Puppy Growth Chart
Puppy growth charts by size class: what percentage of adult weight your puppy should have reached at each age, what that means for their final size, and when growth finishes.
Percentage of adult weight by age
| Age | Small (<20 lb) | Medium (20–50 lb) | Large (50–90 lb) | Giant (90 lb+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 30% | 25% | 20% | 15% |
| 12 weeks | 45% | 38% | 30% | 25% |
| 16 weeks | 60% | 50% | 42% | 35% |
| 6 months | 80% | 70% | 60% | 50% |
| 9 months | 95% | 88% | 80% | 70% |
| 12 months | 100% | 95% | 90% | 80% |
| 18 months | — | 100% | 100% | 95% |
| 24 months | — | — | — | 100% |
An 18 lb medium-breed puppy at 16 weeks is about 50% grown: 18 ÷ 0.50 = 36 lb adult. The puppy weight calculator runs this with interpolated curves for any age between the rows.
Expected weight by age — popular breeds
| Breed | 8 wks | 4 mo | 6 mo | Adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | 1.5 lb | 3 lb | 4 lb | 4–6 lb |
| French Bulldog | 4 lb | 12 lb | 18 lb | 20–28 lb |
| Beagle | 5 lb | 12 lb | 17 lb | 20–25 lb |
| Border Collie | 7 lb | 19 lb | 27 lb | 35–45 lb |
| Labrador | 12 lb | 33 lb | 48 lb | 65–80 lb |
| German Shepherd | 14 lb | 36 lb | 50 lb | 65–90 lb |
| Golden Retriever | 11 lb | 32 lb | 45 lb | 60–75 lb |
| Great Dane | 18 lb | 60 lb | 85 lb | 120–175 lb |
Individual puppies vary — parents' adult weights are the best single predictor you have.
Growth-stage milestones
| Age | What's happening |
|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | Fastest relative growth; 4 meals a day; vaccination series underway |
| 3–4 months | Teething begins — expect chewing; adult teeth start replacing baby ones |
| 4–6 months | Growth spurt; drop to 3 meals; desexing typically discussed |
| 6–12 months | Adolescence; growth slows; 2 meals a day |
| 12–24 months | Filling out (chest and muscle) — large breeds especially |
Feeding for healthy growth
The single biggest mistake with large-breed puppies is overfeeding for fast growth. Rapid weight gain stresses developing joints and is directly associated with hip and elbow dysplasia. Lean and steady is the goal — portions in thepuppy feeding chart, and the teething timeline in thepuppy teeth chart.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use a puppy growth chart?+
Find your puppy’s age and size class, and the chart shows what percentage of their adult weight they should have reached. Divide their current weight by that percentage to predict their adult size — for example a 16-week medium-breed puppy is about 50% grown, so double their weight.
At what age do puppies stop growing?+
Small breeds finish around 10–12 months, medium 12–15 months, large 15–18 months and giant breeds 18–24 months. Height is usually reached before final weight — many large dogs "fill out" for months after they stop getting taller.
Is my puppy growing too fast?+
For large and giant breeds, fast growth is a genuine concern — it is linked to hip and elbow dysplasia. Large-breed puppy food exists specifically to slow and steady growth. If your large-breed puppy is consistently above the curve and looks chunky, ask your vet about portions.
How accurate are puppy growth predictions?+
For purebreds, typically within 10–20%. For mixed breeds it is a rougher estimate — genetics can surprise you. Predictions get more accurate the older the puppy: a 6-month estimate is far more reliable than an 8-week one.