Whether they are puppies or adults, any dog is a good looking one!
As lifelong dog lovers, we know our canine friends are absolutely adorable and worthy of every ounce of our love at any age. With that being said, it's fascinating to reflect and see exactly how these popular breeds evolve from puppy to full-grown adults! Here are some of our favorite doggy friends as puppies versus adults, plus some fun facts you may not have known about them!
8 Dog Breeds as Puppies vs. Adults
1. Golden Retrievers
Of course we had to start out with America's most beloved breed! In fact, this breed has been in the top ten list of popularity for decades, most recently at number three out of 195. Its cousin, the Labrador retriever, has held down the top spot for 28 years.
No matter what the age, these dogs are always ready for action! Whether it's a game of fetch, hiking, swimming, or another form of active exercise, they won't enjoy being on that couch for too long. They're natural athletes that excel at a variety of sports!
2. Huskies
When it comes to cold weather, these dogs are all about it. Huskies are capable of tolerating cold temperatures as low as -75°F thanks to their double-coat, which gives them some pretty hefty protection against the wind, cold, and rain. No wonder they make such good sled dogs!
Needing as much rest as they can to supplement their rapid growth, a husky puppy can sleep for up to 20 hours per day. Husky puppies, like all puppies, tend to sleep more than their adult counterparts. Contrarily, once they're full grown, they can sleep for up to 14 hours per day.
3. Dalmatians
This gorgeous breed has been around for quite some time! In fact, they've been around for so long that spotted dogs have been found painted on the walls of Egyptian tombs, running alongside chariots. Their origin remains unknown, since they often traveled with Romani people, who are historically nomadic.
Those adorable spots take time! If you've seen their claim to fame One Hundred and One Dalmatians, you may remember that Pongo and Perdita's 15 puppies are all white when they're born. This is scientifically accurate! Their spots develop as they grow older. They're also pretty expensive, which is another thing the movie had right.
4. Poodles
What makes this breed so fashion forward? Well, for starters, they don't have fur! It's actually hair. While fur grows up to a certain point and then sheds, hair does not fall out and never stops growing. Poodle hair, like human hair, can even respond to hormonal changes in the body.
Even as puppies, poodles are among the smartest breeds! They're so smart, in fact, that their intelligence and eagerness to please makes them great service dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs. They've even been utilized as truffle hunters due to their keen noses.
5. Rottweilers
Just like Dalmatians, Rottweilers have a pretty extensive history as well. They rank as one of the most ancient breeds! These dogs accompanied the Romans through Germany, driving their cattle and guarding their outposts.
Active from childhood, they certainly still enjoy being employed! Except nowadays, instead of driving cattle to market, pulling carts, guarding the homestead, and even carrying money to and from the market in money belts tied around their necks, they work in security and herding.
6. Pugs
Pugs make excellent family pets because they simply enjoy lounging around, taking as many naps as they can, and being showered with as much attention as possible. Plus, they're pretty compact! Fully-grown pugs are only up to 13 inches tall, and weigh no more than 18 lbs.
Even if that adorable puppy face gets you, there's no way you love pugs as much as Queen Victoria! She owned about 38 pugs and loved being the matriarch of a pug tribe. She holds an unofficial record for most pugs owned by a single person!
7. Shih Tzus
If you think these pups are fierce, you're absolutely right! The Mandarin phrase Shih Tzu directly translates to little lion. If you're thinking of adopting one into your life, expect a lot of attitude in a little body!
And we know exactly who to thank for having these adorable doggies around! Because their numbers dwindled down to almost nothing during the first half of the 20th century, every Shih Tzu alive today can be traced to one of 14 dogs that were used to rebuild the breed.
8. Pit Bulls
Though it's hard to believe because of the tough rep they get nowadays, pit bulls were once known as "Nanny Dogs!" They were the breed of choice among parents with young children, and were not bred as guard dogs because they were too friendly.
It's not hard to believe that these dogs are full of sweetness after looking at an adorable face like that one! In fact, in temperance tests, pit bulls were the second most tolerant breed behind golden retrievers. The least tolerant was the chihuahua.
Do you have a fun fact about your favorite breed? Tell us on the Wide Open Pets Facebook page!
