When does a Labradoodle reach its full size?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

My Maui is an Australian Multi-Gen who is now 14 weeks and everyone who meets him says how big he is for a puppy. At 12 weeks he weighed 18 pounds and I'm trying to get an idea of how big he might be. I keep reading that Labradoodles reach their size by 6 months, is this true? What is your experience?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It depends on the expected adult size. Standards usually don't reach full skeletal growth until they are between 9 and 12 months old. Minis can reach full skeletal growth by 6 months. It is very unlikely your puppy is going to have reached his full size at 6 months.  With purebreds, it's easier to judge because their adult size is basically known, but with mixed breed dogs, it's harder to tell. A lot of people whose doodles are 80 or 90 lbs were told they would be between 50-60 lbs. And even after they reach their full skeletal growth, they also continue to gain weight in the form of muscle mass.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Is he a standard, medium? The rule of thumb that I have always found to work out relatively close to their max weight is the 16 week weight x 2 +/- 10 pds formula. For instance if Maui is 22 pds by 16 wks old, X 2 = 44 pds then +/- 10 pds. Lightest weight 34 , highest weight 54 pds. I know it's a big spread, but I have found that they stay pretty close to the 16 wks X 2 (44pds) guesstimate. .
Murphy was 28 pds at 16 weeks (56 pd guesstimate) +/- 10 pds) and matured and remains at around 60 -62 pds from about 10 months of age.
Bella, was 26 pds at 16 wks (52pd guesstimate +/- 10 pds) and matured and remains at 58-60 pds from about 9-10 months of age. Hope this helps.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

Cosmo is a medium multi-generation Australian Labradoodle, too. Interestingly, he was the second-smallest puppy in his litter at birth, but the second-largest at 8 weeks. I don't know how he and his littermates compare as adults.

He is almost 2 1/2 years old now, but I believe he achieved his adult height at 12 to 14 months. (I'll double-check his vet records.) His weight had stabilized at about the same time at about 40 pounds--but this summer, he has gained almost 5 pounds!

Technically, I guess, Cosmo is a small standard now, at about 21 inches at the shoulder and 45 pounds--but we think he is the perfect size for us!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have found this rule to be true very often and would agree that is is your best bet. My pup was 20 pounds at 16 weeks and now at 1 1/2, he has just reached 40 pounds and is not growing anymore. His height has not changed in 6 months, but he has filled out a bit.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I remember our vet saying it would be around 16-18 months before they were really considered full grown also. However, we were discussing best age to start running with them and at what age it would be safe. My two really just didn't gain much after 12 months, so that's when I noticed the weight gain stopping, but as far as body maturity, I agree with you Andrea.
I wonder if raw feeding does have an effect on growth rate, interesting.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Yes, slow growth in large breeds is a great bonus when it comes to bones. Good to know, thanks.