As we all age, our appearance undergoes changes, and this is true for both humans and animals. Just like humans, dogs also go through significant transformations as they grow from puppies into adults. Some dog breeds exhibit striking differences in their appearances between their puppyhood and adulthood stages.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute puppies are fluffy and playful, with thick coats that make them look round and adorable. As they mature into adults, their facial features become more defined, their coats become denser and coarser, and their coloring darkens with brown or black patches.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds go through substantial growth until they reach physical maturity around two years of age. Puppies have lighter coats and less defined facial features compared to adults. Their coats transition to tan and black with rough hair, and they experience growth spurts during their first year, broadening in the chest and face. By two years old, they become significantly more muscular.
Rottweiler
Rottweiler puppies look quite different from adult Rottweilers, maturing slower and potentially reaching adulthood by two years old. During this time, they have large heads with disproportionate bodies, which eventually broaden in the chest and face as they age, developing a more muscular stature while maintaining their coloring.
Dalmatian
Dalmatian puppies are born without spots, starting with pure white coats that gradually develop spots in the first few weeks. As they grow, their legs lengthen, faces become more slender, and their coats darken with more visible spots.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds require regular grooming due to their long coat, a feature that puppies lack. Born with short, fuzzy coats and long whiskers, Afghan Hound puppies grow long and silky hair as they mature. Their bodies transition from bulky to lean and slender over time.
Saluki
Salukis are characterized by their height and slender bodies, a far cry from their chubbier puppy selves with round faces. As Saluki puppies grow, their limbs, torsos, and necks lengthen, snouts and ears elongate, giving them the classic fluffy-eared appearance, and their fur grows longer after the first year.
The Bergamasco is traditionally a sheepdog, but it also excels as a delightful family companion! When Bergamasco puppies are born, they bear little resemblance to their mop-like adult counterparts. These puppies are initially smaller, rounder, and have shorter hair. Their coats start off shorter and softer compared to adults, showcasing three distinct hair types—dog, goat, and wool—that develop at different growth stages within the first year of life.
Bearded Collies, on the other hand, are born with light coats that darken as they mature. Predicting the appearance of a Bearded Collie as a puppy versus an adult can be challenging, but estimating their size is more straightforward as they typically reach full maturity within 18 months. While puppies exhibit short, fluffier hair, adults sport longer, shaggier coats. Their facial features remain fairly consistent, though snouts may elongate with age.
Originating in 13th century France, the Briard was bred for herding all types of livestock. A notable transformation Briard puppies undergo involves the development of their coat, which transitions from a youthful fluff to a dual-layered fur with a dense undercoat by adulthood. Puppies also acquire distinctive eyebrow markings and a beard as they grow, with adults boasting coats that can reach up to six inches in length at the neck.
Tibetan Terrier puppies start off with short, fluffy, slightly curly hair that gradually lengthens and requires regular grooming. These pups grow rapidly, reaching full height around one year of age. As they mature, their facial features become more defined, while their bodies maintain a short, stocky stature typical of terrier breeds.
Puli puppies do not develop their iconic cords until around 10 months of age, initially flaunting short, curly hair that accentuates their round faces. As they mature, their corded double fur coat conceals their features until adulthood. The heads and bodies of Puli puppies and adults exhibit similarities, with adults often retaining a puppy-like appearance cherished by their owners.
Old English Sheepdogs, known for their expertise in herding, experience a significant transformation from puppyhood to adulthood. Puppies are born with thick, fluffy, and shaggy coats, which they shed as they mature into longer, shaggier coats that define the classic sheepdog look. By 18 months, these puppies are fully grown but may start to grey by six months due to the “greying gene” common in long or curly-haired dogs.
Great Danes, often described as gentle giants, are characterized by their playful and loyal nature. Great Dane puppies undergo a dramatic growth spurt lasting up to two years, resulting in a disproportionate appearance compared to adults, with larger paws and lean bodies. As they mature, they develop increased muscle mass and grow into their features, including longer snouts, limbs, and torsos, sometimes taking longer to reach full maturity.
The Otterhound is a breed that goes through significant changes as it matures. Otterhound puppies typically reach maturity by 18 months of age. At first, their coats are light but will darken over time. The fur is usually a combination of tan or off-white, along with black or dark brown. Puppies also have darker eye and nose rims. As they grow older, their coats become shaggier and can grow another two to four inches long. Despite these changes, their facial features remain similar to those of a puppy, with elongated bodies, tails, and limbs. To learn more about dog breeds that have striking differences in appearance between puppies and adults, visit A-Z Animals.
