A Guide to The Whippet Cross Saluki – Could It Be A Slippet?

This entry in my series on Whippet mixes features two breeds of Sighthound, resulting in a Longdog: the Whippet cross Saluki.

With its silky coat and feathery ears, the Saluki is a very easily identifiable breed. The Whippet too is easy to identify, even if it’s often confused for a young Greyhound.

While they’re different breeds, they are both from the Sighthound family, meaning they share very similar physical characteristics.

In this post, I’m going to provide a guide to the Whippet cross Saluki by discussing the following areas:

A Note on Whippet Crosses

As with all my articles about Whippet crosses I have to preface the following information by saying that no one can describe the precise personality and physical characteristics of any dog with 100% certainty. This includes not only cross bred dogs but also pure breeds.

While we can talk generally about the characteristics of purebred dogs with a fair degree of confidence, individual dogs can always veer from what’s considered the norm.

With cross bred dog breeds we have to make more assumptions since the many resultant breeds don’t have regulated standards documented in many cases over many decades.

Many people view dogs like the Whippet cross Saluki as designer dogs bred to satisfy popular demand in the past 20 years or so. The truth is though that Longdogs have been bred for centuries to produce desirable capabilities and characteristics suited to specific needs.

Usually these needs relate to hunting, tracking or herding.

Whippet Cross Saluki Appearance

A very old breed (perhaps going back as far as 7,000 BC) originating from the Middle East, the Saluki like the Whippet, has the same elegant and athletic looking inverted “S” body shape that Sighthound lovers adore.

Salukis are also slender dogs like the Whippet, though Whippets are probably more often described as lean, but they’re larger dogs. A Saluki can measure 23” to 28” (58.5cm to 71cm) at the shoulders and weigh between 40lbs to 65lbs (18kg to 29.5kg), with males being larger than females.

They have long, narrow heads, oval eyes and long ears. Their coats are short and may be smooth or more uncommonly rough. The smooth coated variety has silky feathering on its ears, paws and tail, whereas the rough coated Saluki has no feathering.

Salukis may be coloured black, cream, fawn, golden or white and they can be “grizzle” (multicoloured) or tricolour (three distinct colours, usually black, white and tan).

Whippets on the other hand are slightly smaller dogs of between 18” and 22” (45.5cm to 55.9cm) at the shoulder, with a weight of 25lbs to 40lbs (11.3kg to 18.1kg).

As mentioned previously, Whippets share a very similar physical aspect as Greyhounds: a “pinched” waist and deep chest… in fairness, Salukis share this shape too.

Whippets have short coats that come in a variety of colours such as black, blue, cream, fawn, red, silver, tan and white. It’s also possible to find Whippets with masks and white trims, or even parti-colour and brindle Whippets.

Find out more about Whippet colours and markings.

As a consequence, a Whippet cross Saluki may well result in a dog with the following physical characteristics:

• Height: 18” to 28” (45.5cm to 71cm)
• Weight: 25lbs to 65lbs (11.3kg to 29.5kg)
• Coat: Single coat with short fur and possible silky feathering at the ears and tail or no feathering and a slightly more rough coat.
• Colour: Black, blue, cream, fawn, golden, red, silver, tan and white. Multicoloured, parti-coloured, tri-coloured or brindle, with or without dark mask and white trims.

Whippet Saluki Cross Temperament

Whippets and Salukis are temperamentally very similar dog breeds. Both breeds can be a little reserved around strangers, but they are devoted family members and both make excellent family dogs.

A Whippet cross Saluki then is likely to be somewhat aloof around people and dogs they don’t yet know. However, once accustomed they’ll be quite sociable.

Assuming you provide Whippets and Salukis with plenty of daily physical entertainment and mental stimulation they will be happy to spend the rest of their time relaxing on something comfortable.

They are both fun loving at play and enjoy high energy activity… chase is a particular favourite.

Sighthound breeds have an independent streak, so while not outrightly disobedient they may decide to choose between what’s requested by their carer and what else is on offer!

Since both breeds have a strong urge to chase things, especially smaller animals, it can be difficult to house them under the same roof as cats. Cats provide an irresistible temptation to play chase and what can start out as fun can wind up in trouble.

It’s likely that a Whippet Saluki cross will require a determined approach to training to curb the independent streak… puppy classes and exposure to other dogs from a young age will help them become obedient and confident.

Most important is exercise, which I’ll come onto. Whippets, Salukis, Sighthounds and Londogs require an opportunity to run off the leash for a substantial period each day. 

Aside from the health risks associated with a lack of exercise, any dog that doesn’t have sufficient daily exercise will probably become unhappy and destructive.

The Health of Whippet Saluki Mixes

As a general rule, Whippets and Salukis are both healthy breeds that can live long lives generally free from significant health issues assuming they are provided with a loving home, a good diet and sufficient exercise.

Salukis have a life expectancy of between 10 and 17 years, while Whippets can live between 12 and 15 years.

Though both breeds are generally healthy, both are prone to certain health conditions. The following are some of the conditions which Salukis and Whippets may suffer:

Salukis

• Mitral Valve Disease
• Canine Hemangiosarcoma
• Canine Hip Dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism

Whippets

• Mitral Valve Disease
• Canine Hemangiosarcoma
• Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
• Orthopaedic Injuries
• Sensitivity to Anaesthesia
• Deafness

Find out more about Whippet health.

Exercise and Care for the Whippet Saluki Cross

Whippets and Salukis require a high level of exercise… though Salukis probably require more than Whippets.

A Whippet requires between 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise every day whereas Salukis need perhaps 1.5 hours each day.

Ideally you’d exercise both breeds (and therefore the Whippet cross Saluki) off the leash in an enclosed space, such as a field or dog walking park. I would never encourage anyone to permit any Sighthound to walk off the leash in a public area or on anywhere near roads

If you want to walk a Whippet Saluki cross off the lead, an enclosed space is vital. Sighthounds and Longdogs are simply too easily attracted to chase things that move in a way that appeals to their instinct.

Sadly, this can easily get them into trouble or put them and others in danger. When a Sighthound is in chase mode, it’s almost impossible to stop them.

Always keep a Whippet Saluki cross (or any Sighthound mix) on a lead if they are not in an area that fences them in.

Most Sighthound breeds don’t do well if left alone for long periods of time. Salukis and Whippets can suffer separation anxiety if left at home for many hours at a time on a regular basis… they simply love hanging out with their family too much!

How much exercise do Whippets need?

Grooming

Whippets and Salukis are short haired, though Salukis do have feathering on the ears, paws and tail. 

Normally Whippets require weekly, low-level grooming and perhaps a body wash once a month depending on the season or how mucky they get.

Salukis too have relatively low-level grooming needs, though they may need somewhat more attention than a Whippet if they have the feathering.

It stands to reason then that if a Whippet Saluki cross inherits the feathering it will probably require more fur grooming than a purebred Whippet or rough coated Saluki with no feathering.

You’ll also need to factor nail clipping. Depending upon the types of surfaces your Whippet Saluki walks on (concrete will file them down a little), you’ll probably need to trim its claws once or twice every month.

Find out more about Whippet grooming.

Diet

Diet is one of the most important things to get right for any dog, regardless of whether it’s pure or cross bred.

You should give a Whippet Saluki cross a high quality food, preferably recommended by your veterinarian. Our veterinary practice recommended Wellness CORE Ocean Dog Food Dry Grain Free (the salmon and tuna variety for adult dogs) and it’s something we’ve stuck with.

Be careful with treats though as well as foods produced for human consumption. Overfeeding treats can lead to canine obesity and a whole host of related medical problems. Additionally, there are many human foods that dogs can’t eat or oughtn’t.

Although Sighthounds are known to be lean, Salukis and Whippets can get fat!

I’ll say up front, Whippets are very sneaky where food is concerned and will always take the opportunity to snaffle something they shouldn’t. Salukis too can be opportunistic eaters and have a reputation for being a little on the greedy side.

Never turn your back on your food when a Whippet or Saluki is in the area!

If you’re in any doubt about what to feed your Whippet Saluki, always talk to a veterinary professional. A veterinarian will be able to provide you with advice tailored specifically for your dog.

In terms of what dogs can drink, water is really all they need.

Whippet Cross Saluki Images from Instagram

If you don’t know what a Whippet Saluki cross looks like, check out these gorgeous hounds. You can click them to visit their accounts on Instagram.

By the way, their ears are just fantastic!

Summary

If you want a Whippet cross Saluki you might first consider rehoming or adopting, as many mixed breed dogs end up in rescue centres. Rescue dogs may require a a little extra TLC at first, but many people end up with the best friend they could ever hope for as a result.

Find out more about adopting a Whippet puppy.

If you want a Whippet Saluki mix puppy, you’ll need to find a breeder. However, always check that the breeder is reputable, caring and understands both breeds. Don’t ever take a Whippet cross Saluki (or any dog breed) from someone who treats dogs as factories to make money.

Do you own a Whippet Saluki cross or do you have questions about them? I’d love to hear more. Please leave a comment in the section at the bottom of this page.

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