HI!

Ziggy is a 3 1/2 month old puppy dog, and he is already growing his adult coat. As he is my first border collie can anyone tell me when he will stop growing and when he will be his full adult size??? Is it one year old or maybe two years??? Sorry if it's a dumb question, never had a puppy before and I am just curious to know when he will be an adult!!! (Also I can't wait, he is chewing us out of house and home!!!) When does the chewing stage end??? He hasn't dropped his teeth yet??? Are there any nasty surprises I will be in store for??? I do not as yet plan to have him neutered.

Thanks all.

CG :)

Hi,

... hmm.. cannot say anything about the coat nor the adult stage of your dog. However, our dog (a Great Dane bitch) was a great chewer. She tried to get her teeth into anything... a brick wall, the washing machine, the earth in our garden (particularly when mixed with stones), trees, metal fences, carpets .. well.. virtually anything. As soon as her adult teeth replaced the baby ones, the chewing became much less (and the washing machine could spin in peace from then on). Just a question of time, I suppose.

Cheers,

Fred

Hi CG

Talk to your pup's breeder. They should always be your first port of call if you have any queries. :D

If for some reason you can;t do that then try doing a "Google" search for Border Collies - you may well find the information you are looking for there. Another route is your local library to see if they have any books on the breed.

The size and temperament of your puppy is so dependant on it's breeding and bringing up during his early weeks which is why the breeder should be able to help.

Chewing - can differ from dog to dog - some never grow out of it - but that's largley due to boredom and inadequate training. Most finally end the puppy chewing by about 12 months but there are so many variables. Mkae sure he has plenty of stimulation. BC's are very mentally active and need to have their brain used. Make sure he has chews etc as chewing at this stage as you have spotted is so important as it helps them in teething. He will start to lose his teeth over the next few weeks. You may find the odd one or two but also may not. His gums may become sore or may not - it all depends oon your dog. My boys never showed any discomfort during teething. I found in total about 6 teeth and they chewed for England - but fortunately never destroyed anything as I kept their movement restricted when left alone and ensured they had plenty of things they could chew.

hth a little

Pam n the boys

Border collies reach maturity between 18 months to 2 years but it does depend on his pedigree some lines mature quicker than others.By twelve months I would expect him to have gained his full height and then it is a question of his head maturing and him filling out.As to the chewing try to give him lots of acceptable things to chew and find ways of keeping him occupied,kongs,buster cube,tuggies even empty plastic bottles one of mine delights in removing the tops from these.Best Wishes Gillian

Thnks guys!!! Very helpful!!!