How Big Will My Puppy Get? - Size Calculator
Predict your puppy's adult weight based on their current age, weight, breed size, and gender. Free puppy growth calculator with breed-specific estimates.
Puppies grow at different rates depending on their breed size and genetics
Quick Answer:
To estimate adult weight: Small breeds multiply 6-week weight by 4, Medium breeds multiply 14-week weight by 2.5, Large breeds multiply 20-week weight by 2. Use the calculator below for a personalized prediction.
Calculate Your Puppy's Adult Size
Most puppies go home at 8-12 weeks old
Not sure? Check your breed's typical adult size or ask your breeder/shelter.
Understanding Puppy Growth
Puppies grow at different rates depending on their breed size, genetics, nutrition, and overall health. Understanding your puppy's growth pattern helps you provide appropriate food, exercise, and veterinary care.
Puppy Growth Stages
Neonatal (0-2 weeks)
Eyes and ears closed, totally dependent on mother. Puppies sleep 90% of the time.
Transitional (2-4 weeks)
Eyes and ears open, begin walking. Start of rapid sensory development.
Socialization (4-12 weeks)
Critical period for socialization. Puppies learn bite inhibition and social skills.
Juvenile (12-24 weeks)
Rapid growth phase. Permanent teeth come in. Training becomes very important.
Adolescence (6-18 months)
Sexual maturity reached. May test boundaries. Growth rate slows down.
Adulthood (1-3 years)
Physical maturity reached. Small breeds mature faster, giant breeds slower.
Breed Size Growth Chart
| Breed Size | Adult Weight | Full Growth | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| toy | 5-12 lbs | 8-10 months | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian |
| small | 12-25 lbs | 10-12 months | Beagle, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu |
| medium | 25-50 lbs | 12-15 months | Cocker Spaniel, Bulldog, Border Collie |
| large | 50-100 lbs | 15-18 months | Lab, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd |
| giant | 100+ lbs | 18-24 months | Great Dane, Mastiff, St. Bernard |
Factors That Affect Puppy Growth
Genetics
Your puppy's parents and breed genetics are the biggest predictors of adult size. Ask your breeder about the parents' weights for better estimates.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition supports healthy growth. Feed age-appropriate puppy food and avoid overfeeding, which can cause joint problems especially in large breeds.
Health
Parasites, illnesses, and other health issues can slow growth. Regular vet checkups ensure your puppy stays on track.
Spaying/Neutering
Early spaying or neutering may result in slightly taller dogs as growth plates close later. Discuss timing with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big will my puppy get?▼
A puppy's adult size depends on breed, genetics, and gender. Small breeds reach adult size by 10-12 months, medium breeds by 12-15 months, large breeds by 15-18 months, and giant breeds by 18-24 months. You can estimate adult weight by multiplying puppy weight at specific ages by breed-appropriate factors.
How can I predict my puppy's adult weight?▼
Use these formulas: Small breeds - weight at 6 weeks x 4. Medium breeds - weight at 14 weeks x 2.5. Large breeds - weight at 20 weeks x 2. Giant breeds - weight at 20 weeks x 2.2. These are estimates; actual adult weight can vary 15-20% based on diet, genetics, and other factors.
At what age do puppies stop growing?▼
Toy and small breeds (under 25 lbs) typically stop growing at 10-12 months. Medium breeds (25-50 lbs) reach full size at 12-15 months. Large breeds (50-100 lbs) mature at 15-18 months. Giant breeds (over 100 lbs) may continue growing until 18-24 months of age.
How much should my puppy weigh at 8 weeks?▼
At 8 weeks, puppies typically weigh about 25-30% of their adult weight. Toy breeds may weigh 1-3 lbs, small breeds 3-5 lbs, medium breeds 5-10 lbs, large breeds 10-20 lbs, and giant breeds 15-25 lbs. Exact weights vary significantly by breed.
Do male puppies grow bigger than females?▼
Yes, male dogs are typically 5-10% larger than females of the same breed. Males tend to be taller, heavier, and more muscular. This difference is more pronounced in larger breeds. Your puppy's parents' sizes can also indicate expected adult size.
Can I tell how big my puppy will be by their paw size?▼
Paw size can give a rough indication of adult size, but it's not very accurate. Puppies with large paws relative to their body often grow into larger dogs, but genetics, breed, and nutrition play much bigger roles in determining final size. Weight-based calculations are more reliable predictors.
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