WhippetChihuahua Mix is a hybrid dog crossbred between two purebred dogs, Whippet and Chihuahua. Also called Chi Whip, they are petite, fun, and full of energy dogs. They perfectly fit in small spaces. Whippet Chihuahuas are the oldest dog breed and are also the most petite canine species globally. Most often, they are confused with a Miniature Greyhound. However, as of the recorded data of 2014, they are no longer common now. The parent dog breed Whippet is a hunting dog and accompanies its owners in hunting rabbits and speedily chasing them. They are known for their speed and are loving therapy dogs. These medium-sized dogs were created around the late 1800s and were nicknamed “Poorman’s Greyhound.” They also make a great family companion.
The Chihuahua Parent breed is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the 1850s and is the world’s smallest dog. The Chihuahua is also the national dog of Mexico. Although a toy breed, they are feisty and alert. They are also called “purse dogs.” Whippet Chihuahua mix comes under the designer dog tag and is recognized by a few clubs. These Minnie mouses combine all the wonderful traits of their parents and are perfect companions for warm cuddles on a cold night.
Table of Contents
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Small and petite
Aggressive
Less training required
Individualistic
Charming and adorable
Not good with kids
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Basic Information
Name: Whippet Chihuahua
Height: 10-20 inches
Weight:10-30 pounds
Size: Small
Coat: Silky and soft
Color: Varies can be in different colors.
Group: Mixed breed dogs
Activities: Agility, dog toys, canine games, walk, play sessions
Whippet Chihuahuas are strong small-sized dogs that grow around 10-20 inches and weigh about 10-30 pounds. They have a lean appearance as both the parents are slimmer body shapes. They are single-coated, have a smooth, silky coat, and can be either long-haired or short-haired, depending on which parent they inherit. The coat color can be anything from chocolate to gold to cream. They have a large round head with thin lips and noticeable jaws. The eyes are round, large, and dark. The size of ears varies from large to medium. The tail is also of medium length. However, the overall appearance depends on the gene game. Whippet Chihuahuas are tiny leopards with the fastest legs and are strongly built.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Medium
Dog-friendly
Medium
Stranger-friendly
Low
Adaptability Overview
Good for apartment living
High
Good for new owners
High
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Cold tolerance
Low
Heat tolerance
Low
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Whippet Chihuahuas are loving, tiny, and strong pooches loyal and fun loving. They have high energy levels, run very fast, and love playing sessions. They are watchdogs and alert their owners by barking at any unusual movement. They are not great with strangers. Whippet Chihuahuas are aggressive when they feel threatened and are not suited to families with smaller kids. These small-sized pooches make great family pets and love to cuddle with humans. They do well with older kids and other dogs with early socialization and training. They are also fearless while being stubborn and protective of their owners. Whippet Chihuahua pups are affectionate, gentle with loving nature, treats, and snuggles. They have a slightly volatile temperament yet are:
Loving
Playful
Energetic
Smart
Devoted
Protective
Fast
Sometimes aggressive
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Training
Whippet Chihuahuas are easy to train yet need perseverance and consistency in training. Similar to other dog breeds, they require early socialization and proper training. Whippet Chihuahuas are obedient, and they become the perfect pooch to live with positive reinforcement. They love being around people. Treats and cuddles do wonders while training. They also look forward to the training sessions, playing fetch, and running, which helps in training regarding behavioral corrections. They enjoy playtime and tricks, and this mental stimulation keeps these dogs happy.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
Medium to high
Intelligence
High
Prey to drive
Medium to high
Mouthiness tendencies
Medium
Barking and Howling tendencies
Low
Wanderlust tendencies
Medium
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Exercise Needs
Whippet Chihuahuas are energetic dogs that can run very fast, and their exercise needs are low. They like to learn new things and look for new adventures. They love to play with toys, walk, hike and run. They are also good at agility, obedience, playing fetch, canine games, walking, running, and hiking. A daily exercise of 30 minutes and 2-3 walks and some running inside the house is ideal and keeps them happy and healthy. These canines love spending time with their owners, and hence just some indoor games and toys will make them joyous.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
High
Exercise needs
Low – medium
Intensity
High
Playfulness
High
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Grooming
Whippet Chihuahuas are low-maintenance dogs and shed depending on the gene they inherit. Generally, they shed medium to a high level and are primarily hypoallergenic. They are easy to groom, and the coat needs to be brushed 2-3 times per week. The coat can be either long-haired or short-haired, so brushing should be done accordingly. Brushing helps remove matted hair and pull out the loose fur during shedding. One of the essential parts of grooming is bathing which keeps the dog clean. However, frequent bathing causes dry skin and itches.
Bathe your dog using shampoos that are pH-balanced for dogs. Pet wipes will keep your dog’s coat fresh, clean, and shiny. They can also be bathed once a week. However, daily brushing helps to keep the fur from knots and tangles. They are prone to collect ear wax quickly. Hence,Ears should be cleaned and regularly checked as they are prone to ear problems. Brush their teeth daily to prevent plaque and other dental problems. Never brush the teeth with a stiff brush as it will harm the gums and teeth. Also, make sure to use dog-friendly toothpaste. Clean their eyes and trim their nails as a part of everyday grooming needs. Their toenails need to be checked once a week as longer nails may harm and injure the dog. You can trim the toenails with a commercial dog nail trimmer or with the help of a vet or professional groomer.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
High to medium
Drooling tendencies
Low
Amount of shedding
Medium to high
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Health
Whippet Chihuahuas are healthy dogs and may not develop any health concerns. It always helps to know when to take your pup to the vet.
General health
Medium to high
Weight gain tendencies
Medium to low
Size
Small
Eye Defects
Deformed Eyes (Small Microphthalmia): Animals suffering from this deformation develop smaller eyes as the nictitating membranes cover their eye sockets or sockets. For this reason, they may be confined to an eye or both.
Missing Eye or Eyes (Anophthalmia): This congenital disability occurs when one or both eyes are missing. At times, the eyes may have been formed but exist so deep inside the eye socket that the nictitating membrane covers them.
Wandering Eye: This condition is characterized by eye degeneration which causes the lens to be liquefied.
Cataracts: The condition causes cloudiness on the eye lens, leading to blindness.
Starburst Pupil (Coloboma): This deformation may be associated with deafness and blindness. It is similar to an eye cleft. This condition may also lead to cataracts in dogs.
Jagged Pupils: Dogs suffering from this defect are sensitive to light as their pupils have irregular edges.
Blindness: Lack of eyesight in one or both eyes
Corectopia: This condition doesn’t affect the dogs but may be associated with other issues. In this condition, the pupils of the eye droop below their normal position.
Cherry Eye: When the glands under your canine’s eyelid protrude, it appears like cherry and has to be removed surgically.
Dry Eye: This painful condition dries the affected eye or creates a blue haze due to the insufficient production of tears. It can be treated with proper medication or teardrops.
Entropion: Entropion is when the eyelids are positioned inwards, disturbing the eye and causing eye irritation. Treatment involves correcting the eyelids surgically.
Patellar Luxation: When the dog patella (kneecap), which typically lies in the cleft of the femur (thighbone), slips out of position, it is known as luxating patella. If the patella luxates, your dog may feel periodic hind limb “skipping,” lameness, or locking up the leg at an abnormal angle.
Deafness: Dogs, like people, can develop hearing loss as they age. Because this is usually a slow process, it might be challenging to observe. The eardrums become less flexible, and sounds are less efficiently transferred. Chronic ear infections cause some dogs to lose their hearing.
Cardiac Problems: Dogs often suffer from cardiac problems. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the signs or symptoms that could lead to cardiac problems in dogs. The most common cardiac issue is left ventricular hypertrophy, an enlargement of the heart’s left ventricle. This enlargement can be caused by many factors, including high blood pressure, obesity, and old age.
Owners need to know how to recognize these symptoms and take their dogs to the vet for treatment. Dogs with a history of heart disease may show signs like coughing or breathing problems, fatigue, lethargy, and vomiting. These signs are often accompanied by decreased appetite and weight loss.
Epilepsy: This is the most prevalent neurological disease in canines, concerning about 0.75 percent of the population. Epilepsy is a broad name for disorders characterized by repeated, uncontrollable seizures caused by a brain defect.
Spay or Neuter: In spay, the ovaries or uterus in females is removed, and in the neuter, the testicles of the male dogs are removed. It is done to eliminate the possibility of pregnancy or fathering unwanted puppies and decrease the likelihood of certain types of cancer.
Dermatitis: This condition refers to skin irritation. Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, parasites, and even food will often display skin irritation. Without early and proper treatment, this could effortlessly result in skin breaks from scratching and eventually cause skin infections.
Recommended test for Whippet Chihuahua Mix
X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Blood Work
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Diet and Nutrition
Whippet Chihuahuas are hybrid dogs. Therefore, they need a large quantity of high-quality food. They should eat 1-2 cups of food every day. Each puppy is distinctive, and the correct amount and quality of food depends on their age, weight, activity level, health, and more. The meals can also be split into two 2 cups daily. They are prone to obesity, and hence overfeeding must be avoided. Whippet Chihuahuas pups can be given dry food, wet food, or a combination of these. They can also be fed with fruits and vegetables that provide carbohydrate energy. Never hesitate to consult a vet to meet your pup’s dietary requirements to keep them happy and healthy.
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Living Condition
Whippet Chihuahuas love to be around their humans. They are adaptable and can live in apartments or homes with bigger yards. They love outdoor activities like walking, running, playing, and hunting. They are also content and happy with indoor games, toys, and play sessions with their owners. They love the attention of their owners and suffer separation anxiety when left alone. They do not suit homes with smaller kids and do not do well with other animals. Whippet Chihuahuas are sensitive and cannot tolerate extreme weather conditions, both cold and hot. It is best to cover their tiny bodies with warm clothes during harsh winters.
Adding a Whippet Chihuahua Mix to Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Whippet Chihuahua to your family
It is best to get a Whippet Chihuahua puppy from a reputable breeder to prevent unavoidable circumstances like health disorders and provide you with vaccination certificates. In addition, it is best to check with the puppy’s parents to ensure his health and happiness. Finally, always remember the following red flags to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills.
Puppies are available around the year.
You can choose from a variety of litter that is always available.
One will be promised any puppy they want.
Cost of a Whippet Chihuahua Puppy
The cost of a Whippet Chihuahua puppy ranges from $200 to $300.
