Whippet Pitbull Mix: Breed Info, Traits & Facts (With Pictures)

With its parent breeds known for strength and agility, the Whippet Pitbull mix is making its name across the globe.

Carrying the best traits of the Whippet and the Pitbull, this cross is definitely one to look out for. So be ready to be whipped by its charm and abilities!

Whippet Pitbull mix dogs are naturally loyal, friendly, and protective of their owners. They are also athletic and easy to train. There’s so much to love about this mix that makes them desirable to fur parents and fanciers.

In this article, we will tackle not only their best qualities but also their history, health issues, and more.

Breed Overview

What Is a Whippet Pitbull Mix?

The Whippet Pitbull mix is a crossbreed of a Whippet and a Pitbull. Designed to be a companion dog, the Whippet Pitbull mix is known for its calmness, loyalty, and athleticism. This medium-sized dog comes in a wide range of colors and is also known as Pit Whip, Whippet Pit mix, and Pippet.

As a hybrid dog, the personality and appearance of a Whippet Pitbull mix may vary, depending on its parents. With the Whippet’s speed and Pitbull’s muscular build, expect a Whippet Pitbull mix to perform at a high level.

Their high energy also comes with high exercise requirements. As they are playful dogs, they tend to get along really well with children.

This is why a Whippet Pitbull mix is ideal for families or households that can devote enough time and attention to bonding and physical activities.

Nonetheless, if kennel club registration matters to you, you should know that the Whippet Pitbull mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This is understandable as it is a mixed breed.

Whippet Pitbull Mix Origin and History

The Whippet Pitbull mix has been existing for quite a long time now. But it is believed that the earliest crossover of the Whippet and the Pitbull was in the early 2000s.

To get a better grasp of its origins, we have to look at the history of its parent breeds.

Evidence shows that the Whippet’s existence developed in England in the mid-19th century.

The Whippet has been known for hunting by sight and used for racing. It is even called The Poor Man’s Racehorse and Lightning Rag Dog.

Meanwhile, the Pitbull breed can be traced back to as early as the 1800s in the United Kingdom. Pitbulls were originally created for hunting sports such as bull-baiting; hence, the name Pitbull.

The term Pitbull is used to categorize different breeds, like American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, and American Staffordshire Terrier.

Clearly, both parent breeds have a solid reputation when it comes to their abilities.

Knowing how they came about and how they were treated in the past allows us to have more insights into the nature of the Whippet Pitbull mix.

Whippet Pitbull Mix Appearance 

Some Whippet Pitbull mixes may inherit more physical characteristics from their Pitbull parent; hence, they look more muscular.

Usually, it includes a large muzzle and nose, circular eyes, and a big brawny neck. It can have either a very muscular body or a slim body structure like the Whippet.

The Whippet Pitbull mix has a short coat that remains flat against its body. This makes the pooch low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Having the right kind of fur, this pup can tolerate weather changes.

Whippet Pitbull mix dogs also have coats that differ in density, thickness, and colors. Since Whippets and Pitbulls come in a wide range of colors, a Whippet Pitbull mix can also exhibit various hues.

Some of its coat colors include fawn, white, black, blue, blue fawn, red, merle, and brindle.

Whippet Pitbull Mix Size and Weight

Typically, a full-grown Whippet Pitbull mix can weigh around 25 to 65 pounds and be about 17 to 22 inches tall. It often has the same height as a Whippet, just with extra body muscles.

However, it’s difficult to accurately figure out the exact size of a full-grown Whippet Pitbull mix, as it depends on the dominant genes it will inherit from its parent breeds.

While Whippets are generally medium-sized, the Pitbull breed has different sizes.

With this, the genetic exchange is unpredictable as the puppy has an equal chance of inheriting characteristics from both sides.

No matter how big, tall, or heavy your Whippet Pitbull mix becomes, your pup will still fit into your heart and your lap just as long as you’re ready to carry the weight, literally and figuratively!

Whippet Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality

Whippet Pitbull mixes are regarded as gentle, loving, and sociable. However, they need obedience training, socialization, and lots of physical activities to be healthy and happy fur companions.

They are generally friendly towards children and love to please their owners. As a protective and loyal dog breed, they cherish quality time with their owners. These traits surely make them great family dogs.

Aside from their owners, they can also be affectionate to strangers after warming up to them. Human attention and connection matter to them a lot. With this, they need a family who will spend a lot of time with them.

However, it’s better to consider that they are not outdoor dogs. They prefer to be indoors with their owners and sometimes develop separation anxiety when left alone for long periods, like the Pitbull.

With this, if at times you will not be available to attend to your pup’s emotional needs, take it to a trusted dog nanny, sitter, walker, or anyone who can take care of the pooch for a while.

As highly-energetic dogs, you would need to match their energy to keep them engaged and happy. If you are a lively and spirited person, this should not worry you.

They can also be quite stubborn when they want to be, although they are relatively easy to train with the right guidance. Just like the Whippet, they respond positively to calm training techniques.

Remember that while training may take some time, it will all be worth it if you are patient and dedicated. Your dog also deserves to reach its maximum potential, so it’s a win-win situation.

Ultimately, their temperament is based on several factors, such as heredity, training, and socialization. If you want to own one, always remember that regardless of the breed or cross, a good dog results from good paw parenting.

Whippet Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

Just like the Whippet and Pitbull, the Whippet Pitbull mix has a fairly long lifespan of around 8 to 15 years. This pooch can live longer if it is well taken care of.

However, health conditions may develop, and it is best to keep a watch to prevent these health issues.

Here are some of the common health conditions of the Whippet Pitbull mix:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia results in the loosening of a dog’s hip joint, while elbow dysplasia means abnormal development of its elbow joint. They both happen during the growth stage and cause dysfunction and pain. The primary causes of these conditions are genetics and diet.
• Bloat: As a medical and surgical emergency, bloat is a life-threatening condition. Also called the gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) complex, bloat often happens to dogs with deep, narrow chests. 
• Arrhythmia: Arrhythmia is an abnormality in the rhythm of a dog’s heart. This condition may come from congenital issues, injuries, stress, infections, and other factors. There are different types and causes of Arrhythmia, which can sometimes be a sign of severe health concerns.

It’s apparent that proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle play a massive role in preventing these health issues.

Knowing these health issues will be beneficial for you. You can be prepared both financially and emotionally in case there are emergencies.

How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Whippet Mix

Like every other dog, the Whippet Pitbull mix requires specific needs and provisions for nutrition, grooming, and exercise. Basically, these things would be your key to ensuring your dog’s health and well-being.

Here, we listed the primary things you should know, along with some tips about the Whippet Pitbull’s food and diet, cleaning and grooming, and training and exercise needs.

Food and Diet

Generally, a Whippet Pitbull mix needs a diet that can fuel its energy requirements. This includes food rich in minerals and nutrients.

You also have to be careful as this crossbreed is prone to obesity when they’re fed excessively. They tend to overeat, so make sure that no food is left around unattended.

It’s also best to check the food content and portion sizes your dog needs. You may also consult a trusted vet to know the best diet for your pup.

Typically, a growing Whippet Pitbull mix puppy requires plenty of calories and protein. For a grown-up pooch, protein-rich and premium-quality dog food will be enough if given twice a day.

If your dog is picky when eating, try to incorporate new flavors. Give a variety of kibbles and dog treats, as long as they are safe and suitable for your dog.

For a more balanced diet, you can include raw, commercial, and homemade food. Choose the types of food that will suit your canine’s liking and nutritional needs.

Cleaning and Grooming

Besides its main purpose for your dog’s hygiene and appearance, grooming can also be one of the great ways to spend quality time with your dog.

You may also ask your trusted vet for a routine or seek professional dog grooming services.

Grooming your dog at an early age is recommended so they can get used to touching and tail off any reluctance to grooming sessions.

Usually, grooming a Whippet Pitbull mix is relatively fast and easy, so there’s not much to worry about.

The Whippet Pitbull mix has a short coat and sheds lightly throughout the year. This makes the breed low-maintenance. Brushing it once a week with one or a couple of good baths will be enough.

Moreover, refrain from bathing your dog frequently, as it may dry out its skin. You should also check your pooch for fleas and ticks. Check its ears for debris and pests, and make sure to clean them regularly.

Training and Exercise

As an athletic canine, the Whippet Pitbull mix needs sufficient daily exercise. However, early socialization and training are required for it to be obedient, well-behaved, and disciplined.

Typically, this pooch loves to go with its owner on regular morning walks, runs, or even trails and hikes.

You can also do interactive games with your pooch to develop both the mind and the body. This can include fetching, running, tugging, or ball games, to name a few.

An hour or two every day of these outdoor activities will be great. Just make sure that it’s a secured and safe yard or park for your dog.

Whippet Pitbull mixes can also be quite stubborn and independent, so an obedience training class will do wonders.

You may take them to dog schools or daycares, dog-friendly spaces, and parks to improve their socialization skills and adaptability to different environments.

How Much Does a Whippet Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

A Whippet Pitbull mix puppy usually costs around $400 to $1,000. This appears modest compared to purebred Whippet and Pitbull puppy prices.

However, this cost usually varies depending on the breeder’s location and reputation and the puppy’s age.

Besides the puppy price, there are also initial expenses you need to factor in. You have to prepare several items before bringing your desired Whippet Pitbull puppy home.

To help you plan your pet budget, refer to the list of initial items for your Whippet Pitbull mix puppy:

The costs are considered fair for medium-sized dogs. But if you want to minimize spending, you can look for discounts and freebies. You can also check if there are supplies that you already have at home.

As a pet owner, you are responsible for your dog’s well-being. Thus, you must invest in good-quality food and items. Be resourceful in saving money without sacrificing your pup’s health and needs.

Places to Find Whippet Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Searching for a reputable breeder for Whippet Pitbull mixes is a bit challenging. You might feel like your choices are limited, or the process might be burdensome. Don’t fret, as we have prepared a list to help you.

Here are some of the reputable breeders for your Whippet Pitbull mix puppy search:

• Greenfield Puppies – Based in Pennsylvania, this online pet advertising site lists thousands of available puppies for sale, including the Whippet Pitbull mix. Their website also provides the background and profile of each adoptable dog.
• Lancaster Puppies – This is another web pet platform that connects breeders and aspiring pet owners across the country. Lancaster Puppies feature several purebred dogs and their mixes, including the Whippet Pitbull mix.
• Infinity Pups – Much like the other above-mentioned sites, Infinity Pups is also an online pet platform that advertises various mixed breeds. The site allows you to filter the search result by your preferences. Occasionally, they have Whippet Pitbull mixes in their listings.

Since it’s not that easy to spot reputable breeders of this mix online, it’s recommended to further research and inquire.

You may also look at any reputable Whippet or Pitbull breeders and check if they accommodate crossbreeding.

If you want to adopt a Whippet Pitbull mix instead, here are some pet adoption websites to browse:

• Humane Society of Elkhart County – An animal shelter in Indiana, the Humane Society of Elkhart County provides animal control services and cost-effective solutions to animal problems. Their website has a detailed guide on the adoption process that you can check out. Their adoption cost is about $170.
• Best Friends Animal Society – Best Friends Animal Society operates the largest sanctuary for homeless animals in the United States. They provide adoption, spaying and neutering, and educational programs to various pets. They occasionally have Whippet Pitbull mixes in their care.
• Oregon Humane Society – Based in Portland, Oregon Humane Society is the largest animal welfare organization in the Northwest. They put no time limits on an animal’s stay at the shelter, and they remain for as long as needed to find a loving home. Contact them, as they might have a Whippet Pitbull mix in their rescue.

If you are new to dog adoption, we highly recommend checking out a few rescues before settling on an adoptable dog. Make sure that the dog you’ll adopt underwent behavioral modification.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Whippet Pitbull Mix

Much like with other dogs, owning a Whippet Pitbull mix has its fair share of pros and cons. Before deciding to take home one, make sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of owning this mix.

Here are some of the pros of Whippet Pitbull mix ownership:

• Good workout buddy: With its playfulness and high energy level, the Whippet Pitbull mix can be a great partner for owners with active lifestyles.
• Low maintenance: The short, low-shedding coat of the Whippet Pitbull mix requires minimal grooming. This dog is a good match for you if you want a pet that is not difficult to maintain.
• Good temperament: The Whippet Pitbull mix could be one of the friendliest and jolliest mixes you’ll ever meet. It can get along well with children and can easily warm up with strangers.

Meanwhile, here are some of the cons of Whippet Pitbull ownership:

• Unpredictable behavior: This is pretty much normal for most mixed breeds. Since the Whippet Pitbull may inherit any of its parent breeds’ traits, it can be quite difficult to predict the eventual behaviors of this breed.
• Prone to separation anxiety: The Whippet Pitbull mix craves the love and attention of its owners. Leaving this dog alone for a long period can cause it to develop separation anxiety.
• Requires a lot of exercise: Since the Whippet Pitbull mix is a highly energetic breed, it requires daily hours of walks and playtime to keep it healthy and fit. If you are a busy type of person, this dog might not work well with you.

Ultimately, it will be up to your preference. If you decide to be a paw parent to a Whippet Pitbull mix, you should be willing to make adjustments.

Taking care of a pet is not an easy task. But with the right knowledge and determination, surely you’ll be ready. You reading this article is a sign that you’re off to a great start on your parenting journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Whippet Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?

No, Whippet Pitbull mixes are not aggressive. Understandably, this is one of the questions and concerns when it comes to them.

This is because their parent breed, Pitbulls, has been regarded as aggressive canines for a long time.

However, many Pitbull owners and admirers believe that this is just a negative portrayal of Pitbulls. In reality, Pitbulls are ranked as one of the least aggressive dogs. They are affectionate and gentle family pets. 

In addition, Whippets are generally not prone to aggression. This means whether your Whippet Pitbull mix inherits the qualities from the Pitbull or the Whippet parent, your pup will most likely be calm and good-natured.

Are Whippet Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Both parent breeds of the Whippet Pitbull mix are not hypoallergenic. Hence, it is expected that the offspring will not be hypoallergenic as well.

Whippet Pitbull mixes produce moderate to high amounts of the most common dog allergens, such as dander, fur, saliva, and urine.

So if you suffer from allergies or if you have a more sensitive immune system, this crossbreed may not be the suitable dog for you.

Do Whippet Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?

Whippet Pitbull mixes shed on a very light scale. As mentioned earlier in this article, their short-haired fur coats are low-shedding and low-maintenance.

Though they are low-maintenance, you should practice routine grooming and be watchful when they shed. To keep their coat tidy, they need only weekly brushing.

Final Thoughts

The Whippet Pitbull mix is truly a remarkable mix, carrying the best genes from two impressive dog breeds. Owning one will undoubtedly amplify your happiness.

But if you’re a busy bee who’s rarely home and does not have enough time for bonding, then this dog may not be the best for you. Besides the emotional needs, this pooch also requires adequate time for physical activities.

Take time and consider these factors before getting a new pup. Taking care of a Whippet Pitbull mix is a life-long commitment, so get ready to whip out your best as a paw parent!

Let us know your thoughts about the Whippet Pitbull mix in the comments below!