Dog Weight Chart by Breed: Is Your Dog Overweight? (2026 Guide)

You can use a dog weight chart to compare your dog’s weight against common ranges for their breed. For example, Labradors usually weigh 55–80 lbs, Golden Retrievers 55–75 lbs, and Beagles 20–30 lbs. A healthy dog weight means you can feel your dog’s ribs with light pressure, see a waist from above, and notice a slight tuck behind the ribs from the side.

Why Dog Weight Matters

A healthy dog weight is one of the biggest factors in lifespan. Additional fat puts more pressure on the joints, organs, and the heart. Studies show that dog obesity can shorten life by two or more years.

Excess weight intensifies arthritis, hip dysplasia and other joint diseases. Each of the steps is more difficult for an overweight dog. That pain gradually slows down movement and then triggers a vicious cycle of decreased movement and increased weight gain.

Heavy dogs also have increased chances of developing diabetes, heart diseases, and breathing difficulties. A significant number of them require long-term therapy. Maintaining the weight is a promise to a comfortable life, more energy as well as a happier day to life.

Understanding to know whether your dog is overweight. Scales are fine, but your hands and eyes are equally important. Before you study any dog weight chart, start with a simple body check at home.

How to Tell if Your Dog Is Overweight

Scales are fine, but your hands and eyes are equally important. Before you study any dog weight chart, start with a simple body check at home.

Visual Check

Look right down, standing over your dog. The waist behind the ribs should be seen rather than a round barrel shape. On the side of the belly, there must be a tuck, not a hanging line. This is easier to observe in short haired breeds, whereas form can be concealed in long coats. When the body appears wide and flatter than when you look at it at a height with no waistline, you are likely to have an overweight dog.

Body Condition Score (BCS 1–9)

Vets use a nine-point Body Condition Score to judge body fat.

• 1–3: Too thin, ribs and spine clearly visible
  
• 4–5: Ideal, ribs easy to feel and slight waist present
  
• 6–7: Overweight, ribs hard to feel and waist reduced
  
• 8–9: Obese, heavy fat deposits and no waist
  

A BCS of 4–5 is the goal for a healthy dog weight. Anything above that range calls for closer monitoring and a plan.

Touch Test

Hands flat on both sides of the ribcage. Push until you can feel the ribs. You must not dig into them, but they must not protrude. Should you have to scrunch hard to locate ribs, then your dog is probably carrying an extra lipid. In case your ribs and spine can be seen, then chances are that your dog is skinny. The test is a fast one that comes in between vet visits.

Complete Dog Weight Chart by Breed

This dog weight chart gives typical adult weight ranges by breed and sex. The ranges are slightly wider than the ones of individual dogs, and a dog may still be healthy, and therefore, this should always be complemented by a body condition check.

Small Breeds (Under 25 lbs)

Breed	Male Weight	Female Weight
Chihuahua	3–6 lbs	2–5 lbs
Yorkshire Terrier	5–7 lbs	4–6 lbs
Pomeranian	4–7 lbs	3–6 lbs
Shih Tzu	9–16 lbs	9–16 lbs
Maltese	6–9 lbs	4–7 lbs
Dachshund	16–32 lbs	16–32 lbs
French Bulldog	20–28 lbs	18–26 lbs
Boston Terrier	15–25 lbs	10–20 lbs
Pug	14–18 lbs	14–18 lbs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	13–18 lbs	13–18 lbs

Medium Breeds (25–50 lbs)

Breed	Male Weight	Female Weight
Beagle	22–30 lbs	20–28 lbs
Cocker Spaniel	25–30 lbs	20–25 lbs
Bulldog	50–55 lbs	40–50 lbs
Border Collie	30–45 lbs	27–42 lbs
Australian Shepherd	50–65 lbs	40–55 lbs
Corgi	27–30 lbs	25–28 lbs
Shetland Sheepdog	20–25 lbs	15–20 lbs

Large Breeds (50–100 lbs)

Breed	Male Weight	Female Weight
Labrador Retriever	65–80 lbs	55–70 lbs
Golden Retriever	65–75 lbs	55–65 lbs
German Shepherd	65–90 lbs	50–70 lbs
Boxer	65–80 lbs	50–65 lbs
Siberian Husky	45–60 lbs	35–50 lbs
Doberman Pinscher	75–100 lbs	60–90 lbs

Giant Breeds (100+ lbs)

Breed	Male Weight	Female Weight
Great Dane	140–175 lbs	110–140 lbs
Mastiff	160–230 lbs	120–170 lbs
Saint Bernard	140–180 lbs	120–140 lbs
Rottweiler	95–135 lbs	80–100 lbs
Newfoundland	130–150 lbs	100–120 lbs

Use this dog weight by breed chart as a guide, not an absolute rule. Mixed-breed dogs should be judged more by their build and BCS than by a single number.

Puppy Weight Chart (Growth Stages)

Puppies do not develop along a straight line. Growth spurts are periodical and the ultimate size is determined by breed.

• At 2 months, most puppies are around 25% of adult weight
  
• At 4 months, they reach about 50%
  
• At 6 months, many reach 66% or more
  
• By 12 months, small breeds are 90–100% of adult weight
  
• Large and giant breeds may need 18–24 months to fully mature
  

A dog weight chart for puppies gives rough predictions, but energy level, health, and genetics also play strong roles. In case a puppy appears to be way out of the norm, discuss the development patterns with a vet.

Causes of Dog Obesity

Dog obesity rarely comes from one cause alone. It normally develops gradually due to the eating habits, lifestyle and age. Free-feeding, in which the food is present continuously, causes overeating. Unless it is rich kibble, dogs do not self-limiting well. Snacks that sneak above 10 percent of the daily calorie content accumulate as well.

Another key cause is the absence of exercise. Most dogs are kept in long spells with minimal exercise. Excess calories intake means that weight gain is experienced.

There are certain breeds that are known to gain weight faster and they include Labradors, Beagles, and Pugs. The age and spay/neuter also influence the metabolism reducing calorie requirement by an average of 25 percent in certain dogs. Weight gain may also be caused by medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease that have to be treated.

How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Loss of weight ought to be gradual and regulated. Diets aimed at weight loss are dangerous because they may damage organs. Use your dog weight chart, current weight, and BCS as starting points.

Step 1: Calculate Daily Calories

A simple formula for maintenance calories is:

(Dog weight in lbs × 30) + 70 = daily calories

For safe weight loss, reduce this number by about 25%. Always ask your vet before large changes, especially for senior dogs or dogs with health issues.

Step 2: Measure Food

Stop guessing portions. Use a proper measuring cup or gram scale for precision. Divide daily food into two or three meals instead of leaving food out all day.

No more free-feeding. Scheduled meals make it easier to control intake and notice changes in appetite.

Step 3: Choose Low-Calorie Foods

Look for weight management formulas that support a healthy dog weight. These are more protein rich, low fat with added fiber. Protein keeps the body of muscles intact and your dog sheds off some of the fat.

Calorie label on the packs of the read so that you can compare portions with the daily target of your dog. In case of doubt, request your vet to appreciate the label.

Step 4: Healthy Treat Alternatives

Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories. Swap high-calorie biscuits for low-calorie snacks.

Good options include:

• Green beans (plain, cooked or raw)
• Carrot sticks
• Air-popped popcorn without butter or salt
• Apple slices without seeds

These add volume and crunch without heavy calories.

Step 5: Increase Exercise

Increase activities by 15 to 30 minutes daily. Two 20-minute brisk walks are more energetic as compared to a slow stroll. Dogs with joint problems accumulate well with swimming as it limits the effect. Scent games, structured play, and fetch also help in weight loss and mental health.

Step 6: Track Progress

Have your dog weighed at the same time of day every week. Attain a safe body weight loss of 1-2 per cent per week. Record the figures and observe the trend. In case the weight does not change after a month, discuss the calories with your veterinarian or check to see whether there is some underlying disease. Frequent visits to the vet provide additional help to the long-term success.

Best Dog Food for Weight Loss (Neutral Overview)

Here is a simple comparison of common weight management formulas. Use these as types of food to discuss with your vet rather than direct prescriptions.

Food Type	Example Formula Style	Calories/Cup (approx.)	Protein %	Fat %	Notes
Veterinary weight loss diet	Prescription low-calorie kibble	240–280	25–30	8–10	For dogs with severe dog obesity
Premium healthy weight kibble	High protein, moderate fat	310–340	30–35	10–12	Good for active overweight dogs
Standard weight management kibble	Reduced fat, added fiber	290–320	24–28	9–11	Works for many family pets
Grain-free weight control	Meat-based with legumes	300–330	28–32	10–12	Check with vet if grain-free is needed
Canned weight control food	High moisture, lower calories/cup	220–260	8–12 (as-fed)	3–6	Helpful for dogs who love volume

The right choice depends on health, age, and activity. A healthy dog weight plan combines food choice with daily movement, not food changes alone.

Exercise Recommendations by Size

Exercise needs vary with size, age, and breed, but all dogs benefit from regular movement.

• Small dogs: 30–60 minutes per day split into walks and play
  
• Medium dogs: 60–90 minutes per day with a mix of walking and games
  
• Large dogs: 60–120 minutes per day, adjusted for joints and stamina
  

Puppies and seniors need shorter sessions with more rest. Watch your dog’s breathing and energy. The goal is steady, moderate effort rather than exhaustion.

Conclusion

Achieve a healthy dog weight using breed charts, BCS checks, and gradual plans with measured calories, low-fat foods, and size-appropriate exercise. Avoid the dangers of joints and life caused by obesity by regular check-ups. Make personal adjustments with the help of vets–it is life and death of your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should my dog weigh?

A dog weight chart and dog weight by breed ranges give useful starting points. The most appropriate solution is to multiply these numbers by a body condition score and the exam of your pet by your vet. Hope towards a visible waist and feel the ribs.

What’s the fastest way to help my dog lose weight?

Fast is not safe. The most appropriate one will be a monitored diet, a reduced calorie plan, predetermined meals, and increased physical activities. A safe weight loss of 1-2 percent of body weight should be done per week to save muscle but burn fat.

Can I give my dog diet pills?

Should not give human diet pills to dogs. Any medication or supplement for dog obesity must come from your veterinarian. Food and exercise changes alone are enough with many dogs.

How do I know if my puppy is growing properly?

Monitor the weight of your puppy every month and compare it with the normal developmental stages. The growth cannot be drastic with highs and lows. In case your puppy appears too skeleton-like or too fat, have your vet look at growth curves and change food.

Resources

• AKC Breed Weight Chart

• DogSlim Weight Chart

• Pet Obesity Prevention – Ideal Weight Ranges