Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Whippet Border Collie Mix: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

Written by: Kerry-Ann Kerr

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Dogster Team

border collie whippet mixed breed dog dock diving jumping

Whippet Border Collie Mix: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & 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

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
+
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.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

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.

Parent breeds of the Whippet Border Collie Mix
Image By: Left – JitkaP, Shutterstock | Right – TheOtherKev, Pixabay

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

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.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

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 your veterinarian for advice.

PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can <b>talk to a vet online</b> and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price! </p> <div class="su-button-center"><a href=https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/"https://pangovet.com?utm_source=dogster&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=dog-nutrition%22 class="su-button su-button-style-default" style="color:#FFFFFF;background-color:#FF6600;border-color:#cc5200;border-radius:9px;-moz-border-radius:9px;-webkit-border-radius:9px" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:#FFFFFF;padding:0px 24px;font-size:18px;line-height:36px;border-color:#ff944d;border-radius:9px;-moz-border-radius:9px;-webkit-border-radius:9px;text-shadow:none;-moz-text-shadow:none;-webkit-text-shadow:none"> Click to Speak With a Vet</span></a></div></div></div>"}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16776960},"12":0}">

💛 🐶 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
PangoVet

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

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.

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.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Sinus problems
  • Skin issues
Serious Conditions
  • Hearing loss
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
  • Glaucoma

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

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.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

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.

Dogster divider_v1_NEW_MAY_24_

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:


Featured Image Credit to: GoDog Photo, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

PangoVet Image Speak With A Vet Online

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.