If you’re looking for a highly energetic, devoted dog that can keep up with your daily runs and still be the perfect companion for your calm evenings and movie nights, a whippet Australian Shepherd Mix could be an ideal choice. This crossbreed combines the muscular bodies and playful energy of both parents, creating a dog that’s as friendly as it is active. With its adorable coats and feathered skin, this mix offers a lot to love. If you’re looking for a slightly larger whippet with a dash of high intelligence and improved adaptability, this mix is perfect for you. The needs and temperament of a whippet Aussie mix can influence its lifespan, but it will certainly create a strong bond with you and make your time together happy and fulfilling.
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What is a Whippet Australian Shepherd Mix?
The whippet Australian Shepherd mix, also called the Aussie Whip, is a unique crossbreed created by combining a purebred whippet with an Australian Shepherd. This mix brings together the best of both worlds, with the whippet’s slender, sturdy bodies and the Aussie’s adorable features like fluffy, colorful coats and perked-up ears. The result is a dog with a wonderful personality—amicable, social, and loving, much like its parents.
This mix often inherits a blend of traits and temperaments, making it an affectionate, intelligent, and good-natured companion. Whether you’re looking for a dog that’s protective or perky, the whippet Australian Shepherd mix is sure to bring joy to your life with its endearing and energetic nature.
Origin and Background
The whippet Australian Shepherd mix has a fascinating history, shaped by the rich past of its parents. While the mix itself is a relatively new canine breed, both the whippets and Australian Shepherds have been around for a long time. Whippets were introduced in England in the 1800s, and they were created primarily to race and hunt. They were called “a poor man’s racehorse” because they competed in coursing games that helped their owners earn a living and status. On the other hand, Australian Shepherds originated in the US during the late 1800s and were mainly bred as herding dogs. Despite their name, they were created by interbreeding collies and dogs that resembled shepherd dogs from Australia, brought over in the 1840s.
Both breeds share a hardworking, athletic, and energetic nature, which makes them excellent companions for families and herders. The whippet was famous for its unrivaled speed and hunting abilities, while the Australian Shepherd became known for its brilliance and versatility. While the history of the whippet is somewhat cloudy, with some theories suggesting it dates back to the 18th century, it’s clear that both breeds have contributed significantly to the development of the whippet Australian Shepherd mix, which can have a blend of these unique traits, personalities, and features.
Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body Frame | Medium-size, slimmer frame, mostly inherited from the whippet. |
| Height | 18-23 inches tall. |
| Weight | 30-60 pounds, with female being generally smaller than male. |
| Coat Type | Can have a short, sleek coat like the whippet or a wavy/straight medium-length coat like the Aussie. |
| Coat Colours | Whippet colours: cream, red, blue, fawn, white, black, brindle. Aussie colours: black, red, blue merle, red merle, tan, black, white, triple colours. |
| Ears | Fluffy ears, often inherited from the Aussie. |
| Shedding | Whippets usually have a low-shedding, sleek coat. Aussies may shed more due to their longer, thicker coat. |
The whippet Australian Shepherd mix is a beautiful blend of both parents. Depending on the genes they inherit, they can have a variety of coat colours and patterns. Whether they sport a sleek coat like the whippet or the Aussie’s wavy fur, these dogs are always strikingly handsome. Their fluffy ears and graceful build make them standout companions.
Temperament
The whippet Australian shepherd mix is a remarkable blend of energy, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs can inherit a range of traits from both of their parents, but generally, they tend to be affectionate, active, and energetic. With their agile bodies and sharp minds, these dogs thrive in active households where they can run, play, and engage with their family. While friendly and charming, they can also be a bit aloof with strangers, so early socialisation is essential. I’ve noticed that giving them the chance to mingle with other dogs and people through doggy kindergarten classes or trips to busy parks can make a big difference in their behavior.
Training a whippet Australian shepherd mix requires consistency and patience, especially since they can inherit a dominant side from their Australian shepherd parent. It’s important to offer firm leadership to help them understand their place in the household. While their hunting instincts and predacious nature can make them a bit stubborn, with proper guidance, they can learn to control their prey drive and become ideal apartment companions. Overall, this breed is known for being loyal, intelligent, and always ready for a new adventure, making them a great choice for active individuals or families.
Health Issues
The whippet Australian shepherd mix is generally considered a healthy and resilient dog. However, like all crossbreeds, they can inherit health issues from both of their parent breeds. The Aussie side tends to be more susceptible to a variety of problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy, and eye conditions such as cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They can also suffer from other issues like Osteochondrosis Dissecans, distichiasis, Collie Eye Anomaly, and Persistent Pupillary Membranes. Some Aussies are also prone to hypothyroidism, allergies, and drug sensitivity, which can be passed down to the mix.
On the other hand, whippets are more prone to deafness, von Willebrand’s Disease, eye problems, and anesthesia sensitivity. When you combine these two breeds, your whippet Australian shepherd mix might face any of these health concerns. It’s important to ensure you are purchasing a well-bred puppy from a reputable breeder or rescue center to reduce the risk of these complications. Avoiding puppy mills is crucial, as they often prioritize profits over the health of the pups. Regular jabs, good healthcare, and proper care can help your dog live a long and comfortable life.
Grooming
The whippet Australian shepherd mix is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Just like their parents, these dogs don’t need a lot of care in this area. A simple weekly brushing is usually enough, along with 1-2 baths every two months to keep their coat clean and disentangled. It’s important not to wash them too frequently, as it could dry out their skin. Since whippets are low shedders and Aussies are moderate shedders, their mixes will shed too, though not excessively. Having a well-functioning vacuum cleaner and the right brushes will make it easier to manage.
In addition to brushing and bathing, there are a few more essential grooming tasks to include in your routine, such as nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. Also, make sure to keep a pests control solution on hand. It’s important to note that both of these breeds are non-hypoallergenic, so they may not be suitable for individuals with allergies. Overall, their grooming needs are simple, but regular care is key for keeping your dog looking and feeling great.
Diet & Nutrition
When feeding a Whippet Australian Shepherd Mix, it’s important to consider several factors that influence their diet. This breed’s size, age, activity level, and metabolism all play a role in determining the right amount of food to provide. Adequate food is necessary to ensure your dog stays healthy and active, but you also need to focus on a balanced diet that supports their specific needs. Without proper nutrition, they can become underfed or overfed, leading to potential health issues. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet for the right type of food and portion size to avoid these issues.
In addition to choosing the right food, incorporating raw food into their diet is beneficial. A raw food diet can help manage the breed’s wolf-like nature and promote better digestion. Be sure to control their feeding schedule and remove feeding bowls after meals to prevent overeating, which could lead to obesity. Managing your dog’s feeding habit and keeping their weight in check will ensure they lead a happy and healthy life. As always, if you’re unsure about how much to feed or what food is best, your vet can provide the advice you need to tailor the diet specifically for your pup’s needs.
Training And Exercising
To ensure your Aussie Whip grows up to be an obedient and disciplined dog, it’s important to start early training. This helps curb any indecent behaviour and guides them toward becoming a responsible companion. Incorporating positive reinforcements and praises can also motivate your dog during training sessions. Keep these sessions brief, exciting, and engaging to prevent your pup from getting bored or disinterested. This helps your dog stay focused and learn more effectively.
Daily exercises are crucial for your Aussie Whip to burn off excess energy and stay mentally stimulated. Aim for about 30-60 minutes of exercise each day to keep your dog fit and healthy. It’s important to give them time for fun activities like playing with dog toys to keep them busy when you’re not around. Don’t forget that they also need a comfortable, warm sleeping area for better rest after all the playing. Many owners overlook the need for sleep, but it’s just as important for your dog’s mental and physical growth.
Care for An Aussie Whip
Taking care of a Whippet Australian Shepherd Mix requires some attention to keep them healthy and happy. Just like humans, dogs need the right care and maintenance to thrive. To ensure your Aussie Whip stays in top shape, make sure they get adequate sleep, plenty of exercise, and a balanced food routine. Regular training and socializing will also help them develop into a well-behaved and fun canine companion.
In addition to exercise and training, it’s important to focus on their healthcare and grooming needs. Regular visits to the vet, along with good grooming habits, will keep them feeling their best. If you want your dog to be the happy and loyal buddy you dream of, make sure to give them all the right things to stay healthy and energized.
Final Thoughts
Whippet Australian Shepherd mixes are fantastic family dogs, but they’re not the right fit for less-active households. These dogs need plenty of exercise and stimulation to be happy and healthy. Known for their playful and energetic nature, Aussie Whips require regular activities to thrive. They’re a great choice for people looking for a medium-sized, agile, and hardworking dog that is also affectionate and good-natured.
These dogs are excellent companions for families with kids or for owners who are out and about during the day. However, it’s important not to leave them alone for too long, as they can become anxious. Despite their independence, Aussie Whips are also quite sensitive, so they need attention and care to keep them happy. If you’re looking for a loving and energetic dog, the Whippet Australian Shepherd mix is definitely worth considering.
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