Do dogs go through puberty?

Most dogs reach puberty when 6 to 12 months old. Dogs of small breeds usually reach puberty earlier than dogs of large breeds, which may not reach puberty until age 2, and male dogs reach puberty earlier than female dogs.

Although dogs can breed any time after reaching puberty, dog expert Kathy Diamond Davis recommends waiting until they are at least 2 years old before making a decision about breeding. This gives time to screen potential breeding stock for genetic problems such as hip dysplasia and allows the breeder to select proven animals for breeding. It also reduces the risk of death during whelping for the female.