The number on the scale might not be the best indicator of your dog ’s respectable size .

Would n’t it be easy if you could just weigh your andiron and know right away that she was just the right free weight , just the correct size , and perfectly healthy ? Unfortunately , it does n’t work that room .

If you own a purebred domestic dog , the American Kennel Club does offer anextensive weight chartfor manly and female adult dogs by breed . you could use general number to estimate how big a fresh purebred pup might get . Bear in mind that even a pound or two in certain pure stock can look different and significantly bear on health even when in the appropriate reach . And if you ’ve got one of the land ’s millions ofmixed - breed cad , dog weight calculators and charts are only so helpful .

dachshund on leash; how to determine your dog’s healthy weight

Photo: SeventyFour / Getty

" It ’s really difficult to sleep together a healthy weight for a hound with just the scale , " says Lori Prantil , MPS , DVM , who rede favorite owners on nutrition atVCA South Shore Weymouth . " There are so many different breeds , and so many assorted breeds . "

Veterinarians do n’t try a dog ’s healthy weightiness with one number . They also practice body experimental condition scoring andmuscle experimental condition scoringto figure out whether your beloved bow-wow is carryingtoo littleortoo muchfat on her soundbox or whether her muscles are starting to fall back mint and definition .

assess yourdog ’s healthy weightstarts with regularvisits to the vet(Prantil recommends doubly a year ) . Your careful tending over time to how your bounder ’s system of weights or body condition changes is also crucial .

Dog healthy bodyweight chart

Daily Paws / Caitlin-Marie Miner Ong

Dog Weight Chart: Where Is Your Pup on the Scale?

Your dog ’s free weight and torso form can have a big impact on their overall wellness . Use this dog weight chart to see what your hot dog ’s trunk should look like at an ideal body condition and sizing .

Severely Underweight

Underweight

Ideal Weight

Overweight

Severely Overweight

What Should You Do If Your Dog Isn’t Their Ideal Weight?

If you ’ve assessed your dog-iron ’s physical structure shape and weight and suspect she may be either heavy or boney , there are step you may take to get her on the right route to improved health . To start , it ’s always good to spill the beans with your veterinarian . They will provide guidelines onhow many calories to feed your dogby calculating caloric pauperism based on weight or by following the recommended everyday calorie intake based on weight unit category . Many hospitals have specific programs or staff to help your pets safely bring in / lose weightiness over the line of week to months . As always , consulting with your veterinarian on the best line of action for your single hound is idealistic .

For Underweight Dogs

For an skinny andiron , explore common reasonswhy your pup may be underweightand pursue your vet ’s backsheesh to increase calorie inhalation , which might admit increase portion sizes , adjusting meal relative frequency , and/or trying a higher - kilocalorie food .

For Overweight Dogs

For an overweight dog , in addition to slowlyincreasing exercise and playin her day-to-day routine , reel in the treats and snacks ( and definitely human intellectual nourishment ) , then see how to estimate how many calories you take to restrict in her diet while followingtips to help her lose weightin a healthy way .

Whether your dog is under or overweight , by adjusting calories , adopting vet - approve sound ways to increase or lessen their weight — and a little patience — you should see your whelp ’s well - being ameliorate with clip .