How Heavy Should My Dog Be? A Complete Dog Weight Guide

How Heavy Should My Dog Be – Know Here How to Determine the Ideal Dog’s Weight!

Whether you recently became a dog owner or have had pets for many years, this is a common question that every pet owner has in mind.

Regardless of your dog’s breed, it’s vital to know how heavy should my dog be. This includes a dog’s height, weight, health condition, and other factors. For example, check these things in your dog:

Does your furry friend look like an ottoman?
Does your pup have an hourglass figure when you look from above?

These simple questions can really give you a brief about your canine’s health. This means if your answer is ottoman, sadly, your puppy is overweight, even obese. On the other hand, if you see your dog’s bones and skinny body structure, this means your pet is underweight.

Both are health conditions, and if not properly taken care of, they can lead to serious issues and canine diseases. This is why it’s crucial for all dog owners to keep their dogs at a healthy weight.

Don’t know how to do this? No worries, keep reading!

We’re here with a complete dog weight guide. Today we’ll tell you everything about dogs weight charts. From how much is an ideal dog’s weight to how to calculate your dog’s weight, we’ve covered every important detail. So, don’t skip anything and read till the end.

Let’s start.

How Much Should My Dog Weigh?

Source: pitpat.com

The ideal dog’s weight basically depends on several factors, such as body type, size, and gender. Currently, 339 breeds of dogs are legally registered in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and over 199 dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

You can also use a dog BMI calculator to find if your furry friend is overweight or not.

Every breed has different body sizes and types, so it’s quite impossible to determine the exact ideal weight. And besides these pure breeds, there are also mixed breeds which makes this thing even harder.

Other than these three factors, there are other elements like the season, stress levels, and activity levels.

Body Condition Scoring System (BCS)

Source: vetnutrition.tufts.edu

The Body Condition Scoring System (BCS) is a popular method of calculating a dog’s weight. BCS can help you determine whether your pup is too thin, healthy, or overweight.

Most veterinary clinics widely use BCS to evaluate the overall stature of a pet. In this procedure, the vet will examine a canine’s ribs, abdomen, and waistline by sight and touch or the overall amount of body fat. The results will be the score, which will accurately tell the weight.

Here’s the score chart:

1-3 = Underweight (too thin)
4-5 = Ideal weight
6-9 = Overweight to obese (too heavy)

Muscle Condition Scoring (MCS)

Source: shopify.com

Muscle Condition Scoring (MCS) is another way of calculating a pet’s weight. This method evaluates muscles, spine, shoulders, head, and hips. This will assess muscle loss.

With growing age, animals tend to lose muscle mass. However, this also happens because of underlying diseases such as obesity. In some cases, even the pet is not obese or appears less obese from the outside, but in reality, they’re unhealthy from the inside. Through the MCS, we can calculate muscle loss in canines.

However, BCS and the MCS are not directly related!

Dog Weight Chart (By Breed)

How Heavy Should My Dog Be?

Starting with the BCS method is a great way to determine whether your furry companion has a healthy weight or not. You can start with a dog’s weight chart to get a general idea.

Here is the dog weight chart by breed:

Breed	Average Weight Range
Afghan Hounds	50-60 lbs
Airdale Terriers	40- 65 lbs
Akitas	70-120 lbs
Alaskan Malamutes	75-85 lbs
American Staffordshire Terriers	55-65 lbs
Australian Cattle Dogs	30-35 lbs
Australian Shepherds	40-65 lbs
Basenjis	20-25 lbs
Basset Hounds	40-60 lbs
Beagles	18-30 lbs
Bearded Collies	45-55 lbs
Belgian Malinois	55-75 lbs
Bernese Mountain Dogs	75-110 lbs
Bichon Frises	10-16 lb
Black And Tan Coonhounds	65-110 lbs
Bloodhounds	80-110 lbs
Border Collies	30-45 lbs
Border Terriers	11-15 lbs
Boston Terriers	10-25 lbs
Bouvier Des Flanders	70-110 lbs
Boxers	50-75 lbs
Brittany Spaniels	30-40 lbs
Brussels Griffons	8-10 lbs
Bulldogs	40-50 lbs
Bullmastiffs	100-130 lbs
Bull Terriers	50-70 lbs
Bull Terriers (Miniature)	24-32 lbs
Cairn Terriers	12-16 lbs
Cardigan Welsh Corgis	24-38 lbs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels	13-18 lbs
Chihuahuas	4-6 lbs
Chinese Crested	8-12 lbs
Chinese Shar-Peis	45-60 lbs
Chow Chows	45-70 lbs
Cockapoos	12-24 lbs
Cocker Spaniels	26-34 lbs
Collies	50-75 lbs
Dachshunds (Standard)	16-32 lbs
Dachshunds (Miniature)	8-10 lbs
Dalmatians	45-75 lbs
Doberman Pinschers	60-95 lbs
English Cocker Spaniels	26-34 lbs
English Setters	45-80 lbs
English Springer Spaniels	40-50 lbs
Flat-Coated Retrievers	60-70 lbs
Fox Terriers	16-18 lbs
French Bulldogs	19-28 lbs
German Shepherds	50-90 lbs
German Shorthair Pointers	45-75 lbs
Goldendoodles (Miniature)	15-30 lbs
Goldendoodles (Standard)	40-50 lbs
Golden Retrievers	55-75 lbs
Gordon Setters	45-80 lbs
Great Danes	110-175 lbs
Great Pyrenees	85-125 lbs
Greyhounds	60-70 lbs
Havanese	7-13 lbs
Irish Setters	60-70 lbs
Irish Terriers	25-27 lbs
Irish Wolfhounds	105-120 lbs
Italian Greyhounds	7-14 lbs
Jack Russell Terriers	14-18 lbs
Keeshonds	35-45 lbs
Labrador Retrievers	55-80 lbs
Labradoodles	50-65 lbs
Labradoodles (Miniature)	15-25 lbs
Lhasa Apsos	12-18 lbs
Maltese	4-6 lbs
Mastiffs	120-200 lbs
Miniature Pinschers	8-10 lbs
Newfoundlands	100-150 lbs
Norwegian Elkhounds	48-55 lbs
Norwich Terriers	10-12 lbs
Old English Sheepdogs	60-100 lbs
Papillons	7-10 lbs
Pekingese	6-10 lbs
Pembroke Welsh Corgis	25-30 lbs
Pomeranians	3-7 lbs
Pomsky	20-30 lbs
Poodle (Standard)	45-70 lbs
Poodle (Miniature)	10-15 lbs
Poodle (Toy)	4-6 lbs
Portuguese Water Dogs	35-60 lbs
Pugs	14-18 lbs
Puggles	15-30 lbs
Rat Terriers	10-25 lbs
Rhodesian Ridgebacks	70-85 lbs
Rottweilers	80-130 lbs
St. Bernards	120-180 lbs
Samoyeds	35-65 lbs
Schipperkes	10-16 lbs
Schnauzer (Giant)	55-85 lbs
Schnauzer (Standard)	30-45 lbs
Schnauzer (Miniature)	12-15 lbs
Scottish Terriers	18-22 lbs
Shetland Sheep Dogs	18-20 lbs
Shiba Inus	17-23 lbs
Shih Tzus	9-16 lbs
Siberian Huskies	35-60 lbs
Silky Terriers	8-10 lbs
Staffordshire Bull Terriers	24-38 lbs
Tibetan Terriers	18-30 lbs
Toy Fox Terriers	4-7 lbs
Vizslas	45-60 lbs
Weimaraners	55-85 lbs
Welsh Terriers	18-20 lbs
West Highland Terriers	15-21 lbs
Whippets	25-40 lbs
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons	40-60 lbs
Yorkshire Terriers	4-7 lbs
Yorkshire Terriers (Teacup)	1-3 lbs

NOTE:

This is an alphabetical chart that doesn’t cover all the breeds around the globe. Also, keep in mind that female dogs have a lower weight than male ones. So, the weight depends on the factor of what age do dogs stop growing. For a more detailed breed weight chart, visit AKC Breed Weight Chart.

How to Calculate Dog’s Weight?

Source: dogsbestlife.com

Here is how to calculate your dog’s healthy weight:

First, it’s important to know the BCS. after knowing the right BCS; you can move forward to calculate the dog’s target weight.

Below is the step-by-step method to figure out the target weight:

The dog weight formula:

Let’s take a 50-pound dog as an example and put the numbers in the formula:

Steps	Example: 50-lb. dog with BCS of 9
1. Take your dog’s starting BCS and subtract 5.	9-5 = 4
2. Multiply that number by 10.	4 x 10 = 40
3. Add 100.	40 + 100 = 140
4. Divide 100 by the result from Step 3 then round it to 3 digits.	100 / 140 = .714
5. Multiply that by your dog’s current weight.	.714 x 50 pounds = 35.7 pounds
Dog’s Target Weight:	35.7 pounds

Similarly, you can determine your dog’s weight by putting the right BCS value.

How To Check Your Dog’s Body Condition At Home

Source: bellaandduke.com

Don’t know how to calculate the dog’s body condition?

Here’s the video tutorial to figure out your pup’s body condition.

Why Is Maintaining Your Dog’s Weight So Important?

Source: vetbabble.com

After reading here, you get an idea about the importance of the dog’s weight, but is it really necessary? Yes, it is!

In 2021, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) surveyed pet parents, which showed “only 39% of pet parents said they considered their dog overweight or obese.”

However, the statistics tell a completely different story!

Another survey from Veterinary Clinic Prevalence by APOP in 2018 found that “an alarming 55.8% of dogs were classified as clinically overweight or obese.”

If you search on Google, you will get many surveys and research reports on dogs being overweight, with shocking results and findings.

This is because many pet owners don’t realize that their beloved pets are obese or suffering from obesity! What do you think about this?

This can lead to several medical issues, including:

Orthopedic diseases, like osteoarthritis
Kidney dysfunction
Skin problems
Reduced life expectancy
Respiratory disorders
Cancer
Heart problems
Chronic inflammation
Diminished quality of life

What If My Dog Is Underweight?

Source: wagwalkingweb.com

If your pup is too thin or after calculating your dog’s weight through BCS the score comes between 1 to 3, this means that your dog is underweight. If your canine friend isn’t eating enough, you should consult your nearest vet immediately. This is a serious health problem; your vet will determine the real reason behind this.

They will examine the dog carefully and will tell you whether it happens due to an underlying health problem or if your pup has any other medical issues.

Here are some of the medical conditions:

Intestinal Parasites
Stress
Diabetes
Cancer
Kidney Disease
Addison’s Disease
Dental Disease
Gastrointestinal Problems, and many more.

Insufficient Diet:

Another reason your dog seems underweight is that they aren’t getting the essential nutrients and calories needed. This is why you should always give your pup high-quality dog food with all the necessary proteins and nutrients. This will help your canine to gain a healthy weight.

Your Dog Is a Picky Eater:

You tried everything, but your dog is just not ready to eat everything. This means your buddy is a picky eater. And now it’s time to change the dog food. Try different types of foods like wet or dry foods. You can also add other ingredients, such as including fresh meals, personalized premium kibble, and more. This is a great guide for food for fussy dogs if you need extra guidance.

What If My Dog Is Overweight?

Source: ingleside.com

If you feel your beloved dog has more weight than it should be, this is a thing to get concerned about. Little belly fat indeed makes your puppy adorably cute, but this can also put his life at risk.

There are many risks for your pets if they’re overweight or obese:

Back Problems
Arthritis
Inflammation
Shorter Life Span

Tips For Overweight Dogs

Source: labradortraininghq.com

If you think your dog is obese or has recently gained a few extra pounds, it’s time to pay attention to his diet. By providing a proper and healthy diet, you can help your pup to lose weight.

There are many easy and effective ways in which your pet can easily lose weight, such as:

Playtime
Exercise
Physical Activities
Healthy Treats

With the help of simple but fun activities, you can easily control your pooch’s weight. Besides putting him on a diet, get him to do more exercise. You can also consult your vet. They will check your dog, and according to his current health conditions, they will develop a weight loss diet plan for him.

Important Note on Dog’s Weight!

Source: pupvine.com

Average Dog Weight is a Myth!

Keep in mind that no two breeds or even no two dogs are exactly similar! As you have already seen in the above breed weight chart, every breed has different body sizes and conditions. You can’t compare all the dogs under the same conditions or weight measurements.

Just because the dog’s ribs are visible or easy to touch doesn’t necessarily mean he is underweight. This is why it is crucial to get a consultation from a Veterinarian. They will properly examine and then tell you the right condition of your puppy.

Also Read: How Much Exercise Should Your Dog Get?

Source: tractive.com

Source: labradortraininghq.com

Conclusion: How Heavy Should My Dog Be?

After reading this blog on how heavy should my dog be, you’ll surely get the answer to the above question. You can easily calculate the weight of your pup with the above charts and tables, or you can also use the dog weight calculator online. Also, don’t make direct changes to the diet after getting the result. It’s vital to consult your vet and ask them properly about the overall health of your pup. And according to that, you make changes to the diet and lifestyle of your beloved puppy.

I hope this in-depth guide on how heavy should my dog be has helped you to understand the importance of the dog’s weight. If you find this post helpful and informative, share it with your friends and family looking for information about dog weight.

For more information on pet breeds, pet foods, or pet healthcare, visit PetsNurturing.