PAPITO and pets

A pet is family

Before you adopt, look at the time, money and years it asks for. If you already have a pet and a baby is coming, prepare early. And at every age, your kids can help care for it.

Storybook illustration of a dad and his two kids walking a leashed shelter dog in a Miami park.

Safety first: children are the most common victims of dog bites, usually by a dog they know, at home. Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog. The CDC does not recommend reptiles or amphibians for homes with kids under 5.

Quick quiz: which pet fits your family?

Six questions, one minute. A starting point, not a verdict.

A general direction to explore, not a recommendation. PAPITO does not endorse or recommend any particular pet, breed, breeder or shelter, and this is not professional advice. Results are based on general tendencies; every animal is different. Before you adopt, talk with a veterinarian and the shelter about the specific animal, and decide together as a family.

Where do you live?

How old is your youngest child?

How much time can a grown-up give every day?

How active is your family?

Anyone with pet allergies?

Brushing and grooming?

The honest checklist

Someone has 30 to 90 minutes every day for walks, play and care, even on busy weeks.Our lease or HOA allows this pet, including its breed and size.No one at home is allergic, or we've spent time around this kind of animal to check.We can afford the first year and the yearly cost below, plus a vet emergency.We have a plan for travel: a sitter, boarding or a friend.Our youngest child is old enough for this pet (see the guide).A grown-up, not the kids, will own the care. Kids help; parents are responsible.We're ready for a 10 to 15 year commitment for a dog or cat.

0 of 8. Sort out the rest before you adopt: the ASPCA found housing changes, job changes and costs are the top reasons families give up pets.

What will it cost?

First year: $3,221 · Each year after: $1,391 · Typical life: 10 to 13 years

Years: 12

About $18,522

ASPCA averages (2021 update); today's costs are likely higher. Doesn't include emergencies: plan for at least one big vet bill, or consider pet insurance. ASPCA ↗

How it grows: Labrador retriever Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 21½–24½ in (1 ft 9½ in – 2 ft ½ in)

Males 22½–24½ in, females 21½–23½ in (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: Beagle Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 13–15 in (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 3 in)

Two sizes: the 13-inch variety (13 in and under) and the 15-inch variety (over 13, up to 15 in). Shaded: the 15-inch variety (AKC).

How it grows: Golden retriever Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 21½–24 in (1 ft 9½ in – 2 ft)

Males 23–24 in, females 21½–22½ in (AKC standard, via the Golden Retriever Club of America).

How it grows: Cavalier King Charles spaniel Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 12–13 in (1 ft – 1 ft 1 in)

12–13 in at the shoulder, 13–18 lb (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: French bulldog Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 11–13 in (11 in – 1 ft 1 in)

About 11–13 in at the shoulder (AKC breed profile). The AKC standard sets weight, not height: no more than 28 lb.

How it grows: Miniature poodle Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 10–15 in (10 in – 1 ft 3 in)

Over 10 in and up to 15 in at the shoulder (AKC breed standard). Toy poodles are 10 in or under; standards are over 15 in.

How it grows: Standard poodle Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 22–27 in (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 3 in)

The AKC standard sets only a minimum: over 15 in at the shoulder, with no maximum. Shaded: the typical adult range of about 22–27 in reported by veterinarian-reviewed breed guides.

How it grows: Boxer Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 21½–25 in (1 ft 9½ in – 2 ft 1 in)

Males 23–25 in, females 21½–23½ in (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: Border collie Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 18–22 in (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in)

Males 19–22 in, females 18–21 in (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: Australian shepherd Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 18–23 in (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 11 in)

Males 20–23 in, females 18–21 in (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: Shih tzu Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 9–10½ in (9 in – 10½ in)

Ideally 9–10½ in at the shoulder (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: Bichon frise Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 9½–11½ in (9½ in – 11½ in)

9½–11½ in at the shoulder (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: German shepherd Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 22–26 in (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in)

Males 24–26 in, females 22–24 in (AKC breed standard).

How it grows: Retired racing greyhound Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale. See the ruler below for real adult size.

1 ft

18"

2 ft

30"

3 ft

42"

4 ft

Adult height at the shoulder: 27–30 in (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 6 in)

AKC standard: males 28–30 in, females 27–28 in. Retired racing greyhounds come from racing lines and individuals vary.

How it grows: Pit bull–type and terrier mixes Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale.

Adult size: varies a lot

“Pit bull” is a type, not a single breed, so there's no official height. Adult size varies a lot. Ask the shelter about this dog's size, energy and how it does with kids.

How it grows: Mixed-breed shelter dog Illustration of the same animal as a newborn, at 8 weeks and at 5 months.

Newborn (2 weeks)8 weeks5 months

Growth stages, not to scale.

Adult size: varies a lot

Every mixed-breed dog is different, so there's no standard size. For a puppy, the shelter or a vet can estimate adult size from paw size, weight and known parents.

PAPITO+ · Your family time concierge

Family time includes the pet.

Papito works pet-friendly ideas into your Sunday picks, and PAPITO+ reminders keep track of things like grooming.

Reminders that rememberBirthdays, sign-ups and the little things that slip.
Sunday picksThree ideas every Sunday, matched to your free time, the weather and your kids.
Rainy-day heads-upThree indoor ideas the evening before rain hits your free time.

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