Unlocking the Mystery: When Does Goldendoodle Stop Growing?

Bricks Coggin

Bricks Coggin | Owner-Operator of ABCs Puppy Zs

Goldendoodle Growth Trajectory


Wondering when your Goldendoodle puppy will stop growing? Generally, Goldendoodles reach their full size between 1 to 2 years of age. This article will walk you through the growth stages of goldendoodle size, factors influencing their development, and how to ensure your furry friend grows healthily.

Key Highlights


  • Goldendoodles go through three main growth stages: Puppyhood (0-6 months), Adolescence (6-12 months), and Maturity (12-24 months), each with unique growth patterns
  • Factors that influence growth include genetics, nutrition, and exercise, all of which play vital roles in determining the final size and health of your Goldendoodle
  • Goldendoodles typically reach full height by 12 to 14 months, but weight stabilizes by about 24 months, with larger breeds growing longer than smaller ones

Understanding Goldendoodle Growth Stages


Goldendoodles undergo several distinct growth phases, each characterized by varying rates of physical development. Recognizing these stages helps in promoting your Goldendoodle's healthy growth and meeting their specific needs. These phases include Puppyhood, Adolescence, and Maturity, each bringing its unique set of changes and challenges.


During Puppyhood, Goldendoodle puppies experience dramatic increases in height and weight, marking significant milestones in their early development. As they transition into Adolescence, the growth rate slows down, with a focus on muscle development and coat changes. Finally, in the Maturity phase, Goldendoodles reach their full adult size and weight, completing their physical growth journey. We shall explore each of these stages to understand the growth patterns and what to expect during these periods.

Puppyhood (0-6 Months)

The first six months of a Goldendoodle puppy's life are marked by rapid growth and development. For a medium Goldendoodle, this period is crucial as it lays the foundation for their future growth and health. During this period, Goldendoodle puppies can experience significant increases in both weight and height, achieving about 50% of their adult body weight by the time they are six months old. This stage is crucial as it lays the foundation for their future growth and health. Pet owners should ensure their young puppy receives proper nutrition and care during these formative months to support healthy development.


In these early months, Goldendoodle puppies exhibit an adorable appearance with their soft, fluffy coats and playful demeanor. However, this phase also requires careful monitoring of their puppy's weight and overall health. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are essential to support their rapid growth and prevent potential health issues. By six months, your Goldendoodle will have grown significantly, showcasing their strong growth trajectory.

Adolescence (6-12 Months)

As Goldendoodles enter adolescence, their growth continues but at a slower rate compared to the rapid spurts of puppyhood. During this stage, medium Goldendoodles typically continue to grow in height and gain weight too, albeit at a slower pace. During these months, typically between 6 to 12 months of age, the focus shifts towards developing muscle and changing their coats.


This stage is also marked by behavioral changes as your Goldendoodle matures from a young puppy into a more independent and sometimes stubborn adolescent. During this time, regular veterinary check-ups and dietary adjustments are important to support this steady growth phase.

Maturity (12-24 Months)

The final growth stage for Goldendoodles occurs between 12 to 24 months, where they reach their full adult size and weight. During this period, Standard Goldendoodles may take up to 2 years to fully mature, while Mini Goldendoodles typically reach their adult weight between 11-13 months. This maturity phase is characterized by a stabilization in weight and height, completing the physical growth of your Goldendoodle. Continuing to provide a balanced diet and regular exercise is important for maintaining health and well-being as they mature into adulthood.

Factors Influencing Goldendoodle Growth


Goldendoodle growth is influenced by a combination of genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors. Understanding these influences can help you optimize your Goldendoodle's growth and ensure they develop healthily. Genetic makeup, nutrition, and exercise are three primary factors that play a significant role in a Goldendoodle's growth.


Genetic traits inherited from the Golden Retriever and Poodle parents greatly impact the size and growth rate of Goldendoodle puppies. Adequate nutrition supports their developmental needs, and regular exercise helps build strong muscles and maintain a healthy weight. A purebred poodle can also influence these traits. Let's explore these factors in more detail to understand how genetics play their roles in your Goldendoodle's growth.

Genetic Makeup

The genetic traits from both the Golden Retriever and Poodle parents are pivotal in determining a Goldendoodle's full-grown size. The size of the parent of designer dog breeds, particularly the Poodle, directly affects the size of the offspring. Reputable breeders often provide information about the parent breeds, giving insights into the potential size of Goldendoodle puppies. DNA testing can also offer valuable information about a Goldendoodle's mixed heritage, helping you understand its growth patterns better.

Nutrition and Diet

A balanced diet is essential for the healthy growth of Goldendoodles. Poor nutrition can limit their growth potential and lead to developmental issues. Goldendoodle puppies should be fed two to three times a day with nutritious, high-quality food to support their rapid growth phases.


Consulting a veterinarian can provide guidance to ensure your Goldendoodle receives the necessary nutrients for optimal growth if you are uncertain about their diet.

Exercise and Activity Level

Regular exercise is crucial for Goldendoodles, as it helps in developing muscles and maintaining overall health. Goldendoodles are active dogs that enjoy activities like walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Insufficient exercise can lead to weight issues, affecting their growth and health.


An active lifestyle not only contributes to their physical well-being but also enhances their mental health, reducing anxiety and behavioral problems.

Size Variations Among Goldendoodle Types


Goldendoodles come in various sizes, largely influenced by the size of their parent breeds (Golden Retriever plays a big role). They can be categorized into Standard, Miniature, and Toy types, each with distinct size characteristics. Understanding these size variations can help you anticipate the growth patterns and final size of your Goldendoodle.


The genetic composition of a Goldendoodle, particularly the size of the Golden Retriever and Poodle parents, plays a significant role in determining the size of the offspring. For instance, Goldendoodles with a larger Poodle parent and a smaller Golden Retriever parent can exhibit a wide range of sizes. We will examine the specific size categories to understand their unique features and growth timelines.

Standard Goldendoodles

A standard Goldendoodle is a dog breed classified as a large breed dog, typically standing taller than 21 inches (a female goldendoodle typically averages smaller than a male goldendoodle). They are known for their robust size and generally weigh between 50 to 90 pounds as adults. These standard Goldendoodles take longer to reach full maturity, often continuing to grow until they are around 18 months old. Their larger size makes them well-suited for families with large dogs who have ample space for these active dogs.

Miniature Goldendoodle

Mini Goldendoodles are a popular choice for pet owners looking for a smaller dog. They typically weigh between 15 to 30 pounds and stand 14 to 17 inches tall. A mini goldendoodle generally reaches its adult weight by 11 to 13 months of age.


These smaller dogs are ideal for those living in apartments or smaller homes but still wanting the friendly and energetic nature of a miniature goldendoodle, goldendoodle breeds, and hybrid breeds.

Toy Goldendoodles

Toy Goldendoodles are the smallest variety, usually less than 15 inches in height. They weigh between 10 to 15 pounds and often reach their full adult weight between 7.5 to 11 months. Despite their petite size, Toy Goldendoodle's weight share the same charming and playful traits as their larger counterparts.


These tiny dogs, including the toy poodle and miniature poodle standard poodle, (miniature goldendoodles from other parent being golden retrievers), are perfect for those who prefer a smaller companion without compromising on personality and energy.

Predicting Your Goldendoodle's Adult Size


Predicting the adult size of a Goldendoodle can be quite intriguing, given their hybrid nature. Several factors, including genetics, environment, and nutrition, influence their growth. Owners can use various methods, like weight estimation formulas and growth charts, to get a better idea of their Goldendoodle's future size.


Using these accurate predicetion tools can help you anticipate your Goldendoodle's adult weight and height, ensuring you provide appropriate care and adjustments to their diet and exercise. Let's explore these prediction methods in more detail.

Weight Estimation Formula

A common method to estimate a Goldendoodle's future weight is to take rough estimate of their weight at 4 months, multiply it by 2, and add 5-10 pounds. This straightforward formula helps pet owners anticipate the average weight their Goldendoodle will reach as an adult.


For instance, if your Goldendoodle weighs 20 pounds at 4 months, you can expect them to weigh between 45 to 50 pounds as a full-grown Goldendoodle.

Growth Charts and Curves

Growth charts are valuable tools for tracking a Goldendoodle puppy's development. These charts provide average weight ranges per month, helping goldendoodle owners to monitor their puppy's growth trajectory and make necessary adjustments to their care.


Using growth charts and curves can help identify deviations from expected growth patterns, allowing for more accurate prediction and timely interventions if necessary.

Common Growth Milestones


Goldendoodles, like most dog breeds, have specific growth milestones that mark their development. These milestones help pet owners track their Goldendoodle's growth and ensure they are on the right path. The growth milestones are typically divided into three phases: the first 6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months.


Monitoring these milestones can provide insights into your Goldendoodle's growth patterns and help you make informed decisions about their care. We will examine these growth phases in more detail.

First 6 Months

During the initial six months, Goldendoodles undergo rapid physical and behavioral changes, marking key growth spurts. This period is crucial as Goldendoodles experience significant increases in both weight and height. By the end of six months, they typically reach about 50% of their adult weight, reflecting their growth trajectory.

6-12 Months

From 6 to 12 months, Goldendoodles transition from puppyhood to adolescence. This stage is characterized by slower growth compared to the rapid increase in the first six months.


Pet owners should continue to monitor their puppy's weight and health, adjusting their diet and exercise to support this new phase of development. Any indicators of unhealthy weight gain should be addressed promptly to maintain a healthy growth pattern.

12-24 Months

Between 12 to 24 months, Goldendoodles reach their adult size, stabilizing in weight and height. This maturity phase completes their growth journey, where their body structure finalizes, and they achieve their mature size. Regular monitoring and care during this period will ensure your Goldendoodle remains healthy as they settle into adulthood.

Health Considerations During Growth


Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds of a large dog, they are prone to certain health issues, especially during their growth stages. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular veterinary check-ups for your Goldendoodle can mitigate many risks.


This section will delve into key health considerations, including hip dysplasia and the importance of a balanced diet, as well as the necessity of regular veterinary visits.

Hip Dysplasia and Joint Health

Larger Goldendoodles are particularly susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Preventive measures, such as maintaining a balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids and regular, appropriate exercise, can significantly improve joint health. Routine veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of these conditions. Understanding and implementing preventive care can help pet and dog owners to mitigate the risks of joint problems in their Goldendoodles.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for your Goldendoodle's overall health. Feeding small, frequent meals throughout the day can prevent conditions like gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). An active lifestyle not only supports physical health but also contributes to mental well-being, reducing anxiety and behavioral issues. A noticeable tuck in the abdomen and waist is an indicator of a healthy weight.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Regular veterinary visits are crucial for monitoring the growth and overall health of Goldendoodles. During these check-ups, veterinarians assess various health aspects such as weight, joint health, and any signs of illness. Maintaining these appointments helps ensure early detection and treatment of potential health issues, keeping your Goldendoodle healthy and thriving.

When Do Goldendoodles Stop Growing?


Goldendoodles typically reach their full size between 1 to 2 years of age. They usually achieve their maximum height by around 12 to 14 months, while their weight stabilizes by about 24 months. Larger breeds, such as Standard Goldendoodles, tend to grow for a longer duration compared to up to two years for larger vs smaller breeds like Mini Goldendoodles, which generally stop growing between 7 to 10 months. Understanding these growth timelines can help you anticipate and manage your Goldendoodle's development effectively.

Key Takeaways


In summary, understanding the growth stages of Goldendoodles—from puppyhood through adolescence into maturity—can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. Factors affecting them such as genetics, nutrition, and exercise play crucial roles in their development. By monitoring growth milestones and maintaining regular veterinary check-ups, you can ensure your Goldendoodle grows into a healthy, happy adult. Embrace the journey of raising your Goldendoodle, and enjoy the wonderful companionship they bring!

Frequently Asked Questions


When do Goldendoodles typically stop growing?

Goldendoodles typically stop growing between 1 to 2 years old, stabilizing in height around 12 to 14 months and reaching their adult weight by about 24 months. So, if you have one, you're in for a joyful journey as they grow!

What affects the growth of a Goldendoodle?

The growth of a Goldendoodle is mainly influenced by its genetic makeup, nutrition, and exercise. Ensuring a proper diet and regular physical activity is key to supporting their healthy development.

How can I estimate my Goldendoodle puppy's adult size and weight?

You can estimate your Goldendoodle's adult weight by doubling their weight at 4 months and then adding 5-10 pounds. This gives you a good ballpark figure for their full-grown size!

Are there different size variations among Goldendoodles?

Absolutely, Goldendoodles come in Standard, Miniature, and Toy sizes, giving you options that can fit different lifestyles and preferences. So, whether you want a big buddy or a smaller companion, there's a Goldendoodle for you!

What are common health issues during Goldendoodle growth?

It's important to keep an eye out for hip dysplasia and joint issues in Goldendoodles, as these can be common health concerns. Ensuring they maintain a healthy weight is crucial to avoid obesity and its related problems.