Whippet Lab Mix—A Complete Guide to the Whipador

Welcome to your complete guide to the Whippet Lab mix, also known as the “Whipador.”

This cross combines two physically opposite but equally passionate hunting breeds, the retriever and the sighthound.

As such, Whipadors are typically athletic, friendly and outgoing dogs who enjoy snuggling with their human just as much as they enjoy chasing after a small animal.

This prey drive may impact the other types of pets that a Whipador should live with, which we’ll get to later.

We’ll also cover the physical and temperamental differences between the Whippet and Labrador, some possible health problems, and how to find the perfect Whipador for you.

What Is a Whippet Lab Mix Dog?

A Whipador is a mutt that is achieved by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever with a purebred Whippet, a Greyhound-lookalike.

Though it may seem like an unlikely combination, the crossing of these two breeds actually produces a very streamlined dog. They often resemble a slightly heavy Whippet or a somewhat lanky Lab.

The cross may also have the Whippet’s somewhat bulbous head and upright ears, longer Lab-like ears, or something in-between.

Before we dive too deeply into the Whippet cross Labrador’s physical characteristics, though, let’s find out more about his heritage.

Where Did the Whippet Lab Mix Come From?

The Whippet is a sighthound breed. Sighthounds are a centuries-old group of dogs that have been developed to pursue prey using their eyes more so than their noses.

The Whippet can trace its roots to Victorian-era England, where coal miners bred dogs that they could race for money, use to hunt rabbits, and afford to house. Unlike the large and expensive-to-keep Greyhound.

(This is why the breed is often referred to as “The Poor Man’s Racehorse.”)

When Europeans started making their way to the newly colonized America, Whippets joined them and were continuously marvelled at for their speed … and they still are today.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) formally added Whippets as a member of the hound group in 1888.

Not to be outshined by the Whippet’s speed, the Labrador retriever is another hunting marvel.

In Newfoundland, Canada circa early 1800s, small hunting dogs were bred to retrieve waterfowl. Later, these dogs were crossed with Newfoundlands, a much larger and heavier dog. This crossing created the ever-popular Labrador, which made its way to the United States.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the Labrador retriever as a member of its sporting group in 1917.

Today, Labradors still shine as award-winning hunting dogs, but they’re also extremely well-versed as service dogs and as household pets.

Whippet Lab Mix Temperament

With the Whippet’s “born to run” lineage and the Labrador’s heritage as a retriever, a Lab x Whippet is going to be a high-energy dog. They will require plenty of play time and exercise to thrive.

While both breeds are typically playful and friendly, the cross may inherit the Whippet’s occasional shy or anxious nature when amongst strangers or new situations.

It’s hard to say with certainty how a cross will turn out because mixed breeds can be an equal mix of both parents, or they make take after one parent more so than the other.

Regardless of which parent a Whipador takes after, two traits that are guaranteed to be inherited are lots of energy and a strong prey drive.

Whipador Exercise

Whipadors require long walks, runs and/or play time to ensure they expend pent-up energy each day.

If they don’t have an outlet, then they may become anxious or depressed. Unfortunately, an anxious or depressed dog can be quite destructive. And if a dog has a Lab’s powerful jaws, then he might be able to chew through just about anything.

Sturdy dog toys (and maybe a friend, if you’re able to have more than one dog) will help to keep him entertained if he becomes bored in between walks or while he’s crated.

Speaking of crating, a Whippet Labrador mix may have an issue with being left alone for extended periods of time, as Labs do not like solitude. It would be a good idea to do some crate training with a Whipador in case they will need to be put up for any amount of time during the day.

Regarding prey drive, Whippets are somewhat notorious for taking off after small animals as soon as said animal catches their eye (hence their “sighthound” breeding).

Similarly, Labradors can be somewhat notorious for sniffing and/or running after a small animal and not minding their leash manners as well because of this. However, if a Whipador has English Lab breeding, though, then this hunting instinct may not be as strong.

Therefore, an enclosed area as well as impeccable leash training will be necessary if you want to own a Whipador.

Are Whipadors Noisy?

One thing that you may not have to worry about too much, though, is barking. Whippets are typically quiet dogs who only bark when necessary. And Labs typically bark if they’re excited or if they spot something interesting.

With that being said, some Whippets can be overly loyal to their owners and property, so they may bark and growl at someone or something that seems threatening.

Thus, it’s a good idea to socialize a Lab mixed with Whippet, preferably from a young age.

On the flip side, the Labrador’s excitability when greeting new faces may cause him to jump up on guests. This can be remediated with obedience training and learning their manners.

Labs and Whippets are both generally good with children, but as always, supervision during play time is recommended.

Whippet Lab Mix Weight and Height

Generally, a black Lab Whippet will grow to be a medium-sized, yet refined-looking dog—sort of like a Labrador without the bulk and with a Whippet’s longer legs.

Based on the Lab and Whippet’s height and weight, a Whipador may reach anywhere from 18 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder. They may weigh anywhere from 25 to 80 pounds, although it’s unlikely for a Whipador to reach a Lab’s full size.

As a rule, females will be on the smaller end of the above weight and height spectrum.

Whippet Lab Mix Colors

Depending on which parent a black Lab and Whippet mix resembles, she may look like a Labrador or more like a Whippet.

If a hybrid resembles a Lab, then she may be one of the following colors:

• Black Lab Whippet mix
• Yellow Lab Whippet mix
• Chocolate Lab Whippet mix

If a hybrid resembles a Whippet, then she may be one of the following colors:

• Black
• Solid blue
• Blue brindle
• Blue fawn
• Cream
• Fawn
• Fawn brindle
• Red
• Red brindle
• White
• And white with another color

Additionally, a hybrid may have blue, black, and/or white markings with or without a mask.

Labrador Whippet Grooming and Shedding

A Lab Whippet mix may have the Labrador’s double-coat, which sheds heavily during peak shedding season. Or it may have the Whippet’s short and smooth coat, which only sheds occasionally.

However, if he has the Whippet’s short coat, then he may not be suited for a cold climate or for an extremely sunny climate. We’ll get into the reasons why in the next section.

Whippet x Labrador Health

Mixed breeds, such as Whipadors, may inherit some or all of the health problems that afflict or are carried by their parents.

Fortunately, both Labs and Whippets are relatively healthy dogs. But as with many purebreds, their genetics and physical attributes predispose them to certain health problems.

To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that Labrador retrievers are predisposed to, check out the health section on our website. .

To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that Whippets are predisposed to, keep reading!

In addition to the aforementioned health conditions, the following genetic ailments have also been observed in Whippets:

Nasal health issues

Whippets are dolichocephalic, or simply put, they have longer noses than some of their shorter-muzzled brethren.

Having a longer muzzle definitely has its perks, but it sometimes can put a dog at risk of developing nasal tumors, sinus problems, and other conditions.

Congenital deafness

According to a 2004 study, Whippets with the piebald or extreme-white piebald gene are most likely to be born bilaterally (one-sided) or unilaterally (completely) deaf.

The piebald gene is found in predominantly white dogs.

Color Dilution Alopecia

Another color-related genetic condition, color dilution alopecia (unusual hair thinning or loss) has been reported in Whippets that have a diluted hair coat color. Especially blue or fawn.

While it’s not particularly dangerous, it does require some special shampoo, rinse or ointment if the bald skin becomes flaky, itchy or cracked.

Hemangiosarcoma

One final color-related health condition that is common in Whippets is hemangiosarcoma, or skin cancer.

Whippets have naturally thin fur and light-colored skin, and so like fair-skinned and fair-haired humans, they are more susceptible to sunburn and subsequent skin damage.

One way to prevent a susceptible dog from developing skin cancer is to carefully monitor their exposure to extreme sun if you live in a very sunny climate.

Multidrug resistance (MDR1 drug sensitivity)

According to the Banfield Pet Hospital, the multi-drug resistance-1 (MDR1) genetic mutation prevents the dog’s body from removing certain drugs from the brain.

Dogs with the MDR1 mutation should not be given certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diarrheal drugs, dewormers, pain medications or tranquilizers.

Doing so could result in an adverse reaction due to toxin build up, including but not limited to seizures, blindness, loss of muscle control or death.

Autoimmune thyroiditis

Otherwise known as hypothyroidism, this condition is caused when there’s a lack of the thyroid hormone in your dog’s body.

According to a 2010 study, sighthounds like Whippets have most commonly been observed to have low total thyroid hormone levels.

A dog with hypothyroidism will need to be given a pill to replace the hormone that is not being secreted.

This will protect them from such symptoms as dry skin, hair loss, skin disease, weight gain and behavioral issues.

“Bully” Whippet

According to a 2007 study, this is a condition that causes over-muscling in athletic breeds, like Whippets, when a genetic mutation in the myostatin gene is present.

When one copy of the mutation is present, the affected dog may just appear to be very muscular and highly athletic. But when two copies of the mutation are present, the dog will appear entirely too muscular.

While over-muscling is not necessarily detrimental to afflicted dogs, as the condition may cause some muscle cramping, it is mostly just unsightly.

Mitral valve degeneration (MTD)

This heart condition, which often leads to left-sided heart failure, is the most common form of cardiovascular disease in dogs.

It typically does not present until a dog reaches older age. But in Whippets, some studies are showing an increasing number of much younger Whippets presenting with signs of cardiovascular disease.

This suggests that MTD could be hereditary in certain breeds of dogs.

Anesthesia complications

Sighthounds like Whippets are usually lean-built dogs without a lot of body fat and devoid of a super thick coat.

This makes them especially susceptible to cold temperatures. So generally speaking, a Whipador with a Whippet’s thinner coat will benefit from a doggy coat or sweater during cold months.

Where this relates to anesthesia is as follows:

• • Surgery takes place in a cold and sterilized environment. Whippets placed under anesthesia are thus at risk of developing hypothermia if their body temperature is not monitored closely and adjusted as needed during a procedure.
  • Whippets also have an issue with their liver filtering certain drugs that are used during anesthesia. Which results in increased “wake-up” and recovery time post-surgery. Therefore, certain agents cannot be used for anesthesia in Whippets and Whippet mixes.

Whippet Lab Cross Exercise Requirements

As we’ve mentioned a few times, Whippet Labrador crosses need daily exercise and play time. Or they may become a royal terror to your house, not to mention become very unhappy.

If you’re unable to take your dog on a couple of walks each day, then hiring a dog walker will be necessary when you’re away.

Your dog will also love the opportunity to be let off its leash to stretch its legs. If you don’t have an enclosed area for this lover of running, then you might consider taking him or her to the dog park for some much-appreciated open air (and range).

With all of that being said, though, a Whipador will happily lounge with you after he’s had a chance to stretch his legs.

How Long Will a Whippet and Lab Mix Live?

A Whipador’s life expectancy is about 10-12 years old.

Buying Labrador Whippet Mix Puppies

Before you purchase a puppy from a breeder, we recommend that you do plenty of research to ensure that you only buy from the best of the best, so to speak.

Not all dog breeders are equal.

Responsible breeders use genetic testing to prevent the passage of undesired traits or health conditions. While irresponsible breeders breed using stock with known health problems or genetic predispositions.

Responsible breeders also keep all of their dogs healthy and in clean living conditions. Unfortunately, there are lots of breeders who run puppy mills solely to produce lots of puppies, with no concern for the health of the breeding stock.

If a breeder is unwilling to show you their entire facility, if they have breeding stock or puppies that are sick, and/or if they do not use genetic testing, then you may wish to continue your puppy search elsewhere.

Cost of Whippet Lab Mix Puppies

What you pay for a Whippet Lab puppy will be based on the value of the breeding stock, the availability of puppies, and whether or not they’ve received various veterinary services (such as spaying, neutering, vaccines, etc.).

Since the Whipador isn’t a well known Lab mix, you probably won’t pay as much for one as you would for a purebred dog or another more popular Lab mix, such as a Labradoodle.

Whippet Lab Mix Adoption

Not all black Lab Whippet mix dogs have to come from a breeder.

Adult dogs, purebred and mutt, working dog or pet, end up in shelters or animals rescues. Some are surrendered by owners who cannot care for them anymore. Others are taken from bad situations. And some are picked up as strays.

You might find yourself a perfectly nice Whipador for adoption at an animal shelter or rescue. We suggest beginning your search from a Labrador or Whippet-specific rescue association.

Similar Breeds

If you’re considering the Whipador, you might also like these similar breeds:

• Silver Lab
• Dachshund Lab Mix

Designer Dog Controversy—Pros and Cons of Hybrid Dogs

There’s a common misconception that mutts are somehow unhealthy or are always inbred, but fortunately, these are both indeed false.

Regardless of whether a dog is purebred or mixed, healthy puppies are achieved by only breeding dogs that have been genetically tested.

Responsible breeders do not participate in inbreeding or back-breeding, as this is what causes health problems in all dogs, no matter their breed.

(This article explains how specific breed combinations and creating future generations using dogs from separate families produce the healthiest hybrid offspring.)

It’s imperative to know the health of the dogs that start and maintain the line. As well as the conditions in which the parents and offspring are kept, and whether or not inbreeding is used to produce future generations.

Continuing to breed dogs with known health issues always result in more dogs with health issues. For additional information, check out our article on Purebred vs. Mutts.

Whippet Lab Mix—A Summary

If you’re looking for a Lab but in a slightly smaller, more streamlined package, then a Whippet Lab mix could be perfect for you.

Just be sure that you have enough room (preferably fenced-in) for a Whipador—they do need space to stretch their legs and to expend some abundant energy.

Good manners and some training will be important, as this dog will want to chase after small animals, what with its retrieving and sighthound lineage.

Whether or not a Whipador will shed a lot is a toss-up. Labs have a double-coat that sheds profusely seasonally, while Whippets have a thin coat that requires little maintenance.

There are several health concerns with this hybrid, especially with the thin coat and Lab physique, so you’ll want to take those into consideration.

Genetic testing may be able to pinpoint specific conditions that are carried by breeding stock prior to obtaining a puppy from a breeder.

If this all sounds good, then we hope this article will assist you in picking out your new Whipador.

References and Further Reading:

Court, M., 1999, “Anesthesia of the sighthound,” Clinical Techniques in Small Animal Practice

Downing, R., 2017, “Color Dilution Alopecia in Dogs,” VCA Animal Hospitals

Mosher, D., et al., 2007, “A Mutation in the Myostatin Gene Increases Muscle Mass and Enhances Racing Performance in Heterozygote Dogs,” PLOS One

Phillips, B., Flory, A., and Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego, 2014, “ACVIM Fact Sheet: Hemangiosarcoma,” American College of Internal Veterinary Medicine

Shiel, R., et al., 2010, “Assessment of criteria used by veterinary practitioners to diagnose hypothyroidism in sighthounds and investigation of serum thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy Salukis,” Journal of the American Veterinary Association

Stern, J., et al., 2015, “Severity of Mitral Valve Degeneration Is Associated with Chromosome 15 Loci in Whippet Dogs,” PLOS One

Strain, G., 2004, “Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk,” The Veterinary Journal

“What is the MDR1 Gene Mutation?” Banfield Pet Hospital