26 pounds is in fact the weight of the board on a scale, on average. There is a little variation between boards, but not likely more than a pound or so outside of that 26 mark. Weight limits are a tough number to put on because so much of the limit is dependent on the skill and coordination of the paddler. Despite that, we've given this one a 200 pound max for beginner, 215 intermediate, and 230 advanced.
This board does work great with dogs!
https://www.hobie.com/blog/dog-gone-sup-surfing-mans-best-friend,496