There is nothing more exciting than bringing home a new puppy. They can be not just a bundle of joy, but a ball of endless amounts of energy. There are zoomies, oversized paws, and plenty of snuggles. But the thing to remember is that puppies will grow and eventually become adult-sized (for their respective breed). So, when do puppies stop growing?
We will answer that question and more shortly. Yes, you will notice their signs of growth over time. This includes adjusting their collars, measuring their paws, or noticing that they’re taking up a bit more room on the bed than they used to. In this guide, we will dive deep and go over a typical puppy growth timeline (and so much more). Let’s get started on what to know.
Puppy Growth Phases: What Is the Timeline?
It’s no secret that puppies grow quite fast within the first year. One thing to remember is that every breed has a unique growth pattern. Some breeds won’t reach their adult size until 6 months of age, while others won’t make it until as late as their second year. As such, here is a typical breakdown of the puppy development stages:
Neonatal Stage (0-2 weeks)
In the beginning, the eyes and ears will be closed. Weight gain will typically be a sign of growth at this point. Nutrition will exclusively be through their mother. Simply put, this is a stage where you let the mother dog do the feeding.
Transitional Stage (2-4 weeks)
This is where the eyes and ears open. They’ll crawl, stand, and even get to know their littermates. It’s a time when they begin to see a bit of the world for the first time. In the eyes of a new puppy, it’s an experience like nothing else.
Socialization Stage (4-12 weeks)
The growth at this point of their young life becomes a bit more rapid. Here, they will be more mobile than in the previous few weeks. It will be that time when they begin to pick up the idea of exploring their surroundings. At this point, they are in the process of weaning from their mother while growing at three to four times the size compared to the previous weeks.
Juvenile Stage (3-6 months)
You’ll see more noticeable growth here at this stage. This also includes the floppy ears, long legs, bigger paws, and so on. You may notice they look a bit uncoordinated, but this is typically normal. Yes, they are growing, and it might be time to consider making the necessary changes to their diet if possible. If you are considering a diet that will be perfect for their overall health, Under The Weather has plenty of options available, including bland food diets.
Adolescence (6-18 months+)
This will be the final phase of their physical growth, and sexual maturity will also be setting in. It might also be time to consider a timeline for when your dog needs to be spayed or neutered. Be sure to consult with your vet regarding this typical procedure.
You’re probably thinking, “it’s too early to think about this” or “I can’t believe it’s almost that time”. We weren’t kidding when we said that a puppy’s rapid growth in the first year is quite fast, both in time and in size.
This timeline should give you a general answer to “when do puppies stop growing?”. However, not all dogs will grow the same or share this specific timeline in particular. It all depends on breed size.
Puppy Growth Rate: Small vs. Large Breeds
Of course, puppies can stop growing at a certain time, depending on their breed. You might be surprised by the growth timetable for both small and large breeds. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to know about specific breed sizes from small to large (along with when they stop growing):
Small Dog Breeds (e.g., Chihuahuas, Pomeranians)
- Stop growing: Approximately 6-8 months
- Smaller breeds will reach their ideal adult weight and height quicker than their larger counterparts. Don’t be alarmed if their growth is slowing down around the 4 to 6 months mark.
Medium Dog Breeds (e.g., Beagles, Cocker Spaniels)
- Stop growing: Approximately 9-12 months
- The medium breeds will grow steadily in the first year of life. But right around their first birthday, the growth will likely finish up. Expect a slowdown beginning at approximately 10 months.
Larger Dog Breeds (e.g., Labradors, Golden Retrievers)
- Stop growing: Approximately 12-15 months
- It will take longer for large breeds to grow into their adult size. Expect height changes up until roughly their first year. Beyond that, they will grow in terms of weight and reach their full adult weight a few months after turning one year old.
Giant Breed Pups (e.g., Great Danes, Mastiffs)
- Stop growing: Approximately 18-24 months
- Yes, gentle giants like these breeds will take much longer to grow. The reason for this is that their growth plates tend to close later in life. So they might seem puppy-like even beyond their first birthday. You should consider them to be full-grown adults no later than their second year.
Now you have a definitive answer to “when do puppies stop growing?”. Be sure to use this section as your go-to guide each time you get a puppy.
What Affects a Puppy’s Growth?
While the dog’s breed does play a role in growth, there are other factors that you’ll want to take into consideration. Here are some of the additional things that can influence how fast or slow a puppy’s growth can go:
- Genetics: Yes, genetics play a role in growth. Even if they are the same breed as their parents, puppies can grow faster and larger compared to others in their litter.
- Nutrition: Of course, a well-balanced diet will contribute to proper growth. It is important to invest in supplementation and foods that have an excellent balance of fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Look for natural ingredients instead of dog foods that feature fillers and artificial ingredients. Avoid overfeeding and portion accordingly. Too much food can lead to plenty of health issues, including digestive issues like diarrhea, obesity, and orthopedic issues.
- Health conditions: Some health conditions can affect puppies to the point where their growth process is delayed. These include hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and even parasites.
- Exercise and activity: Even when they are growing, puppies love playtime and exercise. However, the key is balance. Overexercising can negatively affect growth, especially in large and giant breeds. This can strain their developing joints, leading to premature mobility issues that they shouldn’t have at a young age. Keep activities age-appropriate while avoiding anything high-impact until at least their bones have matured.
Signs That Your Puppy Has Completed Growth
If you are unsure if your puppy has stopped growing, there are common signs to look out for. These include:
- Growth plate closure: Growth plates are soft areas located at the ends of a dog’s bones, which gradually harden as the dog matures. Once these plates close, the dog has typically reached its adult height. The only way to confirm this is through an X-ray performed by a veterinarian.
- Stable weight and height: If your puppy has not gained weight or grown taller over a period of a few months, this is an indication that growth has been completed.
- More balanced energy levels: When puppies mature into adults, their energy levels will become more balanced. If they’re more focused and slightly less hyper, this is a sure sign that they have entered adulthood.
One thing to note is that at some point, you will need to switch out the puppy food for adult dog food. Do this once you know for sure that they are fully grown. Please note that the average time to make the switch will vary. For example, smaller breeds can begin eating adult dog food beginning at 9 months, while larger breeds can begin close to the 18-month period.
Under The Weather has all your dietary needs available for your puppy when they become adults. This includes foods that help with digestive and immune support for a healthier life. Best of all, they are made from all-natural ingredients, giving you the peace of mind knowing you’re feeding something that is healthy for them.
Final Thoughts
Puppies can stop growing at a certain age, depending on their breed. You now have a good idea of when it will be. At Under The Weather, we take pride in offering your puppy and adult dogs the best in foods that they can enjoy while getting plenty of health benefits. Your puppy may grow into an adult, but they are certainly a joy to have in your life. See what Under The Weather has in store for their healthy growth today.
