When do dogs become adults?

The lifespan of a dog is only one-sixth or seventh of that of a human being, and the speed of growth and development is also much faster. Sometimes the dog has grown up without paying attention, but when do dogs mature? In fact, the timing of dogs’ reproductive, physical, and psychological maturity is somewhat different. Let’s explain it in detail below.

Sexual maturity time

Sexual maturity refers to the time when a dog’s reproductive system matures. For a male dog, it means that it can produce sperm with the ability to fertilize, while for a female dog, it means that it has released egg cells and can become pregnant. It is marked by the first visit to the aunt. . Generally, sexual maturity occurs between 6 and 12 months after birth. Depending on the breed and body size, the time is not fixed.
On average, around eight months, a dog will go into heat for the first time. At this time, it has the ability to mate, but it does not mean that we can let it breed because its body has not fully grown up at this time. .
Even after getting pregnant with puppies, the puppies they give birth to will be deformed or have a low survival rate. Generally, you wait until the second estrus and the body is mature before you mate and conceive. This can not only protect the dog’s body, but also improve the quality of the offspring.

Physical maturity time

If the time when a dog’s bones stop growing is used as a sign of complete physical maturity, then for most dogs the time is more than 12 months, depending on the size of the dog.
The bones of small dogs are basically fully developed at 8-12 months, while the physical development of large dogs is completed around 12-15 months. For example, golden retrievers need 15 months of bone growth, and some giant dogs, such as Newfoundlands, need It takes 18-24 months to fully grow.
Some people confuse a dog’s physical maturity time with its reproductive system. Some people say that a dog at home will become an adult in six months. This is at most the time when a dog reaches sexual maturity. Most dogs reach adulthood at six months. The body has not grown completely at all. Dogs still have a lot of room to grow and need a lot of protein and calcium. They must continue to supplement their nutrition.

Psychological maturity time

Psychological growth and maturity, there is currently no basis to clearly indicate when. If we calculate based on the dog’s level of intelligence, it will take until the dog is two years old before he can become more sensible and well-behaved.
When a dog is one to two years old and his body is initially mature, he will have a strong interest in exploring the outside world and is not very obedient. This can be regarded as the dog’s rebellious period.
We have to wait until after the age of two, when the character becomes mature and calm. According to us, only at this time can we consider ourselves grown up and sensible.
However, don’t think that after the puppy reaches two years old, its personality will spontaneously become calm and become a good dog. If the owner never gives it positive education and does not give it the corresponding rules and boundaries, then it will be very bad. You may be a very naughty dog for a few years. Therefore, an obedient dog still needs to be trained.

When does a dog become an adult dog?

When dogs reach adulthood depends on their breed and body size. Generally speaking, smaller dogs mature earlier than larger dogs. Of course, there may be exceptions, and the approximate age of adulthood for each type of dog is as follows:
Ultra small dog (not exceeding 8 pounds): 8 months old
Small variety (8-20): 10 months
Medium variety (20-50 jin): 12 months
Large variety (50-87 pounds): 15 months
Giant variety (weighing over 87 pounds): 18 to 24 months

What are the characteristics of dogs as adults?

After a dog reaches adulthood, there are two main changes: physical and behavioral.

Physical characteristics

Firstly, adult dogs have completely lost their baby teeth and have grown new ones. The various organs on the dog’s body have already developed and matured, and the level of sex hormones will increase. At this time, the dog will attract its first estrus.

Behavior characteristics

After male dogs reach adulthood, their sense of territory will become stronger, and they like to make marks under trees or other places to show their status. And female dogs are relatively calm, with the most obvious being in heat. Both male and female dogs in estrus may go out to mate with the opposite sex.

What should dogs pay attention to when they reach adulthood?

In terms of diet

During the puppy stage, dogs need a large amount of calcium and other nutrients to supplement their bodies, so we will feed them dog food specifically designed for puppies. But as dogs grow up, their demand for calcium is no longer as high as before, so when it comes to choosing dog food, it is necessary to switch back to dog specific options. Generally, dog food for puppies is relatively expensive. Although it is nutritious, for adult dogs, they cannot absorb so many nutrients. To avoid waste, it is best to switch to dog food for dogs.
In addition to changing dog food, the feeding intervals also need to be adjusted. Adult dogs can be fed two meals a day, but if the amount is too much, it can easily lead to obesity.

Behavioral aspects

If it’s a dog in heat, we need to be extra careful. When male dogs are in heat, they will go out to find female dogs and mark them everywhere to attract their attention. In order to avoid causing trouble to others or getting injured in fights with other male dogs, it is best to keep an eye on the dog during this period. If the female dog is in heat, put it on a diaper when going out to prevent the male dog from taking advantage of the situation.
Of course, in addition to paying attention to estrus, it is also very important to cultivate a dog’s correct sense of status. After dogs reach adulthood, their sense of status becomes very evident. Those who have not been trained during their puppy years may become disobedient as they grow up. For dogs who are the eldest at home, Ju Xiaomeng has specialized articles to solve the problem, and owners can learn from them when they have free time.
The specific time of adulthood for each dog may vary slightly, but generally after the first estrus, the dog officially enters the realm of adulthood.

Conclusion: How old is your dog?