When does a puppy become an adult?

The first year of life is the conditional age of growing up. A puppy does not become an adult at lightning speed once it has reached 12 months. Growing up is a long process, and each dog develops individually, depending on the breed.

By 12 months, puppies of small and medium breeds already reach “adult” size and weight. Children’s fur has already changed to adult, teeth have changed, puberty has begun.

With the right approach, the pet is already fully socialized by the year. He knows how to behave at home and in public places, knows all the basic commands and obeys the owners. The stage of rapid growth is left behind. The musculoskeletal system is formed, like other body systems, and the dog needs changes in the diet. In the year the pet is transferred from puppy food to adult dog food. Routine vaccinations and pest control are carried out. Given all this, it becomes clear why most dog breeders consider the year as the starting point of “growing up”.

But not all puppies finish growing at 12 months. Dogs of large and giant breeds remain puppies up to 2 or even 3 years. Why is this happening?

If the baby York looks like an adult dog already at 9 months, then the American Akita Inu grows and gets stronger up to three years!

Imagine a large breed dog: its weight can significantly exceed your own. Of course, such a puppy takes much longer to reach adult size, and his body needs a nutritious “baby” diet for a longer time.

Puppies of large and giant breeds grow up to 2-2,5 and even 3 years. Up to this age, the exterior is formed in dogs and muscle mass increases. Usually, estrus in large dogs comes later than in small ones – and they are ready for breeding activities by 2 years.

The time of maturity in large and giant dogs occurs at about 4 years.

The other side of growing up is training and education. Large dogs can be more difficult to handle than small ones. They can be very stubborn and challenge the owner’s leadership. In addition, they are physically very strong and not everyone can find an approach to them.

If you decide to get a giant puppy, you need to soberly assess your strengths and experience. There are breeds of dogs that are categorically not suitable for beginners – and, believe me, it’s not worth the risk. Enlist the support of a professional dog handler, even if you are already an experienced dog breeder. Each dog is individual, and only a specialist will help you choose the right key for your pet.

It is important to properly educate a dog from deep childhood, from the first days of appearance in a new home. Retraining a pet in adulthood (and even more so a large one) is much more difficult. Just imagine how you will teach a one and a half year old Neapolitan Mastiff to walk side by side on a short leash. Yes, he will drag you to the North Pole!

It is extremely important to control the stage of self-determination of the puppy and behave correctly, otherwise you can lose your leadership position forever. In order not to make mistakes, enlist the support of a professional dog handler and attend dog education and training courses. This is not overkill, but a necessity.

Growing up a puppy is a difficult but very interesting stage. Don’t rush things. Enjoy your four-legged “baby”, even if he already weighs more than 50 kilograms. And having enjoyed, feel free to enter a new, “adult” period.

There are so many amazing things ahead!