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The Chihuahua is one of the smallest purebred dog breeds, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in pluckiness! As a cross breed, the Whippet Chihuahua mix results in a fun loving, high-energy dog with bags of personality.
We know much about the characteristics of the Chihuahua and Whippet dog breeds, but what about “Chi Whips”?
The following article is a detailed guide to the Whippet Chihuahua mix, examining the following characteristics you might want to know about as a potential owner:
Table of Contents
- Whippet Chihuahua Mix Appearance
- Temperament
- Health
- Exercise & Care
- Chi Whip Images from Instagram
- Summary
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Appearance
I’ve referenced the small stature of Chihuahuas above. As a general rule, Chihuahuas measure between 6″ and 9″ (15cm to 22cm). Consequently, Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed recognised by some kennel clubs.
Since Whippets are medium sized dogs (17.5″ to 22″ / 45m to 56cm depending upon sex), a Whippet Chihuahua mix will likely fall in the 8″ to 18″ range (20cm to 46cm) with a weight of anything between 6lbs to 40lbs (2.7kg to 18.1kg).
Whippets are low shedders: they’re single coated with short fine fur and they require little grooming. As such they’re good dogs for allergy sufferers, though no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic.
Chihuahuas on the other hand can be short or long-coated, and they require grooming at least once a week (especially if they’re a long-coated variety).
Chi Whippet mixes then may have slightly longer fur than traditional purebred Whippets, depending upon the coat of the Chihuahua parent. That said, it’s likely that a Chi Whip will not enjoy colder periods and will need to wrap up warm in winter.
Chi Whippet Temperament
Whippets are very sweet natured dogs. They’re gentle and loving and not at all aggressive in my experience… they very rarely even bark!
As long as you give Whippets suitable exercise, they’ll be very happy lounging around for the rest of the day in a comfy spot. Consequently, Whippets make excellent pets for a family home.
Though small, Chihuahuas are bold and quite sure of themselves! They tend to be very close to (and protective of) their families so they make great watchdogs… albeit tiny ones.
It’s likely that Whippet Chihuahua mixes will also be a gentle, loving and happy home companion as long as their exercise needs are met.
Both Whippets and Chihuahuas need socialising with other dogs and people as pups and this is something that you’ll need to factor with a Chi Whippet. As with many breeds, they can be a little reserved with new people / dogs so encouraging them to meet others early i their lives is essential.
Remember… the temperament of any dog is not guaranteed. All breeds have a generally recognised personality, but an individual dog’s temperament can be different from what’s normally expected. The way in which you raise and train your Whippet Chihuahua mix puppy will have a significant bearing on its personality.
Whippet Chihuahua Mix Health
As with temperament, each dog breed tends to be susceptible to certain health conditions and illnesses. As a result, it’s possible that a Whippet Chihuahua mix will be prone to the same health problems associated with its parents.
The following are some of the health problems that Whippets and Chihuahuas can face.
Whippets
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Deafness
- Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
- Sinus problems
- Mitral Valve Degeneration
- Allergies
Chihuahuas
With proper appropriate exercise, diet and a good home, Whippet Chihuahuas have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
If you’re interested in buying any Whippet puppy (including Whippet cross breeds), be sure to buy only from reputable breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices.
Exercise & Care for a Whippet Chihuahua Mix
As with any puppy, a Chi Whip pup will not have the same exercise needs as an adult dog. Care should be taken not to over-exercise puppies, especially on hot days.
Adult whippets need to exercise for around an hour each day, whereas adult Chihuahuas require around 20 to 30 minutes. Adult Whippet Chihuahua mixes will likely need up to 40 minutes each day.
Both Whippets and Chihuahuas can become destructive if they don’t receive sufficient exercise, especially if they are also left alone for long periods.
All dogs enjoy playing games and unleashed exercise out in the open. Whippets needs short, intense bursts of running and Chihuahuas too like to chase things. Both breeds are also happy to walk around the neighbourhood on the leash.
Variety is the spice of life and Chi Whippets too will enjoy a mix of different types of exercise. If you have a walled / fenced garden they can play in as an addition to more formal exercise, this will provide another safe area for mental and physical stimulation.
Whippets can be stubborn and require training to curb naughtiness. Chihuahuas are perhaps a little easier to train than Whippets, but like all dogs it’s wise to train them early.
Chi Whip mixes may present slightly more of a challenge than purebred Chihuahuas but will likely adapt more readily to training than purebred Whippet puppies.
Chi Whip Images from Instagram
Summary
The Whippet Chihuahua mix results in a small dog, though probably not as petite as a pure Chihuahua. If you have very small children who are still finding their feet, you may need to take care with smaller Chi Whips.
Chi Whippets don’t shed much but probably require grooming once a week, especially if the Chihuahua parent is a long-hared variety.
A Whippet Chihuahua cross will more than likely be a loving, caring and protective family member, but you’ll need to avoid leaving them alone for long periods in the daytime.
If you have a small home or live in an apartment, Chi Whips will probably be an ideal dog breed for you. Just be sure to give them the exercise they need and lots of love!
Whippets come in a wide variety of gorgeous cross breeds. Find out more about Whippet mixes in my super detailed guide!
Do you own a Whippet Chihuahua mix? Or perhaps you simply love Chi Whips? I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or question about Whippet Chihuahua crosses in the comment section below.
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Kristy says
We have a 2 yr old chi whip, named Charlie, that we have had since he was 6 weeks old. We love him dearly, but he sheds ridiculously. His hair ends up all over our clothes, socks, and any blanket that he lays on. We have bought a shedding brush, but it does not help. What should we do?
Tedneb says
You forgot the key word: FAST! Ours can run circles around our very young and healthy adult Golden Retriever. He’s a very sweet dog and was rescued from being a bait dog for Pitbull fights: he even had a number spray painted on his side. Ironically, he has a very strong mother-son relationship with our female Pitbull who cuddles with him and routinely grooms and “hugs” him.
Dogs are the best. People suck.
paulf says
People who mistreat any animal suck Tedneb… I’m so glad your little one found a nice home.
Shirley says
Just got a 10 1/2 month old CHI WHIP. He is adorable and we love him to pieces. He is full of energy, loves to run outside in our large enclosed yard.
Looking for the best food to feed him, as he doesn’t like the Science diet the shelter said he liked. He has been in two shelters and we suspect some kind of abuse. He flinches a lot with our hands. And he is learning not to chew on our hands.
We have had two different Chihuahua mix breeds and they both lived to be 21 years old before we had to put them down. They both were the best dogs a person could ask for.
We are both seniors and love our pets dearly. Would like to get Apollo (his name) a friend older cat or another small dog. All our pets have been rescued from shelters.
Thanks for listening. Apollo’s family.
Lindamichelle says
Yes I too have a Chi Whippet. My question is this. My Deer Head Chi & my female Whippet had bred, but she only had 1 pup and he is all grey and has greenish / grey eyes and he’s 4 months old… he is all Whippet but very small, about 3 1/2 pounds. I suppose my question is will he stay that small? Cause he hasn’t grown in the last 4 months.
Jackie says
I have a 8yo Chi Whippet his name is Buddy Boy but I just call him Buddy. He is so sweet and I love him. I got him at a flea market and he came with the fleas but I like to joke by saying I bought the fleas and got the dog Free!
He loves the cats, especially the big orange one I’ve named Garfield… he’s an elderly cat and he loves to groom him at least once or twice a day and he seems to be a little afraid of one of the twin cats Willie. But he seems fine with Woodie the brother of Willie and he is so good with my family and when the house cleaner comes over he gets so excited to see her and he will try to talk to her and we can so tell what he is trying to say! lol
In the morning he is calm and in the afternoon he will bark at everything while looking out the window. I have a little perch for him to sit on so cute he will spend most of his time outside in the dog yard and it’s attached to the house with a doggy door. When we first got him I already had a little Chihuahua who was an elderly dog and he passed away about 4 years ago and when he passed, Buddy sat in the window and just howled for hours like he was at a funeral. It made me realize how sentimental he is… so sweet!
He is always trying to hide his toy squirrel like it was his baby, which I made for him with no squeaker, because he will chew it up, and no stuffing, because he will throw it all over the house. He doesn’t like crinkly noise makers so I had to make it myself: they don’t sell it with or without. He loves to chase squirrels in the backyard so that is why I made it in the shape of a squirrel so cute.
My family just loves him to death!
paulf says
Hi Jackie… aww Buddy Boy sounds amazing! Aren’t we lucky we can share our lives with such extraordinary companions?!
Michelle says
I currently have a 16 year old Chi Whippet who is the love of my life. I am currently looking to get a 2nd one, but I can’t seem to find any Chi Whippet breeders or any Chi Whippets up for adoption anywhere. I have Googled endless searches and have come up with nothing. If you can point me in any direction where I would be able to get a 2nd Chi Whippet that would be extremely helpful! Thank you!
Jana says
I’m looking for a Chi-Whip puppy. Any good leads on breeders? We currently have a rescue that I believe is a Chi-Whip and he’s the best dog ever. Super smart, funny and super loving. He’s like a wet noodle in our arms. Very trusting and human like! I want another!
Bri says
I’ve had my puppy Chi Whip for 2 months, (she’s 4 months now). Her name is Fungi, she is so sweet and smart, super loyal. She absolutely loves to do sprints with me on the beach and loves exploring the rocks, she can jump so so far and high its ridiculous. She has also happily followed me into calm rock pools, is a great little swimmer. And when we go surfing she will just sit on her towel and watch. She learns things really really quickly, if she fails something once, she gets it right the second time and then always.
Only trouble so far is the puppy biting is terrible, although she rarely bites me, when she does she stops on command. But anyone else who tries to cuddle (including my partner) she will not stop intensely nibbling their hands and nose! I’m not sure how to help this, or if it’s just puppy phase? She is my first dog.
Christina Glover says
I recently adopted a Whippet Chihuahua mix. She’s 1yr. I am normally not a dog person but decided to give it a try since I live alone. I absolutely love her. She makes me laugh so hard sometimes. Loud noises scare her. She rides in the car nicely. She is so many of the things ya’ll described here. Her name is MylaMoo.
I would love more training tips!
paulf says
Hi Christina. MylaMoo is such a great name! I’m glad she brings you such joy. I have a few tips on training here that may be useful: Whippet Training Tips.
Kathy says
I have a 3 year old Chi Whip I rescued 11 mo. ago. He was in a hoarding situation and was shy. I had the world’s best trainer and followed his advice of a lot of walking. Cubby is the best and goofiest pet I’ve ever had. He learns fast and loves me dearly but has a stubbornness sometimes. He is picky about his food. His big and I mean big fear is a garbage truck. Has complete PTSD meltdown. No other noises bother him… thunder, fire works, sirens don’t bother him just garbage trucks. His greatest asset as he doesn’t bark and very well behaved in public
paulf says
Hello Kathy… and thanks so much for taking the time to tell me about Cubby… a great name, by the way!
April Shand says
I rescued a 10 yr old Chi Whip last year. Fearful of new people until she gets to know them, but the most loving little girl. Has separation anxiety and barks when left alone, so we’re working on that since we live in a condo.
I love her to pieces and will give her the best rest of her life possible. She’s pretty tiny at 8 lbs and very healthy. A great walker and hiker, and sits in a basket when we bike ride.
paulf says
Hi April. She sounds adorable and I believe she has found a great home! Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about her… and I hope the separation anxiety dissipates as time passes.
Kristy says
I gave a 5 month old male Chi Whip. He is fiesta. We are having a hard time house breaking him though. We tried Lee pads but he would just rip them up. Any helpful hints?
paulf says
Ahhh it’s a challenge for sure. I can only advise to stick with it and you’ll get it licked… there are some great tips here.
Katherine E Neal says
I have a beautiful Chi Whip, 2yrs and 4 months old. To put it mildly she is OBSESSED with chasing bunnies, squirrels, Chipmunks, bugs, etc.
I mean anytime we’re going out just to go potty, the second I open the door she flies out and she’s in a stance ready to attack, chase, pounce. I realize that originally she was bred for hunting but she can’t and has NEVER caught anything.
July 5th 2021 was the closest she ever came to catching something (a Chipmunk) I had to assist QUITE A BIT with helping her. However, it inevitably escaped into a cement Sewer drain tube thing. Belle (my Chi Whips name) all she did from that moment until I had to pick her up and bring her home to calm her down, was cry and look at me… cry even more and then put her teeth on the cement, like just rest her teeth on the cement and just cry even more while looking at me accusingly as if I was intentionally not helping her.
It breaks my heart!
To this day, every time we go outside she runs straight to that tube and then you just can see the disappointment all over her face.
Is it possible my dogs becoming depressed because she just doesn’t want to play after another failed attempt at hunting. She looks sad she withdraws to herself and she just looks depressed because she can’t catch nothing.
Another huge issue is she’s a picky eater and I cannot find anything she likes and I get her the top of the best dog foods the stuff you have to order online, stuff that comes refrigerated like the best of the best that she’ll just turn her nose up at it.
paulf says
Hi Katherine… your Chi Whip sounds lovely!
We have similar problems with our purebred Whippet and squirrels though. She loves to chase them and when we intervene she doesn’t like it at all. She caught one once and parting her from it made her VERY unhappy indeed.
In terms of her picky eating, you could maybe speak to a veterinary professional to see if there’s anything they could suggest.
Lori says
We have a Whip Chi… she is a 3 year old rescue. We got her at 6 months old. She was very abused. Now she’s spoiled, very smart and so sweet. Still skittish around people she doesn’t know. My question is we use pee pads for her. She will pee on the pee pad but we can not get her to poop on the pee pad for the life of us . Uugh what do we do?
paulf says
Bless her… she sounds lovely.
In terms of the pee-pads… where does she normally poop?