WHEN IS A DOG CONSIDERED AN ADULT?
If you want to understand a dog’s behavior, you need insight into its life stages and development cycle. All dog breeds go through a progression from puppyhood to adulthood and later to senior age.
The development from puppy to adult affects a dog both physically and mentally. Below, you can learn more about when a dog is considered an adult, and how this transition impacts behavior and maturity based on breed.
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Differences Between Small and Large Dogs
Small dog breeds generally mature faster than large breeds. Therefore, you can expect your small dog to reach full maturity earlier compared to a large dog.
As a general rule:
- Small breeds are considered adults around 1 year of age
- Large breeds reach adulthood around 2–3 years of age
Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult has a significant impact on its behavior. Puppies tend to be impulsive, curious, and prone to experimenting. They are still getting to know themselves and their surroundings.
As adults, dogs become more confident. They’ve gone through a period of experience-building, which helps them develop self-assurance and mental calm (provided they had a secure and healthy puppyhood).
For female dogs, adulthood also involves going into heat, which usually starts before the age of one.
Knowing your dog’s life stage and developmental phase can be valuable. It can help you understand why your dog is calmer in adulthood compared to its teenage phase.
The Significance of Adulthood
Many dog owners find the teenage stage as challenging as with human adolescents. Teenage dogs push boundaries and act daringly, which can test your patience. Biologically, teenage dogs are preparing for adulthood. Male dogs produce more testosterone during this period, which can make them act more aggressively.
Once the dog reaches adulthood, hormone levels stabilize, leading to calmer and more balanced behavior. The dog is more familiar with itself and its environment and is more relaxed around both familiar and unfamiliar people. At this stage, toys should also shift from puppy toys to those suited for adult dogs.
You can ensure your dog’s well-being by starting obedience training early. The earlier you begin training your puppy, the calmer and more balanced it will be as an adult.
Training also helps develop social intelligence. A well-trained adult dog respects humans and commands because it has learned that obeying you (or the breeder) pays off.
A well-mannered adult dog contributes to a peaceful household rhythm, as most conflicts have already been constructively resolved during puppyhood.
An adult dog’s well-being depends on optimal sleep conditions, daily stimulation, and proper nutrition tailored to its size and age.
Feeding and Caring for the Adult Dog
It’s not just a dog’s muscle development and mental maturity that change in adulthood. The dog’s needs also shift, especially regarding food.
Today, dog food is specially formulated for every life stage—puppy, adult, senior, and dogs with allergies.
The most important question is: when should you switch from puppy food to adult food? Timing is crucial. Puppy food is enriched with extra protein, calcium, and phosphorus to support healthy development.
The right time to transition depends on the dog’s size and breed:
- Small and medium breeds: 9–12 months
- Large breeds: 12–15 months
- Giant breeds: 18–24 months
The reason for the difference is that larger breeds mature more slowly. Giant breeds include dogs like the Great Dane and Newfoundland.
Training the Adult Dog
Training strengthens the bond between dog and owner. A well-trained dog is a happy dog. Training stimulates the dog’s senses, which is crucial for its well-being.
Even if you did a great job training your dog as a puppy, you should continue training in adulthood.
Just like humans, dogs keep learning throughout their lives. Here are some training tips for adult dogs:
- Leash walking
- Basic commands (like “sit,” “down,” and “come”)
- Training in different environments
Once your dog responds to “come” in the park or garden, you can extend the training to your home environment.
The best training continues to challenge and stimulate your dog, ensuring it keeps learning and thriving.
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2025-04-13T11:31:16Z