Larger Litters ~ Do they affect the length of time a puppy reaches full size?

[Kara & Dexter]

Good Morning Everyone! 

 

I am a new Goldendoodle owner (Dexter is now 11 weeks old, 13lbs 6oz) and am a little curious as to how large he'll end up being.  I love big dogs & wouldn't mind if he hit 80lbs but I'm also only 5 feet tall so if he only ends up being 50-60 lbs that's fine too!  

 

The breeder thinks he and his littermates will end up being around the 60lb range although the vet feels he'll be larger based on paw size (which I know is not always the best indicator).  From what I've seen on the internet, he's a bit lighter than many other Standard Doodles his age but.....he was from a litter of 12 and I'm wondering if this might not cause him to take a little more time to catch up since 12 puppies can only grow so large while they are in their mom!

 

Any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated!

 

[BG and Gavin]

Oh wow, he is gorgeous!  Don't have an answer for you, but just had to say.

[Kara & Dexter]

Thank you, love the hat on your puppy :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Well, I think I sort of fit your scenario here.  Lucy and Sophie are liter mate sisters!  They came from a liter of 11.  Sophie was the runt of the liter.  At 11 weeks Sophie was 13 lbs and Lucy was 15 lbs.   They will be 4 y/o in March and are currently  57 lbs for Sophie and 78 lbs for Lucy.  So, as you can see, there really isn't any rhyme or reason to much of anything.  I think that the rule of thumb is your best estimate at this point.  That is take the weight at 16 weeks, double it and add UP TO 10 lbs.  In our case Sophie fell within this estimate and Lucy exceeded it by a little bit.  Lucy is more heavily boned than Sophie so we pretty much knew all along that she was going to be heavier but didn't know by how much.  Dexter is adorable, and the best thing that you can do is lots and lots of training.  Because you are so small, if you don't have a well behaved dog, 60 lbs or 80 lbs, it doesn't matter, you are going to be in trouble!

[Kara & Dexter]

Thank you!  It's nice to hear a similar example.  It's crazy, with these puppies, how much of a mystery it is as to what they'll be like as an adult (looks, size, etc).  but that's half the fun too!

We're working hard at the training, he already sits, stays, shakes paws, gives a high five, rolls over, and rings a bell when we wants to go outside (which he abuses bc he likes being outdoors!)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

sounds like you are working hard on the training.  Just be sure to concentrate on leash walking and heeling as well because that is what will get you in trouble.  Lucy at almost 80 pounds on the end of a leash when she sees a bunny in the back yard is not what I would consider a joy ride!

[Kara & Dexter]

That's something I had a really difficult time with when I had a Golden Retriever, he was great with everything else but pulled horribly on walks!  Do you have any tips or tricks to try?  I can already tell Dexter is trying to pull a bit on his walks.  I've enrolled him in puppy training classes, starting December 9 but I don't think they address heeling so much until he completes this class and I can then enroll him in a more intermediate class. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

It is extremely tedious and that is why so many people don't follow through.  What we were taught is you start out with him in a sit.  When you start, tell him to "heel".  The very moment he stops heeling, you stop, sit, and start over. Over and Over and Over again.  There is also another method I not completely familiar with but it involves the second he stops heeling you quickly turn and head in the other direction and get him back in a heel.  When he stops heeling you turn and go in the other direction again.  Shows him that not heeling does not get him to go where it was he was wanting to go to start with.  It is a lot of work, but probably the most important thing that you can teach.  I'm sure others will chime in with their methods as well.  Whichever one you choose, just follow through and practice lots.

[Jennie & Emma]

I just got a Premier Easy Walk harness for my 5 month old puppy.  What a huge difference, from the first day, she doesn't pull anymore!  I didn't have high hopes for it because it is weird looking with the ring on the front of the chest, but it works and it is easier to put on than most harnesses.  A proper fit is crucial, so read the instructions carefully.  They are on sale at Petco.com for $19.99.

 

[Amy and Lily]

Dexter is a cute boy.  Double his weight at 16 weeks of age and you will get a pretty good idea of how big he will get.  This worked out for my girl Lily as she was 32lbs at 16 weeks and at 11 months she is 63lbs.  This is the fun of a Doodle, you just have to wait and see what they turn out to look like!

[Kara & Dexter]

Thank you!  I'm excited to see what he'll look like as an adult but I will miss this puppy stage :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Dexter is so cute! I don't know anything about figuring out how big he'll be, but he sure will be a beauty.

[Kara & Dexter]

Thank you!  I love this breed, they're all so unique :)