Is there a certain age when the growth plates in the head begin to change and the head growth accellerates or is this not noticable and the head growth steady?

It would be unusual to see the bone grow but providing the animal is not neutered it should attain a mature head by about 2 years but may be in such a huge dog it may be 2 and a half.

The bone will grow as he is only 7 months old. he will attain a mature head by about 2 years but the question was, Is there a period of accellerated growth, (at puberty time for instance) or is the growth just steady. I know that there is a time when the growth plates in a DDB develop and i really wanted to know when to expect this. Do you or have you ever owned a DDB?

Don't think any breed will differ from the norm which is that the long bones grow first followed by flat and small bones but although muscle development may appear to increase quickly under the hormonal surges the bone is usually steady and controlled.

In a way you are correct because at puberty the actual finish shape will take place and the head should become male or female but much of this is muscle tone under the influence of the sex hormones. When this will happen is likely to depend on the pups ancestors and if you wish to know I would ask his breeder when the males in their kennels attain maturity of head.

No I do not own a DDB but I have studded canine anatomy and its development and have been led to believe that all dogs bone development follows similar lines although maturity differers from breed to breed and line to line which is why I suggest if you want the most likely time for your dog to mature his breeder is the best person to ask as the DDB, indeed any breed or species, develop at different rates.

Hi Jackie, thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

I've noticed typical growth patterns are 'up' to 12 months and then 'outwards' from then. 7 months is quite a gangly stage all legs, but it depends on the lines, whether fast maturing or slow and the type he will grow to become as there is huge variance in the breed. I prefer slow maturing and more athletic, this may not win rosettes but has greater health and longevity.

Hi Louise. He is growing pretty evenly. At 7.5 months he is 24" to withers, 24 head and 32" chest. weight at 7 months was 42kg. i think that by breed standard he is coming along nicely. He will obviously get a bit taller, but i think that upwards growth is slowing and the area of greatest development should be his chest & weight as his muscle develops. Thanks for your comments.