Big Boned Chunky German Shepherd Puppies
Coventry, West Midlands
PAAG promotes responsible pet advertising to help protect animal welfare. That’s why Gumtree works to ensure all of our adverts meet PAAG’s minimum standards. Find more information on buying your pet here.
Stay Safe
-
“Be wary of buyers asking to use ‘Gumtree delivery’ or ‘Payments on Gumtree’ for anything other than private cars”
-
“Gumtree does not offer delivery or payments for anything other than private cars requests from Whatsapp or SMS could be scams”
1 of 8
Are Puppy Paws An Indicator Of Adult Weight
Your German Shepherds paws can be a good indicator of his adult size and weight, but its not entirely accurate. However, for the most part, large paws mean that your dog will be higher in weight and height. This is simply because your larger-sized dog such as a German Shepherd needs paws that are large enough to support him.
Think about it this way could you imagine your German Shepherds puppy feet on a Greyhound? They would look ridiculous, right? Could you also imagine Chihuahua-sized feet on your German Shepherd puppy? I guess not he would be falling all over the place!
However, you have to keep in mind that this method of guessing your dogs adult weight and height is not entirely foolproof. Dogs can grow at different speeds, and sometimes their paws may look disproportionate. Does that mean hes going to be a smaller, leaner German Shepherd? Certainly not, as he may be about to go through a significant growth spurt.
My female German Shepherd is a classic example of this. As an adult, she weighs a massive 88 pounds, and she is exceptionally tall, standing at 27 inches she is therefore nicely proportioned. However, as you can see from the below pictures, her paws at both 8 and 11 weeks certainly do not appear overly big!
- Willows paws at 8 weeks
- Willows paws at 11 weeks
Your Big German Shepherd
Theres more dog to love with bigger German Shepherds!
A famously devoted and loving animal companion, a German Shepherd thats a normal size can make a great family pet.
But a giant German Shepherd or, even better, a big fluffy German Shepherd?
Sounds like paradise for any dog lover!
Whatever size GSD you choose, be sure to work with a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs.
Keep in mind that large breed puppies have special nutritional needs, and older large breed dogs can require special care if they suffer from arthritis or other joint problems.
Be sure to talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions about feeding and caring for a big German Shepherd.
Enjoy your very huggable best friend, and be sure to tell us about your GSD in the comments!
You May Like: How Much Should You Feed A German Shepherd
White Swiss Shepherd Dog
The White Swiss Shepherd Dog is a variety of the German Shepherd bred in Switzerland. It descends from the American White Shepherds the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in 1966 and imported to Switzerland. The variety was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as a separate breed in 2003, and it is now recognised by a number of national kennel clubs.
Notable Individual German Shepherds
- The dog on which the breed was founded
- Horand von Grafrath , considered the first German Shepherd and the genetic basis for modern German Shepherds
Recommended Reading: Why German Shepherds Are Good Family Pets
Getting A German Shepherdpuppy
Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new German shepherd puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically-sourced German shepherd puppies.
Knowing what youre in for when you get a German shepherd puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, its up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.
German Shepherd Personality And Temperament
German Shepherds were initially bred to be herding and guard dogs. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets.
German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies.
Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation.
A German Shepherds temperament can also be genetic in nature. The American Temperament Test Society and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America will issue a TT certificate after temperament testing. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased.
Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible.
Recommended Reading: Liver German Shepherds For Sale
We All Have Health Issues Even King Shepherds
Like the rest of us, King Shepherds may have some health problems.
Dont panic. But it pays to be informed. Because your King Shepherd is a crossbreed, they may have health problems associated with both of his parents.
The good news is that hybrids like King Shepherds have what vets call hybrid vigor. This means they can be delightfully hardy and healthy.
However, King Shepherds like other big dogs may be prone to such medical conditions as joint dysplasia, Von Willebrands disease, hypothyroidism. They may also inherit allergies and eye diseases, degenerative myelopathy, pancreatic problems and thrombopathia.
In For A Penny In For A Pound
No one promised a King Shepherd price would be cheap. First, a puppy will set you back between $1500 and $2500, as we mentioned earlier unless you know a kind and generous breeder!
The next cost is making sure your new family member is healthy. You need to do an initial medical exam which is a brilliant investment.
You want to prevent health problems down the road, and you want to ensure your puppy is in excellent health. Thats why the seventy or so dollars you spend on getting the test for your King Shepherd is vital.
Some breeders and most animal shelters do this as part of the adoption process. Dont assume this, though, instead ask.
If you want to be a responsible pet owner, youll also look into spaying or neutering. Check out the situation at your vets clinic. Many clinics offer this nearly $200 service for free. If youre adopting a rescue dog, chances are spaying or neutering has already been done.
If you go the route of King Shepherd adoption, you can expect to pay between $75 and $200.
Youll also have to buy a dog license costing about $10.
Okay, youve got your healthy dog home. Here are some other costs to consider:
- A crate will cost at least $50
- Add another $30 for collar and leash.
- Obedience training could cost between $180 and $225, or cheaper if youll do it yourself using good courses like this one.
Recommended Reading: How To Build A Whelping Box For A German Shepherd
How Big Can German Shepherd Dogs Get
Just how big can a GSD get?
That can depend on whether it is a purebred or mixed breed GSD.
While purebred GSDs will never grow to a truly giant size, a German Shepherd mixed with a giant breed can potentially inherit the giant parents size.
Some GSD breeders specialize in big purebred German Shepherds.
Where Did The King Shepherd Originate
As his name suggests, the King Shepherd is a king-sized Shepherd hybrid. This large breed was developed by Americans Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer.
The King Shepherd was initially bred from American and European German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes and Great Pyrenees. They started breeding them in the early 1990s, however, an official breed club was only established in 1995. And the rest as they say, is canine history.
The King Shepherd won an instant appeal for his high intelligence, unfailing loyalty, vigorous effort, and his attractive appearance.
Read Also: How Much Is A German Shepherd Puppy Uk
Getting A Dog From A Breed Rescue
Nutritional Tips For German Shepherd
A few dietary supplements might be considered for your German Shepherd.
Joint Supplements
Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplements are great to promote joint health. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses.
Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis, which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues.
Probiotics
Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily.
Read Also: German Shepherd Puppies Erie Pa
What To Feed A German Shepherd
German Shepherds are considered the all-purpose working dog. They require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs. These diets are usually labeled puppy, adult, or senior. Any dog food that is labeled for all life stages should only be used for puppies, as they are not usually formulated for older dogs.
It is highly recommended that all dogs eat an Association of American Feed Control Officials -approved diet, which ensures that the ingredients meet established standards. Basic vitamins and mineral supplements are not needed if your dogs food is AAFCO-approved.
Offering table food and animal bones should be avoided, as they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, and they also have a much higher fat content than dog food. High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis.
How Easy Is The King Shepherd To Train
We know by now that this is a super smart canine, but despite this, initial training will require a lot of patience, consistency, and persistence, as is with any other dog.
However, as King Shepherds are so eager to please you, training will be really fun and your new canine companion will get the hang of it pretty quickly.
Once trained, your King Shepherd retains the lessons taught. As long as you also remember and implement what you learned in obedience classes, then you are in for years of loyal companionship.
Follow the training progress of this five-and-a-half-month-old King Shepherd
Read Also: How To Bond With Your German Shepherd Puppy
Finding A Reputable Breeder
Big Boned German Shepherd Puppies
Most people looking for big-boned German Shepherd puppies want to choose the ones that are of larger build. The most attractive feature about these dogs is their large size, but their temperament and training are also factors to consider.
One of the main benefits of getting a puppy of a bigger size is that they tend to be more dominant, thus making them a better choice for large families with lots of children or adults who will be over-burdening them. However, a German Shepherd with an unruly disposition should not be considered for family-oriented situations.
Since big German Shepherds are naturally territorial, they can have a bit of a problem when dealing with smaller children and other pets that are around them. These dogs can be very protective and may react aggressively if they think that they are in danger. It is important to remember that when training your German Shepherd to take on smaller animals, the more disciplined it is, the easier it will be for you to train them.
Read Also: Are German Shepherds Good Indoor Dogs
German Shepherd Health Issues
While German Shepherds have a long life expectancy for a large breed dog, they are prone to several health problems. A trustworthy breeder will screen both male and female dogs being bred for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds commonly also get gastric dilation and volvulus , commonly known as bloat, as well as cancer, allergies, heart disease, and a few other conditions.
Pet parents of German Shepherds should be highly educated on the symptoms to look for, as early detection is the key to a good prognosis for any serious condition.
Keep Those Minds And Bodies Busy
King Shepherds are full of energy and incredibly smart, so we already know that they need lots of space for their giant size, but the buck doesnt stop there they will hugely benefit from mental stimulation too.
They will keep you on your toes, as they get bored quickly and thrive on a genuine challenge.
If you look forward to coming home after a busy workday and just chilling out, then forget owning a King Shepherd. These dogs love strenuous exercise and movement.
Get ready for long fast walks, jogs or bicycle rides where your King Shepherd can run alongside you. This dog possesses boundless energy.
They will run about, jump up, leave muddy paw prints and knock things off shelves and tables with their tails.
Fair warning
Shoes, chair legs, cupboard doors and furniture fall victim to a King Shepherds restlessness.
If they are not kept busy and exercised, their health and your well-ordered home will suffer the consequences. King Shepherds can even get depressed if they dont receive a lot of brisk exercises.
Don’t Miss: When Do German Shepherds Reach Full Size