Other Socialization Period Physical And Behavioral Developments
This is a crucial period for German Shepherd puppies. Their history as herders means that they are not naturally very sociable dogs and can develop behavioral issues if not taught how to interact with humans, other dogs, and other pets.
Related: How To Socialize Your German Shepherd
During the socialization period, German Shepherd puppies should stay with their mothers and littermates to learn dog manners and social cues.
You can start to supplement their milk diet with soft foods, but dont change them over completely. This supplementation is also helpful for the mothers because the German Shepherd puppies now have all of their needle-sharp teeth!
You can start house-breaking a German Shepherd puppy at around 7 weeks of age, but dont expect them to master it immediately they are still very young. You can also start some basic training at 9-12 weeks.
In the middle of the socialization period, around 6-9 weeks of age, German Shepherd puppies go through a fearful stage. You should help them overcome this through positive reinforcement and encouragement. This stage is perfectly normal for dogs, so do not worry, but be patient with them.
Another great milestone towards the end of the socialization period is that your German Shepherds ears should start to stand up.
History Of German Shepherds
The ancestors of the German shepherd dog probably lived in Germany already in the 7th century.
The stock haired dogs already had a quite broad field of activity at that time.
A German shepherd dogs main task was the herding and driving of the flock of sheep, but at the same time it should also guard and protect the shepherds belongings.
The history of the German shepherd dog, as we know it today, officially begins only at the end of the 19th century. In 1871, the Prussian court equestrian Max von Stephanitz, who is considered the founder of this breed today, began with the targeted breeding of the versatile dogs.
Neutering Or Spaying Your German Shepherd
Sterilization early may cause dogs to grow slightly bigger than they would if left intact. This is due to the production of a hormone that halts physical growth when dogs reach sexual maturity.
According to new research, this could increase the potential for hip dysplasia.
Aside from that, if you spay or neuter your dog too young, you may increase certain cancers and arthritis, another joint-related problem.
However, dogs sterilized at an older age may also come with risks for other health problems.
Some vets would recommend fixing your dog at a young age, but recent studies show that females should not be spayed until they complete a heat cycle, and males should wait until they are two.
However, this is up for debate because dogs that start to mark wont stop even after they are neutered.
Your best bet is to talk to your vet and decide what risks youre willing to take.
You May Like: German Shepherd Furminator
What Is The Size Of A Full
An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard.
The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds.
Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors.
The Easy Way To Bike With Your German Shepherd Dogs
In Health, Training and Behavior by German Shepherd Dogs LifestyleJanuary 2, 2018
If youve had your German shepherds since they where pups, then you know full well the growth explosion that occurs.
Some days, it can feel like your beautiful, intelligent fur baby is turning into the Hulk, growing before your eyes.
A healthy newborn large breed German shepherd pup will usually double its birth weight in the first week of its life.
Some German shepherds mature slowly. In general, a German shepherd usually reaches physical adulthood at one and a half to two years of age. Their average weight range is between 48 and 71 pounds. Many variables go into this, so read on to make sure youre gaining a holistic view of your dogs weight.
These numbers are averages and not set in stone. Your dog is organic and made of cells that are continually moving and growing.
These are the average weights for full-grown German shepherds:
- Male: 30 to 40 kg.
- Female: 22 to 32 kg.
Are Your German Shepherds Overweight?
Letting your German shepherds become overweight can lead to dramatic health problems, such as:
- Illnesses
- Heart disease
- Trouble breathing
- Weight is a super-essential indicator of the health of your German Shepherd dogs. Weight gives you a gauge of if feeding is healthy for growth and if that feeding is in the correct balance.
What is the Standard Weight for German Shepherd Dogs?
Weight Numbers are Only Averages
Evaluating your German Shepherd Dogs Condition
You May Like: Who Would Win Pitbull Or German Shepherd
Fourteenth To Sixteenth Month
You can take up positive good manners training, as the dogs are calmer and can concentrate better by this time. They should have bonded better with you by now, and you too would have learned their body language as they are able to communicate better with you.
Now you know how your puppy will develop into a young adult. But, take a look at the grid below to have a better understanding of your puppys age-to-weight ratio, so that you can take better care of its nutrition and exercise. These weights are approximate, of course! Unhealthy dogs, overfed or underfed dogs, can face problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus, degenerative myelopathy, allergies, etc.
German Shepherd Growth Stages
Its all well and good telling you what size and height your pupper will be at certain ages, but what does that mean in real terms? How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething.
Also Check: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements
Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides.
Feeding your German Shepherd with low-quality dog food will cause malnutrition and lead to overeating and health issues like poor skin, gastrointestinal issues, and osteoarthritis.
So, when it comes to choosing your German Shepherds dog food, you must look out for two important ingredients, protein and fat. The dog food you choose must provide at least 22% protein and 8% fat for puppies or at least 18% protein and 5% fat for adult German Shepherds.
That said, not all protein and fats are created equal. And so, do also consider the sources of such nutrients. Ideally, your German Shepherds protein must come from whole meat sources like beef, fish, poultry, and organ meats. In the same way, your German Shepherds fat must also come from healthy sources such as fish oil and vegetables.
Their Body Has No Definition
German Shepherds are supposed to have a lean and athletic build. This is why, at a healthy weight, you should be able to feel their ribcage and spine.
So, if your German Shepherd is looking a bit chunky or you are unable to feel their ribcage or spine under all the fat, you need to put them on a diet.
Recommended Reading: Chiwawa German Shepherd Mix
How Much Should A German Shepherd Eat
When it comes time to feed a German Shepherd many people wonder how much should a German Shepherd eat. All dogs of different breeds require a specific diet and amount of food per day. In fact, there are many cheap German Shepherd products that can improve puppy health.
In this case, we have covered everything related to the food that should be fed to a German Shepherd. This means considering the nutritional needs of this breed of dog among other important factors such as age, size, and activity level among others. In this way, any German Shepherd will be able to enjoy better health for their daily activities.
Dont Miss: What Age Do German Shepherds Calm Down
Transition To Adult Period: 16 Months 36 Months
At this point, there are no more major milestones for your German Shepherd to reach. They will, however, continue to grow during this time.
Female German Shepherds arent considered to be fully-grown until they are at least 24 months whereas some males arent seen as adults until 36 months.
Throughout this period, you should continue to feed them a high-quality food for German Shepherds to ensure that they grow at the proper rate, allowing their hips to develop normally. By the end of this period, they should reach their adult weight.
Heres a video showing how quickly a German Shepherd goes from being a puppy to a very adult-looking dog:
Read Also: How To Potty Train A German Shepherd Dog
When Is A German Shepherd Fully Grown
Female German Shepherds often stop growing at around two years. Males may continue to grow for another six months or so. The exact time that each dog stops growing depends on genetics and their diet. You shouldnt feed a dog extra calories in the hopes that theyll grow faster or larger. This can make them grow too fast, which can mess up their joints and cause other health problems. In fact, hip dysplasia is much more likely in dogs that were improperly fed as puppies.
Instead, we recommend patience.
Dogs may not grow evenly. Many may reach their full height before gaining much of their muscle mass and fat. Others may fatten up for a time and then grow another inch. Dogs are a lot like children in this way. They grow at their own pace.
While these dogs reach sexual maturity before they are fully grown, it is generally not recommended to breed them until they have reached their full size. Otherwise, it can stunt their growth and potentially cause health problems for the mother and the puppies. After all, the mother will be much smaller than shes supposed to be to carry the puppies and deliver them safely.
When And How To Change The Feeding Of Puppy To Adult
Many owners would like to know what is the best age to switch their German Shepherd puppy to adult food. The best way to shift your German Shepherd from puppy food to adult dog food is to look at his age and size.
When a German Shepherd is around 1 to 1.5 years old, he is generally considered an adult. This is a good estimate of when you could consider making the switch.
When a German Shepard has attained around 80-90% of their overall growth, is a good indicator of when the switch should be made.
It is always better to do this gradually as an abrupt switch may not be ideal. If you feed your dog twice per day, you can start giving him adult food mixed in with his usual food.
Recommended Reading: Is A Belgian Malinois A German Shepherd
What Size Is A Normal German Shepherd
We cant start talking about Giant German Shepherds without first having something to compare them against.
The average German Shepherd will differ in size slightly depending on the bloodline, but in general they tend to be around the following dimensions and size:
Males average 60-65 cms in height, and 30-40 kg in weight.
Females average 55-60 cms in height, and 22-32 kg in weight.
Recommended Reading: How Much Food Does A German Shepherd Eat
How Much Does A Female German Shepherd Weigh
A: A male German Shepherd will generally weigh 85 to 95 pounds at maturity. He should be no taller at the shoulder than 26 inches. A female will, typically grow to weigh between 60 and 70 pounds and should be no taller than 24 inches at the shoulder. Q: Do German Shepherds shed a lot? A: Nearly every dog sheds to some degree.
Recommended Reading: German Shepherd Puppy Ear Stages
The Consequences Of Too Much Food For A German Shepherd
Overfeeding leads to rapid skeletal development.
The musculature and the circulatory system are then only partially able to meet the animals needs for movement and stress.
This results in a disproportion between muscle mass and skeleton.
In addition, the extremely rapid increase in size of bones growing in pairs can lead to so-called joint stages.
One of these secondary diseases is elbow dysplasia .
Is Milk Good For German Shepherd
Do you know how much of a german shepherd puppy weighs at birth? German shepherds are considered a large breed of dog. How much a german shepherd mix should weigh is entirely dependent on what the german shepherd has been mixed with. To figure out how much to feed your german shepherd puppy, look at his or her weight.
Don’t Miss: How To Draw A Realistic German Shepherd
Where Can I Find Giant German Shepherd Puppies For Sale Good Breeders Or Even Adopt
When it comes to getting a Giant German Shepherd, you can either buy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue or shelter.
Despite the myth, most dogs from shelters are not broken or aggressive.
Many are probably the opposite they are just looking for someone to give their love to.
Thousands of dogs die in shelters and rescues every day if you are looking for a Giant GSD, strongly consider them first.
In terms of breeders, youll want to find a breeder that cares more about the dogs than the financial reward of breeding.
Here are some very helpful guides on considerations for breeders and rescues/shelters, and where to find good breeders and shelters/rescues:
While looking around on the net, we had a scan over several breeders that say they offer Giant German Shepherds.
We are not suggesting you go to any one particular breeder, you ultimately have to do your own research and due diligence and make up your own mind.
But, one breeder that stood out as caring about their dogs to us was Royal Air German Shepherd.
They appear to be experienced, care about the health of their dogs, care about you as an owner offering health and temperament guarantees for the dogs, and also express that size of their dogs is secondary to health and well being.
They are also very transparent with what they offer and photos of their dogs.
Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd
Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog.
But really, it shouldnt be. After all, commercial dog food companies have made it easy by producing specially formulated dog food that provides specific nutrients a dog needs based on breed and age.
And so the only thing you have to do is confirm whether or not a specific dog food brand satisfies a German Shepherds nutritional requirement.
That said, there are a lot of choices in the market out there. So if youre ever unsure of what to feed your German Shepherd, feel free to ask a veterinarian for recommendations.
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Hot Spots On German Shepherds
How Does Neutering/spaying Affect My Dogs Growth
Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? Well, its not entirely clear, and there is more research yet to be done.
But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of.
But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether.
Overall, how neutering affects your dogs growth is something to discuss with your vet. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd.
German Shepherd General Nutrition Requirements
A German Shepherd is a large breed dog which means they are prone to certain health risks that smaller breeds may not face. More specifically, they are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. Its an issue many large breeds have to deal with, so we recommend having healthy amounts of fish oil in your GSDs diet from a young age and choose a dog food that features glucosamine and chondroitin for further protection.
For a German Shepherd puppy, look for foods that have at least 22% protein and 18% for adult dogs. Senior dogs can do well with 12 to 15. As for fat, a German Shepherds puppy food should consist of 8%, while adult dog food should have 5%. Seniors will only need around 3%.
Aside from these percentages, dog owners should also make sure their German Shepherds diet is well balanced. The dog food should have as many real and whole ingredients as possible. Meat should be first on the list, followed by an assortment of fruits and veggies and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
Steer clear of any dog food that does not have meat as the first ingredient. We have seen dog food that uses corn as the main ingredient, and we strongly suggest steering clear of this, especially if its puppy food. A German Shepherd puppy needs the best diet to grow into a healthy adult. Avoid any foods that have artificial coloring, flavors and additives, and preservatives that are not natural.
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull