Dogs generally stop growing at different ages depending on their breed size:
- Small breeds usually stop growing between 6 and 12 months.
- Medium breeds typically stop growing around 9 to 12 months.
- Large breeds generally stop growing between 11 and 18 months.
- Giant breeds can continue growing until they are 15 to 24 months old.
This variation is due to differences in breed genetics, nutrition, and overall health. Small dogs often reach their full adult size quickly, sometimes as early as 6 months, while large and giant breeds can take up to 2 years to fully mature. After the skeletal growth ends (when growth plates close), dogs may still fill out muscle and fat for some time, but their bones do not grow any longer. In summary, the age when dogs stop growing can range from 6 months for small breeds up to 24 months for giant breeds. This information is supported by multiple sources and summarized in this table:
Breed Size| Age When Dogs Stop Growing
---|---
Small| 6–12 months
Medium| 9–12 months
Large| 11–18 months
Giant| 15–24 months
These growth timelines are approximate and individual dogs may vary depending on health and genetics. Let me know if you would like details for a specific breed or size group.
