The Whippet Pit Bull Mix – A Detailed Guide to Pit Whippets

Despite the full name, the American Pit Bull has its origins in English and Irish Terriers that made their way across the Atlantic to the US in the 19th Century. In recent times, cross breeding the Pit Bull has resulted in a variety of different mixes. In this post I’ll be discussing one such cross: the Whippet Pit Bull mix.

As with all my posts on Whippet mixes, I’ll focus on the following areas to provide you with a detailed guide to this particular mix:

Whippet Mixes and A Word on Pit Bulls

In this discussion of the Whippet Pit Bull, I’ll be talking very much in general terms. While all dog breeds have a tendency towards certain behavioural and temperamental traits, individual dogs can vary. This can be especially true of mixes.

So while the Whippet Pit Bull will likely share some of the characteristics of both parent breeds, there may be a greater tendency towards one of the parent breeds than the other.

The upshot of this is that a Whippet Pit Bull may look and behave more like a Whippet than a Pit Bull… or vice versa.

So what follows is a discussion of the most likely result of mixing these two breeds. However, please remember that the appearance and temperament of Whippet Pit Bull mixes may vary considerably.

See all my articles about Whippet mixes.

American Pit Bulls themselves have a bad reputation in certain countries. In the UK, several unprovoked Pit Bull attacks on people dating from 1981 onwards, resulted in making the breeding and ownership of them illegal under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. While the Pit Bull breed is generally considered a loving and loyal breed, all dog owners have a duty to care for and train them properly.

Whippet Pit Bull Mix Appearance

Whippets are classed as medium-sized dogs while Pit Bulls are medium to large. But where Whippets are lean (bordering on skinny) and athletic, “Pitties” are stocky and muscular.

The result for Pit Bull Whippets is likely a medium-sized dog that’s more muscular than a purebred Whippet but less stocky than a Pit Bull.

A Pit Bull Whippet may weigh between 25lbs to 65lbs (11kg to 30kg) and have a height of between 18″ to 22″ (45cm to 56cm).

As both parent breeds are short coated, it’s reasonable to expect a Pit Whip to be short coated too: good news for those conscious of shedding!

Given the range of colours of Whippets and Pit Bulls, you might expect a cross of these breeds to be a mix of colours, from cream through fawn to brown, black and red. It’s also possible they’ll be brindle and have masks. Again of course, parental genes determine what’s possible.

Pitbull Whippet Mix Temperament

Whippets are generally very even tempered and loving. When out on walks they can be very active, zooming around like wild things and chasing toys / other dogs due to their Sighthound nature.

Whippets are also ideal family dogs and given their gentle nature they’re great with kids. As long as you exercise your Whippet properly, they’ll be happy to just relax at home.

Pit Bulls too are known in general to be good family dogs, though like Whippets, early socialisation and training is important to help develop obedience and good habits.

Whippet Pit Bull mixes will likely be loyal, friendly, loving and protective of their families but they may be aloof and a little reserved around people and other dogs until they get to know them.

In order to ensure your Pit Bull Whippet is happy, and to avoid undesirable behaviours, it’s hugely important that you provide them with a suitable amount of exercise / play each day. Ideally you’ll give them at least an hour each day.

Find out how much exercise Whippets need.

N.B. Although in general both Whippets and Pit Bulls are known to be good with children, it’s advisable never to leave very young children alone with any dog.

The Health of Whippet Pit Bull Mixes

In general, both Whippets and Pitbulls are healthy breeds. That said, both breeds are prone to certain health conditions.

The following are some of the conditions which Pit Bulls and Whippets may suffer:

American Pit Bull Terriers

• Hip Dysplasia
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Thyroid Disease
• Luxating Patella
• Gastric Dilatation
• Cataracts

Whippets

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

Since the gene pool for mixed breed dogs is much larger than that of purebreds, breed crosses tend to develop less desirable traits of their parents. Because of this, “hybrid dogs” tend to live longer and healthier lives than some purebreds.

However, to ensure you’re getting a healthy dog that’s been carefully bred, always check the breeder is reputable, caring and understands both breeds. Don’t ever purchase a Whippet Pit Bull mix (or any dog actually) from a puppy farm.

What to look for in a Whippet breeder.

Exercise and Care for the Whippet Pit Bull Mix

As I’ve mentioned already, it’s very important to provide a suitable level of exercise for a “Pippet”. Dogs that don’t get the exercise they need are prone to canine obesity and the resulting health problems this can cause.

Assuming you provide around an hour of vigorous “off the lead” exercise for around an hour each day, a diet that’s suitable for a medium-sized breed and a loving home, a Pit Whippet may live between 12 to 15 years.

N.B. Whippet Pit Bulls will likely have a strong prey drive and will find chasing things irresistible. You can walk Whippet mixes off the lead, but not in residential areas or places with vehicles. It’s always safest to only allow a Whippet mix dog to run off the lead in enclosed areas away from traffic.

In terms of grooming, short coated dogs still shed their fur so you still need to wash and groom them to keep fur and dander down. Whippet Pit Bulls are clean dogs though so washing won’t be a weekly task, unless they roll in something dirty.

Find out how to groom short haired dogs.

Whippet Pitbull Mix Images from Instagram

Summary

The Whippet Pit Bull mix is likely to be friendly, loving and a good family dog.

However, it’s worth noting that Pit Bulls themselves have a bad reputation. Indeed, in the UK Pit Bulls are classed as an illegal dog breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, due to several unprovoked attacks on people. As such it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find a Whippet Pitbull in the UK.

As a general rule, a Whippet Pit Bull mix will likely be friendly and loving but early socialisation and puppy training will be highly important, as will providing sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Do you own a Whippet Pit Bull mix or do you have questions? I’d love to hear more. Please leave your comments in the section at the bottom of this page.

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