When is a puppy full grown
We often ask when our puppies will be fully grown in the hopes of estimating when our beloved puppies have reached the summit of their growth ceiling [for lack of a better term]. In general, smaller breeds tend to reach their growth apex after a year while the larger varieties climax after their second year post-birth.
It does vary from breed to breed, and from puppy to puppy. Herding dogs and Border Collies actually commence grown-up behavior when they turn two while Catahoulas reach maturity at approximately three years old.
Other indicators breed and size of parents, paw size, loose skin, stopping of height increase and the “double-it formula”. One cannot expect 200-pound poodles from two Standard poodle parents. If you want to have an approximation of the adult size of your puppy, check the parents’ size. The bitch’s size is a better marker than the sires.
Bigger paws also indicate a larger height increase and a heavier weight in the future. Possessing loose skin is also a great gauge since this means that the puppy will have more space in the new suit to fill up.
It is said that a pup grows up to 75% of its height at 6 months. Lastly, some sources say that the adult weight can be estimated by doubling the weight of the puppy at 14 weeks.
Some pet owners get disillusioned when their puppies exhibit signs of maturing because they wish their puppies could retain the cuddly appearance while losing the fascination for chewing furniture and shoes.
As a pet owner, one has to be prepared to accommodate a more spacious facility to romp and exercise in when a puppy is full grown. One also has to make a mental note that not all puppies will exhibit mature behavior even if the growth curve of the puppy maxes out.
Maybe, one is desperately hoping that one’s puppy will finally mature and shed off the excessive energy that is a remnant of the puppy’s childhood exuberance. Perhaps, one merely wants to know when to buy a wardrobe-full of snazzy threads for one’s favorite pet. Whatever your reason is, there are 5 reliable sources.
Your family veterinarian
With questions like “How can I get rid of parasites from my dog?” or “When can I have my bitch spayed?”, the most trusted source of information will be your local vet. If your vet can’t answer the query
“When is a puppy full grown?”, I hope you consider switching to a more knowledgeable vet. These professionals have years of training with different kinds of animals. They should be able to give you a definite answer or show you a puppy growth chart.
Printed media
Books and magazines about dogs abound in your local bookstores so picking up a copy or two will probably give you practical tips to know when a puppy is full grown.
Animal breeders
Animal breeders, most likely, have had plenty of previous experiences of raising puppies so they would know when the growth peaks or possible growth patterns.
Your animal shelter counselors
Consult your animal shelter volunteers as they might have a puppy growth chart available in the office or can probably offer pamphlets or useful links in the World Wide Web.
The Internet
A quick Google or Yahoo search will yield successful results of puppy growth charts specific to the breed you own. Print the charts and have a grand time determining whether your puppy is gaining his optimal growth level.
All these sources cannot give you an accurate reading of your pet’s development. The point is, every pet owner should enjoy the puppy’s development as it unfolds before one’s eyes. After all, a human parent’s greatest joy is to see his baby transform into a dignified, mature individual.
In a similar manner, pet owners who understand the rambunctious behavior displayed by their puppies will appreciate a certain degree of restraint from their puppies.
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