How tall is a Whippet?

An adult Whippet stands about 21 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Whippet considered a medium dog?

Yes — at 21" / 33 lb, the Whippet falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #113 tallest.

How does a Whippet compare to a person?

At 21" tall, a Whippet stands about 33% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Whippet Size Compared to a Person

A Whippet stands 21″ at the shoulder and weighs about 33 lb — that puts it at 33% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #113 by shoulder height and falls into the medium-breed size class (Medium breeds, 16–22").

Whippet next to a person at scale — 21-inch shoulder height, 33 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Whippet at 21″ / 33 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Whippet compares

	Whippet	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	21″	64″	-43″
Weight	33 lb	135 lb	-102 lb

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About the Whippet

The Whippet, also known as the English Whippet or Snap Dog, is a medium-sized sighthound that combines breathtaking speed with a gentle and quiet temperament. Originally developed in Northern England during the 19th century by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terriers, the Whippet was the working man's racehorse — a fast and efficient hunter of rabbits and a beloved competitor in rag races. Today, the Whippet is celebrated as both a versatile athlete and an affectionate family companion.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Medium size class with shoulder height closest to the Whippet.

Border Collie — 21″ / 43 lb (same height)
Finnish Hound — 21″ / 50 lb (same height)
Norwegian Elkhound — 21″ / 55 lb (same height)
Australian Shepherd — 22″ / 58 lb (+1″ vs Whippet)
Bearded Collie — 22″ / 50 lb (+1″ vs Whippet)
Black Mouth Cur — 22″ / 65 lb (+1″ vs Whippet)
Bull Terrier — 22″ / 60 lb (+1″ vs Whippet)
Canaan — 22″ / 50 lb (+1″ vs Whippet)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Whippet?: An adult Whippet stands about 21 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Whippet considered a medium dog?: Yes — at 21" / 33 lb, the Whippet falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #113 tallest.
How does a Whippet compare to a person?: At 21" tall, a Whippet stands about 33% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Whippet

Whippet dog names & full breed page · All medium-size breeds · Visual atlas (Medium section) · Size comparison home