There are three sizes of dogs – small, medium, and large. Our dogsized.com dog size chart below expands the basic outlook into six categories of dog sizes: teacup, toy, small dog breeds, medium sized dog breeds, and large dog breeds and giant dogs.
There are a wide variety of dog breeds available in different sizes. Each size has a general range of weights they fall under.
Dog Size Chart
- Teacup dogs: these tinies weigh from 5 to fewer pounds
- Toy dogs: dog weight classes range from 5 to 12 pounds
- Small dogs: weigh 12-24 lbs
- Medium dogs weigh from 24 to 59 pounds
- Larger dogs weigh from around 59 up to 99 pounds
- Giant dogs and Extra-large dogs weigh over 100 pounds
Dog size guide information
When choosing the right pup for you and your family, size matters!
Though there is some variation between the weight cut-off points for each size category, most experts agree that the dog size ranges.
Our dog size guide and chart is compiled from the insights of multiple sources to give the best indication of the growth range that dog owners can expect for their dog breed based on its size.
Let’s look at:
- Different Dog Breeds and Sizes
- Small Dog Breeds Chart
- Medium Sized Dog Breeds Chart
- Large Dog Breeds Chart
- Dog Breed Overviews
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Different Dog Breeds and Sizes
No matter what size you go for, loyalty and adorableness will be found in every dog. Here is a list of some of the tiniest to the largest furry pups you can adopt.
Small Dog Breeds:
The epitome of cuteness and weighing less than 5 pounds, these furry flurries are pretty easy to manage and carry.
Usually, when these dogs reach the age of permanently shifting to a home, they weigh around 2 pounds or less and can be effortlessly picked up by kids.
Therefore, breeders tend to avoid giving these tiny pooches to large families with many small children because they keep carrying them around, making the dogs quite uncomfortable.
Some examples of these cute furries are:
- Shih Tzu
- Chihuahua
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pug
- Labrador Retriever
- Toy Poodle
- Pomeranian and many others
Small Dog Breeds Chart
Small dogs typically weigh anywhere between 3 to 20 pounds and stand no taller than 16 inches at the shoulder.
The most popular small breed is the Chihuahua, but other breeds in this category include Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzu, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles, and Beagles.
If you’re looking for a smaller dog breed, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The Boston terrier is a good choice for those who live in apartments, as this breed only weighs 10-25 pounds.
Another popular small dog breed is the poodle, which comes in a variety of sizes and can be easily trained for different activities.
Benefits of Small Dog Breeds:
Some of the best advantages of adopting these balls of furs are:
- They are ideal for small apartments and can be managed easily
- Their feed is less expensive and smaller in size than larger or medium size dog breeds
- They are the perfect companions for seniors and old age people
- Effortlessly manageable as well as great traveling buddies
- Their grooming and cleaning are also relatively easy and swift.
Drawback of Having Small Sized Dogs
Even though we love these tiny canines, some minor disadvantages that they have are:
- Their training takes more time.
- They are less athletic and sporty than bigger dogs and tend to get tired quickly.
- Smaller dogs are also prone to more barking than usual.
If you can ignore the excessive barking from time to time but love to carry around a small dog and love the pooch, then there is no dog better for you.
Medium Sized Dog Breeds
Most medium dog breeds were bred to carry out specific tasks such as hunting, herding, and working as full-time farm dogs.
Therefore, these dogs are pretty athletic and sporty, making them the perfect choice for a family dog. These dogs are a little more expensive to manage but still are less expensive than larger dogs.
Some of the best medium sized dog breeds include:
- Bichon Frise
- Boston Terrier
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Beagle
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Cocker Spaniel
- Dachshund
Medium Sized Dog Breeds Chart
If you want to know what is considered a medium dog? Medium dog breeds usually weigh between 21 and 50 pounds and stand 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder.
Medium dogs typically have a chest measurement that is between 21 and 27 inches.
Some of the best medium dog breeds include the Welsh Corgi, Australian Shepherd, and the Shetland Sheepdog.
Some popular medium dog breeds at the top of the list include Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Each of these types of dog breed make great family dogs.
Other dogs that are popular include the Cocker Spaniel, Australian Cattle dog, and Bull Terriers. The Australian Cattle Dog breed is known for its unique color combinations and eye color contrast profiles.
Medium dog breeds can be further divided into two categories: small medium dogs and other medium dog breeds that are on the larger side.
Other medium sized dog breeds include the Bulldog, Boxer, and Rottweiler.
These dogs are all known for their friendly personalities and are great with children. If you are looking for a medium sized dog that is
One example of a medium size breed that is on the smaller side is a Shiba Inu, and a medium sized dog breed on the larger side is a Bull Terrier that ranges from 50 to 70 pounds.
Benefits of Having Medium Dog Breeds
The benefits of adopting a medium dog breed include:
- Their food expenses are lesser than larger breeds
- They are less fragile than small dogs, therefore, dubbed as the best family dogs
- Their visits to the vets are less and cheaper than larger dogs
- They just enjoy their long lives getting spoiled by you.
Some Drawbacks of Medium Dog Breeds
Some of the disadvantages of a medium sized dog, if you have a busy schedule are:
- They need more exercise than smaller dogs
- You have to buy expensive toys as they are bigger
- Their sizes can sometimes be unstable, making them sometimes fall into the large dog category, depending upon the breed
For a more detailed view of other medium dogs check out our posts on the Best Medium Dog Breeds
- The Best Medium Sized Dogs
- How Big Are Medium Sized Dogs?
- The Best Medium Sized Dogs For Kids
- The Best Medium Dog Breeds for Seniors
- The Best Small to Medium Sized Dogs
Large Dog Breeds
Big Dog Breeds
Large dog breeds weigh from 59 pounds up to 99 pounds. They are sporty and love running around if you have a backyard. Some of the biggest dogs that you can choose from are:
- Golden Retriever
- Pitbull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Hovawart
Benefits of Big Dog Breeds
Here are some fun characteristics that many big dog breeds have in common:
- Great cuddling companions
- If you tell them to stay on guard, they will sniff out every enemy
- They are more athletic and can effortlessly take part in rougher games
Some Drawbacks of Big Dog Breeds
Some disadvantages that you might experience are:
- They have a shorter lifespan than any other dog
- They tend to scare people away
- They do massive shedding, pooping, drooling, and other things
- They are also quite expensive to manage
Find the best tips for handling shedding in big dogs!
Popular Breed Sizes
5 of the Smallest Dog Breeds To Love
Pomeranian
There are a lot of popular dog breeds, but the Pomeranian is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world.
Pomeranians typically weigh between 3 and 7 pounds and they stand about 7 to 11 inches tall.
They are often called the ‘Pom’ and come in a range of colors, including black, white, orange, red and sable.
The Pom is known for its playful and energetic temperament and makes a great family pet.
Pekingese
They are not as popular as other breeds, but they are definitely one of the most adorable dogs you’ll ever see.
This dog breed is brave and smart, even though they might seem a bit ill-tempered at first glance.
They respond well to training because they’re actually very fun-loving animals that love being around their owners all the time.
For this reason, it’s recommended you adopt them when they’re still puppies so that you can train them properly right from the start.
Beagle
Another small-sized dog breed that is an affectionate companion is the Beagle.
Beagles typically weigh between 20 and 25 pounds and stand between 13 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder, They have a chest circumference of between 17 and 21 inches.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small dog breed that typically weighs between 4 and 7 pounds and stands 6 to 7 inches tall. They have a chest circumference of 12 to 14 inches.
The Yorkie is known for its feisty personality and energetic nature. Yorkies make great pets for families with children and are also known to be very loyal to their owners.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are a popular small breed of dog that is known for its long and low body structure. They make wonderful companions and are bred in three different sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen.
The standard size is the largest of the three and can weigh up to 32 pounds and stand at 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
5 Toy Dog Breeds
If you’re looking for a dog that will accompany you almost everywhere then Toy dog breeds might be a good fit. They are affectionate, full of personality, and can adapt to almost any lifestyle!
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a medium dog breed that is known for its wiry coat and beagle-like face.
They are typically 10-12 inches tall and weigh between 8-14 pounds. Griffons make great family pets and are known for being friendly, spunky, and intelligent.
English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a small breed of dog that typically weighs between 6 and 9 pounds and stands about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a chest circumference of about 12 to 14 inches.
They’ve been called the toy dog “par excellence” because of their gorgeous appearance and small size.
King Charles Spaniel
The King Charles Spaniel is a medium-sized dog breed that is best known for its friendly and playful personality.
This breed typically stands between 9 and 14 inches tall and weighs between 10 and 18 pounds.
They are a popular choice for families with small children due to their patient nature and gentle disposition.
King Charles Spaniels are typically 9 to 14 inches tall and have a chest measurement of between 18 and 30 inches.
Italian Greyhound
The toy dog of choice for Renaissance courts, the Italian Greyhound originates from ancient Rome! They were originally used for hunting small game and birds, but can also make great family pets.
Japanese Chin
If you’re looking for toy dog breeds that will constantly be by your side, then the Japanese Chin is for you. Known as the “chin” because of their tendency to sit on their owner’s knee like a human, these toy dogs also have cat-like personalities.
They’re incredibly smart and can be trained easily!
5 Popular Medium Sized Dogs
Border Collie
This breed is one of the most popular medium-sized dogs because they are very well-mannered around everyone else. The Border Collie is a friendly dog that enjoys being around people.
Border Collies don’t require much attention or effort when it comes to taking care of themselves, which might be why they are so popular among pet owners.
Golden Doodle
If you want a dog mix breed, then Golden Doodle should be on top of your list since it’s currently one of the most popular hybrids in this category because of its friendliness and overall nice behavior towards others.
A Golden Doodle is a medium-sized crossbreed dog. They can weigh anywhere from 30 to 70 pounds and stand up to 23 inches tall at the shoulder.
They have a medium-length coat that can be either straight or wavy.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is also one of the most popular hybrids in this category because of its friendliness and overall nice behavior towards others.
Labradoodles are a medium-sized dog breed that typically weighs between 40 and 70 pounds.
They stand between 21 and 24 inches tall and have a chest circumference of between 22 and 30 inches.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized dog that was bred to retrieve ducks from water. They are gentle, friendly, and good with children.
Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers typically weigh between 55 and 70 pounds and stand between 21 and 24 inches tall. They have a chest size of between 22 and 27 inches.
Other medium dogs that may not be on your radar:
- Portuguese Water Dog
- English Springer Spaniel
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Basset Hound
- Queensland Heeler
Why do Terriers make great dogs?
The medium-sized Terrier breed generally doesn’t take up a lot of space. They are a great dog breed for people who live in apartments or small homes.
Besides the more popular Boston Terrier, this breed type is very good with children and makes great family pets.
- Airedale Terrier
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terriers
Large Dogs
Large dogs typically weigh more than 50 pounds. Some common large breed dogs are Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and Bulldogs.
These dogs are known for their friendly personalities and loving nature. They make great family pets and are perfect for people who have a lot of space to give their dog plenty of exercise.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are very active who enjoys running around and playing all day long, which is why they require a lot of attention and effort from their owners.
The German Shepherd makes a and make great guard dog and is often used as police service dogs.
This breed requires mental stimulation, so If you adopt this breed as your pet, then you’ll have to take them for at least one walk per day and make sure that they always stay busy throughout the day.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers weigh between 55 to 75 pounds, According to the American Kennel Club.
Goldens are consistently listed as one of the most popular large sized dogs because they are friendly, intelligent, and are great with children.
Golden Retrievers are very active animals who are frequently used in roles as guide and service dogs.
If you want a dog that won’t require too much of your time and attention, it’s best you go with Golden Retriever because they can easily adapt inside your home without causing any trouble.
Big Dog Breeds That Are Also Gentle Giants
Saint Bernard
They might be big in size, but Saint Bernards are definitely gentle giants when it comes to their behavior toward kids and other pets. They enjoy being around people and won’t hesitate to run up to new faces.
Great Dane
Just like Saint Bernard, Great Danes are also gentle and great around kids. They are very loyal creatures that enjoy staying by your side at all times.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs enjoy being around kids and other pets so having them in your home will be a great experience for everyone in the family who enjoys their company.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very big size dog breed. They are the type of gentle creature that enjoys playing around with other pets and kids alike. Bernese are fluffy dogs and have beautiful, rich coats.
They love staying busy throughout the day which is why they require a lot of attention from their owners at all times.
Boxer
A Boxer loves being by your side no matter where you go, which is why it’s best if you have them as a pet for yourself or your family members.
Dog Chest Size Chart
One aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of dog chest size, which can greatly impact a dog’s size, health, and lifestyle needs. While we frequently classify dogs based on their adult weight into categories such as teacup, small, medium, and large, or even extra large and giant dog breeds, the dog’s chest size also holds significant implications.
Here’s our Dogsized chart with information on chest size.
In the smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pekingese, often classified as toy or teacup dogs, their chest size corresponds to their overall petite build. These tiny breeds tend to be less than 15 inches in height with a chest circumference of about 12 inches or less, mirroring their delicate nature.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, recognized worldwide for its charming size and sweet temperament, belongs to the small dog breeds category. With a chest size typically around 18 inches, they embody the balance between being compact yet robust enough for more playful activity.
In the middle of the spectrum, we have medium-sized dogs, such as poodles. They can weigh up to 60 pounds and have a chest size of about 20 to 28 inches, reflecting their more substantial build and higher energy levels.
Large and giant dog breeds, including the Mastiff and Great Dane, can weigh over 100 pounds with chest sizes over 36 inches. Their large chest size often corresponds with a strong, muscular build and a necessity for more space, food, and exercise.
Chest size can be a helpful indicator when considering the purchase of certain dog types, as it may offer an estimate on their future size, space needs, and the amount of exercise they may require. As potential dog owners, being aware of these aspects could prove helpful in choosing the right dog for your home and lifestyle.
Deciding the right size
Whether you have an interest in a Jack Russell Terrier or Border Collie, do your research about the different sizes available.
Even when searching for a family dog like a Labrador Retriever or a fun loving small breeds like the Bichon Frise ask questions.
You need to analyze your lifestyle and living situation if you can really take care of a dog.
Your choices will be more than just about finding a family dog, other important factors are:
- how much a dog weighs
- learning where they were originally bred
- carrying around cute toy breeds
- bringing home a big dog or a small dog breed
Ideally, you should look for dog categories that are most suitable for your active lifestyle and living arrangement.
There are many dog sizes and breed categories to choose from. It’s easy to select dogs that make great companions, but what other attributes are important to you?
Here are five other breed characteristics that you might want to consider.
- Energetic dogs
- Intelligent dogs
- Loyal dogs
- Hypoallergenic dogs
- Hunting dogs
FAQs on Different Dog Sizes
What is the average size of dogs?
The average size of dogs is about 25-30 pounds. This includes both small and large breeds of dogs.
Ultimately, the average size of dogs depends on the specific breed of dog. Some breeds of dogs are naturally larger or smaller than others. However, all dogs typically fall within the average range of 25-30 pounds.
Is a 10 lb dog considered small?
A 10 pound dog size is a very small breed of dog. They are often considered lap dogs and make great pets for people who live in apartments or small homes.
Some popular breeds that typically weigh 10 lbs or less include the Yorkie, Shih Tzu, and Maltese.
What are examples of 12 inch dog breeds?
A 12 inch dog is a very small breed of dog as well. They are often considered lap dogs and make great pets for people who live in apartments or small homes.
Some popular breeds that typically weigh 12 inches or less include the Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, and Dachshund.
What are examples of 13 pound dogs?
Some 13 pound dog breeds include the Bichon Frise, the Boston Terrier, and the Welsh Corgi. These dogs are all considered small breeds.
While 13 pounds is on the lower end of the small dog weight range, there is some variation in size within the small breed category. For example, a Boston Terrier may weigh around 10 pounds while a Welsh Corgi may weigh up to 30 pounds.
What size is a 30 lb dog?
A 30lb dog size is a medium-sized breed of dog. They are often considered ideal for families because they are big enough to be playful and protective but not so large that they are difficult to manage.
Some popular breeds that typically weigh 30 lbs or less include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Beagle, and Bulldog.
Is a 40 lb dog big?
A 40 lb dog size is a medium dog but is considered a large breed of dog by other sources. They are often considered ideal for families because they are big enough to be playful and protective but not so large that they are difficult to manage.
Some popular breeds that typically weigh 40 lbs or less include Kerry Blue Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Brittanys, and Miniature American Shepherds.
How do you determine a dog size category?
There are a variety of factors that go into determining what size category a dog falls into. Size is based on a dog’s height, weight, and length.
Find out more size and breed information in our Ultimate Dog Size Guide
Exploring the Different Sizes of Dog Breeds
When it comes to choosing a pup, size matters! Whether you’re looking for something compact or larger than life, it helps to know the different sizes of dogs out there. From toy breeds all the way up to giant ones, there is something for everyone.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has a dog size chart that you’ll notice differs from how we categorize a dog’s size at Dogsized. We have found that the AKC chart doesn’t align with what dog owners share about the weight measurements of their pups. Here’s a look at what we’ve seen from the AKC.
According to the AKC, toy and small dogs usually weigh in at around 7 to 35 pounds and stand no higher than 12 inches tall when fully grown.
Medium sized dog breeds will typically range from 36 to 60 pounds and inhabit spaces between 13-20 inches in height. Herding dogs such as Australian Cattle Dogs will likely fit this category too, since they tend to fall within these parameters.
On the other side of the spectrum are large and extra-large breeds. These pups can weigh anywhere from 61 to 90+ pounds and may stand over 21 inches high when mature! You may have heard of giants like Great Danes and Mastiffs – these majestic animals can reach up 100+ lbs and exceed 30 inches in height!
Whether you’re interested in adopting a pint-sized Chihuahua or an impressive Rottweiler, understanding the different sizes offered by each breed is essential for picking out your perfect pet.
Final Thoughts on Different Dog Sizes
We created this comprehensive guide to help potential dog owners understand the importance of chest size and its impact on a dog’s size, health, and lifestyle needs.
While most dog owners often classify dogs based on their adult weight into subcategories such as teacup, small, medium, and large sized dogs, or even extra large and giant dog breeds, the chest size also plays a crucial role.
Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas, often classified as toy dogs, teacup breeds, or tiny dogs, tend to be under 15 inches in height and weight ranges from 5 to 12 pounds.
As a rule of thumb, smaller dogs like the Chihuahua or Pekingese tend to fit comfortably in small spaces making them great companions for apartment living.
However, their small size means they are also more fragile and require careful handling, especially around small children.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a breed recognized worldwide for its sweet temperament and cute size, belongs to the small sized dogs category.
Despite their smaller size, they are alert and make good watchdogs, notifying their owner of intruders with a loud bark. Though small, they are not as tiny or fragile as teacup dogs and can handle more activity.
At the middle of the spectrum, we have medium sized dogs like the poodle. Weighing up to 60 pounds, they’re bigger and need more daily exercise compared to smaller breeds.
Medium breeds like the poodle are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great fit for families who can provide the time and energy needed for their care and training.
Large dog breeds and giant dogs, such as the Mastiff and Great Dane, can weigh over 100 pounds with chest sizes over 36 inches. Their size category alone means they will need more space to move around and receive daily exercise.
Although their size may be intimidating, many large and giant breeds like the Mastiff are calm by nature and can be great companions. They are protective but not typically aggressive, providing a good balance for families.
Despite the pros and cons each size category holds, one thing remains common: every dog, regardless of breed size, needs proper care, food, grooming, and exercise to stay healthy.
Small dogs may be prone to certain health issues that larger dogs avoid and vice versa.
For example, smaller breeds, including teacup dogs like the Maltese, may live longer but may face health problems exclusive to their size.
We find that the longevity aspects of dogs are influenced by breed, size, and care received. For instance, the Chihuahua might have the longest lifespan among the breeds, while some larger breeds, like the Great Dane, might have one of the shortest lifespan.
At the end of the day, it depends on the owner’s lifestyle, the dog’s temperament, and the owner’s ability to meet the needs of the dog.
Whether you choose to adopt a small breed dog, a giant dog breed, or any other size, remember that each has a unique set of needs that must be met for them to live a full and happy life.
This article is just the start of your journey to bring a new dog home. We encourage you to read more, learn about different breeds, and subscribe to our newsletter to receive more detailed information.
When you choose your dog, whether it’s a teacup breed, a Cavalier King, a Poodle, a Mastiff, or a Great Dane, we hope that our guide has helped you understand what to expect and how to provide the best care for your new pet.
Remember, the size, whether it’s a small size, medium and large, or giant, is just one factor to consider.
The dog’s temperament, energy levels, and health should also significantly influence your decision. After all, the goal is to find a dog that fits well into your life and becomes a cherished member of your family for many happy years to come.
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