The Whippet Husky Mix – A Detailed Guide to Hippets

To continue my series of articles about Whippet mixes, today I’m looking at the Whippet Husky mix… or the Hippet as it’s also more commonly known.

The Whippet Husky mix is one of the most striking looking Whippet crosses, bearing the elegance and fine looks of both breeds.

In this post I’m going to discuss Husky Whippets in some detail, focussing on the following topics:

Whippet Husky Mix Appearance

N.B. There are several different types of Husky: Alaskan, Labrador, MacKenzie River, Sakhalin and Siberian. For the purposes of this article on Whippet Husky mixes, I won’t be referencing one of these specific Husky varieties. Instead I’ll be discussing the principal characteristics of Huskies that might apply to a Hippet.

Like many Whippet mixes, the Hippet has many fans. Whippets are a becoming an increasingly popular breed thanks to their athletic look and even temperament. Whippets are also great home sharers and can live in many different environments: Whippets make great apartment dogs and are equally happy living in a larger home.

As medium-sized dogs Whippets have long necks, deep chest and small waists, all of which give them the athletic, racing appearance that Whippet lovers, erm… love!

Find out more information about the Whippet dog breed.

Huskies are also considered medium-sized dogs. With their thick double coats, triangular ears and almond-shaped eyes, they have a distinct wolven appearance. 

A Whippet Husky mix then will most likely be a medium-sized dog, with a height of between 19″ to 23″, and a weight between 30lbs to 50lbs. Of course, as with any cross bred dog, there are no guarantees as far as appearance is concerned.

Whippets have short coats that don’t shed much and they require little grooming. Since Huskies are built to withstand colder climates with their thick fur, a Whippet Husky mix will likely require more grooming than a purebred Whippet and will no doubt shed more.

Purebred Whippets don’t care for cold weather and so a Whippet Husky mix might be much better suited to colder climates. That said, a Hippet might well struggle during warmer times, when they will shed far more than a pure Whippet.

Hippet Temperament

Whippets are sighthounds and love to chase and play. They make great companions and are especially loyal to their family… Whippets are great family dogs in my experience.

Huskies too are energetic and athletic. Historically bred as working dogs, Huskies were traditionally used in polar regions as sled dogs. Having strength and endurance, Huskies are ideally suited to such a task.

Whippets can be a little aloof with people they don’t know and they can also be “independent thinkers”! Once they get to know you though they are extremely loyal and loving.

Huskies can also be independent and a little stubborn, which means they need training from a young age… just like Whippets!

Both breeds have a strong prey drive, hence a Whippet Husky mix will likely inherit this love of the chase!

Whippets are described as loving, loyal, friendly and playful. Huskies are intelligent, confident, friendly and gentle. As a general rule, you may find a Hippet to inherit these personality traits and temperaments.

Find out more about Whippet temperament in my detailed guide.

Whippet Husky Health

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I’ve discussed in some of my other Whippet mix posts that all purebred dog breeds have a genetic tendency towards specific health issues. This means there are some illnesses or conditions that a given breed is more likely to suffer than some others.

Consequently, it’s possible for Whippet Husky mixes to inherit the tendency for certain diseases through their purebred parents. This is as true for the Hippets as it is for any Whippet mix.

Below then are some of the health problems that Whippets and Huskies (hence Whippet mixes) are more likely to inherit.

Whippets

• Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
• Deafness
• Sinus problems
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Allergies
• Mitral Valve Degeneration
• Skin Tears

Huskies

• Hypothyroidism
• Uveodermatologic Syndrome
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Corneal Dystrophy
• Hip Dysplasia
• Follicular Dysplasia

Assuming suitable exercise, a healthy diet and lots of loving care, a Whippet Husky mix might have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.

If You’re considering buying a whippet puppy, be sure the breeder you buy from is reputable. Always avoid any breeder who appears to be putting profits ahead of care.

Exercise & Care

As you might expect from athletic medium-sized dogs, both Whippets and Huskies need regular exercise.

Whippets need at least an hour a day off the lead in a safely enclosed space. Huskies too need a similar exercise regime, since like Whippets they may get themselves into mischief off the lead in an area that has potential dangers such as vehicles.

A Whippet Husky mix should most certainly never be off the lead in an area that’s not enclosed. A fenced garden or park will probably be the best place to walk a Hippet and ensure it remains safe.

The Whippet Husky will need more regular grooming than a purebred Whippet, though possibly less than a purebred Husky. You may find that a Hippet requires brushing once a week throughout most of the year, and probably once a day in shedding season.

Bathing requirements too might increase during seasons when the weather is more mucky. Should your Hippet inherit a thicker coat, it may require more washing since it’ll likely pick up dirt more easily than a mix that inherits a shorter Whippet-like coat.

Find out how to groom a Whippet.

If you’re unable to walk your Whippet Husky regularly on surfaces likely to wear down its claws, you’ll need to trim with clippers to prevent overgrowth and the painful problems that can cause.

Finally, check your Whippet Husky’s eyes and ears regularly to ensure they remain clean and free from a buildup of gunk that may lead to infection.

Like many dogs, it’s not ideal to leave Whippets or Huskies alone for long periods. It can lead to separation anxiety and undesirable behaviours. I would never leave my Whippet alone for more than 4 hours and I suggest a Whippet Husky mix might need the same respect.

Whippet Husky Mix Images from Instagram

Here is a selection of photos of Whippet Husky mixes from instagram. Each image links to the original image on Instagram.

Summary

The Whippet Husky is a very attractive looking Whippet mix that’s athletic, energetic, playful and loving. Given they require regular exercise and grooming they might be unsuitable for people who do not have the time to commit to their needs.

However, if you can commit to giving proper care, a Whippet Husky mix will be a very loyal housemate!

Related Posts:

• Whipbeagles: A Detailed Guide to the Whippet Beagle Mix
• A Guide to the Whippet Bedlington Mix
• The Whippet Border Collie Mix
• A Detailed Guide to the Whippet Boxer Mix
• The Chi Whip: A Guide to the Whippet Chihuahua Mix
• Whippet German Shepherd Mixes… or German Whippets If You Prefer!
• The Whippet Jack Russell Mix
• The Whippet Labrador Mix – A Guide to the Whipador
• Whipoodles: A Guide to the Whippet Poodle Mix

Do you have a Whippet Husky mix or want to know more about this lovely cross? Please leave a comment or question about Whippet Huskies at the bottom of the page.