Whippet Husky Mix: A Complete Guide to the Loving Hippet

Welcome to the comprehensive guide to the Whippet Husky Mix, affectionately known as the Hippet.

If you want to learn:

The unique personality of the Hippet
Their training and grooming needs
Health considerations and expected lifespan

Then you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with detailed information about this charming breed.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Quick Whippet Husky Mix Facts

Size: Medium, standing 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) tall.
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds (16 to 27 kg).
Coat: Medium length, dense and smooth.
Energy: High.
Suitability for Children: Good.
Life Span: 12-15 years.
Temperament: Friendly, playful, and loyal.
Training: Intelligent and trainable, but can be independent.
Grooming: Moderate, sheds more than a purebred Whippet.
Socialization: Generally sociable with dogs and humans.
Health: Generally healthy, but can inherit some health issues from parent breeds.
Cost: Varies, depending on factors such as breeder reputation and location.

Origin of the Whippet Husky Mix

It’s unclear when or where breeders first started mixing the Whippet and Husky. But, it’s probable that the mix was created in the last 20-30 years, during the popularity increase of designer dog breeds.

The aim was to make a dog that mixed the Whippet’s speed and agility with the Husky’s stamina and strength.

Origin of the Whippet

The Whippet breed first appeared in 1800s England and likely includes the Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Bedlington Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and English White Terrier in its family tree. They were originally called “snapdogs” because they were good at catching rats and hares.

Coal miners especially loved these dogs. They raced them for fun and used them to catch small game. Even though they came from simple beginnings, Whippets were valued pets. They were often found sleeping by the fire or in bed with their owners.

Origin of the Husky

The Siberian Husky’s history goes back over 3,000 years to the Chukchi tribe in northeast Asia. They were bred to pull sleds.

Their stamina and speed were tested during the Alaskan Gold Rush, where they did well in sled dog races.

The breed became famous in 1925 when a group of Huskies faced a snowstorm to deliver a life-saving serum to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria outbreak. This brave 674-mile (1084 km) relay confirmed the Husky’s status as a racing sled dog.

Today, while many Siberian Huskies are loved family pets, some still take part in local sled races and ski-joring with their owners.

Whippet Husky Mix Appearance

The Whippet Husky Mix is a medium-sized dog that wonderfully combines the wolf-like traits of the Husky with the smooth grace of the Whippet. This enchanting mix, with its dense double coat, triangular ears, and almond-shaped eyes, is a sight to see.

But, as with all mixed breeds, looks can differ, adding to the appeal and uniqueness of each dog.

Colour

The Hippet shows a wide range of coat colours and special markings, showing its mixed background. The Whippet side can have many natural shades, while the Husky side may lead to different eye colours.

Even their coat length can change, with some Hippets having longer hair. This mix of features creates a sporty, lively, and eye-catching friend, looking as fun and affectionate as its nature.

Size

The Hippet usually measures between 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) tall, with a weight range of 35-60 pounds (16-27 kg).

Their size makes them a flexible friend, good for different living conditions.

Typical Temperament Traits

Whippet Husky mixes are famous for their special mix of personalities. They combine the loyalty and fun-loving nature of Whippets with the smartness and kindness of Huskies. These lively, sporty dogs can be distant but faithful, independent but friendly, making them interesting pets.

Knowing their personality traits will help you build a good relationship with these unique dogs.

Whippet Personality

Whippets are known for their strong bond with their owners, often seeing them as a key part of their family. They do well in calm settings and are very sensitive to human feelings, making them great friends.

Even though they enjoy physical activity, they can easily adjust to a less active lifestyle, liking cuddles as much as running. They are good at activities like agility, flyball, lure coursing, and racing.

Whippets are kind and loving, often working as therapy or mental health service dogs. While they might seem distant with strangers at first, their loyalty and love show once they form a bond. They have a strong hunting instinct, a trait that a Whippet Husky mix might inherit.

In general, Whippets are seen as loving, loyal, friendly, and playful, traits that might also be found in the independent and sometimes stubborn Husky.

Husky Personality

Huskies are praised for their lively and outgoing personality. They’re usually seen as friendly and active, with a passion for fun and exercise. This breed is also recognised for its smartness and self-reliance, which can sometimes turn into a stubborn streak.

Despite this, Huskies are extremely loyal and build strong connections with their families. They’re also generally good with children and other dogs, making them a favourite choice for families.

Whippet Husky Mix Combined Temperament

The Hippet’s character is a lovely mix of its parent breeds. They get the Whippet’s loving nature, often creating strong connections with their families.

This is offset by the Husky’s lively and outgoing personality, making them a pleasure to be around. These dogs are known for their playful energy, but they can also be calm and relaxed when necessary.

They’re smart, which can make training a satisfying experience, but also means they need mental challenges to avoid boredom.

In summary, the Hippet’s mixed character makes them a delightful and interesting companion.

Raising a Whippet Husky Mix Puppy

Raising a Hippet puppy needs a mix of patience, consistency, and love. Early socialisation and obedience training are vital for creating a well-rounded adult dog.

This breed is smart and keen to please, making them fairly easy to train. But, their Husky lineage can introduce a bit of stubbornness, so strong, positive reinforcement methods are most effective.

Regular exercise is also needed to manage their lively nature. Giving them mental challenges through puzzle toys and interactive games can stop boredom and damaging behaviour.

Remember, a happy Hippet puppy is one that feels loved, stimulated, and well-exercised.

Whippet Husky Mix Socialization

Socialising is a key part of bringing up a Whippet Husky Mix. It influences their dealings with other dogs, children, and their surroundings. If done right, it helps create a balanced, self-assured, and friendly pet.

The next sections will explore this important process in more detail.

Socializing With Other Dogs

When socialising with other dogs, the Hippet’s friendly and playful character stands out. This breed usually gets on well with other dogs, due to the Husky’s sociable qualities.

But, they should meet other dogs slowly and in a managed setting, to make sure interactions are positive. Regular trips to dog parks or setting up playdates with other dogs can be helpful.

Keep in mind, that every dog has its own character, so you should watch over these interactions to keep peace.

Socializing With Children

Hippets usually get along well with children due to their kind and loving nature. But, early socialisation is needed to make sure they have a good relationship.

Children should be taught how to approach and interact with the dog in a respectful way. Similarly, the Hippet should be trained to act properly around children.

This shared understanding helps create a peaceful living situation and a strong connection between the Hippet and the children in the family.

Training And Exercise

Training and exercise are vital in a Hippet’s life. This breed, a mix of the lively Husky and the nimble Whippet, needs regular physical activity to stay fit and content.

A daily routine of at least an hour of exercise, including walks, runs, and playtime, is suggested. Keeping their minds active is just as important, as these dogs are smart and inquisitive.

Puzzle toys, agility training, and obedience exercises can keep their minds active. But, they should remember that a well-exercised Hippet is not only healthier but also less likely to act out due to boredom or too much energy.

Space Requirements

A Hippet’s space needs are average. They do well in homes with a garden for play but can adjust to flat living if they get daily exercise. Even though they have Husky ancestors, they don’t need huge open spaces, due to the Whippet’s ability to adapt.

But, a safe, fenced area is needed to stop their natural urge to chase.

Whippet Husky Mix Health And Care

Hippet might get a variety of health problems from their parent breeds. These could include issues like Canine von Willebrand’s Disease, deafness, and hip dysplasia, among others.

Keeping them healthy requires a balanced diet, regular exercise, and careful attention. But, you should choose a trustworthy breeder when adopting a Hippet puppy.

Grooming Requirements: Do Whippet Husky Mixes Shed?

Whippet Husky mixes usually lose more hair than purebred Whippets, particularly in hotter times. This breed needs more care, including weekly brushing all year round, increasing to daily brushing when they’re shedding more. Even with their extra shedding, Hippets are good for colder weather.

But, they need regular exercise, ideally an hour running free in a safe area. For their own safety, Hippets should never be let loose in an area without fences.

Whippet Health

Whippets, even with their sporty build and high energy, are usually healthy dogs. But, they can suffer from specific health problems, such as heart disease, eye problems, and von Willebrand’s disease, a blood clotting issue. Also, their slim body makes them sensitive to extreme temperatures, needing extra attention in hot or cold weather.

Sources: PetMD

Husky Health

Huskies, although usually strong, can also suffer from certain health problems. Hip Dysplasia, a deformity of the hip joint, can cause arthritis and movement problems. Spotting this early can allow for surgery.

Hypothyroidism, marked by not enough hormone production from the thyroid gland, can result in weight gain, tiredness, and hair loss. Heart disease in Huskies can show up as unusual features in the heart walls or vessels, valve problems, or irregularities in the electrical signals that start the heartbeat. Symptoms might include being slow, fainting, coughing, and a bloated belly.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease, where immune cells attack the intestines, can lead to problems absorbing nutrients and diarrhoea. Huskies are also likely to have various skin problems, so they need regular grooming and careful watching.

Sources: PetMD

Whippet Husky Mix Health

Whippet Husky Mixes might get a range of health problems from their parent breeds. Common issues include allergies, which cause itching, hair loss, skin sores, and arthritis, which results in joint pain and stiffness, particularly in their later years.

Life Expectancy

Even though they might get health problems from their Whippet and Husky parents, a well-looked-after Hippet can live for 12 to 15 years. This long life is helped by a good diet, lots of exercise, and a caring home.

As always, picking a good breeder who cares more about health than money is the best way to make sure your Whippet Husky mix lives a long, healthy life.

Rescuing A Whippet Husky Mix

Adopting a Whippet Husky mix can be a fulfilling experience, but you need to understand their needs. These dogs need a lot of exercise every day, ideally in a secure area like a fenced garden or park.

This breed isn’t suitable for off-lead walks in open spaces because of their high energy and tendency to chase. Regular grooming is another need, especially during shedding season when daily brushing might be needed.

Besides physical exercise, this breed needs mental stimulation. Activities like learning new commands, playing hide and seek, or giving them puzzle toys can keep their minds active.

While they are good with families, their high energy and need for attention might not make them the best choice for first-time dog owners. A strong, experienced owner who can give the necessary care and attention is best for a Whippet Husky mix.

Finding A Whippet Husky Mix Puppy

When looking for a Whippet Husky puppy, remember that this is a mixed breed, so it can be hard to find a reputable breeder. Instead, consider adopting from a rescue organization or shelter that may mixed breeds available.

You can also try attending breed-specific events or shows to find Whippet Husky mix puppies. Local vets or dog trainers might have contacts in the dog breeding community.

Online resources like breed-specific websites or forums can provide a lot of information about Whippet Pitbull puppies for sale.

Whippet Husky Mix Breeders

When looking for a Whippet Husky mix breeder, it’s key to find one who puts the health and happiness of their dogs first. These breeders should know about the special needs of this lively and fun breed, including how much exercise they need and how to groom them.

A good breeder will also know that while the Whippet Husky mix does well in colder climates, they might find hot weather hard and shed more than a purebred Whippet.

The breeder should also know the natural traits of the parent breeds. Whippets, being sighthounds, are known for their love of chase and play, which makes them great family dogs. Huskies, however, have a history as working dogs, bred for jobs like pulling sleds, and are known for being athletic.

A good breeder will make sure that the Whippet Husky mix puppies they breed are well-socialised and ready to be loyal, loving pets. They should also be open about any possible health problems and give advice on how to look after this unique breed.

How Much Does A Whippet Husky Mix Cost?

The price of a Whippet Husky Mix can change a lot due to various things. These include the breeder’s standing, the family line of the parent dogs, and where you are in the world. The puppy’s age, colour, and general health can also affect the price.

But, you should also think about the ongoing costs of having a Hippet, like food, grooming, vet bills, and insurance. These costs can build up over your pet’s lifetime.

So, while the first buying price is something to think about, potential owners should also include these ongoing costs to make sure they can give a comfortable and healthy life to their Hippet.

FAQs

Here are the responses to some of the frequently asked questions we get about the Whippet Husky Mix.

What are the different names for a Whippet cross Husky?

The Whippet cross Husky is often called a Hippet or a Whippet Husky Mix. These names are used in the same way to talk about this special and affectionate breed.

Does the Whippet Husky Mix Bark a Lot?

The Whippet Husky Mix isn’t known for a lot of barking. But, they might bark when they’re excited or reacting to something new, a characteristic they get from their Husky parent.

This behaviour can be controlled with regular training and socialisation.

Regular exercise also helps to manage their energy levels, which reduces the chance of too much barking.

Is the Whippet Husky Mix Breed Intelligent?

Yes, the Whippet Husky Mix is seen as smart. This breed gets the Whippet’s loyalty and the Husky’s confidence, both signs of intelligence.

However, they might also get the Husky’s independent nature, which can sometimes be seen as stubbornness. Their strong hunting instinct, a characteristic from both parent breeds, further shows their intelligence.

But, their intelligence means early and consistent training is necessary.