Also commonly known as a Basenppet or Whippenji, the Basenji Whippet Mix is a 50/50 cross between a Basenji and a Whippet dog. Although many people prefer pure breeds, others similarly find crossbreeds cute and adorable as well.
A Basenji Whippet Mix is a designer dog with admirable traits that he inherits from both popular parent dogs.
This hybrid dog inherits the speedy running abilities and hound-like talents of both the Basenji and the Whippet.
With its small but muscular body, the Basenji Whippet Mix is also nicknamed the Barkless Hybrid Dog. Both parent breeds are not known to bark a lot, and therefore, this Whippet mix does not make a reliable guard dog. However, this cute pet adapts well to apartment living.
Read our comprehensive guide below to determine if a Whippenji is a good match for you and your family.
We’ll take a closer look at its history, appearance, temperament, grooming, feeding, health, and other important things you need to know before adding this hybrid dog to your family.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About The Basenji Whippet Mix
| Breed Type: | Mixed Breed/Crossbreed/Designer Dog/Hybrid (Basenji and Whippet) |
| Size: | Small to Medium-Sized Dog |
| Other Names: | Basenppet or Whippenji |
| Good Guard Dog: | No |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes |
| Average Weight: | 22 to 40 pounds |
| Average Height: | 17 to 22 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 16 years |
| Apartment Living: | Yes, This Hybrid Dog Barks Rarely |
| Ideal for: | Active Families, Active Singles, Those Looking for a Watchdog |
| Coat: | A Short, Fine Coat |
| Coat colors: | Brown with White or Black Markings |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Yes, if you can meet their exercise needs |
| Trainability: | Moderate difficulty |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Low |
| Grooming Needs: | Brush them once per week with a grooming mitt |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 60 minutes of exercise every day is required |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Well trained adult Basenji Whippet Mix can stay alone for 6 to 8 hours. Just make sure they are well-exercised |
| Feeding and Diet: | 1.5 to 2 cups of high quality dog food twice a day. Of course, this amount varies depending on the dog’s age, size, and activity level. |
| Maintenance: | Low |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hypothyroidism, Eye problems, Heart issues, Fanconi syndrome, Basenji enteropathy |
| Temperament: | Smart, Curious, Strong prey drive, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Affectionate, and Playful |
| Cat Friendly: | Not Recommended (both parent breeds have strong prey drive), They Can Be Good With Cats Especially If Raised Together and With Early Socialization |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, especially with early socialization |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, Early Socialization Is Vital |
| Family-Friendly: | Yes, if the mix receives training and socialization early on. |
| Prey Drive: | High |
| Drooling Potential: | Low |
| Barking Tendencies: | Rarely |
| Price: | Average $500 – $1500 USD |
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What Is A Basenji Whippet Mix Called?
The Basenji Whippet cross is also called a Basenppet or Whippenji. The Whippenji is an intelligent and charming dog that results from hybridizing a Whippet (a sighthound that was bred in England) and a Basenji (originally found in Congo, Africa).
The Whippenji is an affectionate and quiet hybrid dog with a hound-like temperament. This means the Whippenji is a curious, intelligent, and independent canine.
In addition, this crossbreed is quite active and he inherits the superfast running and athletic nature of the Basenji and Whippet parent breeds.
This designer dog makes a great family pet because of his loving and affectionate nature. However, the Whippenji doesn’t make a good guard dog since he hardly barks, a common trait in both parent breeds.
The History of the Basenji Whippet Mix
Mixed breed dogs are quite new in the canine world, and the Whippet Basenji Mix has been with us for around 20 years.
Chances are high that this hybrid dog originated in the US where the purported designer dog craze continues to grow.
To gain a proper understanding of this mix, we need to learn the histories of both primary breeds.
The History of the Basenji
The Basenji is considered to be among the oldest dog breeds in the world.
The Basenji Club of America was established in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1944.
Originating from Congo, Africa, evidence of this ancient breed can be found in artworks from Babylon and Egypt.
The Basenji breed of dogs is also called the Congo Dog, African Bush Dog, Barkless Dog, Ango Angari, and Congo Terrier.
These talented hunting dogs were originally used for hunting small game.
With a great sense of smell and sight, strong prey drive, and active, energetic nature, the Basenji has won many hearts over the years.
This distinct breed is very fast and is known for its barkless personality.
The History of the Whippet Breed
The Whippet is also a very old breed that emerged hundreds of years ago. Whippet-like canines appear in artworks dating as far back as the Middle Ages.
However, the present-day Whippet was recognized as a unique breed in the 1800s, and the breed first appeared in a dog show in the United States in 1884.
The Whippet originally worked as a hunting dog since he could easily identify and track small game like hares by using its speed and agility instead of smell.
The Whippet began taking part in flat-out races and rabbit coursing in the 19th century when it earned the name, the poor man’s greyhound. After authorities banned hare coursing, the breed continued to take part in rage races.
As the breed continued to take part in these competitions, it became extremely popular in America, England, and around Europe.
Now that you know the historical background of the Basenji Whippet Mix, let’s take a look at this hybrid dog’s appearance.
What Does A Basenji Whippet Mix Look Like?
The appearance of the Basenji Whippet Mix will vary depending on which primary parent genres are more dominant. Most Basenji Whippet Mixes will inherit physical features from both the Basenji and the Whippet. However, some may resemble the appearance of one parent more than the other.
This hound-like hybrid possesses a narrow snout just like the Whippet but it’s comparatively wider.
The Whippenji has rose-shaped or prick ears depending on the dominant parent gene. This hybrid dog has a curved, furry tail that’s longer than that of the Basenji parent.
How Big Does a Basenji Whippet Mix Get?
The Basenji Whippet Mix is a small but muscular dog, standing between 17 and 22 inches tall and weighing approximately 22 to 40 pounds when fully grown. This small size and weight helps to increase the dog’s speed and agility.
Coat and Coat Colors
The Whippenji boasts a black coat with white markings on its forehead and snout. He may also have a black mask and black markings on the rest of the body.
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Temperament and Personality of the Basenji Whippet Mix
Since the Basenppet inherits personality traits from the Basenji and the Whippet parent breeds, you can expect a combination of the parent breeds’ traits.
The Basenji Whippet Mix has a quiet, friendly, and graceful disposition. This hybrid is curious in nature and has a strong prey drive that he inherits from both the Basenji and the Whippet parent breeds.
Moreover, the Basenppet is very intelligent and independent in nature. Therefore, you need to provide firm leadership to prevent manipulative tendencies while making your dog obedient and loyal.
Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Protective?
The Basenji Whippet cross will rarely bark, but he can still be a good watchdog. Since he is very silent, however, they cannot act as guard dogs. You can only expect some yodels, whines, and growls from time to time.
Do Whippet Basenji Mixes Bark A Lot?
No. Both the Basenji and the Whippet parent dogs do not bark much. In fact, the Basenji is known as the barkless dog and the Whippet rarely barks. So you can expect this dog to be quiet and good for apartment living.
Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Good With Kids?
Whippenji dogs are playful and enjoy exploring their surroundings. They get along well with young kids, but proper socialization is important if you want them to get along well with people, cats and other pets.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Although Basenji Whippets are not mean to other animals, they have a strong prey drive and can chase and harm small pets.
Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Good For First Time Owners?
Yes. Whippet Basenji Mixes can do well as first dogs if you can meet their exercise needs. They flourish in active homes where all members can put in the effort to meet their exercise needs.
Do Whippet Basenji Mixes Do Well In Apartment Settings
Yes. Due to their small size and low barking tendencies, these dogs are suited to apartment living. These dogs hardly bark, and they can do well in apartment settings.
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Exercise Requirements
Basenji Whippet Mixes are smart, energetic, and playful canines, so you should provide them with an opportunity to spend their energy. Make sure to provide them with at least 60 minutes of physical activities every day.
For example, you can take them on daily walks, allow them to run and interact freely with other dogs at a dog park, or integrate them into your regular workout routine.
Their requirement for daily physical activity makes the Whippenji an ideal choice for active owners with a daily workout routine.
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Training
You should start training your Basenji Whippet Mix as early as possible. Remember both the Basenji and the Whippet have a hunting background, so their offspring may start showing prey instincts and aggressive behavior toward any suspicions.
Your mixed breed dog must learn how to interact safely with adults, children, and other animals.
Here are a few tips for successfully training your Basenji Whippet Mix:
Housetraining: This should start immediately you welcome your puppy home. Intelligent dogs can be independent and stubborn, so you need to teach them the house rules and good manners as early as possible.
Puppy training: You also need to give your puppy the company it deserves. This will enable your puppy to learn the importance of the bond you establish with it and should soon recognize you as its pack leader. Give them interactive dog toys to ensure they learn the importance of training.
Positive reinforcement techniques: Rewarding a Whippet Basenji Mix while training it can go a long way in strengthening its bond with you. Give your pooch rewards like treats and toys whenever they positively respond to any command. Also, praise them when they react properly to your demand.
Socialization: You need to expose your Whippenji to children, other dogs and animals during its puppyhood to help him be more confident in various situations. That way, your dog will hone his social skills and control his aggressive behavior.
Spend a lot of time with your dog: As you train your puppy, spend more time with him every day, training, exercising, and allowing him to play with toys. Soon, you’ll strengthen the bond between you and you dog, and eventually win his loyalty.
Grooming Requirements
The Basenji Whippet Mix sheds lightly, so brushing its coat should be done every few days.
Regular grooming and brushing will help remove loose hair and ensure that your dog’s coat is healthy and shiny.
Don’t forget to regularly wipe them clean with vet-approved deodorizing wipes for dogs and bathe them only when they get too dirty or every 4 to 6 weeks.
Also, trim their nails using recommended nail clippers. Their grooming should also include regular brushing of their teeth and cleaning of their ears.
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Feeding & Diet Requirements
The Basenji Whippet Mix has an appetite to match its size, so you need to consider this before welcoming this hybrid dog to your life.
Feeding them high quality dog food, split into two to four meals per day will help ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Younger puppies will require more nutrition.
With a healthy diet and fresh water for hydration, the Whippet Basenji cross can avoid gaining unnecessary weight and becoming overweight.
As with other dogs, your mix needs dry dog food that is rich in protein and with the right amounts of carbohydrates and fats. That way, your Whippet Basenji crossbreed will get the energy he needs for his daily activities while keeping his bones and muscles strong.
Lifespan
The Whippet Basenji Mix has a lifespan of about 12 to 16 years. Taking him for vet checkups and supplying him with a variety of nutritious foods can also help prolong your dog’s lifespan.
Whippet Basenji Mix Health Issues
The Whippenji has few health issues or none. However, he may still be vulnerable to the health conditions that the parent breeds have.
Occasional vet visits and regular physical activity can help your dog avoid the following health issues:
- Joint dysplasia
- Fanconi syndrome
- Eye problems
- Bacterial and viral infections like distemper/staphylococcal infections
The Whippenji may not inherit most of the health problems we’ve mentioned above. However, the offspring might still inherit the health concerns mentioned above depending on the health of both parent dogs.
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Whippet Basenji Mix Puppies for Sale
The best way of finding Whippet Basenji Mix puppies for sale is by searching for reputable breeders.
To ensure the health of your new puppy, make sure to do your homework because reputable breeders always ensure the parent dogs are health so the offspring is unlikely to inherit unhealthy or bad genes.
In addition to ruling out potential health problems, another thing to consider when searching for Basenji Whippet Mix puppies for sale is their price.
The Price of a Whippet Basenji Mix for Sale
A Basenji Whippet Mix costs anywhere from $500 to $1500, depending on its pedigree and gender. Your location and your breeder’s reputation can also influence the Basenji Whippet Mix price.
Whippet Basenji Mix for Adoption
Another affordable way of getting a Whippet Basenji Mix is by checking out rescue centers or animal shelters.
You can expect the staff to ask you some questions because they want to ensure you are the right owner of this mix and that you can take proper care of it.
Additional Costs of Dog Ownership
Additional costs of raising a Basenji Whippet Mix cover microchip tagging, medical procedures such as blood tests and neutering as well as basic dog supplies such as a leash, collar, bed, and crate.
Two products we particularly we recommend are the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed and the MidWest Folding Crate. These two dog accessories will help ensure your Whippet Basenji Mix has a safe and comfortable place to sleep and stay in!
Of course, you should expect to spend money on dog food, puppy classes, and grooming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Whippet Basenji Mix A Good Family Dog?
Yes. Basenji Whippet Mixes make good family dogs if trained and socialized well during their puppyhood. They get along well with young kids, but may have a strong prey drive due to the parent breeds hunting backgrounds. Therefore, you should introduce your Whippenji to cats and other household pets early on in their life.
Are Whippet Basenji Mix Dogs High Maintenance?
No. The Whippenji sheds lightly, so maintenance and grooming should be a breeze.
Can Whippet Basenji Mix Dogs Be Left Alone?
Given their affection need for companionship, Whippet Basenji Mix dogs don’t like being away from their masters for extended periods. If you have to be away from them and can’t find the time to play with these playful canines several times a day, a Whippenji might not be a good choice for you.
How Long Can a Whippet Basenji Mix Be Left Alone?
If you have to be away from home, make sure there’s someone to take care of your pup. Otherwise, these independent dogs can stay alone for up to 6 or 8 hours.
Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Basenji Whippet Mixes are not hypoallergenic. They shed lightly, so grooming and maintenance will still be required to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
How Long Do Whippet Basenji Mixes Live?
The Basenji Whippet Mix has a life expectancy of around 12 to 16 years.
Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Lazy?
No. While small, Whippenji dogs are quite active and playful. They need active owners who can provide them with at least one hour of exercise every day, including daily walks and trips to a secure dog park.
Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Hard to Train?
No. These small dogs are smart and eager to please so training should be quite easy, especially if you start training them immediately you bring them home.
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Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Aggressive?
These canines are likely to show aggressive behaviors towards small pets due to both parent breeds’ hunting backgrounds. With proper and timely socialization, however, these dogs can learn how to control their suspicions.
Are Whippet Basenji Mixes Smart?
Yes. Both parent breeds are smart and eager to please. Training should also be easy if you show firm and consistent leadership.
What Are Some Negatives About Basenji Whippets?
- They need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day.
- They are not hypoallergenic.
- They require consistent training and leadership.
- They are independent dogs.
Is A Basenji Whippet Mix Right For You?
The Basenji Whippet Mix is a superfast dog that inherits the athletic abilities and hound-like temperament of both parent breeds.
A Basenppet sheds lightly, but coat maintenance should be easy. Like bother parent breeds, your Basenppet won’t bark a lot. Basenjis are bark-free while Whippets bark rarely.
Keep in mind that the Basenji is an active and independent dog with special care needs. So is the Basenji Whippet Mix right for you? It all boils down to what you want. Hopefully, our guide above will help you make an informed decision.
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