Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Golden Retrievers are famous for their large hearts. However, they can also grow into quite big dogs. One might be left wondering: “How big do Golden Retrievers get?” What about what is the best way to keep track of how fast and healthy our pups are developing? Each dog is unique however it’s always a good idea to look at averages to determine how your dog’s growth rate compares to others.
Certain Retrievers grow faster or slower than other breeds. This could be confusing for pet owners. Although we are aware that they are bigger than other breeds It’s worth checking for growth phases. Comparisons can help us determine how our dog is growing as they develop. Numerous factors influence the development of your Golden, no matter what gender.
This guide will let you in on all the details of growing a puppy by providing a month-to-month comparison, as well as the stats of a typical fully grown Golden Retriever. We also provide a graph of the expected growth rate of your dog to give you an easy guideline. We then go over the various factors that affect the health of your dog as it develops. Then, we look for some of the frequently-asked questions regarding Golden Retrievers’ growth. Let’s look at the Golden Retriever’s growth in more detail.
- 1 What To Expect
- 2 Weight Growth Chart
- 3 Factors To Consider
-
4
Frequently Asked Questions
- 4.1 What time will the size of my Golden Retriever stop growing?
- 4.2 What is the speed I can anticipate to see my Golden Retriever to grow?
- 4.3 My puppy is likely to experience discomforts due to its growth?
- 4.4 What are the common conditions with growing Golden Retrievers?
- 4.5 What should I do when I find that my Golden Retriever isn’t the correct weight?
- 5 Final Thoughts
What To Expect
Let’s take a good look at what to look forward to during their growing period. This will help us plan for the changes that will occur as your puppy develops. Growth charts are definitely useful, but we must take care of our pets in the most effective manner possible to ensure that they develop their bodies well. It is also a great opportunity to understand the various developmental changes that occur throughout the dog’s lifetime through their most important development stage — the puppyhood stage.
Reminders
This article focuses on the development patterns of the common Golden Retriever. But, keep in mind that the results of your puppy’s training could be different. There may be periods of growth or plateaus that accelerate or slow overall growth. It’s normal, and is not a cause for concern. Retrievers usually reach their maximum size around 1 year old, but their weight will continue to increase until they reach at least 18 months of age. The growth of this dog is also dependent on the diet and general health, so make careful not overfeed or underfeed your dog. Also, you must be sure to keep them from injuries. In the end, your puppy may be a little larger or smaller than the norms we offer. If you are concerned due to this fact, it’s always recommended to speak with your vet. They will give you the information needed to promote the proper growth of your puppy.
Puppy Growth Timeline
Here’s an outline of the growth of your Golden Retriever and development, as well as the various developmental milestones and what your puppy might require during these stages. The Golden Retriever breed is slower to develop than other breeds and therefore you should be watching them closely throughout each stage of growth.
Birth To 2 Weeks
From the moment your puppy is born until about two weeks They won’t be the most active due to being deaf and blind. They also depend on their mother for giving them the attention they require during this period. If you’re caring for your mother’s needs, it’s great idea to keep an watch on her to make sure she’s eating well. In addition, you should allow puppies to drink the milk they require to the fullest extent of their ability. Around two weeks old the puppy’s eyes open and they begin hearing sounds.
1 Month
Around one month the puppy’s senses have grown a lot. In this stage they start to become more open with their littermates. They are also beginning to get off of the milk of their mothers. It is possible to introduce dry food to them now. Socialization at an early age is crucial and you must ensure that they’re enjoying plenty of time with their siblings and brothers.
2 Months
Around two months old at the age of two months, your puppy will be separated from the mother. It is recommended that they are completely removed from milk at this stage. It is now time to begin training for obedience since it is the perfect time to begin it. They are extremely responsive when they are they are very young. This can help set a solid base for the rest of their lives as well-behaved dogs. Training for housetraining should be easy too. Expect a weight gain from both female and male Golden Retriever puppies. These observations continue through the remainder of this article.
- Males weigh on average 10 pounds.
- Females average weight of 10 pounds.
3 Months
It is recommended to continue your puppy’s training and socialization , but it could be beneficial to begin leash training as soon as they are familiar with the feeling of the leash and harness. It is also a great moment to introduce them to grooming. The importance of consistency and patience is in this regard, so make certain to treat your puppy with respect. They can be very playful and especially chewy. Try to stop negative behavior and promote good behaviour.
- Males weigh average 22lbs.
- females have an average weight of around 22lbs.
4 Months
In about four months. Your dog should be at home. Training in obedience and socialization should be continuing as normal. It could be beneficial to sign up both of you in classes to help in training. Kindergarten classes for puppies are an excellent way to encourage the right behavior in your dog . They help them to learn to behave in a manner that is appropriate for other canines. This will help them become confident adults.
- Males weigh on average 30 pounds.
- Females weigh on average 30 pounds.
5 Months
Around five months at the age of five, you could be amazed by how big your dog is getting. It can be difficult to control them when they’re rambunctious because of their size. This is the time when they develop, learn, and play at a rapid pace. We recommend that you continue by focusing on positive reinforcement because this will change the way your dog develops. Golden Retrievers develop into extremely gentle and affectionate However, puppies will still be pups. The key is patience and you should try to be patient with the puppies while they’re still small.
- Males weigh on average 40 pounds.
- Females weigh on average 40 pounds.
6 Months
As your dog gets to six months of age, they begins to appear uncomfortable and perhaps at times, disproportionate. This is the phase of their lanky, but keep it up since they grow quickly. They are the most prone to developing hip dysplasia around this time So be careful not to put too much stress on them when exercising. Don’t be too strenuous while taking them on walks. At six months, you should have also established routines. Keep being the strong, confident dog’s leader to be in their lives.
- Males average weight of 44 pounds.
- females weigh an average of 43lbs.
7 Months
At the age of seven months the puppy should be accustomed to daily living with you. The routines must be defined and adhered to daily. It is normal for your dog to behave badly occasionally, to see whether they are able to do it. So, it is important to be firm with your discipline and always reward the good behavior of your dog. Socialization continues. It is possible that they have made some new acquaintances when they went for walks.
- Males weigh an average of 48 pounds.
- females weigh on average 45lbs.
8 Months
Around the 8-month mark it is possible that your Golden is bonded to you very well. Due to this, they could be prone to separation anxiety if they are left alone for a long period of time. This could lead to destructive behavior , and could affect the mental health of your dog. Therefore, it is important to always have someone watching your dog to ensure they aren’t isolated. In addition the dog must be growing very quickly, eating, exercising, and socializing according to a set schedule.
- Males average weight of 55lbs.
- females have an average weight of around 52lbs.
9 Months
It is possible for your dog to begin acting a bit more maturely about nine months of age. However, this may not be the case for all puppies, since certain Retrievers behave as puppies as young as 3 years of age. However, they tend to be more calm and happier to be more obedient when their needs are met. Toys are a great method to give your child physical and mental stimulation and reduce destructive behaviour.
- Males average weight of 60.1 pounds.
- females weigh an average of 56lbs.
10 Months
At the age of ten the dog is developing into a strong dog. Because you’ve established an excellent relationship with them, they’re more likely to pay attention to your voice, but you can still expect lots of fun from these shinny dogs. It is possible to start taking them for longer walks, but you must be careful not to overload them.
- Males weigh an average of 63lbs.
- females weigh an average of 58lbs.
11 Months
Your dog is likely to be adjusting perfectly to living at home with you as they’re now almost a year old. They’ve become a permanent part in your household and are content to be a part of the family. They begin to require longer walks, which is about an hour per day. They also enjoy playing with you in the park since they are naturally active dogs.
- Males average weight of 68 lbs.
- females have an average weight of 63lbs.
1 Year
When your dog is celebrating the age of one, their home life should be peaceful and peaceful. Your training in obedience has been very beneficial now that they are beginning to be a good boy and are settling into the adult world. It is important to note that certain Retrievers do not ever grow out of their puppy-like enthusiasm. Keep supporting their growth by providing them with the right nutrition. At this point, you are able to begin to engage in more vigorous exercises. Make sure you get an appointment for hip dysplasia about 2 years of age.
- Males average weight of 70 pounds.
- females weigh an average of 65lbs.
What Happens Next?
At this moment your dog is growing to be a healthy dog, but they could continue to gain body weight for the next year. It is possible to compare notes with your vet to determine how your dog has developed. If they weren’t fed too much or not enough and were well throughout their puppyhood There shouldn’t be an problem with the size they’ve grown to.
Full Grown Golden Retriever
Your dog has gone through quite a bit of growth during the early years of its life. Female and male dogs weigh the same during their the puppyhood period, but they differ in adulthood. The average male weighs about 73 pounds, whereas females weigh in at 70 pounds. The males also stand a little more taller, standing about 23.5 inches around the shoulders and females average around 22 inches tall.
Weight Growth Chart
We’ve created a growth chart that will track the weight of your dog throughout their toddlerhood, and until 2 years old. This chart is a handy reference that can be kept in your pocket when your dog develops. Remember that these are just averages. Your dog could be a little under or above these figures.
As you can see, your puppy has a great deal of growing to do. Certain months are more rapid than others however, they grow nicely with a weight of around 70lbs when they turn the age of two. They become quite large dogs, so make certain that you’ve properly trained them to ensure that they don’t knock anyone over.
Age | Male Weight (lbs.) | Female Weight (lbs.) |
---|---|---|
7 weeks | 9 | 9 |
8 weeks | 10 | 10 |
9 weeks | 12 | 21 |
10 weeks | 15 | 15 |
11 weeks | 17 | 17 |
3 months | 22 | 22 |
4 months | 30 | 30 |
5 months | 40 | 40 |
6 months | 44 | 43 |
7 months | 48 | 45 |
8 months | 55 | 52 |
9 months | 61 | 56 |
10 months | 63 | 58 |
11 months | 68 | 63 |
1 year | 68 | 65 |
2 years | 73 | 70 |
Factors To Consider
There are many factors that influence the development of your Golden Retriever. Knowing the various factors can aid in understanding the progress of your dog and how it could be affected. It can also help you feel more confident that the milestones in growth are not what you had hoped for.
Genetics
Although size is an aspect of their genetic heritage certain breeds can be bigger or smaller than other breeds. The parents’ appearance can generally give you an idea of the size your dog will grow, but this is just an estimate and could be far off. Parents are one piece of the larger genetic puzzle. They could have genes that produce smaller, more average or bigger offspring. There’s no method to determine this until your dog is at fully mature. If you’d like to inquire with your breeder about the any offspring that their dogs have produced, to take notes.
Nutrition
The food you feed your dog is the basis of good health in all forms. It is a major aspect of how large and small your pet can develop. However, this doesn’t mean that feeding your dog too much ensures that he will be as big as healthy as is possible. This can lead to overweight and could lead to other orthopedic problems. Your dog should get plenty of milk from its mother during the beginning of the two months. Once they are weaned off it is essential to eat appropriate-sized meals to their size and age. Organic, dog food is the best choice for the best balance of nutrients needed for the growth of their bodies. It is also possible to give them minerals and vitamins to ensure they are well-nourished both indoors and outdoors.
Growth Spurts And Plateaus
The growth spurts and plateaus may occur at any time in the course of your dog’s development. It either accelerates and/or slows the growth process. It is impossible to predict that these things will happen at the time you’d like them to because they happen randomly. Be aware the fact that you dog trying their best to develop at a healthy rate. Doing your best for your dog will allow it to reach the fullest genetic potential. If you’re unsure about any changes to the growth of your puppy It is always a good idea to consult a vet to determine if your dog is growing well.
Neutering And Spaying
Neutering or spaying your pet at a young age in its life doesn’t actually hinder the growth of your dog. However, joints can be affected. Certain studies have shown that spaying or neutering early can affect your dog’s growth plate. It slows its closure and could cause your dog to grow larger than it normally will. This could lead to joint problems later in life. Make sure you ask your vet when the ideal moment is to spay or neuter your pet. In general wait till your Golden is at minimum 18 months old is the ideal time to sterilize or spay them. In this way, they will complete their puberty and fully develop.
Physical Health
Puppy who weren’t well for a long time could be stunted in growth. In poor health, it is difficult for the body to perform at its full potential, therefore it is important to check with your vet to make sure the healthiest puppy it can be. Injuries can also cause a decrease in growth of the Retriever. Don’t allow the dog to be overexerted while they grow. Always allow your dog plenty of room to play in order that they don’t get into any obstacles and get injured by accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up this article, let’s address some frequently-asked questions that Golden Retriever owners may have regarding their dog’s growth. If we haven’t answered your question in this article you can leave your comment below.
What time will the size of my Golden Retriever stop growing?
Your Golden develops at a regular pace, eventually being bigger than most dogs. They can behave like an infant for as long as three years, or perhaps throughout their lives, however their physical development slows down between the ages of 18 months and two years. The breed typically reaches its adult size around 1 year old, but increases in weight up to two years old.
What is the speed I can anticipate to see my Golden Retriever to grow?
They don’t grow incredibly quickly, but they do develop at a rapid pace, particularly when they are young. In this period they may gain up to 10 pounds in a month. This is quite remarkable. They also are susceptible to sudden growth spurts and plateaus. Similar to how we talked about genetics, you could use the data of several parents to determine an approximate estimation of the size your dog will get. But, your mileage could differ. Some dogs begin small, but then quickly become bigger. However, certain dogs might start out as huge puppies, but then hit an apex and slow down their growth. There is a lot of differences in size between these breeds and it is best not to make too strict expectations.
My puppy is likely to experience discomforts due to its growth?
Research has shown that puppies don’t suffer from growing pains, however certain orthopedic issues can cause them discomfort. If you observe limping or swelling, a peculiar manner of moving, or an inability to participate in normally active activities, it could be something going on. It’s a good idea to visit an veterinary specialist to take an in-depth look so that you can determine what it is that’s ailing your dog. It’s important to note that your dog could be injured if they play rough or do too much exercise.
What are the common conditions with growing Golden Retrievers?
A common problem that Retrievers can be prone to can be hip dysplasia. It is a condition in which the thigh bone doesn’t align properly with the socket of your hip. This could cause discomfort and eventually lead to degenerative arthritis later on in the road. It is easy to spot this when you observe your dog is limping, standing in an awkward position or having a bizarre walking. Most breeders screen for the disease and don’t permit dogs with the disease to breed.
What should I do when I find that my Golden Retriever isn’t the correct weight?
If you notice that your dog isn’t in the right weight range There are options to deal with this. The importance of their weight is contingent on the size they’ve become in size, and dogs are known to become larger as they age. One test that can tell whether your dog is over or not enough weight is to look at the ribs of your dog. It is not possible to detect the ribs. This indicates the dog has been dehydrated. You can feel them when you lightly touch the ribs. If you feel pressure too much, it means your dog has gained excessive weight. Dogs who are overweight should be to a balanced diet and take more physical activity. Dogs who are overweight require immediate medical attention from a veterinarian. They might require deworming to treat internal parasites. In the end, it is best to consult your vet for treatments for dogs who are overweight or obese.
Final Thoughts
Golden Retrievers aren’t short of growing up to go through, which is why responsible pet owners should be watching for an appropriate growth rate. Although there are likely to be couple of bumps in the way, armed with the right information will aid in smoothing things. This information should enable you to provide your dog the highest level of care that you can throughout their life.
Although there could be a myriad of aspects to your dog’s development It’s not difficult to comprehend it. You can be confident that you’re giving your dog the things they require to be strong and healthy. The final suggestion is to bring your dog to its routine vet check-ups. Regular check-ins provide you with the full picture of the way your dog is developing to its full potential.