Just like humans, dogs go through different stages of growth until they reach their full size. Not all grow at the same speed, as the stages of growth are closely related to the size and breed of the dog. The age at which dogs stop growing is related to the final size they will reach. In this blog, we’ll tell you until what age a dog grows and explain the growth stages.️
- Small or mini dogs, weighing less than 10 kilos, stop growing at a fairly early age, usually between 8 and 10 months.
- Medium-sized dogs, between 10 and 25 kilos, usually stop growing at 10 or 12 months.
- Large or giant breeds, weighing over 25 kilos, can continue growing until 18 or 24 months old.
Growth stages of a dog
In small or mini dogs, most of the growth occurs before they are 6 months old. Maximum growth occurs at the time of weaning and at 3 months they already reach half their adult weight.
In large and giant dog breeds, there are clearly defined phases:
- Rapid growth. Growth of the skeletal system occurs. This usually lasts to 8 or 9 months, with the maximum growth occurring at 3 and 5 months, reaching half of the adult weight around 5 months.
- Slow growth. Muscle mass develops and they take on the appearance of an adult dog. This is why large breed puppies at 5 or 6 months look so ungainly and lanky, because there has been rapid bone growth, but their muscles are not yet fully developed.
Keep in mind that although dog has reached its maximum size, it may still be considered a puppy for a while, as this depends on its attitude or behaviour and some physical traits.