How to Determine the Weight of a Dog From Birth

Knowing the future adult weight of a puppy at birth is an important factor to take into consideration when choosing a dog. You need to know how much he is likely to eat and if you have enough space for his needs when grown. Purebred puppies' adult weight easy to determine because they tend to follow in their father/mother's footsteps. Mixed breeds are more difficult, so it is necessary to wait at least six weeks before a calculation can be made.

Things You'll Need

  • A puppy
  • Weighing scales
Show More

Instructions

  1. Purebred Puppies

    • 1

      Obtain the weight of the puppy's father and mother. The puppy's adult weight will be approximately that of its parent of the same sex.

    • 2

      Record which type of breed the puppy is: toy/small, medium/large or giant. This information can be obtained from the dog breeder, veterinarian or shelter manager.

    • 3

      Toy/small breeds will weigh no more than 20 pounds. These breeds include pugs, Jack Russells and French bulldogs.

    • 4

      Medium/large breeds will weigh no more than 80 pounds. These breeds include Labradors, Dobermans and dalmatians.

    • 5

      Giant breeds can weigh up to 200 pounds and include breeds such as Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds.

    Mixed-breed Puppies

    • 6

      Record which combination of breeds the puppy is: toy/small, medium/large or giant. This information can be obtained from the dog breeder, veterinarian or shelter manager.

    • 7

      Measure the puppy's weight at 6 weeks if you have a toy/small mixed breed and double that weight to get value 1. Double value 1 to determine the approximate adult weight.

    • 8

      Measure the weight at 14 weeks if you have a medium/large mixed breed puppy and double that weight to get value 1. Halve the weight of your puppy at 14 weeks and add this to value 1 to determine the approximate adult weight.

    • 9

      Measure the weight at 6 months if you have a giant mixed-breed puppy to get value 1. Double value 1 to determine the approximate adult weight.