English Springer Spaniels grow the most from puppy phrase to adulthood, new research has found.
To help you find the right dog, PetPlan has analysed the size growth of 60 of the UK’s most popular breeds, comparing how big they are as puppies (eight weeks) to the size they are at fully grown (one year). While English Springer Spaniels took the top spot with an increased growth of 317{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0}, Golden Retrievers (267{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0}) and the Weimaraner (257{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0}) came in second and third place, respectively.
Not all dogs grow at the same rate. On the other hand, researchers found that Border Collies are the dogs with the least growth. Meanwhile, mini Cavapoos are the dogs that pick up the least weight from puppy phase to adulthood. Staffordshire Bull Terriers ranked as the 3rd dogs with the smallest difference between their puppy and adult weight.
Weimaraner dogs also made the list
“Getting a dog is a big decision, and there are plenty of things that are important to consider before you welcome a new canine friend into your home,” say the team at PetPlan.
“Perhaps one of the biggest is how much your dog will grow. What might start out as the cutest little puppy can easily grow into something much bigger, and if you don’t have the physical space in your home and garden, you could soon find yourself with too much dog to handle.”
Want to see if your dog made the list? Take a look at the full findings below…
10 dog breeds with the biggest puppy to adult height growth
- English Springer Spaniel (317{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0} height increase)
- Golden Retriever (267{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Weimaraner (257{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Doberman Pinscher (243{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Boxer (243{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Saint Bernard (225{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Greyhound (225{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Bernese Mountain dog (225{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- German Shepherd (214{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Yorkshire Terrier (200{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
10 dogs with the smallest puppy to adult height growth
- Border Collie (13{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Pug (25{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Poodle (50{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Chihuahua (60{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Rottweiler (69{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Boston Terrier (78{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Cavachon (80{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Hungarian Vizsla (83{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Bulldog (88{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
- Bichon Frise (90{2c3a8711102f73ee058d83c6a8025dc7f37722aad075054eaafcf582b93871a0})
The best dog-friendly cottages in the UK
1 Woodheads, Lake District
A magnificent first floor apartment, 1 Woodheads, sits nine miles from Lake Windermere and is part of a Regency-style villa with views out towards Morecambe Bay and the distant Pennines. Here, you’re only half a mile from a year-round dog-friendly beach – imagine your beloved pet bounding across stretches of sand, as well as through nearby forest glens.
Back at your luxury dog-friendly cottage, period features are combined with elegant style to create a visual feast. You can serve up summery salads in the super-smart dining room or in the garden. On balmy evenings, with the veranda doors all opened wide, tease out some tunes on the piano, inspired by an aperitif and the wondrous views.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 1
Tenbury Cottage, Shropshire
Situated deep in rolling South Shropshire countryside, with a wealth of walks direct from the door, plus 12 acres of lush farmland to explore, Tedbury Cottage is perfect for a dog-friendly escape. The Clee Hills and Mortimer Forest are both within easy reach, too, and when you’re not out exploring the cosy interiors provide the lovely place to relax.
The interior design of this open-plan house is tasteful, with neutral and pastel colours dominating the palette. You can make the most of the separate stables, which house a rather unique bar with a fireplace. Simply bring your own beer, stoke up the wood-burner and test your skills at traditional darts. Dogs, physically fatigued from their rural adventures, can conk out in front of the fire.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 2
The Scandinavian Lodge, North Norfolk
This rustic, Scandinavian-designed dog-friendly cottages is set in beautiful grounds in North Yorkshire. Between the lodge’s painted exterior, its sky-blue-sparkling hot tub and the vibrancy of its interiors, seasonal dreariness doesn’t stand a chance.
The open-plan living space is characterful and will delight children of all ages (as will the Smart TV with Sky). There’s a hammock on the first floor veranda, and it’s a great spot to swing and take in the view. Four-legged friends have their own space in the ‘Doghouse’ and walks across the North York Moors are a must-do.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 2
Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat, Sussex
Pevensey Bay Beach Retreat is a fantastic holiday home, right on the beach in Sussex, that cleverly blends contemporary living with seaside charm.
Panoramic sea views through the bi-fold doors, coupled with colourful accessories, hand-selected from Joules. Within walking distance is the village of Pevensey with its striking castle, now an English Heritage site.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 1
Bluebell Lodge, Cornwall
Just six miles from Padstow’s charming fishing harbour, Bluebell Lodge is a chic, eco-friendly dog-friendly lodge in a beautiful location. They can chase waves and sticks at one of the many fantastic sandy spots dotted along the north Cornish coastline, with Constantine Bay, Fistral Beach, Mawgan Porth Beach and Polzeath all within easy reach.
Back at base, dogs can enjoy the open-plan living space and garden while you fire up the BBQ and dine beneath the Cornish sky. Tranquil and trendy, the three bedrooms are tastefully decorated, and the family bathroom has a shower over the bath for hounds in need of a hose down.
Sleeps: 6
Dogs allowed: 2
Knockderry Lodge, Argyll and Bute
This impressive, architect-designed lodge overlooking Loch Long in beautiful Argyllshire is a truly five-star stay for those seeking the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Situated in an elevated position close to the village of Cove, the dog-friendly cottage is ideally located for enjoying water sports on Loch Long and Gare Loch, with opportunities for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and more nearby.
The lodge has a slate deck running around the outside of the property with luxurious loungers, a funky picnic table for alfresco meals and a luxurious hot tub, where you can relax with a glass of something chilled and admire the view across the lawn down to the twinkling loch.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 1
No.36 By The Beach, Devon
No.36 By The Beach is a contemporary beach house with plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Standing next to the Royal North Devon golf course and on the edge of the lively coastal village of Westward Ho! (blessed with a three-mile stretch of golden sand), the dog-friendly cottage offers wonderful views of the North Devon coastline both from the enclosed garden and from the full-width balcony.
Flourishes of Joules’ vibrant homeware complement the pad’s elegant interiors, from hand-picked dinnerware to luxurious bed linen. The cottage is reverse level: upstairs is the sleek kitchen/ dining/living area with a wood-burner and bi-fold doors onto the spacious first-floor balcony. The four bedrooms are at ground level, including a bunk bedroom to add to the holiday fun for children.
Sleeps: 8
Dogs allowed: 2
Catcleugh Farmhouse, Northumberland
A stylish, rustic former farmhouse enjoying magnificent views over Catcleugh Reservoir, Catcleugh Farmhouse is located directly in Northumberland Dark Sky Park, Europe’s largest area of protected night sky. There are fabulous walking routes from the property onto the Pennine Way, so you won’t want to forget your walking shoes.
A wonderfully large and well-equipped dog-friendly cottage, here you have the ideal family base for an outdoorsy gang who are ready to wear themselves out in the Northumberland countryside.
Sleeps: 10
Dogs allowed: 3
Ochre, Devon
In a great location for you to explore both Devon and Cornwall, this contemporary dog-friendly cottages is set within a beautiful garden, too. With miles of rolling countryside views and a plunge pool less than 50 yards from the front door, it’s an excellent spot for couples or a family, plus their furry friends.
There’s glorious walking along the South West Coast Path and the equally popular Tarka Trail, plus Exmoor and Dartmoor to explore. Art lessons are available on-site for those wishing to enjoy a creative holiday.
Sleeps: 4
Dogs allowed: 3
The Old Tin School, North Yorkshire
This open-plan studio-style space in the heart of Yorkshire moorland is a romantic sanctuary for couples travelling with their dogs. High ceilings and large windows make it bright and airy, while industrial-style touches mixed with more traditional pieces create a warm and cosy contemporary feel.
You can do as much or as little at this dog-friendly cottage: spend lazy mornings in the wrought iron bed, go on scenic walks, including the Cleveland Way National Trail, and snuggle up in front of the wood burner with the pups snoozing at your feet.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 2
Tawny Owl, Cornwall
Just six miles from Padstow’s charming fishing harbour, Tawny Owl is a chic, eco-friendly lodge in a beautiful location. The dogs can chase waves and sticks at one of many sandy spots dotted along the north Cornish coastline. Constantine Bay, Fistral Beach, Mawgan Porth Beach and Polzeath are all within easy reach, as is the impossibly pretty Port Isaac.
Back at base, everyone will love the open-plan living space and garden while you fire up the BBQ and dine beneath the Cornish sky. Tranquil and trendy, the three bedrooms are stylishly decorated, and the family bathroom has a shower over the bath for hounds in need of a hose down.
Sleeps: 6
Dogs allowed: 2
The Turret at Inchglas, Perth and Kinross
A Victorian Gothic revival mansion with plenty of period features including turret and exposed stone walls, this dog-friendly cottage in Scotland is a delight. It’s set amid landscaped gardens close to the heart of bustling Crieff. The town offers a splendid range of boutique and independent shops and quality eateries, while the magnificent Drummond Castle Gardens are nearby.
Inside, there is a large feature fireplace with beautiful, exposed stone walls and an electric wood burner for cosy nights in. There is a quirky, turret walk-in wet room with a shower and toilet, as well as a cosy double bedroom.
Sleeps: 2
Dogs allowed: 1