How Big Will My Puppy Get?

Puppies are adorable, and this is true for every dog breed. Another thing most puppies have in common is their relatively small size. And although almost everyone would wish to have their pups remain small and fun-sized, these canines always grow. 

Watching a puppy grow into its adult self is quite a thrilling experience, and dogs keep growing until they reach adulthood. During this time, the question on the minds of most owners is, “how big will my puppy get?” This answer is essential as it will prepare you to nurture your grown pet. This article will talk about how big pups grow and the growth rate for different dog sizes. 

How Big Do Puppies Get? 

On average, puppies can weigh two and a half times the weight they had at fourteen weeks within their first year. However, this estimate varies widely for several reasons, the first being the dog’s breed size.

The rate and timing of puppy growth depend primarily on the breed and the breed size of the dog. Breed sizes are mainly in the following categories: toy, small, medium, large, and giant. 

Here is an estimate of the sizes of fully grown pups according to their breed size:

Toy-sized pups like Maltipoos or Pomeranians usually grow as large as 12 pounds when they are eight or nine months of age. 

Small-sized pups like the Dachshund or Pug weigh between 12 to 25 pounds in their eighth to twelfth month. 

Basset hounds, Bulldogs, and English springer spaniels are medium-sized dogs who weigh between 25 and 50 pounds in the last three months of their first year. Large breeds reach their full puppy size between twelve and eighteen months, weighing 50 to 100 pounds. This category features dogs like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and the Standard Poodle. 

Finally, the giant size, which includes dogs like Newfoundlands, the Great Dane, and mastiffs, can take more than two years to grow out of their puppy size and into their adult body weight. Giant puppy weights go north of 100 pounds.

Again, it’s important to note that these figures are only estimates. The Journal of Nutrition study on the body-weight changes in puppy growth suggests that dogs of similar sizes could still have breed-specific differences in their growth pattern. Puppy sizes can also vary due to genetics. In addition, male dogs are heavier than females, and neutered pups often carry extra weight. 

When Does a Puppy Reach its Full Height? 

Six months is an excellent time to determine how tall your pup will be when it is fully grown. It is known that most puppies reach 75% of their total height when they are six months old. So, to calculate the whole length, all you need is a little math. But first, you need to measure your pup at six months. 

Use a tape measure and check the height from the top of your pup’s shoulders to its feet. First, make sure that your pup is standing upright and on an even surface for an accurate figure. Then, multiply that figure by 100 and divide the answer by 75. It is a pretty good estimate of your pup’s total height, whatever your answer is. 

Does Puppy Food Make Dogs Grow Too Fast? 

Puppies need proper nutrition to thrive and reach their full size. Most puppy food is designed to provide just the necessary nutrition for puppies. However, it’s essential to get only the best puppy food. This guarantees that your pup is feeding healthily and growing at a proper pace. 

How Can You Maximize a Puppy’s Growth?

• Focus on attaining healthy growth instead of fast growth. 

It’s dangerous to attempt to speed up a pup’s growth process. A research study on Feeding Large-Breed Puppies explained that maximal growth is not the same as optimal growth. And that proper feeding practices that encourage slower growth in puppies will not affect the adult size. Instead, these practices minimize the risk of excessive body weight and abnormal skeletal development in puppies. The focus should be on helping your pup attain a healthy weight within a realistic timeframe.

• Feed them age-appropriate food.

Choosing the best puppy food for your dog is equally one of the best decisions you can make for it. Puppies need to eat a balanced diet regularly. The goal is to meet their nutrient requirement, not overfeeding them.

For larger breeds, the growth rate is slower when compared to smaller-sized dogs. However, as long as they eat healthily, they will attain their full puppy size. Smaller dogs need to be fed four-five times daily, in small portions. As always, dogs should only be fed age-appropriate meals. 

How to Know if your Puppy is going Through a Growth Spurt 

The transition from full-grown pup to adult is a delicate stage. It can be confusing, especially if your pup has reached an adult dog’s typical size or height. In some cases, dogs remain in the puppy stage till their second or third year. So, here are some telltale signs of dog maturity. 

• Increased chewing 

Chewing is a means of easing the discomfort for dogs. And puppies who experience pain when growing tend to chew more. 

• Loss of hair

Puppies need to shed their baby coats and grow their adult coats. So, if you notice increased shedding or loss of hair, it’s likely that your pup is growing up! 

• Larger feet

If your pup’s feet still look larger than the rest of its body, it could indicate that it’s still growing. However, when it comes to full maturity, the feet will align with the rest of its body, as they should. 

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