Bedlington Whippet Dog Breed

A Bedlington x Whippet cross, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; while a Bedlington Terrier x Whippet cross may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Whippet x Bedlington likely gained popularity during the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These energetic, friendly dogs will make good pets for active families of any size, especially those with children.

A few Beddy-Whippet facts: they're small- to medium-sized (and quite lean), averaging 17 inches at the shoulders in height and 25 pounds in weight; their coat length and texture can vary, but they usually have short- to medium-length, wiry coats that don't shed too much; and they're energetic and will need daily exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Bedlington-Whippet mix:

Some Bedlington-Whippet information: these hybrids are the offspring of two breeds that are thin, fast, and athletic. Beddy-Whippet mix size is normally 15-19 inches at the shoulders in height and 20-30 pounds in weight; these hybrids can have short, smooth coats like the Whippet's, but they're more often longer and more wiry like that of the Beddy Terrier--and the coats may be hypoallergenic like the Beddy's, or not hypoallergenic like the Whippet's. The coats come in a wide variety of colors in both solid and multi-colored patterns.

In terms of personality: these hybrids will be busybodies like both parents are--but they can be confident and even boddy like the Beddy or shy and standoffish like the Whippet (and even both at different times!). A Beddy-Whippet mix might also inherit the well-known Triple T--"typical terrier temperament"--which means the dog will be quite a handful. In any case, providing your Beddy-Whippet mix with plenty of training and socialization, starting during puppyhood if possible, is a good idea.

And while a Beddy-Whippet won't be all that strong, the dog will be highly active, and will need a good bit of exercise (preferably the outdoor kind) on a daily basis.

Active, friendly, whip-smart, loyal, and at times stubborn, the Bedlington Terrier-Whippet cross temperament is one of energy and intelligence. Though sometimes headstrong, these hybrids will be affectionate with their family members, and they'll usually be protective of them too (particularly if they inherit more terrier-like personality traits). They'll get along very well with kids, and will socialize pretty well with other household pets. They may, however, be like the Beddy and try to challenge other dogs, in which case they're better off in a "one-dog" household. Regardless, owners say, it's best if these hybrids grow up alongside any children or other pets so they learn to be accustomed to each other.

In regards to training: a Beddy-Whippet mix is very smart, and will often respond very well to training--but the dog's potential stubbornness means a few repetitions may be necessary when it's learning commands and tasks. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And a Beddy-Whippet mix can be a good watchdog, especially if it's more terrier-like. This dog is likely to bark at and investigate unknown sights and sounds--and though it's probably too small to neutralize potential threats like intruders, it might still try to do so anyway!

A Beddy-Whippet mix, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including patellar luxation and various eye problems like retinal dysplasia or distichiasis (overgrown eyelashes). A few Beddy-Whippet mixes, like the Whippet and other sighthounds, might also be sensitive to some anesthesia medications, a situation to discuss with a veterinarian. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can ask their own veterinarians to do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is 13-15 years.