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I have an 11 month old Retriever dog. He is extremely active and seems to be very healthy. He does though seem to be on the small size compared to other dogs of his breed. Can anyone tell me if he has finished growing at this age and if anyone else has experienced this with this breed. Many thanks

In my experience (I've had ten Goldens in my life) they can continue growing until 18 months, but still fill out in body until sometimes as late as 3 years old. Around a year is very much a leggy, skinny phase for many.

My young boy was a very big puppy. But when I brought him out at 6 months old he looked so small in comparison to what was in the ring with him. At about 12 months old he just grew that extra bit more and is now (at 18 months old) a good sized dog. The owner of his father saw him at around 12 months and was relieved that he had grown on as she was concerned that he wouldn't make the height. So yes, he can still grow. There are some lines though that are beginning to be too small.
By Nova
Date 21.10.08 12:56 UTC

Have noticed a tendency for Goldens to have short leg these days, is it a general trend or confined to some lines.
By Perry
Date 21.10.08 13:27 UTC

I was told by a consultant who was going to operate on a golden of mine that he would prefer to leave it until the age of 2 as although they are usually fully grown at 18 months it's still possible for some goldens to grow a little bit more up to 2 years of age.
I also have an 11 month male Retriever and we have thought he was on the small side. He is approx 22 inches to his shoulder and weighs 30 kilos.
I have a labrador who is a year older and he grew quite a lot between 12 to 18 months so I am not too worried yet about his size. My boy is working lines.
By goldie
Date 22.10.08 19:09 UTC

I have 2 Golden girls...they are totally different to each other,they are both 2yrs old,one is very tall and slight in build and from working lines.The other one is your usual chunky golden and she is from show lines. It depends alot on size of their parents i find....and gives an idea of what to expect when they mature.
My young boy was a very big puppy. But when I brought him out at 6 months old he looked so small in comparison to what was in the ring with him. At about 12 months old he just grew that extra bit more and is now (at 18 months old) a good sized dog. The owner of his father saw him at around 12 months and was relieved that he had grown on as she was concerned that he wouldn't make the height. So yes, he can still grow. There are some lines though that are beginning to be too small.
I agree some are far too small. There are a few Goldens I have seen at ringcraft and shows who are smaller in height than my 8 month old pup, who is not exceptionally big. They are really tiny. I have never seen them placed well though.
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