The Whippet Dachshund Mix – A Guide to the Whiphund

According to the American Kennel Club, Whippets are the 59th most popular dog breed. Dachshunds however are a far more popular breed, appearing in position 10 of the USA’s favourite list. It’s not surprising to imagine that the Whippet Dachshund mix appeals to lovers of both breeds.

In this post I’m discussing the Whiphund (the name for a Whippet Dachshund mix) with a view to outlining the following characteristics of this popular Whippet mix:

A Note on Whippet Mixes

As with all Whippet crosses, there is no guarantee that a Whippet Dachshund mix will look like and behave like a crossbred dog. For example, it’s entirely possible that a Whiphund will look like a purebred Whippet or a Dachshund.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that cross breeding dogs is controversial as many people believe it’s better to rescue a mixed breed dog than to take a “designer dog” puppy from a breeder.

Whippet Dachshund Mix Appearance

Although always popular, Dachshunds have become perhaps even more so in recent times. Its short legs, long body, floppy ears and expressive features are irresistible to many dog lovers. Of course, the Whippet also has many admirers and it too appears to be growing in popularity.

As you might imagine, the Whiphund is one of the smaller Whippet mixes. Though likely not as small as the Chi Whip (a Whippet Chihuahua mix), the Whiphund will possibly have a height of between 5″ and 21″ and a weight between18lbs and 35lbs.

Dachshunds come in two sizes: miniature and standard. Hence, the height and weight of Whiphunds fall into a very broad range depending upon the Dachshund parent.

In terms of coat, the Whippet Dachshund mix can vary enormously too, since Dachshunds have three different coat types: smooth, longhaired and wire-haired.

As for coloration, Dachshund Whippets will likely have an highly varying palette. We often think of Dachshunds as being black and tan, but the truth is they can also be:

• Red
• Fawn
• Chocolate
• Blue and Tan
• Black and Cream

Whippets vary in colour too:

• Black
• Blue
• White
• Cream

Both Whippet and Dachshund also have potential for a range of different markings, which provides the basis for a hugely varied coat in a mix of these two breeds.

Whiphund Temperament

Whippets are a very loving and kind dog breed, and they don’t have an aggressive bone in their body. This even and caring temperament explains why Whippets make such great pets.

Of course… like any dog breed they need proper care and a Whippet-appropriate level of daily exercise to remain content.

Although very loving, in general Whippets are not naturally pre-disposed to obedience. This isn’t to say they’re disobedient… they’re just independent thinkers! However this doesn’t mean they’re completely independent as they love the company of their family.

Most owners will tell you that their Whippet is like a second shadow! Whippets can be left alone, but it’s not a good idea to leave them at home on their own for long periods.

Find out more about Whippet temperament in my detailed guide.

Dachshunds too can be independent and somewhat stubborn and may be a little reserved with strangers. This independence means that both Dachshunds and Whippets can be more challenging to train than some other breeds.

Dachshunds also need socialisation from an early age like Whippets. That said, they are known to be affectionate, loving and even-tempered.

In general Dachshunds are affectionate with their family, good with children and are playful with a happy disposition.

Whippet Dachshund Mix Health

Whippets and Dachshunds are generally healthy breeds, though both have a tendency to certain health conditions.

With proper care, diet and exercise a Whippet Dachshund mix may be expected to live between 12 to 15 years.

As with any dog it’s important not to overfeed to avoid obesity, which can be a problem for Dachshunds specifically.

Of course it’s always difficult to provide a definitive list of health problems that a Whuphund might be pre-disposed to.

So in terms of this post, I’m presenting the health problems associated with both purebred Whippets and Dachshunds.

Whippets

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

Find out about more about Whippet health issues.

Dachshunds

• Hip Dysplasia
• Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Eye Problems
• Patella Luxation
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity
• Skin Problems

Please bear in mind that this is not a definitive list of all the health conditions that Whippets Dachshund mixes suffer. Neither does it represent all the health conditions that affect Whiphunds.

As a general rule, you should always keep some basic canine medical supplies at home at home. Find out what to put in a dog first aid kit.

Whiphund Exercise & Care

Exercise

Whippets require at least an hour of off lead exercise each day. Don’t be fooled into believing they require less than this, despite their reputation as couch potatoes, because in reality Whippets aren’t lazy!

Furthermore, Whippets also require mental stimulation and play for all round wellbeing.

Dachshunds too need more exercise than you might think. Although they’re small they still need at least an hour of daily exercise. Most veterinary professionals advise their daily walks should be split into two.

However, it’s important to realise that because of their body shape, Dachshunds can damage their backs very easily. As a consequence, regular exercise helps to strengthen their backs but they should never be encouraged to:

• Play jumping games.
• Run up and down steps and stairs.
• Jump on and off furniture.

These activities can lead to back injury.

In terms of Whippet Dachshund mixes, the type of safe activity they can undertake will be determined somewhat by their body shape. Nonetheless, expect that your Whiphund will need at least an hour of exercise every day.

Grooming

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Since Whippets are short, smooth haired moderate shedders, we might assume that a cross with a smooth-haired Dachshund will result in an equally smooth-coated dog. In this case, managing fur and dander will probably be low-maintenance, as is the case in grooming any short-haired dog.

A Whippet crossed with a longhaired or Wire-haired Dachshund will possibly require more frequent grooming as you might expect, but of course this will depend on the coat thickness.

Keep a close eye on claw length, especially if your Whiphund is not wearing its claws down naturally.

Whippet Dachshund Mix Images from Instagram

Summary

Although they may be a little reserved with strangers, the Whippet Dachshund mix will be a happy and loving family pet assuming proper care. They might also be a little stubborn but if properly exercised will likely be calm and loyal.

Care should be taken with a Whiphund’s back, if genetic dominancy results in a dog with a predominant Dachshund shape.

Do you own a Whippet Dachshund Mix? What have been your experiences? Please drop a comment below to let me know.

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• The Whippet German Shepherd Mix
• The Whippet Jack Russell Mix
• The Whippet Boxer Mix
• The Whippet Border Collie Mix