Mary Allen
We all know them: pictures or videos of dogs that were just puppy the size of a plate at one point. And the next moment they can bury the owner under them.
There is often no more than a year between the two recordings. This leads us to the question how long do dogs grow? And when can one speak of a full-grown four-legged friend?
Growth phases
In the first days and weeks after birth, small and large breeds do not differ significantly from each other. Only later do the growth curves begin to diverge.
The first two weeks are called the neonatal phase. The puppies are deaf and blind. However, they can already smell pretty good.
Therefore, they have no problem finding their mother’s teats. They spend most of their day drinking and sleeping.
In the third week of life, the so-called transition phase begins. The puppy starts teething. Eyes and ears open and the puppy begins to explore its surroundings.
This is followed by the all-important imprinting phase from weeks 4 to 7. The puppy’s experiences during these weeks will stay with him for life, for better or for worse. Therefore, you should not leave the litter alone during this time.
At the same time, you must give the little ones the freedom to explore their surroundings on their own. This is the only way you will end up with curious and open puppies who can approach new stimuli without fear. During this time, dogs also learn to see people as friends and not as a threat.
The socialization phase begins with the separation from the mother between the eighth and twelfth weeks of the puppy’s life. Now the young dog has to find his place in the pack and learn the rules of living together.
While the puppies were free to fool before, the upbringing is now stricter. This applies to both humans and older dogs.
Differences in canine growth curves
And now the first differences in growth are becoming apparent.
- Small breeds such as dachshunds or miniature pinschers can be easily separated from their mothers at around nine weeks.
- On the other hand, you should wait at least until the tenth week for medium-sized breeds.
- And with large to very large breeds, you sometimes have to wait up to the twelfth week of life before you can take the dog home.
This sensitive socialization phase is followed by the so-called broad socialization. Now your dog will gradually increase the radius of its exploration tours.
In addition, he begins to encounter the first limits in social life. These experiences are not always easy to cope with.
How much does a 6-month-old dog still grow?
At the same time, the puppy’s body goes through extreme developments. The main growth phase is at the age of about three to six or seven months.
During this time, puppies can often double or even triple their weight. This applies regardless of the breed of the dog.
That is why the right nutrition for the puppy is particularly important now. In large breeds, too much food can lead to accelerated growth. In particular, the supporting structures such as bones and ligaments cannot keep up.
Further damage can be the result, which only becomes apparent with age. Therefore, you should carefully monitor the puppy’s diet.
You may even have to measure the food. In consultation with your vet or breeder, make sure the puppy is getting all the nutrients and calories it needs.
How does puberty affect dogs?
As the puppy grows in size, it must find its place in the world, as well as in the hierarchy of the pack. Therefore, constant education is important, which enables a harmonious coexistence.
Dogs enter puberty between the ages of seven and twelve months.
They will repeatedly forget what he has learned, defy his mistress’s orders and know better what is good for him.
In this phase, a consistent but loving upbringing is important. Always in the knowledge that this defiant phase will one day be over. This happens as soon as the young dog is fully grown and gradually mutates into an adult.
Development into an adult dog
But when does that time come? As we have already seen, the growth of small and large breeds is very different.
A small dog gains about 25 times its birth weight in the first year of life. In large dog breeds, this ratio is easily a hundredfold. But when are the young dogs ready?
- Small dog breeds reach their final size between ten and twelve months.
- Medium-sized dogs grow for about a year
- And large dogs take about 18 months to reach maturity
- With giant breeds, this can even take up to two years.
What is interesting is that the final size of every dog is genetically pre-programmed. Even with excessive feeding, you cannot change the final size. Not even with food that would accelerate growth.
How Long Do Large Dogs Grow In Height?
With large dog breeds, there is a peculiarity. In the main growth phase, muscle mass initially increases suddenly. Bones, tendons, and ligaments, on the other hand, take a little longer to stabilize.
It is therefore advisable to keep the stress on your dog low when it is young. In this way, you can prevent subsequent damage to joints and cartilage.
Instead of strenuous hikes, wild ball games, or sporting activities, you should take it easy on the young dog.
Make sure he moves appropriately for his age and developmental level. Not too little to strengthen the skeleton and muscles for long life, but not too much to prevent premature wear and tear of the musculoskeletal system.
This will not always be easy with young bundles of energy. If in doubt, the veterinarian and fellow breeders, and dog colleagues will be happy to help.
Conclusion: growth in dogs
Do not underestimate the youth and growth phases of your beloved four-legged friend. In this development phase, you lay the foundation for a long and happy life.
Everything should be right all around, from feeding to exercise to training. And so nothing stands in the way of many years of joy together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my dog is fully grown?
There is an approximation that usually turns out to be correct. Measure your pup when he is eight weeks old. If it is 20 to 30 cm, then expect twice the size when fully grown. If it is more than 30 cm, 50 cm, and more are guaranteed.