When do puppies stop growing?

With such an enormous variety of dog breeds, not to mention crossbreeds, there’s also huge variation in their growth. Puppies of different breeds grow at different rates, with some reaching their full size quickly, while others take longer.

Understanding your puppy’s growth pattern can help you monitor their development. Here’s a guide to when your puppy might stop growing.

How big will my puppy get?

Puppy growth doesn’t happen at a steady rate. You might notice your puppy having growth spurts, followed by periods where they seem to stop growing. This is completely normal.

The breed of your puppy is the biggest factor in predicting how large they will get. If your puppy is a recognised breed, you can get a good idea of their adult size based on the breed standard. Typically, males are slightly larger than females, even within the same breed.

If your puppy is a crossbreed, predicting their size is trickier. They may grow to the average size of their parents, or they could surprise you by being larger or smaller than expected. Seeing both parents can give you a good clue about their future size.

To learn more about your puppy's growth stages, check out this guide on your puppy’s first-year milestones.

When do small puppies stop growing?

Small breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, grow quickly. You can expect them to reach their adult size by six to nine months. At this stage, they won’t grow taller, but they may continue to fill out with muscle. Common small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, and French Bulldogs also stop growing around the same time. 

When do large puppies stop growing?

Larger breeds, such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors, take longer to grow. These breeds typically reach their full height between 12 and 18 months, but they may continue to fill out until they’re two years old. Giant breeds, like Great Danes and Saint Bernards, take even longer. These dogs can keep growing until they’re nearly two years old. 

When do medium breeds stop growing?

Medium-sized breeds, such as Border Collies and Beagles, generally stop growing between nine months and a year. However, their growth can vary slightly depending on their genetics. They may still bulk up in muscle after this time.

When do puppies stop growing for popular breeds?

Here’s a look at some popular breeds and when they typically stop growing:

• Cockapoo: Cockapoo puppies usually stop growing by 9-12 months. Their growth may slow down earlier, depending on their size and parent breeds.
• Labradoodle: Labradoodles, being a larger mix, often stop growing by 12-18 months. They might keep adding muscle for a few more months.
• Goldendoodle: Similar to Labradoodles, Goldendoodle puppies can take up to 18 months to reach their adult size, especially for the larger varieties.
• Beagle: Beagles are a medium breed and stop growing around 12 months, though they may fill out a little afterward.
• Cocker Spaniel: Cocker Spaniels usually stop growing by 12 months. They might gain some weight after this point, but their height is set.

• German Shepherd: German Shepherd puppies grow quickly, but they usually take up to 18 months to reach their full size.

When do puppies stop growing taller?

Most puppies stop growing taller once they reach their adult height, which typically happens between 9 and 18 months, depending on the breed. While they may not grow taller after this, they can continue to develop muscle and body mass.

When do puppies’ teeth stop growing?

Puppy teeth are sharp, and they grow fast. Most puppies have their full set of baby teeth by six weeks old. These baby teeth will start to fall out around three months of age, making room for adult teeth. By the time your puppy is six months old, they should have all their adult teeth.

When do puppies’ paws stop growing?

A common myth is that a puppy’s paws are a good indicator of their future size. While this can be somewhat true for certain breeds, it’s not always accurate. Most puppies' paws will stop growing when they reach their full height, which is between 9 and 18 months, depending on their breed.

Common questions about puppy growth

• When do puppies stop growing in size? Most puppies stop growing in height by 9 to 18 months. They may continue to gain weight and muscle for several months after.
• When do puppies stop growing in height? Puppies usually stop growing taller around their first birthday, but this varies by breed.
• When do puppies’ ears stop growing? Ears usually reach their full size by the time your puppy is 6 to 12 months old.

Watching your puppy grow is an exciting time, but it goes by quickly. Whether you have a small or large breed, their puppyhood is a phase to cherish – enjoy!