The Whippet Kelpie Cross – Is it a Whelpie or a Kippet?

As a dog breed from Australia, the Kelpie won’t be too familiar with most people who don’t live beneath the southern cross. As a consequence, the Whippet Kelpie cross is likely a mix that many people won’t have heard of.

So, for my antipodean readers, or those generally interested in finding out more about Whippet mixes, I’m going to discuss the Whippet Kelpie cross in some detail by looking at the following topics:

A Note on the Whippet Kelpie Cross

When we talk about the characteristics of any dog breed, we can only ever talk in general terms, regardless of whether they’re pure bred or cross bred.

For example, the purebred Whippet temperament is generally loving, amiable but slightly independent. The temperament of individual dogs can vary. So for example, it is possible to have a Whippet that’s atypically very easy to train.

The same is true for mixed breed dogs and so we can only ever talk in general terms about the characteristics of a specific mix, such as the Whippet Kelpie cross.

Whippet Kelpie Cross Appearance

Whippets are medium sized dogs. Built for speed, they have a slight but athletic appearance with a deep chest and slender waist. As a rule Whippets have a height between 45.5cm to 56cm (18” to 22”) and a weight of between 9kg to 19kg (20lbs to 42lbs): Whippet males tend to be larger than females.

All Whippets have short coats (don’t be fooled by the name of the long haired Whippet… that isn’t actually a Whippet) that present in a variety of colours:

• Black
• White
• Red
• Blue
• Cream
• Fawn
• Brindle

Find out more about Whippet colours.

The Kelpie is also classed as a medium sized dog breed, but they can vary in size. Generally they measure between 39cm to 64cm (15″ to 25″) and weigh 13kg to 27kg (29lb to 60lb). Male Kelpies also tend to be larger than females.

Kelpies have an athletic build too, but unlike Whippets they are generally less lean and more muscular. They’re short coated too, but unlike Whippets they have a double coat, meaning they shed more.

Their coats may be smooth or rough and they present in 7 colour combinations:

• Black
• Chocolate
• Red
• Fawn
• Blue
• Black and tan
• Red and tan

The Whippet Kelpie cross is likely to be a muscular, medium-sized dog with short fur that could either be a single or double coat with a combination of colours.

Kelpie X Whippet Mix Temperament

Although Whippets are Sighthounds and are always ready for action when out for walks, they’re generally a calm and loving breed while at home. They’re often sensitive dogs and they can be “independent” thinkers! This independent streak can make training more of a challenge than some other breeds.

Although Whippets have a reputation for being lazy, they really aren’t. That said, assuming appropriate levels of exercise, a Whippet will be quite content to spend a considerable amount of time snoozing!

Alert, loyal and extremely good family dogs, Whippets can live happily in apartments and houses, but opportunities to run off the lead are vital to keep them happy and healthy… Whippets were bred for speed.

Kelpies have a keen intelligence, which makes them well suited to working dog life. They’re even tempered and good with children, which makes them excellent family pets.

As a contrast to Whippets, Kelpies are considered relatively easy to train and make ideal herding dogs, which is why they are often found as working dogs on farms. They can also be very territorial.

However, like Whippets they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation… bored dogs full of energy can become destructive.

The Whippet Kelpie cross is then likely to be a very loyal, high-energy dog that’s great as a family pet.

The Health of the Kelpie Cross Whippet

Both Whippets and Kelpies are generally healthy breeds, but both do have a tendency to certain conditions and illnesses. Below are some of the more common conditions, to which both breeds can be predisposed:

Kelpies

• Cerebellar Abiotrophy
• Cryptorchidism
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Collie Eye Anomaly
• Hip Dysplasia
• Luxating Patella
• Hypothyroidism

Whippets

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

Both Kelpies and Whippets have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Exercise and Care for the Whippet Kelpie Cross

As referenced above, the Whippet and Kelpie are breeds that enjoy (and need) activity. Both are athletic dogs requiring at least an hour’s worth of exercise each day, preferably off the lead.

Additional to this is play and entertainment at home. Both breeds enjoy mental stimulation and enjoy playing fetch or spending time with their families.

Whippets should certainly never be left alone at home for more than 4 hours and I’d suggest the same would be true for Kelpies… and consequently Kelpie Whippets.

In terms of grooming, both breeds require relatively low maintenance. As a rule, being short coated, Whippets and Kelpies remain fairly clean (unless they roll in something!).

However, Kelpies do tend to require more grooming than Whippets due to the thicker double coat. As a result, a good weekly comb through its coat will likely keep rogue Whippet Kelpie shedding to a minimum!

As with all dogs, you’ll need to keep a weekly eye on claws to ensure they’re wearing down. If not they’ll need trimming.

Whippet Kelpie Mix Images from Instagram

Summary

Owing to the parentage, Whippet Kelpie crosses are likely to be loving and loyal medium sized dogs that can live happily in most home environments including apartments… assuming they enjoy plenty of daily exercise and time spent in the company of their families. Both breeds are known to make excellent family dogs and are good with children.

Do you own a Whippet Kelpie cross or have experience of one? Please let me know or ask a question in the comment area at the bottom of this page.

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