Dog Weight Charts by Breed

It depends on breed size. Small breeds (under 20 lbs) usually reach adult size by 9-12 months. Medium breeds (20-50 lbs) finish growing around 12-15 months. Large breeds (50-90 lbs) continue growing until 15-18 months. Giant breeds (90+ lbs) may not reach full size until 18-24 months. Height usually stops first, then they "fill out" with muscle.

Use the body condition score method: You should be able to feel (but not see) your dog's ribs through a thin layer of fat. From above, they should have a visible waist tucked in behind the ribs. From the side, the belly should tuck up (not hang down). If ribs are hard to feel or there's no waist, your dog may be overweight.

Paw size is a popular predictor but not always accurate. Better indicators: look at parents if possible, check breed weight ranges, and use the "double at 4 months" rule (puppies typically reach about half their adult weight by 4 months). Large-breed puppies have bigger, chunkier paws and grow more slowly than small breeds.

Feeding amounts vary by food quality, activity level, and individual metabolism. Start with the package guidelines for your dog's ideal weight (not current weight if overweight), then adjust based on body condition. Active dogs need more; couch-potato dogs need less. Puppies need more frequent, higher-calorie meals than adults.