Ever wonder if your dog is a healthy weight for their breed, gender and size? Have those few extra pounds tipped the scale into the overweight or obese category? There are many ways to determine if a dog has an ideal weight. One that many veterinarians agree is best is to use a combination of sight and feel to check if your dog's weight is healthy. This ideal dog weight chart, or "body condition system," will help you check your dog's weight in this way. 

But just as humans have the concept of a BMI (body mass index) to compare their weight in pounds to a normal range for their gender and height, we have created a tool that will give you a rough idea of how your dog's weight compares to the normal ranges by breed and gender. If your dog is within 20% of that normal range, they will be considered a normal weight. Try it out and see if your pet is a healthy weight!

Note that particularly active dogs can have a higher weight than "normal" and still be healthy--muscle weighs more than fat. Other factors may impact what the right weight for your dog is too. Always check in with your vet about your pet's weight at annual appointments, and if you notice a sudden change in your pet's weight, contact your vet right away. 

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.

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