Chi Whip (Whippet Chihuahua Mix): Pictures, Care, Info & More

The Chi Whip is a relative newcomer in the designer dog world. The mix is unique and perhaps not one you’d think of right off the bat. It combines the loyal and feisty Chihuahua with the calm and energetic Whippet. The former was selectively bred as an animal companion, whereas the latter was the “poor man’s racehorse” and a rabbit hunter. These histories are present in the pup’s personality.

Breed Overview

The mix is curious because of the disparate temperaments of the two parent breeds. The Chihuahua is playful yet not open to strangers. The Whippet is all about speed and has a high prey drive. The former is vocal, whereas the latter doesn’t bark unless there’s a good reason. The ranges for height and weight ranges are wide due to the varying sizes of the breeding stock.

Chi Whip Characteristics

Chi Whip Puppies

Neither the Chihuahua nor Whippet is within the top 30 most popular breeds of the American Kennel Club (AKC). Therefore, your biggest hurdle may be locating a breeder of either parent, let alone the hybrid. It’s worth mentioning that the Chihuahua Club of America has strong stances against designer dogs, which can make finding a puppy even more challenging.

Undoubtedly, you’re aware of the size difference between the parent breeds. The mix should be a male Chihuahua and a female Whippet to avoid any unnecessary birthing complications. It may also be a factor in the early care and development of pups that take after the smaller Chihuahua. If possible, request to see the mother and littermates, although it’s not a guarantee of the size of your puppy.

We recommend only buying from sellers who do health screenings on their dogs since both breeds are susceptible to various congenital and hereditary issues. Both parents have a higher propensity for eye and cardiac conditions. The Chihuahua also has a history of patellar luxation, while obesity can be problematic for the lean Whippet.

Understanding the cost of owning a pet is imperative. Your first year will likely be the most expensive. After that, you can expect to pay an average of $1,200 annually for a dog, with food your biggest expense.¹ However, a healthy diet is a foundation for your pup’s well-being.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chi Whip

Some behavioral traits are inherited. That makes observing the mother and littermates essential for understanding your pet. However, the environment and training also play crucial roles. Both parent breeds are excellent for apartment dwellers. However, neither tolerate being alone. Both are also sensitive animals, requiring positive reinforcement for training.

The Whippet’s hunting history brings intelligence into the mix. It can also contribute to a high wanderlust and prey drive. Mental stimulation is vital for the health of this pup. The Chihuahua is a protective pet that isn’t open to strangers or other dogs. These characteristics make early training and socialization imperative for a Chi Whip puppy.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Chi Whip will likely enjoy the busyness of an active family. However, we don’t recommend this pup for households with small children. Both parent breeds can be nippy. The Chihuahua can also be a barker if this bad habit isn’t controlled as a puppy. We recommend supervising playtime with the kids if you have a small dog.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Two factors come into play: varying personalities and upbringing. The Whippet is the friendlier of the two—as long as we’re talking about temperament toward other canine companions. Cats and pocket pets are another story, with a fleeing undoubtedly eliciting a chase. The Chihuahua doesn’t want to share their owner with other animals because they’re competitors for attention.

Things to Know When Owning a Chi Whip

Getting any dog is a commitment. That’s the first thing to understand whether you’re getting a Chi Whip or a Great Dane. Small pups also differ from larger dogs. They mature quicker and often live longer. These factors matter when choosing a diet, planning exercise, and maintaining good health. We’ve discussed personality differences. Let’s discuss routine care.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The most important thing to remember when choosing a diet is to stick with a product formulated for your pet’s life stage and breed size. It will have the right nutrients in the correct amounts to support their dietary needs. We mentioned weight control with the Whippet. The animal’s body condition is a good indicator. This breed has a different shape and will look lean because of how they carry their weight.

You should feed your Chi Whip puppy three to four times daily, making sure fresh water is always available. This meal frequency is vital to support the pup’s rapid growth. A puppy needs a diet that contains at least 22.5% protein by dry weight and 8.5% fat. Products labeled “complete and balanced” will ensure your pooch is getting what they need.

You can reduce feeding times for adult dogs to twice daily. We recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions. However, remember that they are only guidelines. Other factors can affect how much your pet should eat, such as their age and activity level. Your vet can help you monitor your pet’s weight safely.

Exercise 🐕

Many think of exercise as simply physical activity to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. While that’s indeed true, it also provides other benefits for dogs. It gives them opportunities to explore new places, meet people, and socialize. Exercise offers vital opportunities for mental stimulation, which is critical for your pet’s well-being.

The Whippet’s need for activity is greater than the Chihuahua’s. However, both pups are playful, which should make it easy for you. We suggest at least an hour of daily exercise.

Training 🎾

Both parent breeds are moderately easy to train. We suggest starting your Chi Whip puppy early with their lessons in canine manners. That includes socialization and control over the Chihuahua’s barking tendencies. This breed can be sensitive, so avoid using harsh words or strong reprimands. Instead, make training fun with treats and praise.

Grooming ✂️

Your Chi Whip will likely shed, but not a lot. Regular brushing with a hound glove can keep your pet’s skin healthy and minimize the hair. A pup with a long-haired Chihuahua as a parent may require more attention. You should check your dog’s ears and skin as part of your routine. Be sure to check their nails to keep them trim. We recommend brushing your pet’s teeth to prevent dental disease.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The moderate popularity of the two-parent breeds can minimize the health issues caused by overbreeding. However, there are still a few things to check, beginning with the seller’s pre-breeding health screenings. You may need to do follow-up examinations. Reputable breeders will offer a health guarantee on their puppies, particularly for these kinds of conditions.

Male vs. Female

Both a male and female will make a delightful pet. Stark personality differences don’t exist between the sexes. Size might be a factor, considering the pairing. We suggest consulting your veterinarian if you want to breed your dog. The genetics of the mix are a wild card for future offspring. Socialization is the main contributor to your pup’s overall friendliness.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chi Whip

1. The Whippet’s Informal History Goes Back Hundreds of Years

Depictions of the Whippet appeared in artistic works since the Middle Ages. This breed became part of the official wave of purebred dogs around 160 years ago. The Kennel Club of England recognized the breed in 1890.

2. The Origin of the Whippet’s Name Refers to the Animal’s Speed

The resemblance between the Whippet and Greyhound is unmistakable. So are the respective animals’ speeds. The breed’s name goes back to 1600, meaning to move quickly.

3. Two Variations Exist With the Chihuahua’s Coat

AKC recognizes both short and long-haired varieties of the Chihuahua. Therefore, you should ask which one is part of the mix for your Chi Whip since it can affect grooming and maintenance.

Final Thoughts

The Chi Whip is an unusual hybrid because of the differences between the two breeds, starting with their respective sizes. Their personalities also vary, but the animal’s upbringing can influence their behavior positively. You may have a challenge finding one, but your efforts will be rewarded with a unique dog that will make a welcome addition to your home.

See Also:

• Whipoodle (Whippet Poodle Mix): Pictures, Care, Info & More
• Whipador (Whippet & Lab Mix): Pictures, Care, Info & More

Featured Image Credit: Left – S J, Unsplash | Right – Daniel Kondrashin, Pexels