Puppy Growth Chart & Weight Calculator (2026) — From 8 Weeks to Adult
- Name Kennel
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
Bringing home a puppy is pure joy and a little confusing. Are they growing “normally”? How much should they weigh at 8, 12, or 16 weeks? This 2026 guide gives you growth timelines, average weight ranges by breed size, and a simple weight calculator to estimate adult size. Remember: every puppy is an individual—use these as averages, not strict targets. If you’re ever unsure, speak with your vet.

Quick Links
Puppy Growth Stages (0–24 Months)
0–8 weeks: Rapid growth with litter. Socialization begins. Vet checks, deworming.
2–6 months: Fastest growth. Baby teeth, vaccine visits, house/crate training.
6–12 months: “Teen phase.” Small/medium dogs reach adult height; large/giant still lean.
12–24 months: Filling out. Large/giant breeds mature later; joints and muscle finish developing.
Tip: Growth spurts are normal. What matters most is steady gain, bright eyes, good energy, and a healthy body condition.
Average Puppy Weight by Breed Size (Charts)
How to use: Find your pup’s size group (toy, small, medium, large, giant). Compare their weight at the nearest week/month. Being above or below a bit is common—focus on trend, appetite, stool quality, and energy.
Adult-size cheat sheet (typical ranges):Toy: 2–5 kg (4–11 lb) · Small: 5–10 kg (11–22 lb) · Medium: 10–25 kg (22–55 lb)Large: 25–45 kg (55–99 lb) · Giant: 45–80 kg (99–176 lb)
Toy Breeds (Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle)
Small Breeds (Beagle, Dachshund, Cavalier)
Medium Breeds (Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Staffy)
Large Breeds (Labrador, Golden, German Shepherd)
Giant Breeds (Great Dane, Newfoundland, Mastiff)
These are averages. Genetics, litter size, parasites, illness, and nutrition all influence growth.

Puppy Weight Calculator
What it does: estimates adult weight using age × size-group multipliers (common veterinary heuristics). It’s a guide—not a diagnosis.
Underweight vs. Overweight: Signs & Fixes
Underweight signs
Sharp ribs/hips visible, little fat cover
Dull coat, low stamina, loose stools
Fixes:
Deworm (per vet schedule), check for parasites/illness
Increase calories via balanced puppy food; add 10–15% portions gradually
Split meals into 3–4 feedings; track weekly weight
Overweight signs
No abdominal tuck, hard to feel ribs, snoring, heat intolerance
Reluctance to exercise; quick fatigue
Fixes:
Measure food (no “cup guessing”); cap treats at ≤10% of daily calories
Add short, frequent play sessions; puzzle feeders for mental work
Ask vet about ideal Body Condition Score (BCS 4–5/9)
Feeding Frequency & Portions (By Age)
8–12 weeks: 4 small meals/day
3–6 months: 3 meals/day
6–12 months: 2 meals/day
Switch to adult food: small breeds ~10–12 mo; medium ~12–14 mo; large/giant ~14–24 mo.
Choose an AAFCO-compliant puppy food appropriate for size (esp. large-breed formulas with controlled calcium/phosphorus).

FAQs
When do puppies stop growing?
Small dogs often finish height growth by 9–12 months; large/giant breeds can continue filling out until 18–24 months.
How much should a 12-week Lab weigh?
Many healthy 12-week Labradors fall around 7–11 kg (16–25 lb), but lines vary—use trend and body condition.
Is my puppy too thin if I can see ribs?
A slight rib outline can be normal during spurts. Prominent ribs/hips with low energy warrants a vet chat.
When should I worry about rapid weight gain?
If weight jumps without a food change or you can’t feel ribs, reduce treats, measure meals, and ask your vet to assess BCS.




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