A dog is generally considered no longer a puppy between 12 to 18 months of age, with some variation depending on the breed, size, and personality. Smaller breeds tend to mature faster, often reaching adulthood closer to 9 to 12 months, while larger and giant breeds can take up to 18 to 24 months to fully mature both physically and emotionally. Key markers that a dog is transitioning from puppy to adult include:
- Physical maturity (full height and size, adult teeth)
- Sexual maturity (going into heat for females, marking territory for males)
- Emotional and behavioral maturity (calmer, more predictable behavior)
- Social maturity (ability to handle interactions confidently with other dogs and environment)
Most small to medium breeds stop growing around 12 to 18 months, while large and giant breeds can take up to two years or more. The transition is a gradual process rather than a sudden change at a specific birthday.
