Dog Breeds, Which Is Right For You?

Different dog breeds

All breeds are not the same. Although every puppy grows rapidly during the first 6 months of his life, there are significant differences in weight and growth development between breeds. These differences are already apparent in birth weight and litter size. A poodle bitch, for instance, will give birth to 1-3 puppies, each one weighing approximately 5% of their mother’s body weight. A German Shepherd will carry a litter with 8-12 puppies, with each puppy weighing 1% of their mother’s body weight.

The duration of growth and growth rates also vary significantly among dog breeds. After one year, the poodle will have multiplied his birth weight by 20, a Beagle by 50, a German Shepherd by 70 and a Great Dane by 100. And by 8 months, the poodle will have almost reached his adult weight, whereas the Great Dane matures at approximately 2 years. These differences in dog breed growth development lead to very specific nutritional needs. Feeding mistakes during growth can have severe consequences.

Smaller dog breed puppies, for example, have a higher rate of metabolism. It is important to provide these puppies with enough energy and nutrients according to their limited stomach capacity. The growth of large breed puppies must be very carefully controlled. These puppies grow very fast during the first 12 months of life. If their growth rate is too rapid or if dietary calcium levels are excessive, they can develop bone diseases. Food for large dog breed puppies must therefore contain less fat to prevent over-consumption of calories and reduced calcium levels, balanced to the energy content of the nutrition.

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