Working Vs Show German Shepherds Size Comparison
When adopting a German Shepherd puppy, you will need to consider whether you are looking for a working dog or a show dog.
While you might just be looking for a nice addition to your family, GS puppies have been bred for specific purposes for many years, resulting in dogs that are made to work and dogs that are not.
Working dogs need to have a lot more stamina and energy because they need to do a job. They do not have the same cosmetic attributes that you will find with show dogs, instead making up for it with incredibly athletic bodies that can move all day long.
Meanwhile, show GS are bigger and bulkier and a lot less energetic. They have thicker coats, more color uniformity, and are bulkier in size. These make for better family pets, because they do not require the same level of work to keep them happy.
German Shepherd Life Span & Health
German Shepherd lifespan and health are tied up with size. Specifically with weight and growth rate. And thats because some health issues in dogs are directly linked to obesity.
Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. This is something well consider when we look more closely at German Shepherd weight.
Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies.
They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues.
German Shepherds can live for 9+ years, but of course, German Shepherd life expectancy is a result of a number of factors, including genetics, environment, and diet.
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.
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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.
Most Significant Feeding Errors In Growth Stage Of A German Shepherd
The two most important feeding errors in growth are overfeeding and the administration of too much calcium.
Scientific studies show that it is precisely in the phase of rapid growth between the 3rd and 6th month of life that the causes of many growth-related skeletal diseases can be found.
2 to 4 months later, the consequential damage is already apparent: cartilage defects, uneven bone growth, insufficient intake of vitamins or an excess of feed ingredients.
They are first noticed as lameness, bent front legs, joint restrictions or shaky gait in dogs aged 6 to 10 months. Hip joint dysplasia can thus develop.
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Symbol Of German Virtues
The goal of the breeder von Stephanitz was clearly defined.
He was interested in a versatile working dog, about whose character and working characteristics the breeder had exact ideas.
A German Shepherd dog possessed the virtues courage, loyalty, obedience, endurance and robustness, which made him world famous and in many countries one of the most popular service dog breeds of authorities such as police and military.
At the time of the First and Second World War these characteristics were stylized to German virtues.
The German Shepherd Dog became a symbol of National Socialist sentiment.
As a result of anti-German resentment abroad, the British Kennel Club changed the breed name to Alsatian Wolf Dog or later simply to Alsatian Dog in order to avoid the attribute German in the name.
Only in 1977 this change of name was reversed.
Nevertheless, a German Shepherd Dog was not only on the German side, but also on the side of the Allies a much sought-after war dog.
He attained sad fame, however, above all by his employment in concentration camps and as a faithful companion of Adolf Hitler.
Numerous photos of Nazi propaganda show Hitler with his German shepherd dog Blondi.
Despite this instrumentalisation and a strong decimation by the Second World War, the breed was able to assert itself after the end of the war and soon became one of the most sought-after utility dog breeds in the world again.
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.
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How Big Should A German Shepherd Be
Unlike many other breeds, the German Shepherd has very specific standards when it comes to their proportions. While weight and height are important, what matters more is that theyre the right ratio.
To find out if your dog is the right ratio, you need to measure their length from the front of their chest to the base of their tail. Youll also measure their height at their withers.
A German Shepherd should have a length/height ratio of 10:8.5. That means they should be slightly longer than they are tall.
Here are some examples of proper ratios:
- Length: 26 inches
- Height: 26 inches
- Ratio: 10:8.5
To find the ratio, multiply their length by 0.85. This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0.85 is 22.1 inches, so you know that dog is proportionate. Using the other example, 30.5 inches times 0.85 is 25.9 inches.
Caring For Your German Shepherd
German Shepherds are fantastic dogs and its easy to see why they are such a popular breed. However their size and strength means they arent suited to all families and need a lot of space to burn off their energy. Youll need to make sure you have a lot of time to spend with these dogs and you are committed to providing for their exercise needs every day.
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Checking Your Dogs Weight
There are different ways to check if a German shepherd is underweight or overweight.
For example, you can find out if your dog is underweight by checking their sides if their ribs are visible. But if you think theyre overweight, you can look at them from above. If they look like a barrel of some sorts, then your guess is right.
Some cases may lead to their appearance being not too obvious. So its also important to feel their ribs so you can check if your German shepherds size is normal.
If theres too much skin at a point where you cant feel their ribs anymore, theyre overweight. If you can feel their ribs with the addition of a layer of skin, theyre likely to be of the ideal weight. But if the layer of skin is too thin, they are underweight.
So what exactly can you do if you found out that theyre underweight or overweight?
Week Old German Shepherd
At 6 weeks old, your job as a new owner is to make sure that your puppy is receiving the same level of nutrition that they were getting from their mothers milk.
Ideally, your puppy should still be nursing from their mother, because most foods are going to have a hard time replacing the needed micro and macronutrients, along with the natural antibodies that are found inside of the mothers milk.
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They Struggle To Groom Themselves
If your German Shepherd cant reach behind their ear to itch their scratch or dont seem to have the flexibility necessary to bite or groom themselves, this is a clear indication that they need to go on a diet due to being overweight.
Handy Hint: If your female GSD is gaining weight quickly make sure to rule out pregnancy. Here are the signs of pregnancy that show in German Shepherds.
What Should I Expect From My 6 Month Old German Shepherd
At six months of age, your GSD is becoming independent. They explore more areas and develop new ways to engage with their world. While this is cute when they are small, at 6-months-old they can weigh upwards of 50 pounds or more and are 75% of their adult size! These are powerful dogs, even at a young age.
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Getting Your German Shepherd Back To Normal Shape
Whether a German shepherd is underweight or overweight, youll need to do something to change their situation. And one of the best ways to do this is to change their diet.
- Underweight: Obviously, youll need to increase the content of their food. However, make sure you dont force them because this might lead to more bad than good.Slowly transition to providing higher fat content. A simple trick for this is to mix their normal food with that of a higher fat content.You might also consider feeding them puppy food since its typically made to provide plenty of nutrients.
- Overweight: When it comes to overweight German shepherds, you should simply cut off their food.However, dont take it too far since their behavior may also change. Instead, take it slowly so they wont notice.Dont worry because if you continually do this, theyll eventually end up eating half the amount of food they were eating originally.
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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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.
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.
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What Is A German Shepherds Neck Size
Measuring your German Shepherds neck is important to help you find the perfect collar size to ensure that they are secure and comfortable.
To do this, use a measuring tape to measure loosely along the base of your puppys neck. Ensure that you can slide two fingers in between the tape and your puppys neck. The neck size of a German Shepherd is 18 24 inches
Juvenile Period 3 Months 6 Months
Between months 3 and 6, the puppies go through the juvenile period. The baby phase will have come to an end. They should be able to eat easily, interact with others, and should be on the brink of being housebroken. They will continue to grow steadily and are ready to be trained.
They will begin to lose their milk teeth during this period as well, so keep an eye out for the risk of chewing items that you might not approve of. Having dog-approved chew toys on hand can help both the puppies and the owners get through the teething phase without frustration.
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The Mini German Shepherd
You may be wondering if its possible to have all the wonderful advantages of your favorite shepherd dog breed in a slightly smaller package? If so, one of the German Shepherd mix breeds might suit you/
There are also breeders that have set out to miniaturize the breed and you can read all about them in this article: Miniature German Shepherd There are pros and cons of miniaturization and you need to know what you are getting into.
A Short History Of The German Shepherd
As the name of the breed suggests, the German Shepherd originates from Germany. The history of the breed dates back to the late 1800s. In the 1850s, German dog breeders were trying to standardize dog breeds to preserve the best traits that assisted their job of herding sheep. This was practiced within small communities of people in Germany where shepherds bred dogs. German breeders wanted to have a dog that had the necessary skills for herding sheep such as intelligence, strength, speed, endurance, and a strong sense of smell.
The breeders got results but the ability and the appearance of dogs differed from one community to another. As a result, the Phylax Society was formed in 1891 with the purpose of creating native dog breeds but it was disbanded in just a few years due to internal disagreements on the traits of the dogs the organization should promote. Nevertheless, Germanys efforts to create a dog breed of the nations own continued. In 1899, Max von Stephanitz, an ex-member of the Phylax Society and a former student of the Berlin Veterinary College, was shown a dog during one of his visits to a dog show named Hektor Linksrhein. The dog was agile, loyal, fast, intelligent, and appeared pleasing to the eye. The dog satisfied his beliefs of what a working dog should be, and he purchased him.
The first German Shepherd was imported to the United States in 1907 as part of a German Shepherd Dog exhibit.
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Puppy Weight Calculator: How Big Will My Puppy Get
Its one of the questions most asked to vets, trainers, and breeders How big will my puppy get?!
Some people will tell you to look at the size of their paws, however, the best way is to use a puppy weight calculator .
Knowing your breed can sometimes make it easier to guesstimate their adult size, however, this becomes increasingly difficult with mix-breeds, thats why its best to use a puppy weight calculator to give you a better idea!
Accurately estimating your puppys adult weight is important when it comes to how much to feed a puppy based on their weight, exercising, and planning their crate or space requirements.
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