Whippet Pitbull Mix: A Complete Guide to the Loyal Pit Whip

Welcome to your complete guide on the whippet pit bull mix, a special breed that combines the speed of a Whippet with the strength of a Pitbull.

In this article, we will explore the origins, appearance, temperament, and health of this interesting breed mix.

By reading further, you will learn a lot about the Whippet Pitbull and be able to make an informed decision if you are thinking about getting one as a pet.

We help thousands of people each week learn about Whippets and their mixes, so you’re in the right place!

Quick Whippet Pitbull Mix Facts

Size: Medium, standing 18 to 21 inches (45 to 53 cm) tall.
Coat: Short and smooth.
Energy: Moderate to high.
Suitability for Children: Good.
Life Span: 10-15 years.
Temperament: Loving, loyal, and playful.
Training: Smart and trainable, but can be stubborn.
Grooming: Easy to take care of with minimal shedding.
Friendliness: Generally friendly and social.

Origin of the Whippet Pitbull

The Pit Whip is a designer breed without specific pedigree or lineage records. It is a blend of the Whippet, known for hunting in England, and the American Pitbull Terrier.

The goal was to create a dog that had the speed and agility of the Whippet and the strength and tenacity of the Pitbull.

Origin of the Whippet

The Whippet’s origins can be traced back to medieval times in England. These dogs were called small greyhounds and were the ancestors of today’s Whippets.

The term “whippet” was used to describe any fast small dog, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the Whippet became recognized as its own breed.

The Whippet became popular in the Midlands and Northern England, especially in mining areas. Whippet racing was a popular activity, even more so than greyhound racing, until World War I.

Interestingly, ancient Egyptian artifacts show dogs that look like Whippets, suggesting that they have been valued for their speed, agility, and hunting abilities for a long time.

Origin of the Pitbull

The Pitbull’s origins can be traced back to the early 1800s in the UK. At that time, breeders crossed Old English Bulldogs with Black and Tan Terriers. The goal was to create a dog that was lighter, faster, and more agile.

Initially, these dogs were used for bull-baiting and later, unfortunately, for dogfighting. However, in the 1870s, the Pitbull breed was brought to North America, where it started to change its image and move away from its history as a fighting dog.

Whippet Pitbull Mix Appearance

The Pit Whip is a medium-sized dog that combines the strength of a Pitbull with the graceful appearance of a Whippet, leading to a unique-looking breed.

Colour

The Whippet Pitbull cross has a wide range of coat colours and patterns. These can include brindle, fawn, black, blue, and white, often in solid or mixed combinations.

Their coat may also have stripes or patches. The genetics behind these colours are complicated, with no set standards or preferences. The pictures show the beautiful variety of colours in this breed.

Size

The Whippet Pitbull mix is usually medium-sized, weighing 25 to 60 pounds (11 to 27 kg) and standing 18 to 21 inches (45 to 53 cm) tall.

Typical Temperament Traits

The Whippet Pitbull mix has a mix of Whippet and Pitbull characteristics, which makes them loyal, loving, and smart companions.

However, they may be cautious around unfamiliar people or other dogs. Starting their training and socialization early can help prevent any potential behaviour problems.

Whippet Personality

Whippets have a kind and loving personality. They may be a bit shy around new people, but once they get to know someone, they become very attached.

Although they can be a bit stubborn at times, they are usually friendly and affectionate towards their families. Because they have a lot of energy and love to run, they need regular exercise.

If they are properly introduced to other animals and children, they can get along well with them.

Pitbull Personality

Pitbulls have a personality that is often misunderstood. They are actually very loyal and loving, with a strong instinct to protect. Sometimes, their protective nature is mistaken for aggression.

They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. However, they need to be properly socialized and consistently trained in order to do well.

Pit Whip Combined Temperament

The Whippet Pitbull mix has a temperament that combines loyalty, friendliness, and protectiveness. They might be a bit shy around new people at first, but they become more comfortable once they get to know them.

It’s important to socialize and train them early because they can be independent and stubborn. With the right approach, your Pit Whip can become a loyal and obedient companion.

Don’t judge them based on stereotypes because they are loving and have a calm temperament. Developing a balanced temperament requires patience, consistency, and understanding.

Raising a Whippet Pitbull Puppy

Raising a Whippet Pitbull puppy requires careful planning. Start by making your home safe for the puppy. They need a balanced diet, so give them high-calorie dog food that is made for their size, age, and how active they are. Start housetraining and crate training early, and teach them basic obedience commands.

It’s important to socialize them by introducing them to different places, people, and animals. They need regular exercise and playtime. Make sure they get their vaccinations on time.

Whippet Pitbull Cross Socialization

Socializing your Whippet Pitbull mix is an important part of raising a well-adjusted pet. Begin early by introducing your puppy to different people, animals, and places.

Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. When introducing your Pit Whip to other dogs or children, make sure the interactions are calm and controlled. Gradually expose your pet to new situations to help them build confidence.

Despite any difficulties, with patience and consistency, your Pit Whip can become a friendly and adaptable companion. Remember, socialization is a continuous process throughout your dog’s life.

Socializing With Other Dogs

It is important to encourage good relationships between your Whippet Pitbull and other dogs for their behaviour development. This can be challenging, but introducing your Pit Whip to other dogs slowly will help them gain confidence at their own speed.

Pay attention to signs of fear or aggression, like growling or cowering, and use techniques like distraction or redirection if needed.

Regular obedience training can also help with positive socialization. Group training classes or playdates with other dogs are great ways to socialize your Pit Whip.

Socializing With Children

Introducing your Whippet Pitbull to children is an important part of their socialization. Begin by letting them meet young visitors in a calm setting.

Teach children to interact safely with your pet, focusing on gentle touch and respecting the dog’s personal space.

Always supervise these interactions to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If any issues arise, like the dog displaying signs of discomfort, address them promptly with additional training and socialization.

Training And Exercise

Training your Whippet Pitbull is an important task that should start early. Teaching basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and ‘heel’ is crucial, and using positive reinforcement techniques like rewards and praise can be very effective. It’s also important to socialize your Pit Whip from a young age by exposing them to different environments, people, and animals to encourage good behaviour.

This breed has a lot of energy, so they need daily physical activities like brisk walks, jogging, or playtime in a secure area. Mental stimulation is just as important, so interactive toys, puzzle games, and obedience training exercises can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviours.

Training a Whippet Pitbull can be challenging because they can be stubborn or have their own ideas. However, with patience, consistency, and possibly professional training or obedience classes, these challenges can be overcome.

It can also be helpful to learn specific training tips for common behavioural issues like pulling on the leash, jumping, or excessive barking, always using positive and force-free methods.

Remember, training should be a gradual process, starting with basic commands and moving on to more complex tasks.

Space Requirements

When thinking about where a Whippet Pitbull should live, it’s best to have a big and safe yard. This breed likes to have lots of space to move around and exercise.

However, if you live in a smaller place like an apartment, it’s still possible to have a Pit Whip. You just need to make sure there’s enough room inside for them to move comfortably, and you can make up for limited outdoor access by taking them on regular walks and giving them activities that stimulate their mind.

Having toys they can play with and specific areas for them to play in can make your home more dog-friendly. It’s important to consider the size and energy levels of the dog when deciding how much space they need. Any special needs or health conditions they have might also affect these requirements.

Whippet Pitbull Health And Care

When taking care of your Whippet Pitbull mix, it’s important to know about common health issues like hip dysplasia, luxating patella, eye problems, arrhythmia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations are important for their overall well-being.

A balanced diet and regular exercise will keep your Pit Whip in good physical shape. Grooming needs are minimal, but shedding can vary. They typically live for 10-15 years.

Providing a safe and comfortable environment and understanding their specific care needs will ensure a happy and healthy life for your Pit Whip.

Grooming Requirements: Do Whippet Pitbulls Shed?

Whippet Pitbulls are easy to groom. They do shed, but their short coat makes it easier to handle.

Brushing them once a week with a bristle brush or grooming mitt can help control shedding and keep their coat healthy. This also helps minimize the amount of fur in your home.

Whippet Health

Whippets, like all breeds, can have health problems. They often have heart disease, joint strain, and trouble breathing. They are also more likely to get diabetes.

Regular vet visits, a good diet, and regular exercise can help with these issues. Whippet Pitbull mixes can also have specific genetic health problems, so try to catch them early and take preventive measures.

Sources: PetMD

Pitbull Health

When it comes to the health of Pitbulls, it’s important to know that they can be prone to certain health problems. Skin issues, knee problems, and eye conditions are common, and some Pitbulls may also inherit a condition called cerebellar ataxia, which affects their muscle coordination.

To keep them healthy, make sure to take them to the vet regularly, feed them a balanced diet, and give them plenty of exercise.

Keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or illness, like changes in their behaviour or physical abnormalities. Getting your pitbull spayed or neutered can also help improve their overall health.

Sources: PetMD

Whippet Pitbull Health

Whippet Pitbulls are usually healthy, but they can be susceptible to certain health problems. These include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, eye issues, arrhythmia, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism.

Life Expectancy

The Whippet Pitbull cross usually lives for 10 to 15 years. This can be affected by things like what they eat, how much they exercise, and their genes.

They might have health problems like heart disease or joint issues that can make their life shorter. To help them live longer and healthier, make sure they have a good diet, get regular exercise, and keep their mind active. Take them to the vet regularly and give them vaccinations and medicine to prevent parasites.

Rescuing A Whippet Pitbull

Deciding to rescue a Whippet Pitbull is a kind and compassionate choice that gives a dog in need a second chance. To begin the process, you can research local shelters or rescue groups like WRAP, a nationwide organization dedicated to rescuing Whippets. After completing an application, you will go through a screening process to ensure a good match.

Before adopting, think about your lifestyle, living situation, and ability to care for and train a dog. Meeting the dog beforehand is crucial to assess compatibility and behaviour. Be prepared for potential challenges, such as behavioural issues or health concerns.

Rescue organizations often offer support after adoption, including guidance and resources for training. There are many heartwarming stories of successful Whippet Pitbull rescues, showcasing the happiness that comes from providing a loving home to a rescued dog. Consider rescuing a Whippet Pitbull and experience the fulfilment it brings.

Finding A Whippet Pitbull Puppy

When looking for a Whippet Pitbull puppy, remember that this is a mixed breed, so finding reputable breeders might be difficult. 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 Pitbull puppies. Local veterinarians or dog trainers might have recommendations or 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. Just remember to consider the cost and budget accordingly before bringing a Whippet Pitbull puppy home.

Whippet Pitbull Breeders

It is important to choose a trustworthy Whippet Pitbull breeder. To start, do some research on breeders and visit their facilities. Ask for health clearances and references. Meet the puppy’s parents and assess their temperament and health. Keep in mind that Whippet Pitbull puppies may also be available from shelters or rescue organizations.

Avoid puppy mills or backyard breeders. To evaluate a breeder’s ethics, look at their commitment to the breed, breeding practices, and willingness to provide ongoing support.

Consider the financial and time commitments of owning a Whippet Pitbull and choose a breeder who prioritizes the well-being of their dogs over making money.

How Much Does A Whippet Pitbull Mix Cost?

Determining the price of a Whippet Pitbull mix involves a few factors. Usually, a puppy can cost between $200 and $500, depending on where the breeder is located, the puppy’s age, and the breeder’s reputation. It’s a good idea to choose a breeder who can provide health records for both the puppy and its parents.

However, buying a puppy isn’t the only expense. There are also additional costs like food, vet bills, grooming, and pet insurance.

If you’re thinking about alternatives to buying from a breeder, adoption is a good option. Adoption fees for a Whippet Pitbull from a rescue centre can vary, but they’re generally lower than buying from a breeder.

Just remember, owning a pet is a long-term commitment, and the initial cost is just the beginning.

FAQs

Let’s begin by exploring the commonly asked questions about Whippet Pitbulls.

What is the Best Whippet Cross?

One popular crossbreed is the Aussie Whip, which is a mix of an Australian Shepherd and a Whippet. This crossbreed has a slender body like a Whippet and a colourful, fluffy coat like an Australian Shepherd. They are usually between 18 and 23 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 60 pounds.

Do Whippet Pitbulls Bark a Lot?

When considering whether Whippet Pitbulls bark a lot, it’s worth noting that they are generally not noisy dogs. Their Whippet background gives them a calm and quiet nature, although they may get excited if something grabs their attention.

To prevent excessive barking, make sure they are properly socialized and mentally stimulated.

Are Whippet Pitbull Mixes Intelligent?

Whippet Pitbulls are highly intelligent dogs. They have inherited their intelligence from both Whippets and Pitbulls, which makes them fast learners. Their problem-solving skills and ability to learn commands are impressive. However, their cleverness can sometimes make them stubborn.

To keep their minds engaged, interactive toys and puzzle games are recommended. Their intelligence is not associated with aggression, but rather their ability to comprehend and adapt to their surroundings.