How long are dogs called puppies? | .de

Puppy time is crucial to a dog’s development. In it, the four-legged friend collects, among other things, first experiences in dealing with conspecifics and people. In addition, his later behavior is significantly influenced by his experiences during this time. But while this phase is so important in a dog’s life, it really only lasts a few weeks. You can find out how long dogs are called puppies and when they are considered young dogs below.

Key facts at a glance

Puppy time ends in dogs between the 16th and 18th week of life.
The exact end of puppyhood depends on the breed as well as individual differences.
The mental development and the change of teeth can announce the transition to the young dog.
The time as a puppy is very important for imprinting and building a bond with the owner.

When does puppyhood end?

Of course, there is no exact day on which a dog develops from puppy to young dog overnight. Of course, this is a process that lasts for a certain period of time and which is not exactly the same for all dogs.

Nevertheless, you can assume that your dog’s puppyhood will slowly but surely come to an end sometime between the 16th and 18th week of life. It is true that large dog breeds develop more slowly, both physically and mentally, so that their puppyhood tends to last a little longer.

That doesn’t mean your little dog is still a puppy at eight or nine months, though. Because even if you may still not be able to resist the faithful gaze of your four-legged friend, from the age of 18 weeks at the latest, it is no longer a puppy, but a young dog.

Physical and mental development during puppyhood

Of course, your young four-legged friend does not look like an adult dog. Nevertheless, the phase that is known as the puppy phase ends between the 16th and 18th week of the growing animal.

In order to determine when exactly the time has come, a look at the mental development and the associated behavior of the respective four-legged friend helps, among other things. In addition, the change of teeth that begins in the fourth month of life is also a sign that the puppy period is slowly but surely over.

Why you should know how long your dog is a puppy

As the owner, you should know exactly how long your four-legged friend will be a puppy and when you will be dealing with a young dog. Because even if the exact day is of course not important, this knowledge will help you to build a strong bond with your dog and optimally promote its development.

The better you succeed in responding to the specific needs in the respective development phase, the easier future everyday life with your four-legged roommate will be.

Since the phase in which dogs are called puppies and in which the essential imprinting takes place is very short, you should not waste any time and start preparing your four-legged friend for life as a well-balanced dog immediately.