Puppies grow up so quickly – a little too quickly, some of us may say! One minute they’re an adorable ball of fluff and the next they’re a full-size canine. But when do dogs stop growing and what kind of growth milestones should you expect a puppy to reach in their journey to becoming a fully-grown adult pooch?
In this article, we’ll answer questions including when will my dog stop growing and how quickly, while also providing a puppy development stages chart that covers a timeline of the various stages of puppy development, such as teething, weight gain and puppy puberty. Of course, things vary from breed to breed, so we’ll also discuss how puppy growth can differ between smaller and larger dogs. A great dane has a lot more growing to do than a chihuahua, after all!
Have you ever gone to bed with your adorable little puppy and woke up the next morning feeling like they somehow got bigger overnight? If so you’re not imagining things! Just like human children puppies definitely go through growth spurts during their development. As a dog owner myself, I’ve watched my pups seemingly transform before my eyes, and it can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about puppy growth spurts – when they happen, what to expect, and how to support your furry friend through these rapid periods of development.
Do Dogs Really Have Growth Spurts?
Yes, puppies absolutely experience growth spurts! According to pet experts, dogs go through several distinct growth spurts throughout their first year or two of life. During their early puppy stage, they may remain relatively similar in size, but once they reach adolescence, dogs will experience several rapid growth spurts happening simultaneously.
These growth spurts affect different aspects of your puppy’s development
- Body size – For smaller breeds, these changes might not be super noticeable, but larger dogs can grow quite dramatically in short periods
- Teeth development – Puppies lose their baby teeth and grow permanent teeth during growth spurts
- Coat changes – They’ll shed their soft puppy fur and develop their adult coat
Many puppy owners have reported their dogs seeming to grow “overnight” during these periods. If you’ve noticed your puppy suddenly looking bigger or their paws seeming disproportionately large compared to their body, chances are they’re in the middle of a growth spurt!
Puppy Growth Spurt Timeline: When Do They Happen?
Puppies experience their most significant growth during their first 6 months of life, though larger breeds will continue to grow for much longer. Let’s break down the typical growth stages and when you can expect to see those growth spurts happening:
Newborn to 8 Weeks (Early Development)
- Newborn (Birth): Puppies are born blind, deaf, and without teeth
- Neonatal (Birth-2 weeks): They develop sense of smell and touch, and double their birth weight!
- Transitional (Weeks 2-4): Their eyes open, they begin to grow teeth, and start walking
- Socialization (Weeks 4-12): They begin bonding with others and transition to solid food
8 Weeks to 6 Months (Primary Growth Phase)
Most puppies experience their first notable growth spurt around 2-4 months of age. This is often when you’ll start to notice significant changes in your puppy’s size, especially in medium to large breeds.
Their second major growth spurt typically occurs around 6-8 months of age. During this time, puppies may gain significant height and weight in what seems like a very short period.
6 Months to 1 Year (Continued Development)
Between 6-8 months, you might notice your puppy’s growth slowing down a bit. They’re still growing, but perhaps not as dramatically as during those earlier months.
Most smaller breeds will reach their full height by 6-8 months, while larger breeds continue growing. Medium breeds typically reach their adult size around 12 months of age.
1 Year to 2 Years (Final Growth)
Larger dog breeds can continue growing until they’re about 2 years old! According to the American Kennel Club, most larger breeds will finally stop growing after 24 months.
Here’s a helpful chart showing when puppies of different sizes typically reach maturity:
| Size | Adult Weight | Typical Age at Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | < 8 lbs | 9-11 months |
| Small | 8-20 lbs | 12 months |
| Medium | 21-50 lbs | 12 months |
| Large | 51-130 lbs | 18-24 months |
| Giant | > 130 lbs | 24 months |
How Can I Tell If My Puppy is Going Through a Growth Spurt?
It’s super helpful to recognize when your puppy is experiencing a growth spurt so you can provide the right care. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Physical Signs
- Sudden increase in size – They may seem to grow “overnight”
- Excessive chewing – This is often the first sign owners notice
- Shedding – They might shed their puppy coat as the adult coat grows in
- Proportional changes – Their body parts might temporarily seem out of proportion
Behavioral Signs
- Changes in appetite – They might eat more (or sometimes less) than usual
- Altered sleep patterns – Many puppies sleep more during growth spurts
- Emotional changes – Your pup might seem more clingy, irritable, or emotional
- Louder or different barking – Their voice may change as they grow
- Reduced energy levels – They might not be as playful or energetic
Other Signs
- Discomfort or pain – Growing can be uncomfortable for puppies
- Upset stomach – Some puppies experience digestive issues during growth
- Clumsiness – They might seem more uncoordinated as they adjust to their changing body
Do Puppies Sleep More During Growth Spurts?
Yes! One of the most common signs of a puppy growth spurt is increased sleeping. This is actually a good thing, as sleep helps their bodies conserve energy for growing.
Growth requires a ton of energy – muscles, bones, joints, and organs are all developing rapidly. Your puppy’s body is smart and uses sleep as a way to focus energy on growth rather than play and activity.
If your normally energetic puppy is suddenly taking longer naps or sleeping more at night, they’re probably experiencing a growth spurt. However, if the excessive sleeping continues for an extended period without noticeable growth, it might be worth checking with your vet to rule out any health issues.
Which Puppy Breeds Grow the Fastest?
While all puppies grow quickly, some breeds tend to experience more rapid growth than others. Typically, larger breeds grow more dramatically than smaller breeds simply because they have more growing to do! However, the rate of growth can vary widely.
Some breeds known for growing particularly fast include:
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- English Mastiffs
- Maltese
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Toy Poodles
- Papillons
Large breed puppies often have noticeably big paws compared to their bodies – this is a sign they’re going to grow into a big dog! As the saying goes, “big paws, big dog.”
Supporting Your Puppy Through Growth Spurts
Growth spurts can be challenging for both puppies and their owners. Here are some tips to help your puppy through these periods:
Nutrition
- Feed appropriate puppy food – Puppies have unique nutritional needs different from adult dogs
- Consider breed-specific formulas – Large breed puppies benefit from food designed for their growth pattern
- Follow feeding schedules – Most puppies under 6 months should eat 3 times daily
- Don’t switch too early – Keep your dog on puppy food until they reach adult size (1-2 years depending on breed)
Exercise & Rest
- Allow extra sleep – Don’t wake your puppy if they’re sleeping more
- Moderate exercise – Provide exercise but don’t overdo it during growth spurts
- Avoid high-impact activities – These can stress growing joints
Training & Behavior
- Be patient – Your puppy might “forget” training during growth spurts
- Provide appropriate chew toys – Help them manage teething discomfort
- Continue socialization – Even during fear periods (8-12 weeks), gentle socialization is important
The Fear Period: A Challenging Growth Stage
Between weeks 8-12, many puppies go through what experts call the “fear period.” This coincides with significant growth and can be challenging for both puppies and owners.
During this time, puppies often become more cautious around new people, objects, or situations. This is actually a normal developmental stage that helps them learn to be appropriately cautious in the world.
The fear period is frequently cited by puppy owners as the most difficult stage. Your formerly confident puppy might suddenly become shy or reactive. Don’t worry – with proper handling and socialization, they’ll grow through this phase.
Final Thoughts
Puppy growth spurts are an amazing and sometimes challenging part of raising a dog. Remember that even when your puppy looks fully grown, they may still be developing internally – especially for larger breeds who may not reach full maturity until 2 years of age.
With proper nutrition, care, and understanding, you can help your puppy navigate their growth spurts with minimal discomfort. Before you know it, your tiny puppy will be a full-grown dog, but you’ll always remember those magical days when they seemed to grow right before your eyes!
Have you noticed your puppy going through growth spurts? What changes did you observe? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information about your pet’s health, this article is meant to be informational only and not medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about any concerns regarding your puppy’s growth and development.
How do puppies grow?
Puppies grow in spurts, which means they’ll go through a period where they grow quickly, before entering a period where this slows down – and so on and so forth. This might be why it feels like they double in size in the blink of an eye!
A large part of this growth happens very early in life. In fact, newborn puppies will double their birth weight within their first week of life and then will generally grow about 5-10% per day from the age of 1 week to 8 weeks old. After this, their growth rate slows down until they reach their full size.
Dogs also go through a series of puppy developmental stages that include their eyes and ears opening, learning to walk, weaning, teething and socialisation.
For a more detailed idea of the rate you can expect your puppy to grow and develop at, the puppy development stages chart below offers a rough timeline. So if you’re wondering when dogs stop growing in height or when they’ll have their adult teeth, take a look.
| Age | Developmental stage | Notable developments | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth-2 weeks | Neonatal |
|
They’re 1-5% of their expected adult weight |
| 2-4 weeks | Transitional |
|
Gaining 5-10% more body mass daily |
| 4-12 weeks | Socialisation |
|
Gaining 5-10% more body mass daily until 8 weeks |
| 8-12 weeks | Juvenile |
|
Growth spurts |
| 3-6 months | Ranking |
|
% of full size at 6 months:
|
| 6-18 months | Adolescence |
|
% of full size at 9 months:
|
| 1-2 years | Social maturity |
|
Age at which at full size:
|
Puppy growth times vary a lot from dog to dog, so if you’re wondering to yourself ‘when will my dog stop growing?’, the answer isn’t one size fits all. There are a few factors that can impact how quickly they reach their full adult size, which you can read about below.
Some small breeds (like toy poodles) can reach their full adult size in as little as 6 to 8 months, while medium breeds (like border collies), are more likely to take around a year and large breeds (like mastiffs), can take between 18 and 24 months. This is because larger breeds have much bigger bones and joints that need a bit more time to grow and develop.
Signs of puppies growth
You can tell that your puppy is growing by having a look at their teeth, ears and paws, as these will all go through significant changes in their puppyhood.
Dog Growth Spurts And Stages
FAQ
Is My Puppy going through a growth spurt?
There are a few factors that can indicate whether your puppy is going through a growth spurt or not. The first is chewing. If they’re doing a lot of chewing, then they’re likely going through a growth spurt. Because puppies grow fast, they experience some discomfort. Chewing is a way to help ease their discomfort.
When does a puppy grow a lot?
3-8 weeks old: puppies will go through a significant growth spurt at this age, and you’ll see them grow several inches within a few weeks. 5-7 weeks old: this is another growth spurt your pup will likely experience at the halfway point of their first year.
What happens if a puppy grows up?
Upset Stomach — Growing can cause many side effects from a puppy’s own body. Because of the strain and pressure put on their muscles, joints, organs, etc. Some puppy owners have said that their puppy began having vomiting or diarrhea as a result of a growth spurt.
Why do puppies grow so fast?
If you are familiar with puppies, you have probably noticed that they usually grow quite quickly in a short amount of time. This is because they experience growth spurts! Puppies can have many growth spurts throughout their first few years of life, some of them being more noticeable than others.
Why does a puppy sleep more during a growth spurt?
Because their bodies are growing, a puppy will sleep more during a growth spurt because their body is trying to save its energy, it takes A LOT of energy to be able to grow into a full-sized dog! Muscles, bones, joints, etc. are all able to use the energy gained by sleeping to grow!
Why do dogs have growth spurts?
This is because their growth spurts work – they produce cartilage, which turns into bone over time. These plates are found in parts of the body where bones need to increase, such as a puppy’s skull. The bones from these plates will eventually fuse and become part of the permanent skeleton at about six months old or when a dog reaches adulthood.
How do you know if your puppy is going through a growth spurt?
Symptoms of a puppy growth spurt include a rapid increase in size, particularly leg length, leading to clumsy or awkward movements. You may also notice bursts of energy followed by increased fatigue, a temporary boost in appetite to meet nutritional needs, and mood changes or a temporary return of fearfulness. In some cases, puppies may develop growing pains, which can cause sudden lameness, whining, or pain when touched, often shifting between legs.
What is the 10-10-10 rule for puppies?
Do puppies sleep more when they go through a growth spurt?
Puppies, like human babies, tend to sleep a lot during their early development stages. Their bodies are growing rapidly, and sleep is crucial for their overall well-being. It’s not uncommon for puppies to have random episodes of increased sleepiness.
What are the hardest months with a puppy?