The Chi Whip is a relative newcomer in the designer dog world. They have unique qualities due to their parents’ diverse traits. They combine the loyal and feisty Chihuahua with the calm and energetic Whippet. The Chihuahua was selectively bred as a companion pet, whereas the Whippet was a racehorse and a rabbit hunter. Therefore, the Chi Whip can display similar skills and makes an excellent pet!

Breed Overview

The Chi Whip is unusual 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 Chihuahua is vocal, but the Whippet doesn’t bark unless there’s a good reason. The height and weight ranges are vast due to the varying sizes of the breeding stock.

Chi Whip Characteristics

Chi Whip Puppies

Your biggest hurdle may be locating a breeder if you live in a small town. 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 parents. The mix should be a male Chihuahua and a female Whippet to prevent unnecessary birthing complications. If possible, request to see the mother and littermates, but it’s not a guarantee of the size of your puppy.

We recommend only buying from breeders 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 as 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, but the environment and training also play crucial roles. Both parents are excellent pets for apartment dwellers. However, neither breed enjoys being alone for long periods. Although the Whippet is intelligent, their high prey drive and hunting instincts can be problematic if they’re allowed to run free in an open area. It’s best to keep the Chi Whip on a leash unless they’re in a fenced-in yard or park. Since the Chihuahua can be protective and aggressive toward other dogs, the Chi Whip needs early training and socialization to get along with other pets.

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 older kids if you have a small Chi Whip.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

Two factors come into play: varying personalities and upbringing. The Whippet is friendlier and more tolerant of other dogs. Cats and smaller pets are another story, and Chi Whips are more likely to chase them than befriend them. The Chihuahua parent doesn’t want to share their owner with other animals because they’re competitors for attention, but every hybrid is unique. With plenty of training and socialization as puppies, Chi Whips can learn how to tolerate smaller animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Chi Whip

Getting any dog is a long-term commitment. Small pups, like Chi Whips, 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 the personality differences between the parents, but below, we’ll examine the routine care of the Chi Whip.

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. You should feed your Chi Whip puppy three to four times daily, ensuring fresh water is always available. This meal frequency is vital to supporting 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 dog gets the necessary nutrients. 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 and provide feeding tips.

Exercise 🐕

Many think exercise is only physical activity that burns calories and maintains a healthy weight. While that’s indeed true, exercise also provides other benefits for dogs. It allows them 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 entertaining to exercise with your Chi Whip. We suggest at least an hour of daily exercise.

Training 🎾

Both parent breeds are moderately easy to train, and we suggest training your Chi Whip puppy early. That includes socialization and control over the Chihuahua’s barking tendencies. Chi Whips 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 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 also check your dog’s ears and skin and trim their nails as part of your routine. We recommend brushing your pup’s teeth a few times a week 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, but reputable hybrid breeders will offer a health guarantee on their puppies.

Male vs. Female

A male or female will make a delightful pet, and their temperaments aren’t significantly different. The puppies can vary in size, regardless of the sex, depending on the size of the parents. However, their upbringing, health, and environment affect their behavior more than their sex.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chi Whip

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

Depictions of the Whippet have appeared in artistic works since the Middle Ages. Whippets 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, especially their running speeds. The name “Whippet” dates back to 1600 and means “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.

Conclusion

The Chi Whip is an unusual hybrid because of the differences between the parent breeds, starting with their respective sizes. Their personalities also vary, but their upbringing will have a more profound effect on their temperament. You may have trouble finding one, but your efforts will be rewarded with a unique dog that will make a welcome addition to your home.

See also:

• Border Collie vs German Shepherd: Key Differences (With Pictures)
• Border Collie Samoyed Mix: Pictures, Care, Info & More

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