Theres nothing quite like bringing home a tiny puppy —but not all puppies will stay small forever. An important part of being a new puppy owner is knowing the stages of puppy development and how large you can expect your dog to become. And just like with human babies, tracking the growth of your puppy can help you determine if your dog is healthy.
Bringing home an 8-week-old puppy is exciting, but many new pet parents find themselves wondering just how big is that tiny ball of fur going to get? As someone who’s raised multiple puppies (including my giant German Shepherd who seemed to grow an inch overnight!) I understand the curiosity about puppy growth rates.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll help you understand exactly how big your 8-week-old puppy is likely to be right now and how to predict their adult size. We’ll look at growth patterns across different breed sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to massive Great Danes.
Why 8 Weeks is an Important Milestone
Eight weeks marks a critical point in puppy development. This is typically when puppies
- Are fully weaned from their mother
- Have developed basic social skills from littermates
- Are ready to go to their forever homes
- Have received their first set of vaccinations
It’s also the age when many new pet parents start wondering just how big their adorable little fur-ball is going to get!
Puppy Size Categories
To understand how big your 8-week-old puppy is (and will become), we need to first identify which size category they belong to. Dogs typically fall into one of these five categories:
| Breed Size | Adult Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Toy | Up to 12 lbs |
| Small | 12-25 lbs |
| Medium | 25-50 lbs |
| Large | 50-100 lbs |
| Giant | Over 100 lbs |
Now let’s break down how big an 8-week-old puppy typically is in each category.
How Big is an 8-Week-Old Toy Breed Puppy?
Toy breeds include Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus.
At 8 weeks, toy breed puppies typically weigh between 1-3 pounds. They’re truly tiny, often fitting in the palm of your hand! These little ones grow quickly relative to their size, gaining about 1-5 ounces per week.
For example, a Yorkie puppy might weigh just 12 ounces (0.75 lbs) at 8 weeks and will likely reach their adult weight of 4-7 pounds by 8-9 months of age.
How Big is an 8-Week-Old Small Breed Puppy?
Small breeds include French Bulldogs, Beagles, Pugs, and Jack Russell Terriers.
At 8 weeks, small breed puppies typically weigh between 2-6 pounds. They’re still quite portable but definitely more substantial than toy breeds. Small breeds generally gain about 5-8 ounces weekly during their growth phase.
For instance, a Beagle puppy might weigh around 3-4 pounds at 8 weeks old and will reach their adult weight of 18-30 pounds between 8-12 months.
How Big is an 8-Week-Old Medium Breed Puppy?
Medium breeds include Border Collies, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Corgis.
At 8 weeks, medium breed puppies typically weigh between 5-15 pounds. These pups are noticeably bigger than small breeds and will continue to grow steadily over their first year. Medium breeds often gain around 1-2 pounds per week during their peak growth phase.
For example, a Border Collie puppy might weigh about 8 pounds at 8 weeks and will reach their adult weight of 30-45 pounds between 9-12 months of age.
How Big is an 8-Week-Old Large Breed Puppy?
Large breeds include German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Boxers.
At 8 weeks, large breed puppies typically weigh between 10-20 pounds. They’re substantial pups that will grow rapidly over the next several months. Large breeds usually gain about 2-2.5 pounds per week during their peak growth.
My German Shepherd was about 12 pounds at 8 weeks and eventually reached 85 pounds as an adult. Most large breeds reach their adult weight between 12-18 months.
How Big is an 8-Week-Old Giant Breed Puppy?
Giant breeds include Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, and Mastiffs.
At 8 weeks, giant breed puppies typically weigh between 15-30 pounds. Despite already being quite large at this age, they’ve got a long way to grow! Giant breeds can gain 2-5 pounds per week and continue growing for up to 2-3 years.
A Great Dane puppy might weigh around 20 pounds at 8 weeks but could eventually reach 140+ pounds as an adult.
Weight Charts for 8-Week-Old Puppies by Breed Size
To give you a more detailed idea of puppy sizes at 8 weeks, here’s a breakdown by breed size category:
Toy Breeds (8 Weeks)
- Birth weight: 2.5-6.5 oz
- 8 weeks: 12-42 oz (0.75-2.6 lbs)
- Adult weight: 1.75-7 lbs
Small Breeds (8 Weeks)
- 8 weeks: 2-4 lbs
- Adult weight: 13-27 lbs
Medium Breeds (8 Weeks)
- 8 weeks: 5-8 lbs
- Adult weight: 33-53 lbs
Large Breeds (8 Weeks)
- 8 weeks: 11-15 lbs
- Adult weight: 72-98 lbs
Giant Breeds (8 Weeks)
- 8 weeks: 18-30 lbs
- Adult weight: 100-145+ lbs
How to Predict Your Puppy’s Adult Size
Wondering how big your specific 8-week-old puppy will get? Here are some methods to estimate their adult size:
1. Use the Puppy Weight Formula
For small to medium breeds:
- Take their weight at 8 weeks and multiply by 4
For large to giant breeds:
- Take their weight at 8 weeks and multiply by 2.5, then add 10
For example, if your medium-sized puppy weighs 7 pounds at 8 weeks:
7 lbs × 4 = 28 lbs estimated adult weight
2. Check Breed Standards
If your puppy is a purebred, check the breed standard for typical adult weights. This can give you a good estimate of what to expect.
3. Look at the Parents
One of the best predictors is simply looking at the size of your puppy’s parents, especially if your pup is a mixed breed. Puppies typically end up somewhere between the size of their mother and father.
4. Use an Online Puppy Weight Calculator
Online calculators can help predict your puppy’s adult weight based on their current age and weight. You’ll need to input:
- Your puppy’s current age (8 weeks)
- Your puppy’s current weight
- Your puppy’s breed or breed size category
Factors That Influence Puppy Growth
Several factors can affect how big your 8-week-old puppy will eventually become:
Genetics
Your puppy’s genes play the biggest role in determining their adult size. Mixed breed puppies can sometimes surprise you with their growth patterns if you’re not familiar with all the breeds in their ancestry.
Gender
Male dogs typically grow larger than females of the same breed, sometimes by 20% or more.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy growth. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and joint problems, especially in large breeds. Underfeeding can stunt growth and development.
Spaying/Neutering
Dogs spayed or neutered before puberty may grow slightly taller as their growth plates close later. However, they may also be more prone to weight gain if their diet isn’t adjusted.
Signs Your 8-Week-Old Puppy Is Growing Properly
How can you tell if your puppy is developing normally? Here are some healthy signs:
- Steady weight gain each week
- Energetic play followed by deep sleep
- Good appetite
- Shiny coat
- Clear eyes
- Firm stools
If your puppy seems to be growing much faster or slower than expected for their breed, consult with your veterinarian.
Common Questions About 8-Week-Old Puppy Size
Can I tell how big my mixed breed puppy will get?
It’s trickier with mixed breeds, but looking at the parents and using a weight calculator that accounts for breed size can help make an estimate.
My 8-week-old puppy seems small for their breed. Should I worry?
Not necessarily. Just like humans, puppies grow at different rates. Some may have growth spurts later. However, if your puppy is lethargic, not eating well, or showing other concerning symptoms, consult your vet.
How often should I weigh my puppy?
For the first 4 months, weekly weigh-ins can help track growth. After that, monthly checks are usually sufficient.
Will my puppy’s paw size tell me how big they’ll get?
While large paws can indicate a larger adult size, this isn’t always reliable. Some breeds naturally have disproportionately sized paws.
Conclusion
An 8-week-old puppy’s size varies dramatically depending on breed, with toy breeds weighing as little as 12 ounces and giant breeds already reaching 15-30 pounds! No matter what size category your puppy falls into, these early weeks are just the beginning of their growth journey.
Remember that each puppy is unique, and these are just general guidelines. The joy of raising a puppy is watching them grow and develop their own personality, regardless of their size!
Have you brought home an 8-week-old puppy recently? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
What Factors Impact My Puppy’s Size?
While theres no way to predict your puppys exact size when theyre full-grown, certain factors can help you predict your dogs height and weight:
- Breed size: The American Kennel Club breaks down breed sizes into five categories: toy, small, medium, large and giant.
- Gender: As with many other animals, males are typically larger than females.
- Genetics: The size of the puppys parents and other hereditary factors can affect your puppys adult size.