How heavy should my dog be? Are they overweight or underweight?

It’s important to know how heavy your dog should be and monitor their weight regularly. Let’s take a look at the best ways to spot whether your dog is overweight or underweight, and how to maintain a healthy weight.

A brief summary...

• ‘Ideal’ weight varies among breeds – ask your vet for advice on what weight your dog should be
• If your dog’s ribs, spine and shoulders are too apparent, they may be underweight
• If your dog looks bloated and you can’t see their ribs, they may be overweight
• A healthy diet will help reduce your dog’s weight
• Increase an obese dog’s exercise levels gradually to avoid exhaustion
• Speak to your vet before making a drastic change to your dog’s diet or exercise

Ideal dog weight: how much should my dog weigh?

How much your dog should weigh depends on their breed, size, and age. It’s best to consult with your vet to determine if your dog is at a healthy weight. You can also refer to a dog breed weight chart (measured in kg) to get a rough idea.

In the meantime, you can assess if your dog is overweight or underweight by their appearance and a few simple tests. Use our dog weight chart to compare, or perform the rib check method. Additionally, vets can weigh your dog and give expert advice.

Read more: Best diet for dogs - the importance of a balanced diet for dogs

Is my dog underweight?

If your dog’s ribs, backbone, and other bones are clearly visible even from a distance, and their waist is overly tucked, they may be underweight. Dogs that are naturally thin may feel unusually bony when they are underweight.

Is my dog overweight or obese?

If your dog has a bloated appearance or their stomach hangs low, they may be overweight or even obese. The ribs will be hard to feel, and in some cases, almost invisible. It’s important to remember that bloating can also be a sign of other health issues, so if you notice this, it’s worth contacting your vet.

Note: Some health problems can also cause bloating, so if you’re unsure, consult your vet to rule out other conditions.

Ideal weight

Your dog’s ideal weight is somewhere between the two extremes. One way to assess if your dog is at a healthy weight is by comparing them to pictures of other dogs of the same breed. However, it’s still essential to have your dog weighed regularly at the vet to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy weight.

Read more: What fruit can dogs eat?

What is the best way to help my dog achieve a healthy weight?

To help your dog return to a healthy weight, cut down on treats and increase their exercise. Avoid giving them high-calorie human treats, as these can quickly add up. For instance, a dog eating a single biscuit may be consuming the same calories as a human eating a large burger!

Focus on a healthy diet by feeding your dog the recommended amount of food and weighing their portions daily to avoid overfeeding. Consider giving a few biscuits from their daily allowance as treats instead of adding extra food to their diet.

For overweight or obese dogs, gradually increase their exercise levels to prevent over-exertion. Start with shorter, more frequent walks to get them used to the increased activity.

Need more advice?

Knowing how much your dog should weigh can be tricky, as no two dogs are exactly alike. If you’re unsure whether your dog is underweight or overweight, your vet will be able to help. They can weigh your dog and provide the best dietary and exercise advice for their specific needs.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.

Dog breed weight chart