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Vizsla Whippet Mix: Care Guide, Pictures, Temperament & More

Written by: Kristin Hitchcock

Last Updated on April 18, 2024 by Dogster Team

Vizsla Whippet Mix: Care Guide, Pictures, Temperament & More

If you’re looking for an energetic puppy, you may want to consider the Vizsla Whippet mix. This unique canine is known as the “Vizwhip” or “Whizsla,” depending on who you talk to. They’re known for their striking appearance and friendly temperament. As hunting dogs, they’re extremely energetic and high-energy, though. Therefore, they do best in an energetic family.

Unlike some other mixed breeds, these dogs are extremely rare. Breeders rarely breed them, and a Vizsla and Whippet wandering across each other at the right moment are rare. Therefore, while they may make good dogs for some, potential owners often choose something else just because they cannot find one of these dogs.

Breed Overview

Height:

18 to 24 inches

Weight:

25 to 65 pounds

Lifespan:

12-15 years

Colors:

Gold, fawn, brindle, black, blue, and white

Suitable for:

Active families and individuals

Temperament:

Loyal, affectionate, highly trainable

It’s important to note that mixed breeds vary greatly in temperament and appearance. They can inherit any trait from either parent. It’s a game of chance. Therefore, these dogs vary a lot more than purebred ones.

With that said, these dogs are often intelligent and easy to train. They’re active and energetic, making them a bit much for some families. However, they can be a great option if you’re looking for an active dog.

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Vizsla Whippet Mix Puppies

This mixed breed produces puppies that are adorable balls of energy. They’re extremely active and curious, which often gets them into trouble. However, their ease of training makes correcting bad behaviors easy and develops your puppy into a well-behaved dog.

Finding a Vizsla Whippet mix puppy can be challenging as they are not as common as other hybrid breeds. It is recommended to contact reputable breeders who specialize in this mix to ensure you get a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Adopting from rescue organizations or shelters is also a great option, as there might be a chance to find a Vizsla Whippet mix needing a loving home.

No matter what option you pick, plan on waiting for a while. Breeders have waiting lists—if you can even find one.

The Parent Breeds of the Vizsla Whippet Mix
Image Credit: (L) Liudmila Bohush, Shutterstock | (R) Timchenko Natalia, Shutterstock

divider-pawTemperament & Intelligence of the Vizsla Whippet Mix

These dogs can inherit any trait from either of their parents. Therefore, they can vary substantially. They’re known for their bright temperament and high intelligence and they’re often loyal and affectionate. These dogs bond closely with their families and thrive on human companionship. Therefore, they always like to be the center of attention.

These canines are also exceptionally active. They like to play fetch and go for a jog with their humans. They’re happiest when their loved ones surround them.

In terms of intelligence, this mix ranks high. They are quick learners and have a natural eagerness to please their owners. This makes training a breeze, and they excel in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Mental stimulation is essential to prevent boredom. We highly recommend providing plenty of interactive toys and regular training sessions.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Vizsla Whippet mix is an excellent choice for families. They are loving, gentle, and highly adaptable. Whether you have children or other pets, this breed is known for its friendly and sociable nature, making it a wonderful addition to any family dynamic. They are patient with children and often form strong bonds, becoming their loyal playmates and protectors.

Furthermore, this mix thrives in an active household where they can participate in family activities. They love going on adventures, whether hiking, running, or playing in the park. Their energy level and enthusiasm make them perfect companions for families who enjoy an active lifestyle.

However, they aren’t as suitable for families that tend to be more homebodies or prefer lazing on the couch instead of jogging.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Yes, the Vizsla Whippet mix generally gets along well with other pets. They have a friendly disposition, which helps them establish good relationships with other dogs and animals. However, proper socialization from an early age is crucial to ensure they grow up to be respectful toward other pets.

They may become aggressive or fearful of other pets if you don’t socialize with them. They aren’t necessarily the most social dog but are typically fine when properly socialized. Introducing them to other animals gradually and in controlled environments will help foster positive interactions. Puppy classes work very well for this purpose, providing a safe place for your pet to interact with other dogs and people.

Supervision is necessary, especially during the initial stages of introductions. The Vizsla Whippet mix can get along well with most other canines with proper socialization and training. However, their strong prey drive does prevent them from interacting well with cats, as they tend to chase them.

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Things to Know When Owning a Vizsla Whippet Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

These dogs have extremely similar dietary needs to other canines. They don’t necessarily need anything special because of their breed, though specific dogs may have health issues or other things you need to consider. Be sure to choose the proper food for your dog’s life stage. Puppies need puppy-formulated food to ensure they grow properly.

High-quality dog food is important, but you can also provide the occasional treat. These dogs aren’t prone to obesity because of their high activity level, but their weight should still be monitored.

Exercise

Vizsla Whippet mixes are extremely active. They require tons of regular exercise to keep them stimulated and happy. Plan for at least one hour of intense exercise daily, including fast walks, runs, fetch sessions, and other games. When these dogs are tired, they tend to behave better.

Training

These dogs are quite intelligent, so they take well to training. They’re often eager to please and respond well to just about any training. Early socialization and positive methods are necessary, though. Just because they’re easy to train doesn’t mean you can stop their training.

We highly recommend getting them involved in training classes at a young age. These classes provide a safe space for your dog to socialize with others and for you to learn how to properly train a canine.

Grooming ✂️

The Vizsla Whippet mix has a short and low-maintenance coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush will help keep their coat in good condition and remove loose hair. They are considered a low-shedding breed, making them suitable for individuals with allergies or who prefer a cleaner living environment.

Health and Conditions

As a mixed breed, the Vizsla Whippet tends to have fewer health problems than other canines. They’re less likely to inherit health problems from either of their parents, as they have a much larger genetic pool. However, they are still prone to some health problems—typically those that affect both Vizslas and Whippets.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Dental Issues
Serious Conditions
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy

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Male vs. Female

When choosing between a male or female Vizsla Whippet mix, there are no significant temperament or personality differences based on gender. Both males and females can exhibit the same loving, friendly, and intelligent traits. The decision between a male or female dog usually comes down to personal preference or specific considerations such as spaying or neutering.


3 Little-Known Facts About the Vizsla Whippet Mix

1. Vizsla Whippet mixes are often called “Velcro dogs”

These dogs have a strong desire to be with their owners. They will follow you from room to room, seeking constant fellowship and affection.


2. They’re extremely fast

This mixed breed is extremely fast. They’re incredibly speedy and agile, and they can reach impressive speeds and excel in many different dog sports. For instance, they do well in lure coursing and agility competitions.


3. They’re talented hunters

This mixed breed comes from two parents that were bred to hunt. They’re hunting instincts make them prized hunters and excellent trackers. They’re naturally inclined to scent work and can be trained in similar activities, such as search and rescue.

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Final Thoughts

The Vizsla Whippet mix is a delightful blend of two remarkable breeds, combining the Vizsla’s loyalty and affection with the Whippet’s intelligence and speed. They make exceptional family pets, thriving in active households that provide them with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and, most importantly, love and companionship.

These canines are well-suited for families with children and other pets. However, they do tend to chase cats, so they may do better in cat-free families. Their adaptable personalities make them good choices for most other families, though.

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Cole Wyland, Unsplash | (R) S J, Unsplash

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