Puppy Care Guide
Puppy Growth Chart
Expected puppy weight by age for every size class — from 8 weeks to adult. Use this chart to track your puppy's development and spot any concerns early.
Toy / Small
1–10 kg
Full grown: 9–12 months
Medium
10–25 kg
Full grown: 12–15 months
Large
25–45 kg
Full grown: 18 months
Giant
45–90 kg
Full grown: 18–24 months
Toy / Small (< 10 kg adult)
Examples: Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Maltese, Pug · Full grown: 9–12 months
| Age | Expected Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 0.5–1.5 kg |
| 3 months | 1–3 kg |
| 4 months | 1.5–4 kg |
| 6 months | 2.5–7 kg |
| 9 months | 3–9 kg |
| 12 months (adult) | 3–10 kg |
Medium (10–25 kg adult)
Examples: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Whippet, French Bulldog · Full grown: 12–15 months
| Age | Expected Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 2–5 kg |
| 3 months | 4–8 kg |
| 4 months | 6–11 kg |
| 6 months | 8–16 kg |
| 9 months | 10–21 kg |
| 12 months | 10–23 kg |
| 15 months (adult) | 10–25 kg |
Large (25–45 kg adult)
Examples: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky · Full grown: 18 months
| Age | Expected Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 4–8 kg |
| 3 months | 7–13 kg |
| 4 months | 11–18 kg |
| 6 months | 15–25 kg |
| 9 months | 20–33 kg |
| 12 months | 23–38 kg |
| 18 months (adult) | 25–45 kg |
Giant (45+ kg adult)
Examples: Great Dane, Bernese Mountain Dog, Mastiff, Saint Bernard · Full grown: 18–24 months
| Age | Expected Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 5–9 kg |
| 3 months | 9–18 kg |
| 4 months | 14–27 kg |
| 6 months | 20–40 kg |
| 9 months | 28–55 kg |
| 12 months | 35–65 kg |
| 18 months | 42–80 kg |
| 24 months (adult) | 45–90 kg |
Puppy Growth Tips
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Weigh weekly
Weigh your puppy once a week on the same scale. Track the trend, not just the number — steady gain is the goal.
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Large breeds need controlled growth
Giant and large breed puppies that grow too fast are at higher risk of hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Don't overfeed them to 'bulk up' faster.
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Vet visits track growth professionally
Your vet will weigh your puppy at every visit and can assess whether growth is on track for their expected adult size.
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Use breed-appropriate food
Large breed puppies need large-breed puppy formulas with controlled calcium. Small breeds do best on small-breed formulas with smaller kibble sizes.
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Avoid excessive exercise until full-grown
Growth plates close at different ages. For large breeds, avoid repetitive high-impact exercise (running, jumping) until 18 months to protect developing joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my puppy is growing at the right rate?
Compare your puppy's weight to the chart for their expected adult size class. Small variations are normal — more important is a steady upward trend. If growth stalls or the puppy loses weight, consult your vet.
When are puppies fully grown?
Small breeds (under 10 kg) reach full size at 9–12 months. Medium breeds at 12–15 months. Large breeds (25–45 kg) at around 18 months. Giant breeds (45+ kg) may not reach full size until 18–24 months.
How can I estimate my puppy's adult weight?
A common formula for medium breeds: adult weight ≈ (weight at 8 weeks) × 4. For large breeds, some vets double the weight at 4 months. The most reliable estimate comes from knowing both parents' sizes.
My puppy seems underweight — what should I do?
Ensure you're feeding puppy-specific food at the correct amount for their expected adult size (not current weight). If a puppy consistently falls below the lower range for their size class, rule out parasites and other health issues with a vet visit.
Can puppies be overweight?
Yes, and it's surprisingly common. Overfeeding puppies — especially large breeds — can cause rapid bone growth that increases joint disease risk. Aim for the middle of the weight range, not the top. Ribs should be felt easily.
Do large breed puppies need special food?
Yes. Large and giant breed puppies should eat large-breed puppy formulas that have controlled calcium and phosphorus levels. Regular puppy food is too nutrient-dense and can cause developmental orthopaedic disease in big dogs.