Growth pattern

[DJ]

Hi! It seemed like Lily grew very fast and quick at first and might be slowing down a little at this point. Although she seems to have such long legs that must be the poodle in her? She is 6 months and about 15lbs now how much bigger would you estimate she would get? Both parents were 29lbs mom a miniature poodle and dad a mini goldendoodle.
Thanks!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I suspect that she is almost done - perhaps a pound or two, if any.  The smaller the dog, the sooner they mature.  My mini, Ned really slowed down at 6 months and was totally done by 8 months, At 29 pounds, he is a large mini by today's standards.

[DJ]

Oh wow, you think she might be done. I was thinking 10 more pounds. And she would grow until 1 year? Although her size is so cute right now I wouldn't mind if she was done. I was just curious thanks!!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

With mixed breeds (like doodles), accuracy of prediction is iffy. I have two labradoodles, Desi (22 months) and Cori (15 months). They share the same dad but have different moms. The moms, however, are about the same size so I "predicted" that our two would be about the same size. WRONG! Desi weighs in around 45 pounds, while Cori tips the scale at just 23 pounds. Go figure.

[Leslie J]

Cocoa has long poodle legs too- which are especially noticeable when her hair is cut short. She grew up until she was about eight months but I think smaller dogs stop growing sooner. Up until she was two years old she gained some weight and filled in a bit but didn't get much taller.

Somewhere I read that (unfortunately) the early spay/neuter, which is frequently done on doodles, can cause this growth pattern (at least on larger doodles) and it's not necessarily a good thing, but I haven't verified this information.