Whippet
WIP-it
Affectionate, Playful, Calm at home, Quick. Originally bred for racing and rabbit coursing.
An adult Whippet weighs 25-40 lbs (male) or 20-35 lbs (female), needs 440-980 calories daily, and lives 12-15 yrs. This medium-sized breed balances well between manageable size and robust health. The breed's primary health watch is mitral valve disease. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Whippet needs 440 to 980 calories per day. An average male (32 lbs / 14.7 kg) needs around 740 kcal; a female (28 lbs / 12.5 kg) roughly 650 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Whippet. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Whippet has a life expectancy of 12-15 yrs, which is typical for dogs in this size range. The breed's primary health concerns are mitral valve disease and anesthesia sensitivity, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate overall, with opportunities for sprinting. Like Greyhounds, they're sprinters who are surprisingly lazy at home. A few good runs and moderate daily walks satisfy them. Hound breeds follow their noses (or eyes) with single-minded determination. Off-leash exercise for a Whippet requires a securely fenced area because recall is unreliable when a scent captures their attention. Nose work, tracking games, and long leash walks through interesting environments channel their natural instincts constructively.
Care and traits
Whippets have a short, fine, smooth coat. Origin: England.
Can reach 35 mph; the fastest accelerating dog breed (faster off the mark than a Greyhound). Like Greyhounds, they're sensitive to cold and need coats in winter. Their thin skin tears easily. Sighthound-safe anesthesia protocols are essential. One of the most adaptable breeds for apartment living, despite their athletic ability.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Whippets. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Tools for Whippet owners
Frequently asked questions
A healthy adult Whippet requires between 440 and 980 calories daily. A 32-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Medium breeds are flexible eaters. Two meals daily with consistent portion sizes keeps most at a healthy weight. Active hunting hounds burn significantly more than the resting estimate. Adjust for actual activity level. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 25-40 lbs (11.3–18.1 kg). Females run lighter at 20-35 lbs (9.1–15.9 kg). Medium breeds can carry extra weight without it being visually obvious, especially those with thick coats. Hands-on rib checks are more reliable than looking. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
Among Whippets, mitral valve disease is the condition most frequently diagnosed. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for mitral valve disease. Other conditions seen in the breed include anesthesia sensitivity, eye problems, deafness. Not every Whippet will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
Plan for 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily for your Whippet. Good activities for this breed include scent trails, tracking games, long rural walks. Mix physical activity with mental challenges like training, puzzle feeders, or nose work. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Whippet that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026