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Mixed breed puppies are unique and adorable pets, and there's a sense of excitement in adopting one. If you've recently welcomed a mixed breed pup into your home, you're probably wondering how large they will grow. Luckily, there are numerous methods to help you estimate their adult size! Continue reading to discover all the ways you can gauge the potential size of your new furry friend.
Steps to Estimate Size
Estimate your puppy's eventual size based on its weight and age in weeks.
Determine your puppy's adult size by considering its current weight and age in weeks. Start by weighing your pup and then divide that weight by its age in weeks. Multiply this number by 52 (the number of weeks in a year) to get an approximate adult size. For instance, if your puppy weighs 10 pounds (4.5 kg) at 20 weeks, they may reach 26 pounds (12 kg) as an adult.
- Use a puppy growth calculator for precise calculations. Look up an online puppy growth calculator, input your dog's age and weight, and find out if they'll be small, medium, or large.
- Remember, these calculations are estimates. Some dogs reach their full size after a year and a half or longer, so this method isn't foolproof.
Assess your puppy's age and size classification.
Use their weight and age to gauge their remaining growth. Dogs fall into 4 size categories, each with different growth rates: small, medium, large, and giant. Compare your dog's current weight and age to these categories to estimate their eventual size. For example, small dogs are 75% grown at 6 months. If your dog is 8 months old and 10 pounds, they're likely to stay small into adulthood.
- Small dogs weigh 20 pounds or less. By 6 months, they're 75% grown and reach full size by 9-12 months.
- Medium dogs weigh 21–50 pounds. At 6 months, they're 66% grown and reach adult size by 12-15 months.
- Large dogs weigh 51–100 pounds. At 6 months, they're 60% grown and mature by 15-18 months.
- Giant dogs weigh over 100 pounds. At 6 months, they're 50% grown and reach full size by 18 months.
Identify your dog's breed composition.
Expect larger breeds to result in a bigger adult dog. To determine your mixed-breed dog's likely breeds, assess their physical traits such as muzzle shape, tail type, ear size, coat pattern and color, and body structure. Then, compare these traits to known breed characteristics. This comparison will help you estimate your pup's adult size based on the typical size of the breeds they resemble.
- For instance, a dog with a short muzzle, curled tail, floppy ears, smooth coat, tan fur, and muscular build could be a mix of pug and bulldog, falling into the small to medium size range.
Evaluate your dog's paw size.
Large paws often indicate larger dog breeds. Observe if your puppy's paws seem oversized compared to their body size. If so, they are likely to grow into them and become medium or large dogs when fully grown. Conversely, if your small pup's paws are proportionate, they may stay small as adults.
- Note that while paw size can provide an estimate, some dog breeds naturally have larger or smaller paws relative to their body size, even as adults. Examples include collies and bulldogs.
Inspect your puppy's bone structure.
Longer, thicker bones often indicate a larger dog breed. Check your dog's legs for length and robustness. Longer, sturdier legs may suggest they'll grow into a medium or large dog. Conversely, short, slender legs may indicate they'll remain small.
Feel your dog's ribcage.
If you can feel distinct bumps on their ribs, your puppy is likely to grow bigger. These bumps are actually growth plates. To check for them, gently press on your dog's ribs and look for raised areas or small lumps along the ribcage's edge.
- If you're unsure how to feel for these growth plates, ask your vet to demonstrate during your next checkup.
Observe your puppy's skin texture.
Excessively loose skin might suggest your dog will grow larger. If your puppy has folds of loose skin, it indicates they are still growing into their skin. However, note that certain breeds naturally have loose skin even in adulthood.
- Breeds like bloodhound mixes and basset hound mixes typically retain loose skin as fully grown adults.
Consider when your puppy was spayed or neutered.
Spaying and neutering can lead to slightly taller adult dogs. The absence of sex hormones can influence a dog's growth trajectory, potentially resulting in slightly increased height if spaying or neutering occurs before adulthood, as the process of growth cessation is affected.
Take note of your dog's gender.
Male dogs typically have a larger size compared to females. When fully grown, male dogs tend to weigh slightly more and be a bit taller than female dogs. If your puppy is male, there's a chance they'll end up being a bit larger, regardless of their specific breed.
Reach out to the shelter or rescue organization.
Determine the parent breeds to estimate your pup's eventual size. While shelters may not always have complete information about a dog's lineage, it's worth asking. Contact the shelter or rescue organization where you adopted your puppy and inquire about the specific breeds and sizes of your dog's parents. Knowing this information can provide valuable insight into how large your dog will become as an adult.
- If the shelter doesn't have breed information but knows the size, that can still be helpful in estimating your puppy's future size.
Consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Veterinarians can use their expertise to predict your puppy's adult size. With their experience handling various breeds, vets can make informed estimates about your mixed breed puppy's lineage and potential size as an adult dog. During your next vet visit, ask your veterinarian to help you determine how big your puppy will likely grow.
Consider a dog DNA test.
A dog DNA test provides insights into your dog's breed mix and potential size. By identifying the breeds in your dog's ancestry, you can estimate their adult size more accurately. To conduct a dog DNA test, search for a reputable test online and order it for delivery. Follow the test instructions, which typically involve swabbing your dog's cheek. Send the sample for analysis and await the results.
- At-home DNA tests typically cost between $60 to $100.
- For reliable results, read online reviews to find a high-quality test with satisfied customers.
Helpful Suggestions
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Predicting the exact size of a mixed breed puppy can be challenging. These methods offer general estimations but may not be 100% accurate.
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Take care of your puppy to ensure healthy growth. Provide nutritious food, regular exercise, fresh air, and plenty of love and attention.
