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Letter: Canine teenagers

Published 20 April 2005

From Edwin Besterman

I must challenge the concept that adolescence is confined to humans (5 March, p 38). As a breeder of German shepherd dogs for 20 years I have observed the same kinds of changes between the ages of 16 and 22 months. They are well known to all dog breeders. Growth spurts lead to gangly, unsightly dogs, and they begin to misbehave after previous obedience. After 24 months, body conformation returns to the classical appearance, and behaviour and obedience are again normal. Sadly I cannot pronounce on canine sex education.

Kingston, Jamaica

Issue no. 2496 published 23 April 2005

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