When is a puppy an adult?

[gable]

Just a thought.

I would say when they are 1. But I could be wrong

 

[Alec Swan]

I've had the odd puppy, mostly sheepdogs, who've been "adult" at 9 months, and others which have still been idiot puppies at 18 months. It depends entirely upon the individual dog, I'd say, and sometimes, the breed will have some bearing.

Every now and then you will find the odd one which will never grow up. As in humans, the dogs tend to be slower than the bitches, I've found!

Alec.

 

[MurphysMinder]

Well in the world of dog showing, they are no longer eligible for puppy classes once they reach 12 months. But agree with Alec in terms of maturity it can vary tremendously, although I have never known a GSD I would consider adult at 9 months, usually its nearer 18 months imho.

 

[Spudlet]

Mine's three and he's still a silly pup... but as Alec says, he is male so what can you expect?

 

[Cedars]

I was told by my vet they're classified as no longer a puppy at 18months.

But Chlo will always be my pup!

 

[brighteyes]

I must still have another 6 months of puppyhood, then! Ooo-errr.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Personally 12-18 months, depending on breed and maturity.

 

[gunnergundog]

Every now and then you will find the odd one which will never grow up


4.5 year old GSP......any advances anyone?

Early neutering/spaying is supposed to make dogs more inclined to retain puppy characteristics, but as all of mine are entire we haven't got that excuse.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Mine will be called Puppy til the day he dies and was done at about 18 months.

 

[domane]

Our black lab turned two on Tuesday so I told her that she's now classed as a mature dog and thus must start behaving like one. I also informed my OH that he must no longer refer to her as "Ruby-pups".

Sadly I have no confidence that either will happen!!!

 

[Spudlet]

Henry was done at approx 18 months, so no excuses for him either....

Still I'd get bored if he was too sensible, don't know about you GGD

 

[gunnergundog]

Henry was done at approx 18 months, so no excuses for him either....

Still I'd get bored if he was too sensible, don't know about you GGD

Umm....bored could be good! I may then have less grey hair and a lower level consumption of both alcohol & chocolate!

 

[Puppy]

Mine will be called Puppy til the day he dies

As was my GSD, even at 10 years+

I would say Popple went through 'adolescence' at about 18-21 months, and by the time she was 2 was that bit noticeably more mature. She still gets everyone shouting 'awww puppy' at her everywhere she goes though

Interestingly, I have Sprocket back to stay this week, and I would say that he is a bit 'behind' his sister in terms of development!

 

[willhegofirst]

Not a dog but our older cat is known as "Sprite the kitten" and she is 13! Our youngest Spin is just a year and very much still a pup.

 

[competitiondiva]

Every now and then you will find the odd one which will never grow up


4.5 year old GSP......any advances anyone?

Early neutering/spaying is supposed to make dogs more inclined to retain puppy characteristics, but as all of mine are entire we haven't got that excuse.

Well you've got a GSP!! They never grow up!!!

With regard to early neutering keeping them in puppy mode, can't say I've ever seen this, I think it maybe an urban myth, I've known thousands over the years that have been neutered anything from 6 months onwards, and not seen this happen.

But with regard to the OP I think the smaller the breed the younger they tend to be matured, but I'd say on average 12 - 18 months.