If you fancy a small-sized dog but don’t want to compromise on speed and agility, check out the miniature Whippet.
This hound is the mini version of the Whippet, which can either be purebred or a result of crossbreeding.
Undoubtedly, standard Whippets are among the fastest dogs in the world. And now, with miniature Whippets, you can experience all the fun of owning one without worrying much about space, upkeep, and other restrictions.
But there are some things you need to know before you decide if a mini Whippet dog is suitable for your household. Luckily, this guide will cover everything from its appearance to personality traits and more. Let’s begin!
What Is a Mini Whippet? Is There a Miniature Whippet?
A mini Whippet is a miniaturized version of the Whippet breed. This tiny pooch is developed by crossing dwarf or runt Whippets together. Mini Whippets can also be created by mixing a normal-sized Whippet with a smaller breed.
You can expect that miniature Whippets will have all of the characteristics of their parent breed — just in smaller proportions. For instance, they will often maintain the long snout and deep chest of regular Whippets.
These tiny pooches, also known as teacup Whippets, will likely inherit the swiftness that their larger counterparts are known for but are easier to pick up and carry around.
However, it’s worth noting that the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and the American Whippet Club (AWC) don’t recognize mini Whippets.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean they are any less worthy than other canines.
Remember that teacup Whippet owners can still register their dogs with the Dog Registry of America (DRA) and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
How Big Do Miniature Whippets Get When Fully Grown?
A full-grown miniature Whippet, on average, can weigh anywhere from 15 to 17 pounds and stand between 11 and 12 inches at the shoulder. However, you should expect that males will be slightly larger than females.
Since genes, environment, and diet all impact a dog’s height and weight, you may find that your small Whippet is slightly different from these averages. For this reason, consulting a vet is always recommended.
Aspiring mini Whippet parents should also be aware that these minuscule dogs reach their mature size at about 9 to 15 months. But like other dog breeds, they may not hit their prime until they’re 18 or 24 months old.
Where Do Miniature Whippets Come From?
Miniature Whippets, like other mini dogs, are usually a product of selective breeding and crossbreeding. However, one should keep in mind that genetics can also play a vital role in creating a small Whippet.
To help you understand, the following are some of the most popular procedures used to produce mini Whippets:
Introduction to the Dwarfism Gene
The dwarfism gene is a genetic defect that causes the growth of Whippets to be stunted. This means their bodies will never reach full maturity, making them shorter than their regular-sized counterparts.
In general, dwarfism occurs when there is an abnormal production of growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, from the pituitary gland. Thus, the dog’s body is miniaturized and unable to develop at a healthy rate.
Unfortunately, many canine associations frown upon breeding miniature Whippets through this procedure, as doing so can cause health complications down the line.
Breeding Runts Together
A purebred mini Whippet can also be produced by breeding runt Whippets together.
Runts, for starters, are puppies smaller than other members of their litter. They are often weaker and less healthy than them as well.
In this teacup Whippet breeding method, two adult runt Whippets are mated in hopes that a litter of only mini-sized puppies will be born. But note that this does not always work out as planned.
Some runt pups are too sickly or weak to survive after birth. On the other hand, other Whippets grow up to be normal-sized pooches rather than miniature versions of the Whippet dog breed.
Breeding Whippets With Other Smaller Dog Breeds
If you’re a hybrid enthusiast, crossbreeding a standard Whippet with a smaller breed is another great way to create a miniature dog.
In this approach, a breeder will find a more undersized canine that they believe has the right genes to be mated with the Whippet.
Here is a list of a few dog breeds that are usually used in this breeding process:
Toy Poodle
Jack Russell Terrier
Basenji
Italian Greyhound
Watch this video of an Italian Greyhound Whippet mix to get an idea of what a teacup Whippet looks like:
MEET MY NEW PUPPY!! 🐶 ITALIAN GREYHOUND X WHIPPET TIPS...<a href="https://youtu.be/IKiRHErmFVw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FIKiRHErmFVw%2F0.jpg" alt="MEET MY NEW PUPPY!! 🐶 ITALIAN GREYHOUND X WHIPPET TIPS..." width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
As shown above, miniature Whippets can come from many different backgrounds and whelping methods.
So to ensure your potential mini Whippet puppy is healthy, you should get from a reputable breeder.
What Does a Miniature Whippet Look Like?
Except for the size and weight difference, miniature Whippets and standard Whippets generally look very much alike.
So unless they are a product of crossbreeding, one can expect that mini Whippets will exhibit a tucked-up abdomen, deep chest, long muzzle, muscular neck, and easy-to-groom hair.
They can also sport many colorways, including blue fawn, black, seal, cream, red, and red brindle, as well as any of these two-tone combinations: white & blue, white & sable, and white & fawn.
Meanwhile, small Whippet mixes will vary in terms of appearance. For instance, if a Doxie is involved in the breeding process, the resulting puppy may bear a low-slung body and a set of short legs.
It may also inherit the Dachshund colors and patterns as well. Hence, knowing the lineage of your potential mini Whippet’s parents is crucial in determining how it will look when fully grown.
Miniature Whippet Temperament and Personality
On the whole, miniature Whippets are non-aggressive, gentle, and affectionate canines. They’re happy to spend time with their families, and they make great companions for children.
However, there are a few things you should be aware of before bringing one into your home.
The miniature Whippet, to begin with, dislikes being left alone for long periods. They may develop separation anxiety, chewing and biting habits, or depression. Excessive barking is also something for you to keep in mind.
Fortunately, crate training and early socialization will help prevent these problems from developing in the first place.
Just make sure that they also receive plenty of mental and physical stimulation, as mini Whippets tend to be highly energetic and playful fur babies.
Moreover, these teeny hounds typically get along well with other dogs and animals. In the presence of strangers, though, they may be timid at first but will soon warm up after they get to know the person.
Miniature Whippet Lifespan and Health Issues
As with the standard variety, the miniature Whippet dog has an average lifespan of approximately 12 to 15 years.
But because of their small dimension and lack of specific growth hormones, especially runts, they are more likely to develop additional health issues.
The same goes for mini Whippet dog mixes. Despite them having hybrid vigor, miniaturization can have a number of detrimental effects on their overall health and well-being.
The following is a list of common health issues that may affect a miniature Whippet:
Pancreatitis: Commonly known as inflammation of the pancreas, pancreatitis happens when a mini Whippet ingests something it should not have. Symptoms of this health problem include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD): Affecting the heart of miniature Whippets, DMVD is a common cause of death in canines. This disease, unfortunately, is a genetic condition that causes the mitral valve to become thickened and stiff. In most cases, repair surgery is performed to address this issue.
Fibrocartilaginous Embolism (FCE): Fibrocartilaginous embolism occurs when a blood clot forms in the small Whippet’s lungs and blocks blood flow. Remember that this condition is life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Although these health issues may seem alarming, there’s nothing to worry about if you keep your mini Whippet’s health in check with regular vet visits, proper maintenance, and constant monitoring.
Additionally, investing in pet insurance is a good idea as it can help cover the cost of any serious problems that may arise.
How Much Does a Mini Whippet Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Miniature Whippet puppies are usually sold for $500 to $2,500, depending on the breeder’s track record and location. However, people who are interested in buying hybrid mini Whippets should expect to pay more.
Fortunately, some rescues and shelters offer small-sized Whippets for less. In fact, for an adoption fee of between $50 and $200, you could get your hands on one of these adorable hounds.
But note that miniature Whippet ownership does not come cheap. Prospective fur parents of such a tiny dog should be prepared to spend money on food, treats, tick medications, beds, and toys.
Below is an outline of the initial expenses associated with owning the mini Whippet dog breed:
If you are a first-time dog owner, don’t let these expenses deter you from getting a miniature Whippet. Most of the items above are one-time purchases or things you can easily find at your local pet store.
Further, joining Facebook groups dedicated to mini Whippets will help you find information on where to get the best deals on food, vitamins, and other supplies.
Places to Find Miniature Whippet Puppies for Sale and Adoption
While it may seem easier to get a miniature Whippet puppy from pet stores and puppy mills, you might be surprised to learn that these places are actually likely to have sickly puppies.
Our puppy-buying guide will walk you through all the steps of finding a healthy Whippet. This article also discusses how to avoid the pitfalls of purchasing from questionable sources.
Here are some places where you may be able to find miniature Whippet puppies for sale:
Windsong Whippets – Windsong Whippets kennel takes pride in producing AKC-registered Whippets. Their dogs are also bred from champion lines and are known for their excellent health and dispositions. Sometimes, a mini Whippet puppy may be available from them.
Equiss Whippets – Equiss Whippets has been selling trained, well-socialized, and OFA-tested Whippets since 2005. While they require a non-refundable deposit fee of between $250 and $300, they offer a lifetime genetic guarantee on all their miniature Whippet puppies.
Wyndham Whippets – Wyndham Whippets has a reputation for breeding the finest Whippets in the United States. They breed for health, temperament, and beauty, so you can expect that if you get a small Whippet puppy from them, it will be well-behaved and healthy.
If the sources above did not work for you, do not worry. By reading our ultimate guide to dog adoption, you’ll learn how to find the best mini Whippet rescue organizations and shelters in the country.
So, if you want to adopt a rescued miniature Whippet instead, the following websites should help you find your fur-ever friend:
Adopt-a-Pet – For those who want to locate a miniature Whippet with ease, Adopt-a-Pet is the place to go! Adoptable dogs are displayed with photos and descriptions that give insight into their personality traits.
Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association (NCWFA) – Connected with the Whippet Rescue & Placement (WRAP), NCWFA offers spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and vet-checked miniature Whippets. If you’re interested in adopting an adult dog, be ready for a strict screening process that includes home visits.
Petfinder – With its extensive database of pets available for adoption, Petfinder is an excellent way to start your search. This site allows you to search by breed, age, and location, giving you a chance to find a mini Whippet nearby.
Other than the listed sites above, asking your local vet for guidance can be worthwhile, as they may have contact details for local rescue organizations.
Meanwhile, you can also discover how to get one of these miniaturized Whippets without spending money. You can do so by checking out our article demonstrating ways to find free puppies in your area for adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Mini Whippets Be Left Alone?
No, mini Whippets should not be left alone. These pooches are known to be very energetic, and they need a lot of exercise and attention. In addition, they’re prone to separation anxiety if they’re not properly trained.
However, if you have a job requiring you to work for long hours and you don’t have anyone to take care of your dog, then you can try crate training your miniature Whippet.
Owners can also hire a professional pet sitter or leave their tiny fur babies at a doggy daycare center for the day.
What Dog Breed Looks Like a Miniature Whippet?
The miniature Whippet dog is often mistaken for the Italian Greyhound, but they’re actually two different breeds.
Although they are not the same breed, there is no denying that these dogs look suspiciously similar at first glance — and that’s because they share a common ancestor in the sighthound category.
What’s the Difference Between an Italian Greyhound and a Whippet?
While both exhibit deer-like legs and sleek builds, Whippets have slightly larger skulls than Italian Greyhounds.
You’ll also notice that the Whippet breed boasts a more muscular body type with a broader chest, a thicker neck, and more powerful hindquarters than its counterpart.
Furthermore, IGs are generally smaller than their medium-sized Whippet cousins, reaching a maximum height of 15 inches. The latter, on the other hand, can grow up to 22 inches at the shoulder.
Final Thoughts
It’s beyond doubt that miniature Whippets, just like standard ones, are among the most adorable pups in the world. They have a sweet nature and a kind, patient temperament, making them very popular with dog lovers.
These small canines are also highly active and playful; hence, they’ll be a great addition to any household with an active lifestyle. In fact, they love running, jogging, swimming, and hiking with their pack members.
Note, however, that mini Whippet ownership should not be taken lightly; it comes with a fair amount of responsibility and commitment.
There are also some drawbacks, such as their predisposition to hereditary diseases and their need for constant grooming and care.
Now that you have met the miniature Whippet, please tell us your thoughts about them in the comments below!
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