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When do dogs stop growing? That is one question that many dog owners would like to know the answer to. But this one question has more than one answer.

It is general knowledge that majority of the dog breeds would stop growing once they reach one year old. While this may be true to some, it is not the same for the other breeds. This misunderstanding began because most kibble manufacturers would only recommend you to give him his puppy kibble until one year old. But bear in mind that your puppy won’t stop growing instantly after having his 1st birthday.

Growth rates differ by size and breed. For instance, if you compare a Great Dane and Pekingese it would be different. Your pekingese would stay small all throughout his life and it won’t grow anywhere near like the Great Dane. So, the pekingese would most likely reach its adulthood by the time he reaches one year, while the Great Dane on the other hand will require a much longer time before it reaches it mature size.

Though it is apparent that living conditions and diet would play a vital role in puppy growth, each puppy would will have a different rate of growing compared to others.

When Do Dogs Stop Growing

Determining what age a puppy will stop growing depends mainly on the breed. Also growth spurts of a puppy can vary so feasibly a puppy can reach full growth before it actually matures. In some circumstances a puppy will not stop growing until it has fully matured. Smaller dog breeds such as Chihuahua’s and rat terrier’s can finish the growth cycle by the time they reach about ten months old. The smaller breeds tend to have rapid growth spurts between 2-4 months then again between 8-10 months. Smaller breeds will also have gained their full height by about 13 months old and their full weight after about 18 months old. Source: Squidoo, http://www.squidoo.com/at-what-age-does-a-puppy-stop-growing by Meads

Small Breeds

Most small breeds would reach their adult size by the time they reach one year old.

For instance, the smaller toy breeds like the Chihuahua and Yorkies would most likely become adults around 10 months to 1 year. However, stockier breeds like the Shih Tzu, Pug and Pekingese may take a few months beyond one year in order for their weight to catch up with their size.

Medium Breeds

Generally, majority of the medium breed dogs would reach their adult size when they reach 12-15 months old. Stockier breeds may take as long as 18 months.

Large Breeds

The large breeds take the longest time to reach their full adult size. Their body frames would keep growing until they are 18-24 months old, while their body weight would continue until they are about 14-36 months old.

As you can see, it is rather difficult to be certain and give an accurate answer on when do dogs stop growing. Your best option is to compare your puppy’s size to his breed heritage and doing a research on your own. Keep an eye on him has he reaches adulthood and you will eventually notice that he has stopped growing already for a number of months. If that happens, then it is now safe to assume that he has already reached his adult size.

Is your pekingese already fully grown? How is he growing? Share your tales as an animal parent with us on what experience you’ve encountered in rearing him up on the space provided below.