Ann.without.an.e Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 (edited) At 6 weeks, he's just 3.5 lbs and his paws are tiny. Is there a way to tell what size he will be full grown? ETA: We've committed to foster him for 2 more weeks until he is old enough for adoption. But at this rate, he probably isn't going anywhere. We are all just too smitten :001_tt1: Edited August 1, 2016 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 All I've ever been told is to look at the size of the paws, but I don't know if that's an old wives tale or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 (edited) All I've ever been told is to look at the size of the paws, but I don't know if that's an old wives tale or not. I know, that's what I've always been told and I was wondering if it was legit too. It is so hard to tell with a mutt. We are in love with this puppy but don't want to commit if he will turn into a beast some day :crying: The mom was a smaller pitbull and the dad is unknown. He doesn't appear to be full blood pitbull for sure. Edited August 1, 2016 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 (edited) Photo? :) please please please? :) I doubt he will get huge, though. The paws don't lie. Edited August 1, 2016 by trulycrabby 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Paws aren't accurate, but if he's only 3.5 now he won't be huge. Definitely less than 50, probably less than 40. I used to be a groomer and watched about 2,000 dogs grow up, but I have no veterinary schooling, so take my thoughts for what they're worth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slache Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 I should have said paws aren't always accurate. They usually are, but I don't tell people that because I fear people will later take the dog to the pound because they didn't like it's size. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 At that age I'd say it's pretty difficult to tell anything with a mutt. You could make a wild guess, but it would have a margin of error about as wide as the Mississippi River. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Your vet can give you a good guess. They can look at his teeth and guess how old he is (even better if you know for sure his birth date, but that's pretty rare). I think dh's (he's a vet) rule of thumb is something like "at 4 months, they're about half their adult weight" or something like that. I think that works about right for medium size dogs, but would under predict size of a giant breed and over predict a tiny breed. For a 50# dog, it works about right. :) Google up "puppy growth chart" for some ideas. My best guess is that he'll be a small size dog (20-25lb), if your age is close and your weight is right. And, FWIW, the vast majority of mixed breed dogs are smallish to mediumish. You rarely get a giant dog from mixed parents. Probably because not many giant male dogs run around un-neutered. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Years ago we got siblings from the same foster dog's litter. The mom was a Lab or Lab mix. The dad we believe was a Husky or Husky mix. The male grew to be typical Lab size but the female was way smaller, smallish even for a Husky. She also looked way more like a Husky. The puppies started off not that different in size but the brother grew way faster than the sister. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 I found this chart online. A 3.5 lb, 6 week old puppy would be at the lighter end of the "Small" category, so probably under 20 lbs as an adult. I saw another chart specifically for beagles, which said that a 5 lb, 6 wk old puppy would be about 20 lbs as an adult. So I think it's safe to fall in love with your little guy! But we definitely need pictures!!! :001_tt1: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 (edited) Edited August 1, 2016 by Attolia 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 I've never posted pics before so hopefully it works :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 It looks like he still has blue eyes? Does he come from a line with blue eyes in the genetics? I thought eye colour started changing earlier than six week. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 (edited) It looks like he still has blue eyes? Does he come from a line with blue eyes in the genetics? I thought eye colour started changing earlier than six week. His eyes are still VERY blue and I hope they stay blue because they are gorgeous. In fact, if anything they've gotten bluer. He's a mutt - we don't know the genes. Edited August 1, 2016 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) Don't y'all think his coat is too long to be pit? I mean I'll buy the half-pitbull theory because of his coloring but his feet are too small and his coat isn't short and sleek enough to be anywhere near full, right? Edited August 2, 2016 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 No idea what kind of dog he is, but he's so cute! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daria Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 I have no opinion on type or size, but a very strong opinion that he is very cute! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) Don't y'all think his coat is too long to be pit? I mean I'll buy the half-pitbull theory because of his coloring and but his feet are too small and his coat isn't short and sleek enough to be anywhere near full, right? The head size made me think pit as well as the colouring but I'm definitely no expert. Also the eyes are really wide set. But he does look pretty fluffy too. Edited August 2, 2016 by Ausmumof3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 The pit puppy pics online mostly look a bit wrinklier around the eyes though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) The head size made me think pit as well as the colouring but I'm definitely no expert. Also the eyes are really wide set. But he does look pretty fluffy too. My guess is that he is only half. I definitely see some pit in him, for sure. At the same time, pit puppies I've seen online have a totally different coat (shorter, sleeker) and are much larger at six weeks than this little guy. Also, his paws are far too dainty for a pit - they are shaped more like a collie we once had. The pit puppy pics I've seen have much larger, burlier paws. There is no telling what the daddy dog was. Edited August 2, 2016 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 My guess is that he is only half. I definitely see some pit in him, for sure. At the same time, pit puppies I've seen online have a totally different coat (shorter, sleeker) and are much larger at six weeks than this little guy. Also, his paws are far too dainty for a pit - they are shaped more like a collie we once had. The pit puppy pics I've seen have much larger, burlier paws. There is no telling what the daddy dog was. Do you know for sure he is six weeks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 Do you know for sure he is six weeks? We are pretty certain. He was surrendered at 3 weeks and bottle fed until 5 weeks and we took him at 5 weeks, we've had him for a week and a half. So he is 6-6.5 weeks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooCow Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 He is just gorgeous! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 He is too cute!!! :001_wub: :001_wub: :001_wub: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 What a precious little guy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 Adorable! Just, adorable! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 awww...thanks ya'll. He is super precious. I fear him getting too big or changing from his sweet, loving, laid back personality but I guess that's a gamble with any puppy. We've always gotten dogs between 6-12 months old so we kind of knew what we were getting into. We weren't looking for a dog at all, we just volunteered to foster for a few weeks until he was adoptable, but do ya'll see those little eyes? My goodness, I'm not sure I can let him go. Because he was bottle fed, he is super duper snuggly too :001_tt1: Maybe I just can't be a puppy-foster-mommy? I get too attached. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Florida. Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 Oh my word, he is adorable!!! I had to multi-quote you because everyone needs to see those photos more than once. :) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn in FL Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) Please do not post any more pictures... :closedeyes: We do not have a dog. We do not hate dogs. We do not need a dog. We had no plans of getting a dog. Until you posted those pictures....swoon! :001_wub: :001_wub: :001_wub: He is so precious! Seriously, please post regular updates! ETA: Alas, we will have to live vicariously (through your cute pics) as we have a house full of indoor kitties... :tongue_smilie: Edited August 2, 2016 by Jenn in FL 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) Puppies are just so good for the soul :001_wub: Ok that was mean of me to say, sorry :lol: Enjoy your kitties and I'll try to post pics as he grows IF we keep him :tongue_smilie: Please do not post any more pictures... :closedeyes: We do not have a dog. We do not hate dogs. We do not need a dog. We had no plans of getting a dog. Until you posted those pictures....swoon! :001_wub: :001_wub: :001_wub: He is so precious! Seriously, please post regular updates! ETA: Alas, we will have to live vicariously (through your cute pics) as we have a house full of indoor kitties... :tongue_smilie: Edited August 2, 2016 by Attolia 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn in FL Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 I'll take that bet. :coolgleamA: You are SO keeping him! :lol: Puppies are good for the soul! :wub: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) I'll take that bet. :coolgleamA: You are SO keeping him! :lol: Puppies are good for the soul! :wub: It might be a pretty profitable bet :lol: Although we (meaning DH) hasn't decided 100%. We've always been a one-dog family so this would break all sorts of rules :cool: Edited August 2, 2016 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 awwww, the feeets!!!!! SO CUTE! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 If you decide to keep him, socialization will your biggest challenge. Any hand raised pups can be troublesome. for that matter, so can singletons raised by a mom. If they don't learn vital social cues from litter mates, it can lead to behavior problems down the line. And given you may have some pit there, it will be super super super important to work hard on dog-dog socialization. I'd be finding someone with a litter of puppies on the ground so that he can play with them & then immediately finding a puppy playgroup run by a certified positive reinforcement trainer. Also check out Puppy Culture. https://www.puppyculture.com/, buy the resources & do all those exercises. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 If you decide to keep him, socialization will your biggest challenge. Any hand raised pups can be troublesome. for that matter, so can singletons raised by a mom. If they don't learn vital social cues from litter mates, it can lead to behavior problems down the line. And given you may have some pit there, it will be super super super important to work hard on dog-dog socialization. I'd be finding someone with a litter of puppies on the ground so that he can play with them & then immediately finding a puppy playgroup run by a certified positive reinforcement trainer. Also check out Puppy Culture. https://www.puppyculture.com/, buy the resources & do all those exercises. Yes! There is a chapter about this in Patricia McConnel's book For the Love of a Dog. In a litter, puppies learn to deal with frustration by being jostled at feeding time, having to fight for the nipple, etc etc. They learn it again when they get a bit bigger and play rough and tumble. You NEED to get this puppy used to dealing with frustration, and socialized with other dogs in a safe way. Actually, if you were to contact Patricia McConnel via her website, she might give you some insights on what she did when raising a single pup in a litter, and the research in that area. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 If you decide to keep him, socialization will your biggest challenge. Any hand raised pups can be troublesome. for that matter, so can singletons raised by a mom. If they don't learn vital social cues from litter mates, it can lead to behavior problems down the line. And given you may have some pit there, it will be super super super important to work hard on dog-dog socialization. I'd be finding someone with a litter of puppies on the ground so that he can play with them & then immediately finding a puppy playgroup run by a certified positive reinforcement trainer. Also check out Puppy Culture. https://www.puppyculture.com/, buy the resources & do all those exercises. Yes, I have that in my plan but we aren't supposed to do it until he has had his first shots (happening this week). He will naturally have lower immunity because he wasn't nursed long enough :/ Poor little guy. Yes! There is a chapter about this in Patricia McConnel's book For the Love of a Dog. In a litter, puppies learn to deal with frustration by being jostled at feeding time, having to fight for the nipple, etc etc. They learn it again when they get a bit bigger and play rough and tumble. You NEED to get this puppy used to dealing with frustration, and socialized with other dogs in a safe way. Actually, if you were to contact Patricia McConnel via her website, she might give you some insights on what she did when raising a single pup in a litter, and the research in that area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) Yes, I have that in my plan but we aren't supposed to do it until he has had his first shots (happening this week). He will naturally have lower immunity because he wasn't nursed long enough :/ Poor little guy. Great! Will you be able to right after the first shots? you may be interested in Susan Garrett's blog posts about raising Swagger who was an unexpected singleton. She arranged to take him to meet a litter of puppies. http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2011/02/socializing-the-singleton-puppy-a-swaggers-big-adventures/ Swagger still had some issues later which she had to work through. He was very mouthy and had some bits of resource guarding. I was in part of her Puppy Peaks online program so saw her work through some of it http://www.puppypeaks.com/fe/58819-puppy-peaks-info If you read through her archives in 2011 you'll see a number of posts on several issues which give insight into how to approach some stuff. Oh & some vets still don't really understand the risk/reward ratios on socialization pre full vax so if you need ammo, this is a great resource: http://4pawsu.com/vaccinations.htm Edited August 2, 2016 by hornblower 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann.without.an.e Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 (edited) Great! Will you be able to right after the first shots? you may be interested in Susan Garrett's blog posts about raising Swagger who was an unexpected singleton. She arranged to take him to meet a litter of puppies. http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2011/02/socializing-the-singleton-puppy-a-swaggers-big-adventures/ Swagger still had some issues later which she had to work through. He was very mouthy and had some bits of resource guarding. I was in part of her Puppy Peaks online program so saw her work through some of it http://www.puppypeaks.com/fe/58819-puppy-peaks-info If you read through her archives in 2011 you'll see a number of posts on several issues which give insight into how to approach some stuff. Oh & some vets still don't really understand the risk/reward ratios on socialization pre full vax so if you need ammo, this is a great resource: http://4pawsu.com/vaccinations.htm I need to look into it more. To me it wasn't an option until he at least had his first shots. Edited August 2, 2016 by Attolia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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