you need to know about its size, temperament and any potential health concerns.

This post will go over all the information you need to know before deciding whether you should purchase or adopt a Whippet Doberman mix.

Whether you are in the early stages of research, or just need confirmation that this dog is a good fit for you, this post will have all the information you need.

You’ll be able to gain all of the information that you need about Whippet Doberman mixes to make an informed decision on purchasing a puppy.

Let’s get to it…

Table of Contents

What Is A Whippet Doberman Mix?

Just like the name suggests, a Whippet Doberman mix is a dog that is 50% Whippet and 50% Doberman Pinscher.

Whippet Doberman mixes are not purebred dogs, but rather have one parent that is a Whippet and one parent that is a Doberman.

Breeders may also breed two Whippet Dobermans to get a litter of puppies that are second-generation crosses. Many people refer to Whippet Doberman mixes as “Whippermans”.

All About the Whippet Doberman Mix

Scroll through to each subheading to read about different aspects of the Whippet Doberman.

Appearance

Whippet Dobermans get all the best traits of each parents.

The Whippet Doberman mix will stand about 21 to 25 inches from the floor to the top of the shoulder.

Whippet Doberman mixes look very athletic and likely will not gain a lot of fat. They have the trademark slender body of the Whippet, with a little more muscle and bulk thanks to the Doberman.

This dog has a sleek, shiny coat and many Whippet Doberman owners comment that their dogs do not shed very much. This dog will likely have the black coat with tan markings that are typical of Dobermans.

Health

There is not much conclusive information about health issues with Whippet Doberman mixes as they are not yet a very common breed.

There are some health defects that can affect large dogs such as Whippet Doberman mixes though, one which includes hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia most often occurs in large breeds, when the ball and socket of the hip joint develop at different rates during the dog’s growth.

This is not a guaranteed issue for your Whippet Doberman as it usually will not affect the Whippet side but can definitely affect Dobermans and since your Whippet Doberman is a relatively large-sized dog, they may be at risk for this issue.

If you do get a Whippet Doberman mix and this issue is a cause of concern, make sure you talk to your vet during the puppy’s check-ups.

The vet may suggest some strategies to avoid this issue which include maintaining a healthy weight, giving your puppy joint supplements or the use of anti-inflammatories if the condition does occur as your dog ages.

Life span

Though it may be hard to exactly pinpoint the life span of the Whippet Doberman mix, you can look at the lifespan of both parental breeds to get a good general idea.

Dobermans, like most large breeds, can be expected to live for about 10 to 12 years. On the other hand, Whippets usually live for about 12 to 15 years.

Of course, anything can happen, but your Whippet Doberman mix will likely live for somewhere between 10 to 15 years.

It is worth it to note that Whippet Doberman mixes are a lot larger than the average Whippet, so this may mean that their life span is on the lower end of the 10–15-year range.

Temperament

Whippet Doberman mixes are known for being very affectionate, playful and laid-back.

They get great traits from each breed and make an excellent pet.

Due to their Doberman traits, Whippet Doberman mixes are known for being overall relaxed but will tend to protect their owners when necessary.

Whippet Dobermans tend to have a sweet temperament, but at times they can be extremely affectionate and borderline needy. They are not a dog that you should consider getting if you have limited time or energy to spend on a pet.

Whippet Dobermans are highly intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation. If you plan on getting one of these dogs, plan on getting them lots of enrichment toys and spending lots of time playing with them!

These mixes also need a lot of exercise and will enjoy going for long walks with you. Due to the Whippet traits, they are often very fast runners.

Special Considerations

As mentioned previously, Whippet Doberman mixes tend to be laid-back but require a lot of love, affection and exercise.

One thing to consider before getting a Whippet Doberman mix is if you have enough time and space for them.

If you plan to have a large dog, having a yard for them is usually your best option. If you don’t have a yard for your dog, make sure that you will have plenty of time to take them on several walks a day.

One consideration to make is that Whippet Dobermans may get cold easily – you have probably seen whippets being walked in coats or sweaters during the winter and the same thing goes for these mixes!

You will likely have to invest in a good coat for your dog in the winter so that they don’t get too cold on walks as they have short hair and low body fat.

Whippet Doberman mixes make for fabulous pets, as long as your have adequate time and energy for them!

How To Spot A Whippet Doberman Mix

As mentioned previously, the Whippet Doberman mix is tall and thin, with typical Doberman markings which may include tan markings above the eyebrows, or in some cases, a fully tan face.

The rest of the hair on the dog’s body will probably be black, a trait from the Doberman side.

If you see a tall, thin dog walking down the street that looks like a skinnier version of a Doberman, you may be looking at a Whippet Doberman mix!

Whippet Doberman History

Whippets originated in Victorian England, as a descendant of the Greyhound. Greyhounds look like Whippets, just a lot larger.

Whippets are popular breeds because they are so sweet and playful.

Whippets have been used as racing dogs and are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Dobermans originated in Germany, around the end of the 19th century. They were bred to be an imposing dog that protects its owner and was used at times as a military dog to intimidate people.

In the last few decades, breeders started to breed Whippets and Dobermans as a way to take advantage of the best traits of each breed.

Whippet Doberman mixes are starting to become more popular now, because they are so kind and affectionate, but also will protect their owners if necessary.

Things To Consider

There are things that you should consider when you are looking for any puppy. The following points are things that you will want to remember and consider when thinking about getting a new puppy.

Your Puppy Will Grow Up

All puppies are adorable, and every adult and child would love to have a cuddly, playful puppy.

But one thing you need to remember is that puppies grow up into full grown dogs who do not always want to cuddle and play.

As dogs age, they become less playful and will want to have their own space and be left alone at times. If having a dog in your house that does not always want to play does not sound appealing to you, you may want to rethink getting a puppy.

Whippet Doberman Mixes Can Be Hard Work

The first few days of having a puppy are bliss. The puppy is quiet and cuddly because it is settling into its new home.

Shortly after your puppy is settled in, they become a lot of work. You will need to deal with potty training, teething, and probably waking up multiple times a night when your puppy cries.

Puppies are like babies! They are a lot of work, but they are well worth all of the effort.

Time & Space

One thing you need to be realistic about is the amount of time and space that you have to care for a dog.

If you work two jobs, live in a small space and are not home a lot, you may not be at the right point in your life to get a puppy.

Dogs take up a lot of time. You need to be home to let them out, feed them and take them for walks.

Final Thoughts

Getting a puppy is a very exciting milestone in your life. A Whippet Doberman mix will make a wonderful, loving pet as long as you can devote enough of your time to them.

Remember that adding a dog to your family can be as much work as having a new baby – they require a lot of time and care!

Good luck with your new puppy and enjoy every moment!