The Whippet Labrador mix is the curious crossbreed of the Whippet and Labrador Retriever.
Despite the notable differences between the two breeds, you’ll be surprised to know that crossbreeding them actually results in a wonderful mix!
If you want to learn more about the Whippet Lab mix, you should stick around. This guide comprehensively covers the Whippet Labrador mix’s history, appearance, temperament, maintenance, puppy prices, and more!
What Is a Whippet Labrador Mix?
Photo by @isabelle.grace1 (IG)
The Whippet Labrador mix, also known as Whippet Lab mix or Whipador, is the crossbreed of a purebred Whippet dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever. It is an energetic, playful, and friendly medium-sized hybrid.
The appearances of Whippet Lab mixes vary depending on which parent breed they will take after more. Some look like slimmed-down Labrador Retrievers, while others resemble a bulky Whippet.
Although the Whipador is a mixed breed, some may still look like a purebred Labrador or a purebred Whippet dog.
Because of their friendly, loving, and playful demeanor, Whipadors are considered to be one of the best hybrids to own as family pets.
Nonetheless, the Whippet Labrador mix is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and United Kennel Club (UKC) since technically, it is not a purebred dog.
Whippet Labrador Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Whipador Come From?
Although no written documents could provide the date and place of origin of the Whippet Lab mix, we could still get to know this breed by looking at the historical background of its parent breeds.
The Whippet dog has a fascinating history that dates back to the Victorian Era. During this period, dog racing and rabbit hunting were a hit even for the common people.
However, the coal miners could not afford back then to feed and care for large racing breeds such as the Greyhounds, so they tried to breed a smaller version, the Whippet dog that we now have.
The Whippet dog was once called the “lightning rag dog” and “poor man’s racehorse” because of its agility and speed. It can run for up to 35 miles per hour.
Meanwhile, the Labrador Retriever dog breed was originally bred to be an excellent retriever dog and fishers’ buddy.
The short, dense Lab coat was specifically and purposely developed and bred to suit its retrieving task. Today, the Labrador remains one of the most popular dog breeds because of its amiable and loving personality.
The Whipador mix has surely inherited good traits from both of its parent breeds. This curious mix is also known to be playful, energetic, and friendly, much like Whippets and Labrador Retrievers.
Whippet Labrador Mix Appearance: What Does a Whipador Look Like?
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The final appearance of the Whippet Lab mix is quite difficult to predict. Its body structure, coat color, and other physical features will heavily depend on which parent breed it will inherit more phenotypic traits.
Usually, the appearances of Whipadors are a mixture of the distinguishable traits of the Whippet and Labrador breeds.
Some Whippet Lab mixes have long and lean skulls, long snouts, lengthy folded ears, and almond-shaped eyes, which are features of the Whippet dog breed.
However, some can also exhibit the Labradors’ wide skulls and broad but not stubby muzzles.
If the Whippet Lab mix takes after its Whippet parent dog, you should expect it to have a slender yet muscular body and long legs. These features allow the Whippet to run and move very fast.
On the other hand, a Whippet Lab mix that leans more to its Labrador parent will have a sturdy, muscular, and balanced rectangular body frame.
In terms of coat type, some Whipadors have the double-coats of Labradors while others have the single-coats of Whippets. Furthermore, these mixes enjoy the numerous coat colors of both of their parent breeds.
Whippet Labs can have common coat colors of Labradors. They can look like a black Lab or yellow Lab, but they can also exhibit the chocolate Lab coat.
Lab Whippet puppy can also exhibit the Whippet colors such as blue, fawn, brindle, tan, white, and tan.
Here’s a Whippet Lab mix that looks like more of a Labrador Retriever:
Photo by @isabelle.grace1 (IG)
Meanwhile, here’s a Whippet Lab mix that looks more of a Whippet dog:
Photo by @poppythewhipador (IG)
As you have noticed, the appearance of a Whippet Lab mix can change significantly depending on which prominent parent breed features it will inherit.
Whippet Labrador Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Whipadors Get?
Available data suggest that Whippet Labrador mixes usually have heights ranging between 18 and 24.5 inches. Meanwhile, their weights typically fall between 25 and 80 pounds.
Since the Whippet Lab mix is still in its developing stages, this growth range is still not that definite. But one thing is for sure, the sizes of Whippet Labrador mixes fall between their parent breeds’ sizes.
At the age of 18 months, you can expect a Whippet Lab mix to reach its adult size. However, it could still gain a few more inches and pounds as it grows, depending on its diet and lifestyle.
Similar to other breeds, a slight difference between the growth of male and female Whippet Labrador mixes could be observed. In general, male Whipadors are slightly heavier and taller than their female counterparts.
Whippet Labrador Mix Temperament: Do Whipadors Make Good Family Dogs?
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Whippet Labrador mixes are known to be playful, energetic, and friendly dogs. They are great picks for family pets!
They are calm and gentle around children, and they are obedient and eager to please their owners.
They are also friendly around strangers and would likely love to play with your visitors. Although this is generally a good trait, this also makes them unsuitable as guard dogs.
That said, Whipadors can also become anxious around unfamiliar people, especially if they inherited the shy personality of their Whippet parents.
Both the Labrador Retriever and Whippet dog have a strong prey drive. Hence, you can expect your Whippet to chase around smaller animals as their hunting and retrieving instincts kick in.
This might make your trips to the park a bit challenging, especially if your dog isn’t leash trained.
This does not mean, though, that Whipadors cannot get along well with other pets. You can successfully temper their hunting behavior through proper obedience training and early socialization.
It will also benefit the Whippet lab mix temperament if you hire a professional dog walker or trainer early on. This will ensure that your dog will get accustomed to proper leash manners around other people and other dogs.
In addition, you should have an active lifestyle if you are planning to take home a Whipador. These small hunting dogs are highly energetic and require regular stimulation and exercise.
Lastly, you don’t need to worry about the Whippet Lab mix getting too vocal since they are not barkers. They occasionally bark, but only when they see strangers or feel anxious.
Watch this video to see how energetic a Whippet Lab is during playtime:
Jasper the Whipador (Black Lab / Whippet Mix) 2019<a href="https://youtu.be/9H5T6eNzzJo" 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%2F9H5T6eNzzJo%2F0.jpg" alt="Jasper the Whipador (Black Lab / Whippet Mix) 2019" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Whippet Labrador Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Whipadors Healthy Dogs?
Whippet Labrador mixes have long lifespans for medium-sized dogs. Whipadors can live for 10 to 12 years. Some even live for more than 15 years through proper care and maintenance.
Generally, the Whippet lab mix health is above average. This loving dog enjoys the benefits of crossbreeding, which makes them less vulnerable to diseases experienced by purebred dogs.
However, this does not mean that Whippet Labs are immune to health issues. Much like other dog breeds, they are also prone to acquiring certain health problems which could affect the quality and length of their lives.
Here are some of the common health problems of Whippet Labrador mixes:
Color Dilution Alopecia: Whipadors have most likely inherited this condition from their Whippet parent. Color dilution alopecia is a genetic disease that causes thinning or hair loss and skin irritation. Whipadors with diluted coat colors such as blue and fawn fall victims to this condition.
Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These bone and joint dysplasia diseases are common to large breeds like the Labrador Retriever. A Whippet Labrador mix that suffers from elbow and hip dysplasia will show signs of limping, chronic pain, unusual gait, and difficulty in moving.
Hypothyroidism: This health condition is caused by the anomaly in the production of hormones in the thyroid gland. Whippet Labrador mixes with this condition will show signs such as weight gain, thinning of hair, muscle loss, sluggishness, and skin irritation.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus: Commonly known as bloat, this condition occurs when the stomach is filled with food, gas, and liquid, making it expand and exert pressure on other organs. If left untreated, bloat can be life-threatening.
Skin problems: Whippet Lab mixes are also prone to skin problems such as demodectic mange. They are also at a high risk of developing skin cancer.
These are just a few of the common health problems of the Whippet Labrador mixes. Luckily, most of them are treatable and preventable. Providing a healthy diet and active lifestyle will go a long way in prolonging your dog’s life.
How to Take Care of Your Whippet Labrador Mix
Photo by @poppythewhipador (IG)
The Whippet Lab mix is a low-maintenance breed. They only need a nutritious diet, active lifestyle, and regular grooming to keep them happy and healthy.
For your convenience, I will discuss the feeding, grooming, and training practices you should follow in taking care of your Whippet Labrador mix.
Food and Diet
The Whippet Lab mix is a highly-energetic and playful breed. Hence, a Whipador requires a diet that could fill in its daily energy needs.
You should opt to purchase dog food that is packed with protein and healthy fats, which could help in muscle building and provide energy. Likewise, foods that are rich in fish oil and other minerals are also recommended.
Aside from dry dog food, you can also add raw food diet to your Whippet Labrador mix’s meals, such as raw meat, raw eggs, veggies, and fruits.
However, you should carefully choose what you feed your dog because some human foods are not safe for dogs.
You should also carefully monitor the feeding schedule and the amount of food you give to your Whippet Labrador mix.
Overfeeding a dog could lead to obesity. Likewise, you would not want your dog to be malnourished because of underfeeding.
Adult Whippet Labrador mixes are usually fed two to three cups of dry food at least twice a day.
Cleaning and Grooming
A Whippet Lab mix can either have the Labrador’s double-coat or the Whippet’s smooth coat.
If your Whippet Lab mix has a Labrador double coat, expect it to be a moderate shedder. It will shed its undercoat minimally throughout the year and will blow its loose hair and dander heavily during the shift of seasons.
Meanwhile, Whippet Labradors with single-coats will shed less than those with double-coats.
Regardless of the coat type, you may want to brush the hair of your Whippet Labrador mix weekly to remove the loose hair, dander, and dirt that is stuck on its skin and coat.
You should also bathe your Lab Whippet mix at least once every two or three months to remove the foul canine smell. Just make sure that you will use pet-friendly shampoo to prevent your dog from suffering skin irritation.
The nails should also be trimmed every three weeks to avoid injuries and infections. Body pits, ears, and paw pads should be thoroughly checked for fleas and ticks.
Whippet Labrador mixes do not really need haircuts since they have short fur. In fact, cutting their fur might even cause them harm.
Training and Exercise
The Labrador Whippet mix is an intelligent hybrid that loves to please its owner. It is also easy to train and manage, which is why it can make a good family pet and service dog.
However, these hybrid dogs should be socialized at a young age. They have a high prey drive, which means they will chase after small animals that move.
Exposing them to other animals, various places, different sounds, and unfamiliar people will help them develop necessary social skills and easily acclimate to different situations.
Nonetheless, Whippet Labrador mixes are pretty demanding in terms of exercise. They are highly energetic and require regular stimulation and playtime.
Whippet Labradors need at least an hour of exercise every day. This could be in the form of playtime or long walks in the dog park.
You should never let your Whippet Labrador get bored as it might resort to destructive behaviors such as nipping and chewing furniture.
How Much Does a Whippet Labrador Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Whippet Lab mix puppies are not really that popular and expensive. Typically, the prices for Whippet Lab mix pups range between $500 and $1,200 depending on various factors that breeders may consider.
One thing is for sure, though. You should expect to pay more for a Labrador Whippet puppy mix that comes from excellent or champion breeding stocks.
Meanwhile, the adoption fees for Whippet Labrador mixes on rescues and local animal shelters typically range between $100 and $500.
Aside from the cost of the Lab Whippet mix itself, you should also be aware of the initial expenses associated with owning a Whippet Labrador mix!
Here are the initial expenses in owning a Whippet Lab puppy mix:
As you can see on the table, owning a Labrador Whippet mix comes with a huge financial responsibility.
A large chunk of the initial expense will go to your pup’s medical needs. You will also need to purchase starter items that will make the transition of your Whippet Lab pup to its new home comfortable.
Places to Find Whippet Labrador Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Photo by @poppythewhipador (IG)
The Lab Whippet mix is not a popular Labrador hybrid, unlike the Labradoodle. Hence, it is very difficult to find authorized breeders specializing in breeding a Whippet Lab mix puppy.
Luckily, there are reputable places you can visit that advertise Whippet Labrador puppies for sale!
Here are some of the places where you can find Whippet Labrador puppies:
Puppies.com – Puppies.com is an online pet database that advertises purebred and mixed breed dogs. You can easily find the breed you are looking for using their search filter system. There is a high chance that you might find a Whippet Labrador mix on their listings.
PuppySpot – There are over thousands of puppies, purebred and mixed breed, listed on the website of PuppySpot. They have comprehensive puppy profiles which cover the birth date, health condition, age, and personality of the listed pups.
Petango – With its vast network of breeders, Petango remains one of the largest pet advertising websites in the United States. This pet marketplace lists hundreds of purebred and mixed breed dogs, including Whippet Lab puppies.
You can also opt to adopt a Whippet Labrador dog from a local shelter instead of buying from a breeder. This method of acquiring a Whipador is not only practical but also noble.
Here are some of the rescues and local animal shelters where you can find Whippet Labrador mixes:
West Coast Labrador Retriever Rescue (WCLRR) – This volunteer-run dog rescue center rehabilitates purebred Labs and Lab mixes such as the Whippet Labrador across Southern California. Their rescued Lab mixes are treated and trained before being cleared for adoption.
Labs4Rescue – This non-profit organization takes in purebred Labradors, and Labrador mixes. There is a big chance that you’ll find a Whippet Labrador mix in their care.
Rescue Me! – This online pet database lists Whippet mixes available for adoption across the United States. You can easily find the nearest Whippet Labrador mix available for adoption near your area through their website.
If you weren’t lucky enough to find a Whippet Lab mix in the above-listed rescues, you could also check out our Labrador rescue directory, which contains the best Labrador mix rescues across the United States.
Moreover, if this is your first time applying for adoption, I suggest that you read our ultimate dog adoption guide. This guide includes helpful information and tips that can help ace your adoption application.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Labrador Whippet Mix
Owning a Labrador Whippet mix has its fair share of perks and drawbacks. If you are still skeptical about whether this is the right dog for you, you should check out the pros and cons of owning a Labrador Whippet mix listed below.
Here are some of the pros of owning a Whippet Labrador mix:
Intelligent hybrid and easy to train: Whippet Labrador mixes are smart mixed breed dogs. Hence, training them is fairly easy to do. These dogs are very eager to please their owners and follow commands.
Low maintenance: Whipadors only shed moderately. Also, they only require weekly brushing and routine bathing to keep them fresh and clean. Unlike other dog breeds, Whippet Labrador mixes don’t need regular visits to professional groomers.
Suitable for families with children: This mixed breed dog is known to be calm and gentle around children, thanks to the amiable personalities of its Labrador and Whippet parent breeds.
Here are some of the cons of owning a Whippet Labrador mix:
High energy dog: Whippet Labrador mixes are highly energetic and active dogs that require frequent stimulation. They need to be exercised at least an hour every day to keep them stimulated and healthy. If you are a busy person, the Whippet Lab mix might not be the right dog for you.
Growth is difficult to monitor: Since this hybrid is fairly new, there are no available growth guides or charts that can help you monitor the development of your Whippet.
High prey drive: Both of the Whipador’s parent breeds are hunting dogs. Hence, it is only logical that the Whipador has inherited the hunting instincts of its parents. This hybrid will likely chase after small animals.
If you think that the pros outweigh the cons and you are confident of your capabilities in maintaining a Whippet Labrador mix, then nothing should stop you from getting one.
Just know that owning a Whippet Labrador mix or any dog breed for that matter is a lifetime commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Whipadors Smart?
Whipadors, just like their parent breeds, are intelligent hybrid dogs. They are easy to train and very eager to follow orders from their owners.
You won’t really have difficulties teaching a Whippet Lab mix some basic commands, especially if you incorporate positive reinforcement during obedience training.
How Fast Can Whipadors Run?
A Whipador can run for approximately 35 miles per hour at its top speed. This is faster than most medium-sized dogs!
This is expected since one of its parent breeds, the Whippet dog, was originally bred for racing competitions. In addition, it is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
Do Whippet Lab Mixes Shed a Lot?
Whippet Labrador mixes are moderate shedders. However, you should expect it to shed heavily twice a year, especially during the spring and winter seasons.
Nonetheless, weekly brushing and regular bathing can help manage the shedding of your Whippet Lab mix. You should also consider investing in a good vacuum if you don’t like hair on your furniture.
Are Whippet Labrador Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Since Whippet Labrador mixes are moderate shedders, they are not considered to be hypoallergenic. They lose hair throughout the year and shed heavily during the shift of seasons.
This also means that they are not suitable for people with allergies to fur and danders.
Final Thoughts: Is a Whipador the Right Dog for You?
The Whippet Labrador mix is indeed an excellent pick for a family pet. It is playful, friendly, and calm around children and other pets. It is also easy to take care of and maintain.
However, if you are a busy type of person, this hybrid might not be the right dog for you. Whipadors are highly active and energetic dogs that require regular daily exercise.
Nevertheless, if you think you are capable of maintaining and caring for a Whippet Labrador mix, nothing should stop you from getting one. If you have prior experience with this hybrid, let us know in the comment below!
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