Do you have a new puppy at home? Tiny and cute with the potential to grow into a much larger furry companion? It’s natural to wonder, “How big will my puppy get?“ once they are fully grown. Knowing their adult size can help you plan for food, crates, toys, beds, training, and exercise. Understanding your puppy’s growth pattern can also guide you in caring for their health and nutrition along the way.
Below you’ll find a helpful sizing guide for popular breeds. You’ll also find simple ways to estimate your puppy’s future height and weight, especially if they are mixed-breed or not listed here.
Sizing Guide for the 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds
| Breed | Adult Height | Adult Weight |
|---|---|---|
| French Bulldog | 11–13 inches | Under 28 pounds |
| Labrador Retriever | 21.5–24.5 in (M) / 21.5–23.5 in (F) | 65–80 lbs (M) / 55–70 lbs (F) |
| Golden Retriever | 23–24 in (M) / 21.5–22.5 in (F) | 65–75 lbs (M) / 55–65 lbs (F) |
| German Shepherd | 24–26 in (M) / 22–24 in (F) | 65–90 lbs (M) / 50–70 lbs (F) |
| Poodle | Std: over 15 in / Mini: 10–15 in / Toy: under 10 in | Std: 60–70 lbs (M) / 40–50 lbs (F) / Mini: 10–15 lbs / Toy: 4–6 lbs |
| Beagle | Under 15 inches | Under 20 lbs (≤13 in) / 20–30 lbs (>13 in) |
| Rottweiler | 24–27 in (M) / 22–25 in (F) | 95–135 lbs (M) / 80–100 lbs (F) |
| Dachshund | Std: 8–9 in / Mini: up to 6 in | Std: up to 32 lbs / Mini: up to 11 lbs |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Up to 9 in | Up to 7 lbs |
| Dalmatian | 19–24 in | 45–70 lbs |
Tips for Estimating Your Dog’s Future Size and Weight
If you don’t know your puppy’s breed or you have a mixed-breed pup, these methods can help you estimate how big they will get.
Tip 1: See a Puppy Growth Chart
Size category is one of the biggest factors. Toy breeds mature fast and stay small. Giant breeds grow slowly and end up much larger.
You may find it helpful to know that growth standards from the WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute are often used by vets to monitor healthy development and prevent growth-related issues.
Tip 2: Use a Puppy Weight Calculator
Some calculators estimate adult weight based on a puppy’s age and current weight.
A reliable one is the World Animal Foundation Puppy Weight Calculator.
Do keep in mind, however:
- mixed-breed predictions vary
- calculators often ignore height
- growth spurts are not identical across puppies
Feel free to use it as a guide when asking yourself how big will my puppy get, but don’t rely on it as a precise prediction.
Tip 3: Use a Formula Based on Weight at 20 Weeks
A helpful estimate uses this formula:
(Weight at 20 weeks ÷ current age in weeks) × 52
Example
If your puppy weighs 10 lbs at 20 weeks:
(10 ÷ 20) × 52 = 26 lbs full-grown
This method is simple and works for most breeds, though less accurate for underweight or overweight puppies.
Factors That May Affect Your Puppy’s Growth
Many things influence your puppy’s final size. These factors help explain why two puppies of the same breed may grow differently.
1. Nutrition
Balanced nutrition supports steady, healthy growth. Puppies need the right balance of calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Science-based feeding guidance is available through the WSAVA Nutrition Guidelines.
Feeding too much or too little can affect bone growth, muscle development, and weight.
2. Health
Healthy puppies grow at a predictable rate. Illnesses like parasites, infections, or chronic conditions can slow development. At home, you can support their steady growth by:
- keeping vaccines current
- using parasite control
- scheduling regular check-ups
- watching for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy
3. Gender
Did you know that male puppies usually grow larger and faster than female puppies? This actually becomes more noticeable during puberty.
Typical patterns you might see include:
- males often grow until 18 months
- females usually finish around 12 months
These are general ranges, of course; each dog is unique!
4. Spaying or Neutering
Early spay or neuter surgery can affect hormones that guide bone growth. Some studies show that altering a dog too early may delay growth plate closure.
This can lead to situations such as:
- slightly taller adult height
- changes in joint alignment
- higher joint stress in large breeds
Ultimately, your vet can help you decide the best timing based on breed and size.
Final Thoughts
It’s exciting to watch a puppy grow and discover their personality. Estimating adult size helps you plan, but remember that every puppy is an individual. These tools and tips should help you feel more confident when asking how big will my puppy get. What matters most is that your dog grows up healthy, happy, and well-loved!
Sources and Further Reading
- WALTHAM Puppy Growth Charts
- World Animal Foundation Puppy Weight Calculator
- AKC: When Does My Puppy Finish Growing?
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
- PetMD: Stunted Growth in Dogs
