When a new small resident appears in the house - a puppy, all attention becomes riveted to him. We try to do everything so that he is healthy, so that he is comfortable. Of course, special attention is paid to the growth and development of the puppy.
In fact, this is very important: the sooner a problem is identified, the easier it will be to solve it.
In this article we will look at how old different breeds of dogs grow up, and we will also find out what factors influence the proper development of an individual.
Growing up periods
To track the growth of a dog, you need to know how it develops with age. There are 5 main stages.
- Embryonic. This is the time a puppy spends in the womb. Organ systems are laid in him, the individual is formed. The puppy gains weight from 6 to 500-600 grams (depending on the breed).
- Puppy puppy. This is the period from the birth of the dog to 1.5–2 months - the time when the puppy is completely dependent on the mother: she feeds him and spends most of the time with him. Teeth begin to erupt, the puppy learns the world around him, grows approximately twice.
- Puppy. From 2 months to 6. At this time, the baby usually has new owners, it is very important to properly adapt it to new, unfamiliar food.
- Young growth. At this stage (from six months to a year) the nature of the dog is laid. It is very important to start training your pet during this period. Also at this time, puberty occurs.
- Adult dog. This is the last stage of development - from a year to three years. The dog practically does not grow, mainly muscle mass builds up. By the end of this period, the bone skeleton is fully formed in the dog.
Growth Factors
Some dog owners may be worried about whether the pet is growing normally. Most often, they simply do not notice the development of the puppy, because after six months it begins to grow evenly and slowly. But nevertheless, several factors can influence the development of a dog.
- The size of the pet and the speed of its development depend primarily on the breed of the dog: small ones develop faster than large species.
- It is important to remember that males are larger in size and weight than females.
- An important role in the development is played by the puppy's nutrition. If you ensure the right diet for the baby, then perhaps it will be even a little larger than other representatives of its breed.
- Health is the key to the quality growth of a pet, because in a sick puppy all the forces will be spent on recovering and maintaining the body, and not on the process of growing up.
- In order for the puppy to be in a normal tone, so that his muscles and skeleton are properly formed, it is necessary to give him constant physical activity. This concept includes: playing with a pet, walking in the fresh air, training.
- The presence of genetic diseases.
Diet
Throughout its life, the dog must eat properly in order to maintain health. But, as mentioned earlier, it is for the puppy that it is important that only healthy substances are in his diet, since during this period the bone skeleton and the body are formed.
When feeding a pet, the owner must adhere to a number of rules.
- Feed your pet up to three months of age need 5-6 times. From 3 months to six months, the frequency of feeding is reduced to three. After six months, the dog needs to be given food twice: morning and evening. These are average values, but they may vary depending on the breed. Remember that overfeeding, like underfeeding, is detrimental to the body of your pet.
- The first lure should be introduced somewhere in 2-3 months, but the puppy should be accustomed to new food gradually. You can start with dairy products, cereals, boiled vegetables, meat (boiled). In no case do not give the baby offal: small bones, skin, offal, etc., since his body is not yet able to digest such heavy food.
- You can give the puppy food from 3 months, and you need to buy super-premium or holistic types: such ready-made food contains all the necessary substances.
If you want your pet to eat natural products, you need to know which food can be given and which not. The fish on the puppy's menu should only be boiled, it is advisable to heat the meat too, since it can be infected with helminths. Tubular bones, overly fatty, spicy and salty foods, as well as sweets, potatoes and pastries should be excluded. You can give dairy products, cereals, vegetables, dried fruits. Also, large pork or beef bones will be useful for the dog.
Vitamins are also needed for the proper development of the puppy. They can be purchased at a pet store or at a veterinary pharmacy.
Water should always be available for the pet; whey and broth can also be given.
Treatment
In order for the puppy to develop and grow correctly and quickly, it is necessary to carry out disease prevention on time.
Deworming is carried out once every 3 months and only when the puppy is already 60 days old. Also during this period, the baby can be vaccinated against a number of diseases, carry out treatment against parasites: fleas, ticks. It is necessary to carry out planned visits to the veterinarian.
In order to avoid eye infection, you need to rinse the puppy's eyes with a decoction of chamomile once every few days.
Breeds
Different breeds of dogs increase in size in different ways. The rapid growth of the puppy lasts up to 6 months, and then slows down. In some breeds, growth is noted up to 3 years.
Small
Owners of small breeds often start to worry about the fact that puppies stop growing after six months. But this is normal, because small individuals develop much faster. Some dogs reach puberty at 7–8 months.
- Yorkshire Terrier - This is one of the most popular small breeds.Abbreviated as Yorkie. Development lasts up to 8–9 months. Their puppy appearance does not change until old age, these dogs are perfect for keeping in an apartment.
- Pug - This is a friendly but very lazy dog. Its weight can reach 6–8 kg, and its height can be up to 32 cm. This dog develops mainly up to 9 months, actively gaining weight.
- Pekingese - This is a Chinese breed. This dog is good-natured, but stubborn and wayward. She has a very long coat, therefore, requires careful care. Height at the withers - up to 23 cm, and weight - up to 5 kg. Development - up to 8 months, sometimes up to a year.
- Pomeranian Spitz possesses a toy appearance. These mini-dogs can have a height of 18 cm, in some cases reach 30 cm, weighs up to 3 kg. It grows only up to six months, and after that bones and muscles are strengthened.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier. His height is from 30 to 40 cm, and weight is up to 15 kg. Staffs are very smart, loyal and loyal dogs. They should always be in human society. The adult becomes 10-12 months old.
- Dachshunds - famous hunters. They grow up to 8 months in height and in length, and after - in breadth.
- Toy Terrier - a smooth-haired, sweet and playful dog. She is known for her shaggy ears. Growth - only 25 cm. It grows up to six months.
- Chihuahua - The smallest breed of dog in the world. Her height does not exceed 23 cm, and weight - 3 kg. She is a very faithful, energetic and elegant dog. It grows up to 8 months.
Medium
- Cocker Spaniel - A very beautiful, elegant and kind dog, as well as a well-known hunting breed. Such a dog is about 40 cm tall and weighs 15 kg. The exterior is fully formed by the year.
- Laika - freedom-loving, but loyal dog, an excellent hunter. She is very curious and active, often touchy. The growth limit is 63 cm at the withers. Growth lasts up to 10 months.
- Husky - friendly and friendly dogs, but at the same time quite stubborn and wayward. This breed of sled dogs, so they are strong and hardy. Growth at the withers - 50-60 cm. In height it grows up to 1 year, and after another 2 years it continues to build muscle mass.
- Chow chow possesses a devoted, calm and independent character. This excellent guard dog has a height of up to 56 cm. Reaches maturity at 11 months.
- Beagle We are used to seeing dogs of this breed in many American films, which is why it has gained such popularity. Beagle is friendly, smart and balanced, so it’s great for children. His height is about 40 cm, full adulthood occurs in a year and a half.
Large
To get a large breed dog, preparation is required, because these species require investments and careful care. In addition, large dogs require space and constant physical activity.
- English mastiff. The average height is 70–90 cm, and weight can reach 110 kg. Powerful, courageous, peace-loving and balanced dog. Active growth - up to a year, and the exterior is formed up to 3 years.
- Next on the list of big dogs is saint bernard. He is very calm and friendly. Previously, these dogs were used as lifeguards. Growth ranges from 70 to 90 cm, weight - more than 100 kg. It grows actively up to a year, and finally takes the form of an adult dog by 3 years.
- German dog - the tallest dog. On average, the growth is 80 cm, and the mass reaches 90 kg. The highest representative of the breed is the dog Zeus, his height is 112 cm. At the withers these dogs grow up to one and a half years, continue to grow up to three years.
Growth control
In order not to miss any deviations in the development of your pet, it is important to note the growth of the puppy at least once a week. You can measure the parameters with the help of all known devices, which everyone probably has in the house.
- Weight. A puppy can be weighed using household scales or using food - it depends on the size of the breed.
- Height at the withers you can measure with a tape measure.
- Sternum circumference can be measured with a centimeter.
- Height and width of fore and hind legs can also be measured with a centimeter tape.
- Length dogs measure from the withers to the tail - with a tape measure or centimeter.
Conclusion
The growth and development time of a dog directly depends on the breed, genetics, nutrition and health. The most important thing is to take care of the pet, pay enough attention and, of course, love.
See how the dog grows in the video below.