We all know that there is an abundance of dog breeds, and they all vary in size and appearance. One complicated aspect of being a new puppy parent is that there is no equation or definite answer to the question, "how much should my puppy weigh?" However, there are some general guidelines that can help with figuring out the average puppy weight for your unique puppy.

When more rapid growth happens:

It is beneficial to know that on average the most rapid time of puppy growth takes place between birth and 6 months of age. Large breeds develop at a slower rate than small breeds who reach maturity much earlier.

• The most rapid period of growth for a tiny breed dog is between birth and 11 weeks.
• The most rapid period of growth for an average sized dog happens between birth and 5 months.
• Larger breed dogs grow at a slower rate between birth and 12-18 months of age.

On average, a puppy should double its birth weight by one week old, followed by a consistent 5%-10% daily increase. From the age of 6 weeks onwards, a small breed puppy may gain around 5 ounces per week, whereas a large breed puppy may gain around 2.5 pounds. These calculations may not be accurate for every dog, but they are an average as to what you can expect.

Most dogs reach their complete height, before weight. During this time, they can be compared to "awkward" adolescent humans-they may look out of proportion and clumsy; however, they will grow out of it eventually. Once your puppy reaches 65% of his adult height, the rapid growth usually begins to slow down.

Purebred vs. Mixed Breed:

A purebred dog's weight can be estimated easier than mixed breeds' can. For example, a purebred cocker spaniel whose mother weighed 30 pounds may very well end up to be the same weight if all goes as planned; that is if it has no health problems that affect growth occur and if overall health is good. Mixed breeds average weights are harder to predict because their weight could be in between the mother and fathers. All dogs are different though, and your puppy could be the giant, or the runt of the litter.

Nutrition for puppies:

To make sure that your puppy maintains average puppy weight for his breed, you must make sure that he receives the proper nutrition. All average puppy weight estimates are based on healthy puppies that are fed properly. Underfeeding and overfeeding will have a negative effect on any puppy's health and development.

Make sure that you are feeding your puppy the right type of food that is specifically formulated for their breed size. Large breed puppies need a diet with low levels of calcium, protein and calories are needed to prevent high growth rates of the bones and joints. These levels are not to get too low though, because then they will become malnourished. A veterinarian can help you decide what kind of puppy food is best for your dog. When it comes to nutrition, small breed puppies have different needs. They have small stomachs but fast metabolic rates so they usually need higher levels of protein, fat and should be fed more frequently. Again, a veterinarian can help you decide what kind of food would be best for your puppy.

Preventing obesity:

Just like obesity is on the rise for humans, it is also on the rise for dogs. It carries negative health consequences such as heart disease, diabetes and other complications. But the biggest consequence it can cause in growing puppies is... well, growth problems. Large breed puppies are more at risk for this than others, and puppies that become overweight may end up with lifelong musculoskeletal issues.

Remember, average puppy weights are going to vary from pup to pup; it all depends on breed and some other factors. The calculations given in this article are by no means completely accurate, and the best way to ensure proper health for your puppy is by following the guidelines your veterinarian sets forth.