Shiba growth patterns -- age to reach full stature
Another newbie question here. I am wondering at what age Shiba's generally reach their full stature -- talking height and length -- not full adult weight. I know they continue to pack on muscle after they stop growing.
The reason I ask is that my 5-month old male is already at the breed height and length standard for an adult -- may have already exceeded the AKC height standard. My somewhat inaccurate measure of him is about 16 3/4" at the withers and at least 17+"from there to the end of his back at the tail.
The breeder that sold him had originally planned to show him, but determined at four months that he was a bit long-legged for the standard and concluded he would eventually grow tall enough to disqualify him for show purposes - which by now appears to be the case.
That's fine by me. I love his look, but with those measurements I figure he's got to be nearly done except for the added weight. So I am wondering how much bigger he can really get at this point. He's 16 lbs now. Mom was 15 lbs. Dad was 22 lbs.
The reason I ask is that my 5-month old male is already at the breed height and length standard for an adult -- may have already exceeded the AKC height standard. My somewhat inaccurate measure of him is about 16 3/4" at the withers and at least 17+"from there to the end of his back at the tail.
The breeder that sold him had originally planned to show him, but determined at four months that he was a bit long-legged for the standard and concluded he would eventually grow tall enough to disqualify him for show purposes - which by now appears to be the case.
That's fine by me. I love his look, but with those measurements I figure he's got to be nearly done except for the added weight. So I am wondering how much bigger he can really get at this point. He's 16 lbs now. Mom was 15 lbs. Dad was 22 lbs.
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Comments
Toby is 6 months and hes 25lbs, and is large for a Shiba puppy. xD
He had a major growth spurt for 3rd anf 4th month. He seems to be gaining weight more - almost lb a week. yet he is very trim and fit , you can see the abdomenial tuck and narrowing of waste. He is not "full" as adult shiba pictures look but I hope he will add muscle.
I was wondering the same: if he is ever going to slow down and when he will reach his mature ht/wt. Because I have 30x24x20 wire crate and fear I have to buy a new one soon. The crate size was told by breeder. How big are crates you folks using?