How big does a Whippet get?

A full-grown Whippet typically stands 46–56 cm (18.1–22.0 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 9–15 kg (19.8–33.1 lbs). Whippet is a medium breed and usually reaches full size by 12 months.

What is the lifespan of a Whippet?

The average lifespan of a Whippet is 12–15 years. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care can help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Whippet?

Whippet are known for being gentle, affectionate, calm, athletic. They are generally good with children and make excellent family dogs. They are moderately trainable with consistent positive reinforcement. Their size and energy level make them suitable for apartment living.

Is a Whippet a good choice for apartments and families?

Yes, a Whippet can adapt well to apartment living due to their medium size and moderate energy levels. They are generally good with kids and make great family companions. They are a low-shedding breed, which is great for keeping your home clean.

What are common health issues for medium breed dogs like the Whippet?

Medium breeds like the Whippet may be prone to hip dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and certain eye conditions. Regular vet checkups help catch issues early. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

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Whippet Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Whippet need per day?

A typical adult Whippet weighing about 12 kg needs approximately 722–903 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Medium Breed

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Whippet weighs 9–15 kg (19.8–33.1 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 5–6 months and full weight by 12–14 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

9–15 kg

(19.8–33.1 lbs)

Size Category

medium

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~722–903 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

9 kgto15 kg

19.8 lbsto33.1 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

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Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

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Age

How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Whippet Health & Weight Management

Whippets are sleek, graceful sighthounds built for speed. Their thin skin, visible ribcage, and deep chest give them a distinctive "tucked-up" appearance that owners sometimes mistake for being underweight. However, a truly overweight Whippet is at serious risk — extra pounds stress their spine and the high-speed joints they rely on. Cold sensitivity means indoor Whippets need careful portion control.

Exercise: 30–45 minutes of daily activity, including opportunities for sprinting in a secure area. Whippets are "sprint athletes" — they love short bursts of maximum speed followed by long naps. Always use a secure fence; their prey drive is strong.

Feeding tips: Whippets need measured feeding — it’s easy to overfeed an indoor Whippet that no longer hunts. Choose a high-quality formula with lean protein. Avoid feeding before sprint exercise. Their ribs should be easily felt but not prominently visible.

Keeping your Whippet at a racing-fit 20–33 lbs (9–15 kg) is essential for joint and spinal health. Use PawScale’s calorie calculator for Whippets to set daily limits, check body condition with our BCS assessment, and follow the crate size calculator.

Data source: AKC breed standard

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-12

Is your Whippet at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

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Whippet Calorie Calculator

Calculate daily calorie needs in 3 steps

Life Stage

Activity Level

Neuter/Spay Status

Full Calorie Calculator

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Feeding Guide

Personalized feeding plan with portion sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Whippet weigh?

The ideal weight for a Whippet is 9–15 kg (19.8–33.1 lbs). Weight can vary based on gender, age, and individual build. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Whippet need per day?

A typical adult Whippet weighing 12 kg needs approximately 722–903 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Whippet overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Whippet's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Whippet reach full adult weight?

Whippet puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 5–6 months and typically reach full adult weight by 12–14 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Whippet need?

A Whippet typically needs a 36-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Whippet. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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