When Do Goldendoodle Puppies Stop Growing?

When do Goldendoodle puppies stop growing?

This has been my big question these past few weeks as we recently welcomed Rory, a Goldendoodle puppy, into our home. She is so perfect and I am loving this puppy stage. 

 If you’re considering this breed, read on for the answer to this question. The range of sizes across the breed may surprise you!

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When Do Goldendoodle Puppies Stop Growing? 

Rory is our newest addition to our home. She is a mini Goldendoodle and as cute as can be! 

We got her from a breeder in Utah, Artisan Doodles.

Because we live in South Carolina and Rory was born in Utah, they were able to arrange to fly her out to us. The whole process was so easy and they were a dream to work with.

As we are enjoying all these puppy snuggles, it has me wanting to hold on to this phase forever. So of course, I’ve been asking myself, “when do Goldendoodle puppies stop growing?” 

If I could keep her as a puppy forever I would. But, I know she will be just as sweet and cute as she grows! 

If you are wondering what a Goldendoodle is, you’re not alone.  Goldendoodles are the charming result of crossing purebred Golden Retrievers with Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, or sometimes even Toy poodles.

 Their popularity is undeniable, largely due to their low-shedding coats, amiable nature, and the variety of sizes they come in. But for many pet owners, knowing when their cute little puppy will reach its full size is crucial for preparing for the years ahead. 

So if you are considering a Goldendoodle, you’ll want to read all about their types, sizes, and growth patterns to understand when these pups typically stop growing.

The History Of Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are a popular hybrid dog breed that has gained immense popularity over the years for their friendly nature, intelligence, and adorable appearance.

If you are considering this sweet natured breed, let’s look at a few key fun facts:

Origin

We know that Goldendoodles are a crossbreed between a purebred Golden Retriever and a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle.

But, did you know that the goal of breeding Goldendoodles was to create a dog that combines the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the poodle with the friendly and sociable nature of the golden retriever.

In other words, they are the best parts of both of those dog breeds.

Appearance

As far as appearances go, Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes.  They can range from miniature to standard, depending on the size of the poodle used in the breeding.

Based on the parent’s poodle size, you’ll have different sized offspring. 

Additionally, Goldendoodles can come in a variety of colors ranging from shades of cream, gold, red, chocolate, and black. Our Goldendoodle, Rory, is a beautiful red.

Their coat type can also vary from a wavy or curly coat, depending on which parent’s coat gene is inherited.

Temperament

Perhaps the best reason to get a Goldendoodle is for their temperament. They are known for their friendly and social nature. They are typically good with children, other pets, and strangers, making them excellent family pets.

They are also extremely intelligent and trainable, inheriting these qualities from both the golden retriever and the poodle.

What I loved about our experience with Artisan Doodles is that they begin the potty training process, basic commands, and ENS on all their puppies. 

ENS is short for early neurological stimulation. It is a series of exercises that have been shown to help support brain development, strengthen their hearts, and support other vital organs.

We have been blown away with Rory’s temperament and intelligence.

Coat

One of the main reasons for the popularity of Goldendoodles is their low-shedding coat, which is ideal for individuals with allergies.

In our family, it was important to have another hypoallergenic dog as we have allergies. 

While they are low shedding, their coat still requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to maintain its health and appearance.

Exercise Needs

Goldendoodles are active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to keep their minds engaged.

If you want a dog that can be a member of your family and go along on family outings then the Goldendoodle is perfect.

Health

Like all dog breeds, Goldendoodles are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, ear infections, and skin issues.

t’s essential to work with a reputable breeder who screens for genetic health problems to reduce the risk of these issues in Goldendoodles.

Training

 Goldendoodles respond well to positive reinforcement training methods due to their intelligent and eager-to-please nature.

Early socialization and training are crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs.

If you are looking for help, you can always check out local trainers or pet stores, like PetCo, who offer training programs.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is around 10-15 years, depending on various factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall care.

While 15 years is never long enough, you’ll have time to make great family memories.

Goldendoodle Generations

While you are looking at Goldendoodles, you may come across some terminology based on their breeding and generations. 

It’s not as simple as saying you want a standard Goldendoodle. While that will give you an idea of their size, it won’t predict temperament, health, coat, or color.

There are several ways Goldendoodles can be bred. 

Let’s take a quick look at the generations of Goldendoodles used in breeding and their key characteristics:

F1

F1 stands for a first generation Goldendoodle. This is a cross between two purebred parents: one Golden Retriever and the other a Poodle (standard, toy, miniature).

These dogs tend to have the best health due to their genetic makeup. However, they can shed more and be more likely to need more grooming upkeep.

F1b

This is known as a genetic backcross. In other words, you have a F1 Goldendoodle that breeds with a purebred Golden Retriever or Poodle.

Depending on which purebred parent is selected, your puppy may have more characteristics of one breed over another. Generally, your Poodle will be your purebred parent to pass along those key characteristics to the offspring.

If you are looking for a low shedding dog, you’ll want to look for a purebred Poodle parent to help increase your chances.

F1bb

This is simply a F1b offspring crossed with a purebred Poodle or Golden Retriever.

Again, you’re usually looking at a Poodle being the purebred parent to pass along their non-shedding and coat characteristics.  This also means that there is more Poodle lineage present than Golden Retriever.

In other words, this breed type will yield the highest results of producing a hypoallergenic dog with a more curlier coat.

Goldendoodle Sizes

Goldendoodles come in several sizes, primarily categorized by the size of the poodle parent breed involved in the mix. 

A growth chart can help puppy owners gauge the potential adult size of their Goldendoodle puppy. However, predicting the exact science of a Goldendoodle’s growth isn’t always precise. For instance, a female Goldendoodle may grow to be slightly less than the average height and weight range compared to a male.

Here are the common types based on size:

Mini & Micro Goldendoodles

A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle, these pups are on the smaller end of the spectrum.  They are  great family pets for those with less space or for those who simply prefer smaller dogs. Their average weight is 15-35 pounds, with a height of around 13-20 inches.

Our dog Rory is a miniature Goldendoodle and is expected to weigh between 20 to 25 lbs full grown.

If you are looking for an even smaller dog, some breeders offer micro Goldendoodles, which breeds a micro toy Poodle. This dog will be anywhere from 10 to 15 lbs and under 14 inches high.

Medium Goldendoodles

These are often the offspring of a Golden Retriever bred with a medium-sized Poodle. They offer a middle ground between the mini and standard sizes.

With their weight between 30-45 pounds and a height of roughly 17-21 inches, they are the perfect size for a big “small” dog.

Standard Goldendoodles

The largest of the bunch, these dogs are the result of breeding a Golden Retriever with a Standard Poodle. 

As larger dogs, they require ample space to roam and play.

Weighing between 50-90 pounds and with a height of about 20-26 inches, these large dogs are big teddy bears.

Growth Patterns & When Growth Stops

Goldendoodle puppies, regardless of whether they’re a micro, mini, medium, or standard, go through rapid growth spurts in their first months of life. 

Generally, smaller types like mini and toy Goldendoodles will reach their full height more quickly than their larger counterparts.

It’s important to note that growth rates can be influenced by various factors, including the goldendoodle’s activity level, diet, and the health of the parent breeds.

 Larger dogs such as standard Goldendoodles are also more prone to hip dysplasia, a health problem to be mindful of during their growth.

Mini and Micro Goldendoodles

These smaller varieties often stop growing in terms of height by 7-11 months of age, and they will likely reach their adult weight shortly thereafter. 

Toy (micro) Goldendoodles, and even teacup varieties, are the smallest and may complete their growth even earlier due to the size difference stemming from being bred with a toy poodle.

Medium Goldendoodles

A medium Goldendoodle puppy will usually continue to gain weight until they are about 12-15 months of age, although they can reach their full height by their first birthday.

Standard Goldendoodles

As larger dogs, standards have the longest growing time frames, with some not reaching their maximum height until they are one and a half years old. 

Their weight may continue to increase until they are around 1-2 years of age.

Factors Influencing Your Goldendoodle’s Growth

Several factors can influence the growth of a Goldendoodle, including genetics, nutrition, exercise and physical activity.  Other environmental factors such as living conditions, stress levels, and overall health can also play a role in their growth and development too.

By considering and managing these various factors, pet owners can help ensure that their Goldendoodle grows up to be healthy, happy, and well-balanced.

Parent Breeds

The growth curve of your Goldendoodle can be anticipated by looking at the size of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever from which it descends. 

A DNA test can even provide insights into the mixed heritage of hybrid breeds like Goldendoodles. However, reputable breeders should have this information readily available.

Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for Goldendoodles to reach their mature size healthily. 

Overfeeding can cause them to gain weight rapidly, which is not healthy, especially for a young puppy prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia.

Exercise

Goldendoodles are active dogs that require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and promote good behavior.

Lack of enough exercise can lead to weight issues and impact their overall growth and health.

Health Care

Regular check-ups with a vet can ensure that your Goldendoodle is growing at a healthy rate and help catch any early signs of health issues.

Importance Of Using A Reputable Breeder

For those considering adding a Goldendoodle to their family, it’s essential to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. 

A good breeder will provide you with information about the expected size of the puppy based on the parents and offer guidance on how to care for your new furry friend as they grow.

When Do Goldendoodle Puppies Stop Growing Then?

The exact timing of when a Goldendoodle puppy stops growing may vary based on the individual dog and various factors.  Understanding the growth patterns and factors influencing their development can help pet owners navigate their pup’s growth journey successfully. 

By providing proper care, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and lots of love, you can ensure that your Goldendoodle reaches their full height and healthy weight, growing into a happy and well-adjusted adult dog.

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