Thinking about getting a dog? Scientists reveal the breeds that grow the MOST from puppies to adults

Welcoming a puppy into the family home is often a dream of many.

But experts urge owners to be aware of what’s in store for them, as certain dog breeds can greatly increase in size as they mature.

Sixty of the UK’s most popular and common dog breeds were measured at eight weeks old and again at one year old as part of research by Petplan.

Labradoodles topped the charts for picking up the most weight, with a 900 percent jump in size from the puppy stage to adulthood.

Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers followed closely behind, their bodies changing by 700 percent and 692 percent over the same period.

A Labradoodle’s weight can increase by 900 percent from the puppy stage to adulthood

The study comes at a time when pet shelters across the UK are full of abandoned dogs and cats.

Rehoming centers believe the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated this, with destitute Britons handing over their puppies in numbers unseen since the 2008 crash.

That’s why Petplan thinks it’s essential that people realize how much money, effort and space it takes to keep certain breeds.

Kennel Club dog trainer Joe Nutkins also added that larger dogs can cost 50 percent more than smaller breeds when it comes to leashes, collars and other supplies.

He told MailOnline: ‘When choosing your puppy or young dog breed type it is important to remember that they will grow to have different needs.

“A smaller dog has a lower cost because there are fewer materials for collars, beds, or coats, fewer medications needed per dose, and less daily food intake for meals and treats.” With a larger dog, 50 percent more can be added to the cost of the same items, so it’s worth bearing this in mind when choosing your next puppy or adult dog!’

While Labradoodles and similar dogs can be a lot to handle, there are other breeds that don’t grow as much as they age.

The weight of Mini Cavapoos — a cross between a Mini Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — only jumps 50 percent from eight weeks to a year.

A Mini Cavapoo’s weight only jumps 50 percent from eight weeks to a year

Meanwhile, a Chihuahua’s weight will only increase by 100 percent, while that of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier will increase by 118 percent.

Still, Mr. Nutkins stressed that potential pet owners should understand that costs and exercise needs are affected by other factors as well.

He continued, “The level of fitness varies by dog, based on a dog’s breed type rather than just size. A Jack Russell Terrier is likely to be active longer than a Greyhound or Mastiff breed.

“While we can walk our dogs for free and play at home, it’s still wise to think about the extra costs if you need dog walking, participate in dog training and activities, or want to rent a secure field.”

The weight of Mini Cavapoos – a cross between a Mini Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – only jumps 50 percent from eight weeks to a year

Petplan’s research took data into account from The Kennel Club and HelloBark, in addition to professional sources from the pet insurance company.

Female dogs were excluded from this study, with an exclusive focus on male puppies and mature adults.

Elevation change was another factor experts looked at, which can play a role in the cost of bedding and other equipment.

English Springer Spaniels grew over three times their puppy size in length, with Golden Retrievers placed second with 267 percent.

On the other hand, Border Collies only saw a 13 percent increasefollowed by Pugs at 25 percent and Poodles at 50 percent.

“If you’re considering bringing a dog into your family, spend time researching the breed types you’re interested in to get an idea of ​​how big a puppy can get or the size of a rescue dog.” added Mr. Nutkins.