We might not want our puppies to grow up, but we would like to know when they are finished growing. It is normal to be curious about how big your puppy is going to get, and knowing when your puppy is fully grown is helpful when it comes to spoiling them with presents like nice collars, expensive dog beds, harnesses, and other accessories. It also helps us decide more important things, like what diet to feed our puppies, how much exercise our puppies need, and when our dogs are ready for breeding.
The growth rate of your puppy is largely determined by his breed. Small, medium, large, and giant breeds grow at different rates, which can help give you an idea about what to expect as your puppy develops.
When Does My Small Breed Puppy Finish Growing?
Small breed puppies typically finish growing before larger breeds. They also mature sexually and emotionally sooner than their larger cousins, which makes sense when you consider that a small dog breed like a Chihuahua doesn’t have as much growing to do as a Great Dane.
With proper nutrition, you can expect your small breed puppy to finish growing by 8-to-12 months of age. During this time, your puppy will grow his adult coat and shed his puppy fur, as well as reach his full height and weight.
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When Does My Medium Breed Puppy Finish Growing?
Like small breed puppies, medium breed puppies finish growing between 8-and-12-months of age. Your puppy will do a lot of growing during his first year, which means it is vital that you supply him with a balanced diet and keep up with veterinary visits. Some medium-sized breeds will finish growing closer to 8 months; others will take the full year. Talk to your vet and breeder to see what you can expect for your puppy.
When Does My Large Breed Puppy Finish Growing?
Large breed puppies have a lot more growing to do than small and medium breeds. Instead of reaching 10-to-50 pounds at adulthood, large breeds can range in weight from over 50 pounds to around 100 pounds. Naturally, it takes large breed dogs a little longer to get there.
Most large breed dogs finish growing between 10-and-16 months of age. During this time, they will reach their full height and weight, although some breeds continue to fill out past 16 months. Your large breed puppy requires special attention to his diet during this time, as growing too quickly can actually damage your puppy’s health.
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When Does My Giant Breed Puppy Finish Growing?
Giant breed puppies have a lot of work to do. Great Danes, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards and other giant breeds can reach over 200 pounds by the time they finish growing. Like large breeds, giant breeds need specially formulated diets to prevent excessive growth during puppyhood that can lead to health problems.
Your giant breed puppy will finish growing between 10-and-16-months of age, although some breeds can take up to 18 months or longer. Talk to your vet and your breeder to determine how long it will take your giant breed puppy to finish growing and what you need to do to keep him healthy during this time.
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Just like people, some dogs take longer than others to reach their full size, and so it can be hard for owners to figure out when their puppy is fully grown. The best way to find out when your puppy is finished growing is to consult with a professional, like a veterinarian or a knowledgeable breeder.