Month: November 2023

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Whippet Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Care, Info & More

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The Whippet Pitbull mix is a loving, robust blend between its two parent breeds that combine exceptional agility with a stockier frame and loyal nature. If you’re searching for a family dog that’s athletic, friendly, and most importantly, loyal, look no further than a Whippet Pitbull mix. They come in a huge variety of colors, and you’re sure to find one you fall in love with.

Let’s delve into the exact traits you can expect to see in this rare crossbreed, how to care for them, and what else you need to know before committing to one for your next pet.

Breed Overview

Height:

18–22 inches

Weight:

25–60 pounds

Lifespan:

8–15 years

Colors:

Fawn, red, blue, tan, cream, white, black, brindle, orange

Suitable for:

Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog

Temperament:

Loyal, loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets

This breed is a cross between the rare racing Whippet and the sturdy, loving American Pitbull Terrier, meaning they can inherit a wide range of physical and personality traits. The Whippet is known for being an even-tempered, quiet dog with bursts of exuberant energy, so a Whippet Pitbull mix might exhibit that spirit or be more like the in-your-face affectionate Pitbull—you can see a mix of the parents even within the same litter.

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Whippet Pitbull Mix Breed Puppies

Whippets are fairly rare to begin with, so you may wish to look for Whippet Pitbull litters in social media communities of Whippet devotees. Pitbulls are common enough dogs that someone in these groups is likely to have both dogs and, if you’re lucky, accidental litters of puppies. Online, you may have luck with Facebook groups or Craigslist ads, and it never hurts to take a look around the local dog park either. You may just find some friends who know where to find the Whippet Pitbull mix puppy you’re searching for. However, you do need to be careful when not purchasing from reputable breeders, but if you happen to come across a litter, that doesn’t mean those puppies don’t deserve your love.

The Parent Breeds of the Whippet Pitbull Mix
Image Credit: (L) Timchenko Natalia, Shutterstock | (R) Caroline Ziemkiewicz, Unsplash

Temperament & Intelligence of the Whippet Pitbull Mix

Whippets and Pitbulls are both very emotional dog breeds, so you’ll need to have some patience when training and raising them. Whippet Pitbull mixes develop very close attachments to their owners and can learn to read your body language, but they’re roughly average in general intelligence. That is, you won’t be contending with a dog Einstein bent on escaping your yard.

They’re laid back and love being with their people more than anything, effortlessly carving out a niche in nearly any family patient enough to understand their personality quirks.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, Whippet Pitbull mixes can be great family dogs with proper socialization, training, and boundaries. Smaller pups that take after Whippets can make fast friends with younger kids, while larger dogs more like Pitbulls might be too rough, but it really just depends on the individual dog.

They’re also highly active dogs that need plenty of exercise. A secure yard would be ideal to help them intermittently burn off energy, but plenty of dog walks could do the trick for apartment dwellers.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

Maybe. Most Whippets have a chill personality except when it comes to chasing things, though sometimes the breed has a strain of high-strung anxiety that requires patience from the owner. Pitbulls, on the other hand, have a reputation for being affectionate and loyal. Throw all these personality traits in a blender and you can come out with any number of pet-friendly personalities, but socialization plays a huge part.

It also depends on the parents. If the Pitbull parent was more brash and the Whippet parent was an amiable, calm dog, you could get anything in between. There’s never any telling until you meet the puppies and their parents, which is why meeting before you commit to a puppy is essential when buying a crossbreed.

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Things to Know When Owning a Whippet Pitbull Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

These are very athletic dogs, so you don’t want to skimp on nutrition by buying cheap or grain-heavy kibble. Choose a high-quality dog food designed for your dog’s life stage, with no less than 20% protein content. These formulas also contain the recommended portions of fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and all the other trace nutrients your Whippet Pitbull mix needs to thrive.

Though your dog’s kibble provides virtually everything they need, it’s always nice to treat them to some healthy sides and treats. Dogs can enjoy fruits like apples and blueberries or veggies like sweet potato and squash. Experiment with new dog-safe ingredients to find new and healthy staples in your Whippet Pitbull’s diet.

Exercise 🐕

As we touched on, the Whippet Pitbull mix is an active breed that needs roughly an hour of vigorous exercise per day. You can crank that up or down as needed, depending on an individual dog’s capacity and desire for exercise. If your Whippet Pitbull mix is restlessly pacing or chewing up shoes, you might want to take them for more walks or schedule some impromptu playtime.

Speaking of playtime, you’ll need plenty of mental stimulation, as well as physical. We’re talking puzzle feeders like Kongs and snuffle mats, which satisfy your dog’s natural urge to dig while boosting their problem-solving abilities. The cherry on top is that they’ll be calmer in the house between outings, and you might be spared some missing shoes too.

Training 🎾

Whippet Pitbull mixes benefit greatly from early training and socialization, especially during the critical socialization window between 8 to 16 weeks. During these weeks they’ll be soaking up everything they’re exposed to, learning what’s normal, and figuring out how to be a dog. Heavier puppies that take after hefty Pitbulls need early leash training to not tug when they’re big and bulky—nip that in the bud ASAP.

Obedience is key too. You can start with your dog learning their name at first and progress to basic commands like sit, stay, and come, which are coincidentally also useful for safety purposes. For example, you want your dog to immediately come when you call them if there was a fire in your home. Some Whippet Pitbull mixes can even proceed to more complex agility work or hunting if they show an aptitude for it.

Grooming ✂

We’re happy to report that Whippet Pitbull mixes are low-maintenance dogs as far as grooming goes. They don’t profusely shed, but they will shed minimally throughout the year. Twice a year during the spring and fall, they’ll shed a bit heavier to prepare for the upcoming hot/cold season. On average, you should expect to brush their coats once a week during these shedding seasons and once every 2 weeks otherwise.

This is already a good breed for allergy sufferers, but they’re far from hypoallergenic. To more completely capture the fur and dander that comes off their coat, we recommend using a vacuum with a HEPA-rated filter. These filters catch 99.9% of all particulates, including fur and dander, but don’t usually come cheap. Still, they’re well worth the price tag to keep a clean house.

Health and Conditions🏥

Minor Conditions

  • Dysplasia: Larger dogs like Pitbulls are more vulnerable to this painful arthritic joint condition, especially as they get older.

  • Hypothyroidism: Whippets and their offspring may develop this hormonal problem, which causes fatigue, weight loss, and excessive thirst.

Serious Conditions

  • Cataracts: Both Pitbulls and Whippets are prone to developing cataracts later in life, eventually leading to total blindness in many cases.

  • Degenerative myelopathy: This spinal degenerative condition is more common in Whippets and it’s possible it can pass to their offspring.

Male vs. Female

Like most dogs, you can broadly expect male Whippet Pitbull mixes to outweigh females. Because they’re a mix, though, that’s not always the case. Females that resemble bigger Pitbulls might outgrow smaller males that look more like Whippets, for instance. It’s best to look at the parents when trying to guess how big a dog might grow because they can look like either one or a mix of the two.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Whippet Pitbull Mix

1. The Fastest Dog in the World Is a Whippet

In 2021, a Whippet named Reas broke the world record for the 100-yard dash by half a second over the previous record. Whippets as a breed usually run up to 35 miles per hour, just behind the average speed of 45 miles per hour set by Greyhounds. That means Whippet Pitbulls have some serious track and field experience built into their DNA!

2. Pitbulls Have a Turbulent Past

Pitbulls were bred from British Terriers and Bulldogs to create an agile medium-weight dog for blood sports like bear baiting and, later, dog fighting. Today, they’re better understood by many to be a loving, loyal family dog.

3. Whippets Were a Poor Man’s Greyhound

Back in the 19th century, Greyhounds were considered a hunting breed for nobility. Poorer British railway and coal workers became smitten with the more accessible Whippet, which was known as the “poor man’s racehorse” for their swift running speeds.

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Final Thoughts

Whippet Pitbulls are a mix between the rugged Pitbull and the lithe Whippet and can combine the best of both parents to make spectacular family pets. However, it’s important to research the parents beforehand so you can get an idea of what personalities and physical traits they could pass down to your puppy.

Sources

 

Featured Image Credit: (L) tommaso lizzul, Shutterstock | (R) Chris Anabalon_Shutterstock

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Why Do Cats Sit on Their Toys? 5 Common Reasons

Cats are playful creatures, and many enjoy interacting with toys for enrichment and exercise. However, you might notice your cat displaying odd behaviors as they play, such as sitting on their toys.

Some cat owners accept their pet’s quirks without question, but if you want to know why your cat treats their toys like a sofa, we have you covered. Here are five common reasons why cats sit on their toys.

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The 5 Reasons Cats Sit on Their Toys

1. They’re Claiming the Toy

One common reason your cat sits on their toys could be because they are claiming them and marking them as their territory. Cats have scent glands under their tail, and sitting on the toy is one way to transfer the odor.

Other cats that find the toy will smell your kitty’s distinct scent and recognize that it is off-limits to them. This is especially likely to be why your cat sits on toys if you have a multi-pet household.

cat with toy lying on the couch
Image Credit: Fotobox_Petra0107, Pixabay

2. The Toys Smell Like You

Another reason your cat might sit on their toys is because they smell like you. Despite their reputation for being aloof, cats are more than capable of forming deep attachments to their owners.

If you and your cat have a strong bond, they may find your scent comforting and soothing, especially when you aren’t home. When you handle your cat’s toys, you leave your scent behind. Sitting or lying on the toy could be your cat’s way of feeling close to you.

3. The Toy Is Warm and Comfortable

No matter how warm you keep your house, it’s probably not enough for your cat, which thrives in higher temperatures than humans prefer. That’s why you’ll often find your cat snoozing on a heating vent or in a patch of sunlight.

Cats love soft, warm spots to cuddle up in, and some toys, especially stuffed ones, could suit this purpose. You also may have noticed that cats enjoy snoozing in unusual spots, including ones that seem too small to be comfortable.

cat surrounded with toys
Image Credit: Darlow82, Shutterstock

4. They Are Guarding the Toy

Your cat might be sitting on their toys to protect them from other pets or people. Many cats enjoy playing with other pets or having you toss their toys for them to chase. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t also get possessive of them and try to protect them.

Cats that share their home with other animals are more likely to display guarding behavior. It can also occur in cats who’ve been teased by having their toys taken away, possibly by kids who don’t know better. Teach your kids never to tease their pets or take away their belongings.

5. They Are Treating the Toy Like Prey

One of the most important reasons cats play with toys is to perform instinctive behaviors like stalking and “killing” prey. A cat sitting on their toy may treat it like a prey object.

Cats often play with their prey before killing and eating it. The cat might also check to see if their “prey” is dead or just playing dead. However, hungry cats don’t usually play with their food, so if you notice your cat sitting on their toys around dinner time, it’s probably for another reason.

orange tabby playing with eco-friendly cat toy
Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels

What Types of Toys Should I Get My Cat?

Like children, cats have preferences for various toys, and you may need to experiment to find the ones your pet enjoys the most. Generally, it’s best to get your cat several toys for self-guided and interactive play. Focus on toys that allow your cat to get exercise and safely perform instinctive behaviors.

For example, teaser wands are an excellent option to allow your cat to chase and stalk prey. They are ideal for daily play and bonding sessions with you. When you aren’t home, you’ll want your cat to have small toys they can chase or bat around, such as balls or stuffed mice.

Cats with mobility challenges may prefer a puzzle toy or self-contained toy they can bat without moving as much. And, of course, your cat will need a scratching post, such as the Hepper Hi-Lo Scratcher, to keep their claws healthy and satisfy their urge to scratch safely.

cat playing with blue toy
Image Credit: Dorothe, Pixabay

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Conclusion

If you find your cat sitting on their toys, one of the five reasons we discussed could be to blame. Sitting on toys might seem strange, but it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if your cat seems less active than usual and less interested in playing with their toys, there could be something wrong. It’s best to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your kitty checked out.

Featured Image Credit: Noor Khalafy, Pexels

The post Why Do Cats Sit on Their Toys? 5 Common Reasons appeared first on Pet Keen.

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What Language Does A Dog Think In? What Science Says

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How Do Dogs Think?
How Do Dogs Understand Language?
Can Dogs Understand Our Speech?
Do All Dogs Perceive Language the Same Way?
Evolution Matters

Dogs are brilliant creatures, impressing us humans every day with their abilities. They can learn so many verbal commands and cues—from basic gestures to advanced teachings. We trust our dogs with our emotions, our well-being, and sometimes, our lives.

So, what language does a dog think in exactly? As you can imagine, dogs translate things much differently than humans in some ways and similarly in others. Dogs tend to understand words in whatever language their owner speaks, but they think in individual words and symbols rather than a specific language as a whole. So how do dogs process thought if they don’t think in a language? In this article, we will discuss exactly how our pups process information so you can understand them better!

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How Do Dogs Think?

Sometimes, our canine companions seem so connected to us that we feel like we’re on the same wavelength of thought. But how exactly does our canine companion process information? Is it through words? Is it through frequencies and vibrations?

It turns out that man’s best friend has been studied extensively and some interesting information is available about the way they perceive the world. It’s no surprise that dogs are incredibly intelligent and sentient. But how much?

That depends entirely on the dog. For instance, there is a Border Collie named Rico featured in a 2004 article for Science Magazine. This dog could quickly map new words, cataloging over 200 different items. He would retain the word’s meaning after hearing it once, soaking it in comparable to the way a child does.

As far as how dogs think, though—that subject is a bit different.

Young border collie standing in a meadow
Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

Dogs Think in Words and Symbols

Even though dogs can certainly recognize vocal commands and retain a small vocabulary, that doesn’t mean that’s how their thought process works. It is much more likely that dogs think in individual words and symbols rather than entire monologues of thought. So, they don’t think in any particular language, they just recognize a few words in whatever language their human speaks and mostly think in symbols and images.

If you think about how humans process information mentally, a lot of it comes without words. We might have small strings of thoughts, but usually, our thoughts flow in a pattern of images, symbols, and small phrases.

Since your dog will likely understand the language you speak very well due to constant exposure, that doesn’t mean they know it fully. Because of that, they likely have a purer mechanism when it comes to thought, not getting as hung up on language and more concerned with experiencing life as it is without linguistics.

Understanding Different Languages

A dog living in the United States is going to learn English. A dog living in Egypt understands Arabic. When it comes to actual language, it’s going to greatly depend on where the dog lives in the world.

Interestingly, a dog can live in, say, Germany, retaining certain German commands. Then they can have an English speaker influence, learning English words as well while still retaining the German words.

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How Do Dogs Understand Language?

Surprisingly, dogs use both the left and right sides of their brain. They are very skillful at picking up on body language, voice, and inflection. They combine many of their senses to perceive us and understand how we’re feeling.

Often, dogs are much more concerned with the manner in which we say something rather than the words we’re speaking. For example, suppose you’ve ever gotten your dog riled up by excitedly exclaiming nonsensical or unfamiliar words. In that case, you can understand that they don’t need to understand specific speech in order to perceive excitement.

They will be excited if your tone gives them reason to believe there’s something to be pumped up about.

old dog with leash resting on the floor beside its owner
Image Credit: Tamas Pap, Unsplash

Dogs Respond to Inflection and Similar Sounds

Interestingly, there has been research to support that a dog can hear a verbal command and learn these cues. However, if the inflection changes of the word you’re speaking, it might not evoke the same reaction in your dog. Science shows that dogs respond to emotion and voice and recognize familiar sounds.

That means, if you enthusiastically said a word, no matter what it was, you might see your dog perk up with excitement, associating it with something positive. However, if you say the same word in a negative or neutral way, your dog might respond completely differently.

For example, if you ask your dog if they want to go for a car ride enthusiastically, they might bark, jump, and wag their tail with anticipation. However, if you seem agitated when you say words, your dog might become restless or cower in response to the words.

Dogs Can Retain Certain Words, Science Suggests

Researchers interestingly trained dogs to sit calmly in an MRI machine. During the scan, they actively monitor the dog’s brain while speaking to them in various tones and saying different phrases. It was discovered that the left side of the brain processes the meaning, and the right side interprets the intent, just like humans.

Because of this, some dogs can retain words despite the person’s tone. Other dogs might be very focused on the body language and temperament of the person speaking and not on the actual words themselves.

owner training a dog
Image Credit: Piotr Piatrouski, Shutterstock

Dogs Can’t Decipher Specifics

According to the AKC, researchers use non-invasive methods to study canines’ cognitive abilities by word recognition. We know that dogs can retain lots of command words in their brains. However, when an experiment was done, these words were replaced with similar-sounding nonsensical terms, and dogs had trouble deciphering the difference.

That is because the nonsensical words used sounded extremely similar to terms they were familiar with. The dog’s brain didn’t show much difference between words based on language or lack thereof.

Interestingly, they perceive language and cues very similar to a human child at roughly 14 months of age.

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Can Dogs Understand Our Speech?

To some degree, dogs can understand our speech. As we discussed above, some dogs are more inclined to read emotions rather than analyze words. However, the same repetitive words still stick in an adult brain. For example, teaching a dog certain commands like “sit,” “roll over,” and “stay” is really easy.

Also, most dogs very quickly learn their name. If you, as the owner, have any nicknames for them, they will surely remember those as well. Dogs will even remember your name if they are trained enough. If your name is Sally and someone says, “Where is Sally?” Your dog’s ears may perk up at the sound of your name.

well behaved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog learns to sit and stay paying attention to her owner
Image Credit: Page Light Studios, Shutterstock

Do All Dogs Perceive Language the Same Way?

Dogs, like human beings, have different levels of intelligence. Some breeds are exceptionally quick-witted and intelligent, capable of several tasks, jobs, and talents. Other dogs choose more of a companionship role, being a follower rather than a leader and not scoring too high in intelligence.

You can even have different dogs of the same breed with varying levels of intelligence, as it is completely up to the individual. Genetics, cellular makeup, and environment play huge roles in dogs living up to their full potential.

It’s something that is hard to measure, as all people would fall under different umbrellas on the intelligence spectrum too. Because every dog is different, they might perceive more or less of the language we use. Until science advances more, it is up to interpretation a lot of times.

Evolution Matters

You have to think about the process of evolution. Our dogs have come so far from their wolf era. It’s almost like it’s not even a related animal species. Because of that, dogs are going to continue to evolve alongside human beings. They have acclimated to a domestic lifestyle and integrated themselves into families.

Not only will science continue to research their behaviors and capabilities regularly, but dogs will also continue to evolve to be more emotionally intuitive. Watching how dogs respond and react to their human families is incredible.

owner training akita dog at the park
Image Credit: Jannissimo, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

We all can agree that dogs are remarkably impressive creatures. They have capabilities far beyond what we can likely imagine at this point. We are eternally grateful for their loyalty, companionship, and swiftness.

Even though our dogs likely don’t think in any language, per se, they can retain words, phrases, and decipher inflection. Over the next several years, we will continue to uncover more about our dog’s ability to process thought and language.

Sources

 

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

The post What Language Does A Dog Think In? What Science Says appeared first on Pet Keen.