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View 8 More +The Whippet Border Collie Mix, also affectionately called a Whollie, is a highly intelligent, adaptable, loving dog that makes a wonderful family pet. Mixed breeds always provide more possibilities than purebred dogs because you can get something like either parent or an interesting mix of the two. So, let’s look at what you should expect from the Whippet Border Collie!
Breed Overview
Height:
18–22 inches
Weight:
25–55 pounds
Lifespan:
12–17 years
Colors:
White, black, cream, brindle, sable, and blue merle
Suitable for:
Families with or without kids, active owners, experienced owners
Temperament:
Loving, highly intelligent, friendly, attentive
A Whippet Border Collie mix is a medium-sized dog with an athletic build. They tend to have thicker coats than Whippets, which are shorter and easier to manage than a Border Collies’ coat. The coat can range from solid colors to unique markings and patterns. They are highly trainable and intelligent, which makes them the ideal candidate for a family looking for an active, friendly, attentive member of the family.
Whippet Border Collie Mix Characteristics
Whippet Border Collie Mix Puppies
While Whippets and Border Collies aren’t rare, the mix is not among the most popular. This means you might struggle to find one and could end up searching outside your city or state. This could raise the costs for the puppy, but this adorable bundle of energy is arguably very worth it.
Adopting a dog is always a better idea than using a breeder. It is cheaper and gives a shelter dog a much-needed forever home. We recommend searching shelters before extending your search to reputable breeders.
You should introduce training and socialization as early as possible. As an incredibly intelligent breed, the Whippet Border Collie mix takes to training well, but they have also been known to have a stubborn streak. So, the sooner you introduce a routine, the easier they will take to it.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Whippet Border Collie Mix
Whollies are friendly, loyal, and energetic, with a stubborn streak that makes them better suited to experienced owners. They can think for themselves, and their independent streak makes it more challenging to encourage them if they don’t want to do something.
Thanks to a working background from their Border Collie parent, these dogs want to please you and spend time with you. They can entertain themselves if alone, but they prefer to be with their owners. They’re attentive and maintain focus even when tasked with something complex. A Whippet Border Collie will bond deeply with you and your family.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Whollies make wonderful additions to the family. Both parent breeds are energetic, so it shouldn’t be surprising that the dog enjoys being outdoors with their humans. Whippets tend to have bursts of energy, while Border Collies bring with them the stamina to keep going.
They love to play and run about, but when it’s time to cuddle on the couch after a long day, they’re more than happy to snuggle up next to you.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Yes, Whippet Border Collie mixes have been known to get along with other pets. However, socialization and training are crucial, and introducing pets to one another should be done gradually and under supervision. This is because of their high prey drive, which we can thank both parents for.
The Border Collie will chase any animal, whatever their size. It isn’t necessarily to harm them but because they feel like they should and have herding in their blood. Whippets also have an incredibly high prey drive and will chase down cats and smaller pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Whippet Border Collie Mix
Food & Diet Requirements
The Whippet Border Collie mix needs a nutritionally balanced diet to keep up with their active lifestyles. Look for high-protein dog food that will fuel them and support muscle development. Carbohydrates offer additional support for their energy needs, while fats help maintain healthy skin and fur.
Avoid food with fillers, artificial preservatives, and flavors. Free feeding should also be avoided so you can monitor how much your dog is eating. Changes in eating habits are an important indication that something is wrong. Establishing daily mealtimes prevents your dog from overeating, which can cause obesity and lead to many other problems.
You can get food that will support the current life stage of your dog or any health problems they are facing. If you are ever stuck with where to start when finding a balanced, nutritious diet for your Whollie, contact a veterinarian for advice.
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Exercise
Whollies are active and need 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily to ensure they lead happy and healthy lives. Ideally, they should have a large, fenced-in yard to run around in. The Whollie is a fast, agile canine, and being able to run, play fetch, and let loose will be great for their physical and mental health.
If you neglect your Whollie’s exercise needs, they can develop behavioral problems and become destructive. It’s essential to keep their mind engaged and mix up your routine so you aren’t taking the same walk each day.
Training
Training your Whollie is an ideal way to bond with them. Their eager-to-please nature and intelligence mean they pick up training fast, but their stubborn streak requires a trainer with experience.
They will push the boundaries, but if you remain firm and consistent and employ positive reinforcement methods, your Whollie will respect your actions. Praising your dog and using treats to keep them engaged is far more effective than harsh corrections, which will only stress them out.
It’s also a good idea to train your dog after exercise. If they haven’t been out for a walk, they will be restless and unreceptive to learning.
Grooming ✂️
The Whippet Border Collie mix is considered low maintenance in regard to grooming. While their grooming requirements are more substantial than the Whippet, they are lower than a pure Border Collie. They’ll require brushing every week to maintain their shiny and clean coat.
Additionally, as with any dog, you must check their ears regularly for signs of inflammation or infection. You must also care for their teeth since it affects their overall health. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth twice a day, or at minimum three times a week, to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Make sure you also cut your dog’s nails regularly, and if you are uncomfortable doing it at home, send them to a professional.
- You might also be interested in: 11 Best Dog Wipes: Reviews & Top Picks
Health and Conditions
Just like any canine, the Whollie is prone to some health problems. You must keep up to date with scheduled vet visits, as the sooner something is caught, the better the outcome. Protect them with vaccinations and ensure they are up to date with preventative medications like those that keep fleas, ticks, and worms at bay.
- Allergies
- Sinus problems
- Skin issues
- Hearing loss
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
- Glaucoma
Male vs. Female
There aren’t any noticeable differences between the male and female Whollies that will affect your decision. Both have similar temperaments, are similar in size, and have the same health profiles.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Whippet Border Collie Mix
1. They’re Known by Many Names
The Whippet Border Collie mix is known by many names. The Whollie, Lurcher, Whippie Collie, and Whipollie are just a few of our favorites.
2. They’re Still Pretty New
Whollies are still new dogs on the scene and have only been around since the early 2000s. While they’re rare now, they’ve made a significant impact, and their reputation for being excellent family dogs is only increasing their popularity in the States.
3. They’re Adaptable
Whollies are happy to live in an apartment if there are ways for them to expel all their pent-up energy. They get along with children and other pets with proper training and socialization. They will quickly adapt to their new environment, and you’ll barely remember what it was like before they got there.
Final Thoughts
The Whippet Border Collie is a loving, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. They’re medium-sized, adaptable, and have minimal grooming needs. The Whollie is best suited to active families with training experience who have the time to socialize their new Whollie. If you think you have what it takes to meet this fantastic dog’s needs, you’ll get a dedicated and loving friend for life!
See also:
- Whipbeagle (Whippet Beagle Mix): Pictures, Care, Info & More
- Whippet Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Care, Info & More
Featured Image Credit: GoDog Photo, Shutterstock
