A pet parent can only know the feeling of seeing their pups growing up faster. When you see their full size, you imagine how quickly the time had flown by since this little soul entered your doorstep and soon became the center of your life. Those pictures of him make you nostalgic, especially being a reminder of how small it was and how big it looks now. All these are shared emotions of a pet owner. However, the size of your furry dear may still make you curious if it will grow more than this or if that’s what it is. It’s natural to have many questions about their full size because they change drastically in the first few months, and everything slows down afterward.
Worrying about their age and size is part and parcel of their nurturing because it also helps with things to do with a puppy after it’s one year old. Although a puppy’s full-size growth depends on its breed and other factors, you can observe a few signs to determine if it will grow more. Here is a look at different popular species for a more comprehensive understanding.
Doberman pinschers
These giant dog species weigh around 70 to 100 pounds with a height of about 25-28″. They are full size by one year but can continue to grow more till two years of age.
Boxers
These med-large German dogs can weigh 55-75 pounds, measuring around 21-24 inches. They complete their full size in 18 to 24 months.
Bulldogs and French Bulldogs
In height, bulldogs prove to be taller than their French buddies, who usually grow up to be 12 inches. Bulldogs’ size can vary from 12 to 15″. In terms of body weight, bulldogs are lighter than French bulldogs, which weigh around 16 to 28 pounds. Bulldogs are usually 15 pounds. Nevertheless, bulldogs can mature physically by 18 months with skin rolls and other traits. French bulldogs can be full size by 12 to 14 months, an unusual thing you witness for a small dog. Pet experts say French bulldogs weigh more because of overeating.
Labrador retrievers
America is fond of this working dog breed that weighs around 55-80 pounds, measuring approximately 21.5 to 22.5 inches. They can be their full height by the age of one year. If you want one, you can find them in Labradoodle puppies for sale in California.
German shepherds
You call them guard dogs, police dogs, or whatever; this breed stands out for its affectionate nature. They are usually 50 to 90 pounds and as tall as 22 to 26 inches. Their full size or growth completes by age 18 months around.
Beagles
Their floppy ears look adorable. These tiny hunting dogs can be 20 to 25 pounds with heights ranging from 13 to 16″. It takes about 18 months for them to be their full height and size.
Yorkshire terriers
These small dogs are only about 8 to 9 inches tall, with their body weight measuring around 4 to 7 pounds. Their growth period ends when they are 6 to 8 months of age.
Shih Tzu
These Tibetan (Asian) dogs reach their full adult body size when they are only ten months. Their total height is 8 to 11 inches, and they can weigh 9 to 15 pounds.
Chihuahuas
This toy breed from Mexico can lure anyone to its small size and cute face. These lightweight dogs are just about 4 to 6 pounds, with a height measuring around 6 to 10 inches. Usually, they are full length by nine months.
Greyhounds
These little thin, tall racers grow to be 27 to 30 inches tall, weighing around 55 to 85 pounds. You can expect them to develop at age 13 or 14 months fully.
English mastiffs
These big English dogs are heavier, with 230 pounds of weight and size measuring around 27 to 30 inches. Although they become full-size by age 3, their growth is slower after they reach one year of age.
Determining whether your pup is full-size
Some people pay less attention to their dog’s breed and age, making it challenging to understand if there is more room for them to grow or if they have reached their total growth. Pet experts say you can look at their paw for a hint. Since feet tend to be proportional to their body to carry their entire weight, you can check if they are bigger. If yes, it indicates they will grow more. You can check the paws of other dogs from the same breed for proportions. Or, some people do DNA testing to know how much your dog’s size will be. Of course, a dog’s size depends on its genes and breeds, but other factors can also influence it big time.
Suppose a dog suffered from a worm infection. In that case, the dog’s growth will stop because worms feed on their nutrition and calories. Worm infection is a common health problem with them. If they have diarrhea or poor coat, you can be almost sure about their condition. Another ailment that can be a hurdle to their full size is Parvo. Dogs can be vulnerable to this disease without taking their vaccine shots.
Furthermore, healthy nutrition is a crucial component in their body growth. If you feed them right by administering the proper diet suitable for pups or adults, they can grow to their full size with good health. So, give them healthy fats, protein, and controlled carbs.
You care about your pup’s age and size so you can care for its health more appropriately. However, if you worry about its growth because it’s not growing enough, you can visit a vet to find out what’s wrong with your little buddy. Sometimes, a slow growth rate is acceptable. Still, you can improve its chances by focusing on nutrition. Diet can be a critical ingredient in your effort. Some advise protein and healthy fat food for them. Also, it’s necessary to remind yourself that smaller dogs can be their full size by one year of age. They grow fast. But most large dogs need about two years to develop fully, with a few exceptions. So, check their breed and study their average growth rate.
