How does a dog grow, breed by breed? The answer depends on its size: a small breed finishes growing at about 9 to 12 months, a medium breed at about 12 months, a large breed at 12 to 18 months, and a giant breed at 18 months to 2 years. For cats, most breeds finish at about 12 months, but large breeds such as the Maine Coon can keep growing until they are 2 to 4 years old. This guide is the dog growth chart by breed: eight breeds with their size, adult weight, and the age at which they are usually fully grown — and how to judge your own dog's growth. Every figure is a typical range, not a promise: individual dogs vary. The puppy weight predictor estimates adult weight from a puppy's current weight and age.
The short version is: small breeds finish growing first, large breeds last, and a dog is fully grown when it has reached its adult height and weight — which is not the same as being an adult. A dog that has stopped growing still needs training, socialisation, and care, and it should not be switched to adult food until it has finished growing. The when is a dog fully grown guide gives the growth ages by size, and the puppy growth chart by size guide gives the growth shares by age.
Dog growth chart by breed
The table below lists eight breeds with their size, typical adult weight, and the age at which they are usually fully grown. Use it to see where your breed sits — and to know when to expect your dog to stop growing.
| Breed | Size | Typical adult weight | Fully grown at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua | Toy | 1–3 kg | 9–12 months |
| Beagle | Medium | 9–11 kg | About 12 months |
| Labrador Retriever | Large | 25–36 kg | 12–18 months |
| German Shepherd Dog | Large | 22–40 kg | 12–18 months |
| Great Dane | Giant | 50–79 kg | 18 months–2 years |
| French Bulldog | Medium | 8–14 kg | About 12 months |
| Golden Retriever | Large | 25–34 kg | 12–18 months |
| Pug | Small | 6–8 kg | 9–12 months |
Read the table from top to bottom and the pattern is clear: the smaller the breed, the sooner it finishes growing. A Chihuahua is usually fully grown at 9 to 12 months, while a Great Dane is usually fully grown at 18 months to 2 years. The dog breeds hub lists every breed on this site by size and group.
How a puppy grows
A puppy grows fastest in its first few months: it is about a fifth to a quarter of its adult weight at 8 weeks, about half at 6 months, and about four-fifths or more at 12 months, when small breeds are near-adult and large breeds are still growing. A puppy that is a large breed will grow for longer than one that is a small breed, and a puppy with a heavy frame will fill out for longer than one with a light frame.
A puppy that is a crossbreed will grow at a pace between its parents' breeds, and its adult weight will be between theirs — so a crossbreed's growth is harder to predict, and the ranges on this site are typical estimates, not guarantees for any one dog. To judge your own dog's growth, weigh it every two weeks as a young animal, and write the result down: a single reading matters less than the line over weeks. The puppy weight chart by age guide gives the growth shares by age.
When to switch from young to adult food
Switch from young to adult food when your dog has finished growing: at about 9 to 12 months for a small breed, about 12 months for a medium breed, 12 to 18 months for a large breed, and 18 months to 2 years for a giant breed. For cats, switch at about 12 months, or later for a large breed such as the Maine Coon. Switch gradually, over a week: mix the new food with the old, increasing the new food a little each day, so the stomach has time to adjust.
Do not switch too early: a puppy that is switched to adult food before it has finished growing may not get the nutrients it needs, and it may grow more slowly or less well. Do not switch too late, either: an adult dog that is still eating young food will get too many calories, and it may gain weight. The puppy feeding schedule by age guide gives the feeding schedule from weaning to adulthood, and the dog food calculator works out the daily calories for any weight and stage.
Growth problems to watch for
A puppy that grows too fast can develop joint problems, especially in large breeds: a large-breed puppy that is overfed, or that is exercised too hard, can damage its joints, and the damage can last for life. A puppy that grows too slowly may have a health problem, or it may not be getting enough food. A puppy that is not gaining weight at all over two weeks, or that is losing weight, needs a vet check.
A puppy that is limping, stiff, or in pain needs a vet check, too: joint problems in a growing puppy can be treated, but they need to be found early. A vet can work out whether the growth is normal, and what to do about it. The how much food should a puppy eat guide gives the calorie tables for young dogs, and the puppy age calculator by weeks guide gives the development at each age.
How to track your dog's growth
Weigh your puppy every two weeks, and write the result down: a puppy that is gaining weight steadily is growing well, and a puppy that is not gaining weight at all over two weeks, or that is losing weight, needs a vet check. The line over weeks matters more than any single reading. Use the puppy weight predictor to estimate adult weight from the puppy's current weight and age, and compare the result to the typical adult weight for the breed in the table above.
Remember that the table gives typical ranges, not promises: a dog that is a little above or below the range for its breed is usually fine, as long as it is gaining weight steadily and is bright, eating, and active. What matters is the line over weeks: a smooth, steady rise, not a flat line and not a sudden jump. The dog age calculator works out the human-age equivalent for any age.
For related reading, see the puppy weight predictor, the when is a dog fully grown guide, the puppy growth chart by size guide, the puppy weight chart by age guide, the puppy feeding schedule by age guide, the dog breeds hub.
Frequently asked questions
How does a dog grow, breed by breed?
It depends on its size: a small breed finishes growing at about 9 to 12 months, a medium breed at about 12 months, a large breed at 12 to 18 months, and a giant breed at 18 months to 2 years. For cats, most breeds finish at about 12 months, but large breeds such as the Maine Coon can keep growing until they are 2 to 4 years old. The table above gives eight breeds with their growth ages.
When is a dog fully grown?
A toy or small dog is usually fully grown at about 9 to 12 months, a medium dog at about 12 months, a large dog at 12 to 18 months, and a giant dog at 18 months to 2 years. Those are guides, not hard lines.
When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?
Switch when your dog has finished growing: at about 9 to 12 months for a small breed, about 12 months for a medium breed, 12 to 18 months for a large breed, and 18 months to 2 years for a giant breed. For cats, switch at about 12 months, or later for a large breed such as the Maine Coon. Switch gradually, over a week.
How fast does a puppy grow?
A puppy grows fastest in its first few months: it is about a fifth to a quarter of its adult weight at 8 weeks, about half at 6 months, and about four-fifths or more at 12 months, when small breeds are near-adult and large breeds are still growing. Weigh it every two weeks, and write the result down.
How do I know if my puppy is growing well?
Weigh it every two weeks and write the result down: a puppy that is gaining weight steadily is growing well. A puppy that is not gaining weight at all over two weeks, or that is losing weight, needs a vet check. The line over weeks matters more than any single reading.
When should I ask a vet about growth?
Ask a vet if your puppy is not gaining weight at all over two weeks, if it is losing weight, if it is growing much faster or much slower than expected for its breed, or if it is limping, stiff, or in pain. A puppy that grows too fast can develop joint problems, especially in large breeds.
Results on this page are estimates for general information only and are not veterinary advice. If your pet is ill, underweight, overweight, pregnant, or has a health condition, consult your veterinarian before changing diet or care.