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Whippets are very similar to Italian Greyhounds in body structure. However, they are on the smaller side. If you are interested in this breed for its multitude of interesting characteristics, you should know just how big they get.
After all, are they suitable for apartment living? Do they require acres and acres of space? These are questions you’ll certainly want to answer before committing. Let’s explore it.
Whippet Overview
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The Whippet is a breed of sighthound that is capable of impeccable speed. Being one of the fastest canines of all, they can run up to 35 mph. Granted, these speeds are achieved in short bursts as they will tire quickly from extensive activity, but it’s still impressive!
Originally, the Whippet was a skilled racer—much like their larger Greyhound cousins. They were used in England on the track. Because of their docile demeanor, they quickly made their way into homes instead.
Even though they were bred to be incredibly swift at high speeds, these pups tuckered out easily and made fantastic nap companions. These medium-sized dogs have become relatively more popular but are often confused with Greyhounds due to their similar appearances.
Whippet Size and Growth Chart
If you want to know the average growth rate for Whippets, this chart below will tell you what to expect. Remember that each section is a range, meaning a puppy can be above or below the average number. Also, females tend to be a few inches smaller and a few pounds lighter when fully grown.
Age
Weight Range (in pounds)
Height Range (in inches)
3 months
9–12
10–12
5 months
10–18
16–18.5
7 months
18-25
17–21
9 months
20–30
18–21
11 months
22–33
18.5–21.5
13 months
22–35
19–22
15 months
22–38
19–22
When Does a Whippet Stop Growing?
Generally, Whippets stop growing between the ages of 12 to 15 months. Some will mature more quickly than others, while others seem to march to the beat of their own drum. It’s important to emphasize that just because a dog is physically done growing doesn’t mean they are mentally mature.
After they are done physically growing, they tend to mentally mature between 1 1/2 to 2 years of age. So, by the time your Whippet hits their second birthday, they will be more likely to have developed into a mannerly, well-tempered adult.
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Factors Affecting the Size of Whippet
Your Whippet will grow at its own pace based on a few factors. We will discuss each one so you can see that it truly depends, and your vet will help you determine if your Whippet is on or off course.
Gender
Like many other canine breeds, females are typically smaller than males. Males get a little taller and stockier than their female counterparts, though neither bulk up very much.
Genetics
Genetics plays a factor in how big a Whippet gets and how long they grow. For example, if both parents are on the petite side, you will have a litter of smaller puppies.
However, if the male is substantially large for the breed and the female has a very small frame, you could have a wide variety of sizes in one litter. So, you can easily estimate how big and how fast a Whippet will grow by looking at their parents.
Diet
Providing a proper diet is imperative to the proper growth of your Whippet. They need a dog food that supports their life stage and activity level.
Activity Level
Whippets are incredibly fast, but not all of them enjoy being as active as some others. If you have a less active Whippet, they won’t require as high of a calorie intake as one that is doing advanced training or exerting themselves frequently.
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
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Because Whippets may exude so much energy, they require a protein-rich, high-quality diet with moderate amounts of healthy fats, lots of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Ultimately, the diet you choose should be at the discretion of you and your veterinarian.
Once you and your vet agree upon the appropriate diet for your Whippet, always make sure to feed them well-portioned servings according to their life stage and activity level. If you have any concerns whatsoever about the portions and your Whippet’s overall weight, your vet can help you make adjustments as needed.
How to Measure Your Whippet
If you want to measure and keep track of your Whippet’s growth at home, here is how you can do so. We recommend keeping a log in a journal or calendar to see how quickly your Whippet is growing.
Length — Measure from the base of the neck down the spine to the base of the tail.
Width — Measure around the widest part of the chest.
Height — Measure from the highest point of your dog’s shoulder blades to the floor.
Weight — Have your Whippet sit on a scale. Or weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding your Whippet and subtract your weight from the total weight to find your Whippet’s weight.
Keeping your Whippet’s measurements can be useful when you’re at your veterinarian’s office. It can also help you when you’re shopping for gear.
For example, if you’re buying a harness, you’ll need your Whippet’s exact measurements. If you’ve been keeping a log, you can anticipate how quickly they are growing and factor that into sizing a product.
Conclusion
Now you understand that Whippets are moderately fast growers that finish growing typically between 12 and 15 months of age. These dogs will be extremely slender throughout their juvenile years and fill out slightly in their adult years.
However, Whippets will always look slightly gaunt when they are fully developed. If your vet feels your dog is becoming overweight or needs to pack on a few extra pounds, they will guide you in the right direction.
Featured Image Credit: Nadja Huebner, Shutterstock
