What Is The Average Adult German Shepherd Size
German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years.
You should know theres about a 25 percent weight difference between males and females.
Just remember that the numbers weve given in this article are averages. Your dog may be under or over, and its fine if thats the case!
Dont feel the need to be exact. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do.
You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns.
Dry Food And Wet Food
If you havent had a dogbefore, this may come as a surprise to you. Dogs have two types of food, dryand wet. The Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition recommends feeding your dog a balanced diet where hegets 50% of calories from wet food and the other 50% from dry food. If youhavent tried out wet foods before, you can check out PEDIGREE Chopped Ground Dinner.
The main differencebetween wet and dry food is moisture content. By giving your dog a mix or wetand dry foods, you help with his digestion and also help him hydrate if hedoesnt drink enough water. If youre following a diet that involves both wetand dry foods, you can feed him wet food during the day and dry food for hisevening meal, or vice versa!
An additional benefit ofusing both types of food is that your dog will not get tired of having just onetype of food, and this will help diversify his diet.
How Much Should A 6
Again, when considering the weight of your 6-month old German Shepherd, dont worry if your pup is slightly out of the recommended range. Every puppy will grow at a different rate, and these figures are average guidelines.
A 6-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 49-57 lbs for males and 44-49 lbs for females. Similar to most large breeds, GSDs have their most intense growth spurt between 2 to 6 months of age. At 7 months, their growth rate slows down considerably until they reach full adulthood at 3 years.
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German Shepherd Growth Chart
Just like humans, German Shepherds have milestones that they should make as they grow. Some of these involve height and weight while others involve behavior and socialization. See the German Shepherd weight chart above.
The stages can be divided into 5 primary categories: the neonatal period, the socialization period, the juvenile period, the sexual maturity period, and the transition into adulthood.
How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Need
German Shepherds another breed of dogs that are very popular with pet parents! These dogs are known for being extremely loyal, highly intelligent, and strong. Even though these are large dogs, they are very strong and athletic.
This breed is used as working and service dogs; they love having something constructive to do. This is also why theyre very popular as military and police dogs. Best of all, these are dogs who appreciate having a loving pet parent and family.
If youre a new pet parent, weve put together some information on the breed, as well as how much exercise these dogs need. Lets get started!
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German Shepherd Puppies Vs Adults Guidelines
Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult.
This is an important subject as it will help you figure out the best way to take care of your dog depending on whether theyre an adult or a puppy.
The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven:
- Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds.
- German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content in their early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older.
- Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended.
With this German shepherd feeding chart, you can now decide on your dogs feeding plan, However, Id suggest seeing your vet first so you can confirm if your plan is actually effective.
Many owners simply feed their German shepherds without second thoughts of the dogs needs. But since youve read this blog post, you are now aware of the needs of your German shepherd.
After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way.
How Big Is A Full
Along with 50-90 pounds, most German Shepherds who follow the breed standard also have a height of 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder.
This puts them firmly in the large breed category when youre looking at different kinds of dogs.
Many Americans may look at this height and think: No way. Ive seen plenty of German Shepherds bigger than that. And theyd probably be right!
Many German Shepherds bred in North America are bred to be oversized or outside the breed standard.
Here are a few photographs of oversized German Shepherds compared to German Shepherds bred for the show ring, such as Rumor, the German Shepherd who won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show in 2017.
Most German Shepherds obtained through a backyard breeder will probably fall somewhere between these two extremes in size.
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Full Report On The German Shepherds Temperament And Personality
German Shepherds are often described as being full of self-confidence. Theyâre smart and fearless to boot. This makes them extremely trainable dogs â and they learn quickly too. Itâs not surprising for your German Shepherd to recall a new cue after only a few training sessions.
They have a naturally protective instinct, so they make great family pets â though German Shepherds are also described as âaloof.â Because they are so loyal to their families, donât expect them to give a warm, tail-wagging welcome to strangers, but once theyâre your friend, that bond cannot be broken.
The saying âa tired dog is a good dogâ is especially true for these easily-bored pups. If a German Shepherd spends too much time alone or without stimulation, you can expect to see the evidence in a shredded couch or ripped up carpet. They love to work, so giving them something to do helps tire them out and keeps them well-behaved.
Weight Of A Male German Shepherd
A male German Shepherd is heavier than a female. The weight of a male German Shepherd is about 66 to 88 pounds. In kilograms, it is about 30 to 40 kg. this is usually equal to the weight of a smart teenage boy or a smart middle-aged woman.
A German Shepherd is sexually dimorphic. It means that the weight and height are different for a male German Shepherd and a female German Shepherd. The weight of a German Shepherd varies according to age. With every passing month, a specific weight gain can be observed in a German Shepherd puppy until it becomes a Mature dog.
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German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart For Male Gsds
For a male German Shepherd puppy, the weight range in adulthood typically varies between 65 pounds and 90 pounds. Puppies will be between 24 to 26 inches tall on average.
This growth chart timeline is courtesy of Von Geliebten Haus GSD breeders. It uses an average German Shepherd that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age.
German Shepherd Body Types
Just like with humans, there are various body types for German Shepherds. The ideal type is based on what humans decide is preferred and healthier for a German Shepherds needs.
To begin with, it is important to remember that German Shepherds are considered working breeds and need bodies that can perform their jobs well. A balanced frame will have a straight, flat spine with bones that are balanced between the front and back of the dog.
Dogs should be able to run and jump without any issue, which is true of most dog breeds.
For a German Shepherd, they need to be ready to hunt, guard, herd, and track. Their bodies need to help them complete their jobs without any physical limitations.
Show dogs will not be looked at for their work capabilities but based on the show standards. Unfortunately, often these standards of body types will not help your dog as active and healthy as he needs to be.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia as well as a roached back, which means a curved spine. Both of these conditions will affect the movement of your dog as he ages, making it difficult to run and walk well, let alone completing a job that they might attempt to do.
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German Shepherd Breed Characteristics
- German Shepherds stand around two feet tall. Males can reach 24 to 26 inches and females between 22 and 24 inches.
- A medium-to-large sized working dog, male German Shepherds weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and females between 50 and 70 pounds.
- German Shepherds have a double coat. The outer coat is dense and can be straight or a little wavy, whilst the undercoat is thick but soft.
- German Shepherds are one of the most common police dogs used for everyday duties. The trainability and intelligence of the breed make it the ideal candidate for police work.
- German Shepherds are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, along with the Border Collie and Poodle.
- Contrary to popular belief, German Shepherds are very loving and protective pets of their owners. However, they can display aggression if their aggressive tendencies arent kept in check.
Average German Shepherd Weight By Age
The most reliable numbers when it comes to a German shepherds measurements come from German Shepherd Dog FCI. It will also be the ones that well be using in this section.
Its also important to understand that males and females typically have different weights. This is a chart that shows the average weight of a German shepherd with 1-month intervals.
However, this German shepherd size chart will skip some months to show you how a full-grown German shepherd should weigh normally.
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How To Weigh Your German Shepherd Puppy
Weighing your German Shepherd is essential because it helps you to monitor their weight and ensure that they are in the right German Shepherd weight category for their age.
Generally, you should weigh your puppy once a year but weighing them twice per year will help you find any potential health issues at an early age.
However, if your puppy has a serious health condition, consider weighing them more frequently with the help of your vet.
You can use your bathroom scale to weigh your puppy. Ensure that the weighing machine reads zero and is placed on a hard, flat surface. First, weigh yourself and write down your weight. Then, pick up your German Shepherd puppy, step on the scale and record the weight.
To determine the weight of your puppy, subtract your weight from the combined weight of your puppy and you.;;
Originated In Germany This Is A Working Dog Breed That Is Extremely Loyal Friendly And Approachable
These medium to large-sized dogs may come off reserved at first, but as they get to spend time with their owner, they become exceedingly attached to them and protect them from threats with all their might. Because they are strong and courageous, they make for excellent watchdogs.
German shepherd dogs are quite energetic and easy to train. They like to exercise a lot and play outdoors with children and other pets. This dog breed grows up to 25 inches tall, weighs up to 90 pounds, and typically lives up to 9-12 years.
At this point, you may wonder, when do German shepherds stop growing? Find out that and more information about these faithful companions in this blog post.
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When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing
Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger are require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen.
As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity.
Drawbacks Of Their Size
If you arent looking for a large dog made to work, this dog may not be the one for you. For example, if you live in an apartment and a big dog just isnt logical, then a shepherd might not be the best fit for you.
But, you love their look and personality and you feel the German Shepherd is your perfect soulmate then theres good news! There are GS breed mixes that come in different sizes and still have the charm of full sized shepherds.
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Skeletal Health And Supplementation
Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Some breeds like the German shepherd, are predisposed to a variety of different skeletal disorders, including but not limited to: canine hip dysplasia, Cauda equina syndrome, and osteoarthritis. These conditions can be a result of poor breeding or induced by intense exercise and poor diet.
Canine hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation, lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. German shepherds are genetically predisposed to CHD and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Germany found its prevalence estimated to be approximately 35% of veterinary cases associated with the disorder.
Osteoarthritis is one of the main contributors of musculoskeletal pain and disabilities that commonly affect German shepherds. Mechanical stress, oxidative damage and inflammatory mediators combine to induce the gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage in the joint, resulting in reduced muscle mass, pain, and locomotion.
Vitamins such as A and D also have crucial roles in bone development and maintenance by regulating bone and calcium metabolism. Adequate levels should be incorporated into a German shepherd diet to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system.
The 4 Stages Of A Dogs Growth And Development
I think we can all agree that its difficult to figure out the best way to take care of your dogs health. Not knowing about a German shepherd average weight and height only adds to the list of problems.
As German Shepherds grow through the stages of their life, they also develop more health risks. But are the stages of a dogs life?
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Do German Shepherds Have Common Health Problems
All dog breeds have a tendency toward some kind of health problem. The severity and risk will vary, however. German Shepherds biggest issue is hip dysplasia.
This is when the hip bones do not sit well within the joint, making them easy to dislocate and injure. German Shepherds can also get elbow dysplasia, where the same thing happens, but with the elbow joint.
A major health concern that you will need to watch out for with German Shepherds is bloat. This is not like the type of bloating that humans experience and it can be life-threatening. It is where the dogs stomach becomes distended to the point of cutting off air to the dog, causing trouble breathing.
It can be avoided by keeping your dog on a consistent schedule and not feeding him right before taking him out for vigorous exercise. You should also make sure your dog is not eating too quickly.
How Much Weight A German Shepherd Gains From A Puppy To An Adult
A healthy dog, at the age of 1 year starts looking exactly like an adult dog but it is still at the adolescent stage. Do not get deceived by its huge size.
While purchasing a German Shepherd puppy, you might be concerned about the weight gain to be observed as your puppy will grow and become an adult. The exact weight of a dog varies from breed to breed and from individual to individual, but the estimated weight will remain the same as it is marked on the high ends of the range.
The growth of a German Shepherd in terms of weight gain is explosive as a puppy in the first few months. In the duration between 6 to 8 months, this process of growth slows down and ends till the dog gets matured at the age of 3 years.
You can consult a vet to check if the growth rate of your dog is normal or is there any problem with its growth rate.
The following table will show how a German Shepherd puppy gains weight while growing through several months and years.
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