If only our dogs could stay puppies forever! Unfortunately, even small breed puppies grow up and become fully grown adult dogs about one year after birth. Take a journey with us to see how small and big puppies change physically, socially, and emotionally as they grow up. 

Small Breed Puppies

Dachshund

The personality of Dachshund puppies is almost as big as their oversized ears. These small puppies will eventually grow into their ears but their tiny legs won’t get much taller. Dog parents adore the long stocky look of Dachshund puppies and they lovingly call the breed “weiner dogs”.

These small breed puppies are feistier than they appear. They’re curious about their surroundings and unafraid to bark at the threat of danger – or an Amazon delivery. Dachshund puppies will look quite similar in adulthood since they’ll only be around 10 to 12 pounds fully grown. 

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, look like tiny teddy bears when they’re young. The cuddly look never fully fades away since Yorkie puppies only grow to be around 7 pounds. Some consider Yorkies to be “eternal puppies” because they keep their youthful appearance even into old age.  

In their first year of life, Yorkie puppies tend to be sensitive and shy. Positive reinforcement and constant praise are the best ways to train this breed. These small puppies will develop more confidence with other people and dogs as they get older. 

Shih Tzu 

If you’re looking for mellow small puppies, Shih Tzus could be the right fit. These small breed puppies have historically served as lap dogs for Chinese royalty. Perhaps due to their royal roots, Shih Tzu puppies love when their pet parents spoil them with treats, toys, and belly rubs.

Shih Tzu puppies and adults love spending most of their time indoors with their human families. Fully grown Shihs stand around 8 to 11 inches tall and their stubby legs make exercise less enjoyable than it is for larger breeds. 

Medium Sized Puppies

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Easy to mistake these small puppies for baby foxes with their tall pointed ears. Corgi puppies are just as perky and happy as their perked up ears! With seemingly permanent smiles and playful personalities, it’s impossible not to feel upbeat around these small breed puppies. 

In adulthood, Corgis will weigh up to 30 pounds and stand around 10 to 12 inches tall. Most of that body mass lies in the infamously cute “Corgi butt”. The short stubby legs and long body of Corgi puppies carries into adulthood just like Dachshunds. 

Basset Hound

Who can resist the droopy eyes and long ears of Basset Hound puppies? This breed has permanent puppy dog eyes that will guilt you into giving them another treat. Some Basset Hound puppies have such long ears that they become a tripping hazard when they walk.

Those huge hounddog ears only get bigger as they grow up. Basset Hound puppies also take on a more wrinkled face and chest in adulthood. Their old man disposition is deceiving – Basset Hounds have a powerful bark and can track a scent better than any other breed. 

Big Puppies

Golden Retriever

With soft gilded coats and floppy ears, Golden Retriever puppies are undeniably adorable. The breed is so beloved that it’s been one of the top 5 most popular dog breeds in the US for two decades. Golden Retrievers are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate – it’s no wonder these big puppies are so popular. 

Don’t be fooled by the adorable appearance of Golden Retriever puppies. Although these big puppies seem innocent, their high energy levels can get them into trouble. Obedience training and socialization will help them focus their puppy energy on becoming a well-behaved dog. 

Golden Retriever puppies become more relaxed after the first 1-2 years of their life. As they age, their golden fur will also grow longer and fluffier. They’ll outgrow their puppy size, too, weighing around 65 to 75 pounds as adults. 

German Shepherd

German Shepherd puppies are scruffy, playful, and confident. These big puppies take on a less powerful look than their appearance as adults. The ears are floppier, coat is fluffier, and their tiny tails aren’t nearly as dense as fully grown German Shepherds. 

In classic shepherd breed style, they are fast learners and love to please their pet parents by learning training commands. Their natural intelligence and agility is why German Shepherd puppies often train to become K9 workers, search and rescue, and service dogs. 

As they mature, German Shepherd puppies will go from 10 pounds to a whopping 50 to 90 pounds. Early socialization is crucial with these big puppies so they know how to safely interact with other pups once they’re fully grown. 

Rottweiler

Hard to believe that these big puppies will eventually weigh over 100 pounds! Rottweiler puppies pretty much look the same as they do in adulthood – just in a much smaller package. They sport short dark coats and tan markings around their eyes, mouth, legs, and stomach. 

Take advantage of Rottweiler puppies’ small stature and train them thoroughly before they outweigh you. This breed is powerful and athletic, so you need to teach them how to play nicely with others before they get too big. 

Great Dane

Cherish the time you have with a Great Dane while they’re young – these small puppies grow to be 150+ pounds! Great Dane puppies grow faster than any other breed, going from 5 pounds to 100 pounds in the span of six months. 

For those who want a cuddly dog breed, look into raising Great Dane puppies. Constantly tired from growing so quickly, these big puppies love to snuggle and nap with their pet parents. Danes love their humans so much that they tend to develop separation anxiety. 

Training and socialization early on is crucial with Great Dane puppies. Remember that sometime in the first year of their life, these dogs may outweigh you (or get close to it). Teach them basic obedience commands and manners before they get too big.