German Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart
These numbers are estimates to give you an idea of how much a German Shepherd weighs month by month. Dont worry if your puppy is slightly behind or ahead; just be sure to take your pet to regular vet appointments to ensure they are healthy and happy!
Pro Tip: Want to get reimbursed for up to 100% of veterinary bills any time your dog gets sick or injured? Compare German Shepherd health insurance options before its too late.
History Of The German Shepherd Dog Breed
The German Shepherd Dog is the officially recognized name for this purebred breed. The two distinct types we mentioned in the introduction are defined by the length of their coat; either medium or long. Both types have a double layered coat, a softer and thicker undercoat and a coarser outer layer of guard hair.
As their name suggests, the German Shepherd began in Germany. While there were different progenitor breeds, the first officially recognized dog was called Horand von Grafrath. In 1899 von Grafrath’s owner started the breed as the epitome of what a working dog should be and it is from this one dog that all modern German Shepherd dogs originate. There has been some discussion over the years whether this dog may have been part wolf.
The working origins of this breed are very important as the standardization was established to promote the dog’s ability. This was something which was becoming lost as industry and urbanization began to reduce the need for working dogs. Thus, the German Shepherd was created to ensure these traits were maintained. While many GSDs are now kept as companion animals, they are still one of the most widely used working dogs in many different areas. Shepherding is not as common a practice as when the breed was established, but use in law enforcement, security and rescue operations is widespread.
Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
The best dog food for your German Shepherd, or any breed, is an important question and topic for dog owners.
Gone are the days of feeding the family dog table scraps or fending for themselves in the neighbors garbage cans as the primary source of their diet.
Like humans, dogs thrive on good quality food in the correct quantity and on a regular schedule.
This article will explore the overall dietary needs of a large, active breed like the German Shepherd and specific dog food ingredients that help German Shepherds thrive.
Lets explore the paw-fect diet for German Shepherds
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Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Health
Both these breeds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. You should check the parents history to see if your puppy might be at risk.
The German Shepherd Club of America does not require any further health tests. But you can read the American Kennel Club health statement here.
However, as we mentioned, German Shepherds are prone to conformational problems. They may also suffer from von Willebrands disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hemophilia.
The Newfoundland is susceptible to heart problems and cystinuria, a condition in which stones form in the urinary system.
You can find the Newfoundland Club of Americas health statement here.
Both dogs can be expected to live up to 10 years.
If your puppy has taken after their Newfoundland parent and has floppy ears, check them regularly for infection.
As with any breed, feed your dog a well-balanced, high-quality diet to keep them healthy. Being big dogs, make sure you have the budget for this.
Both dog breeds have thick coats, so they will have to be brushed regularly even when they are not shedding. In shedding season, these bushings may need to be daily.
The Appearance Of The German Shepherd Mixed With The Belgian Malinois
The hybrid is also a large dog weighing 65 to 85 pounds and measuring 20 to 26 inches tall.;
Has deep eyes shaped like almost, has pointed up erect ears, and has a flat skull that is in proportion with all of its body.;
Its body is sturdy and athletic and is more compact than that of a German Shepherd.
;The hybrids coat is coarse, harsh, rough and double layered and comes in many color varieties such as black, brown, blue, fawn, white and tan.
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West German Show Lines
This line of German Shepherd has a reputation for being handsome!; They have the kind of look that requires a second take!
Although also bred for their beauty, this German Shepherd type is not just a pretty face.
SV rules govern this breed.; This requires a working title and health clearance for hips and elbows before passing on their genes.
They make outstanding protectors and family pets.; And they are by no means lazy, they need plenty of exercise, training, and socialization.
Learn from an expert breeder about German Shepherd show lines, bloodlines, and breeding.
Dog Breeds Similar To The German Shepherd Dog
While there are different accepted and unofficial coat patterns in the German Shepherd, it can be easy to confuse them with some other breeds which closely resemble them. This common confusions are due to similar body shape and size, with similar usage as working dogs. Some may even derive from similar parts of the world, but they are all considered distinct breeds. They include:
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German Shepherd Vs Doberman Costs
Although certain bloodlines of German Shepherds have given the breed a reputation for being expensive, Doberman Pinschers are actually a more costly to buy.
On average, GSDs cost around $800 but could range anywhere from $450 to $,1900. On the other hand, the average Doberman for sale costs around $1,000 but ranges from a low $500 to an astounding $2,250 per dog.
Like any other breed, prices are generally affected by bloodline, pedigree, and breeders reputation. Factors like build, markings, and coat color are other factors that influence price.
Dobermans also tend to cost more in the first year. Supplies, puppy maintenance, and veterinary costs will total around $4,225 for a Dobie, while GSDs will cost less at approximately $3,815.
After the first year, however, maintenance costs are practically the same for both, averaging $146 for Doberman Pinschers and $147 for German Shepherds.
Giant German Shepherd Lifespan And Health Issues: Are They Healthy Dogs
The lifespan of Giant German Shepherds ranges from 10 to 13 years which is quite the same as the normal German Shepherd.
Crossbred dogs are expected to be healthier than purebred ones. However, although they are quite immune to other health problems due to the benefit of cross breeding, there are still health conditions that are common for Giant German Shepherd breeds.
Nonetheless, both King Shepherd and Shilo Shepherd are just like other dog breeds vulnerable if not well taken care of.
Here are the common health issues among Giant German Shepherds:
- Joint Dysplasia: This is an abnormal formation of joints that can eventually cause lameness, instability, weakness, and pain.
- Von Willebrands Disease: This is the most common inherited bleeding disorder of dogs. With this disease, proper blood clotting is impossible due to the deficiency of a protein that the platelets need.
- Perianal Fistula: This skin disease also known as anal furunculosis is a serious medical condition that most commonly affects German Shepherd dogs both purebred and mixed breed dogs. It is a skin disease that affects the area immediately surrounding the anus.
- Hypothyroidism: This is an endocrine disease that affects the dogs metabolic functions which often result in obesity and canine diabetes.
- Eye Issues: Giant German Shepherds are also susceptible to different eye problems which include irritation, inflammation, watery eye, and pus discharge among others.
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How Do I Make Sure My German Shepherd Is Healthy
Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. An experienced veterinarian can assess your pets health, make general health and wellness recommendations, and look out for common, breed-specific conditions.
German Shepherds are particularly prone to a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat due to their large size, deep chests, and high energy level. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Preventive care is truly a must for your dogs overall welfare to ensure they are able to live long healthy lives with you and your family.
Regular vet visits are crucial to your pets ongoing health and longevity. Its also essential to plan for the cost of accidents or illnesses. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars.
Only 19.44% of pet owners say theyd be able to cover a $5,000 expense out of pocket. Dog health costs are also more expensive than other pet healthcare costs due to dogs being larger in size. Since larger pets have higher healthcare costs, the German Shepherd breed is one of the most popular dog breeds to have pet insurance.
Modern Utilization Of The German Shepherd
German Shepherds are seen as working dogs everywhere. The breed is well known for its police work, mostly used for narcotics detection, tracking criminals, and other types of detection. The ability to handle these tasks also make the breed a good candidate for the military. German Shepherds in the military detect items such as mines and explosives.
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Large Breed Spotlight: All About German Shepherd Dogs
Perhaps one of the most iconic dogs in both popular culture and everyday life for their work as police dogs, in the armed forces, and with disabled persons, the German Shepherd Dog is consistently in the top 10 most popular AKC breeds every year.
Their extreme loyalty and courage, willingness to learn and regal looks are other reasons people just love this breed. German Shepherds make wonderful additions to many families, but its important to know what youre getting into when you decide to add a German Shepherd to your family.
While they are incredibly intelligent and loving, these working breeds take work to the next level. As no stranger to adopting and fostering various working breeds, I was blown away by how different a German Shepherd was in their needs for both physical and mental stimulation every day.
Lets learn a little more about these amazing dogs to help you better understand your German Shepherd Dog if you have one, or aid in your research as you decide on the perfect dog for you.
East German Ddr Working Lines
This type of German Shepherd has continued to be developed and maintained after the end of WWII.;
The establishment of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik meant strict government-controlled pedigree registration.
And 40 years of closed breeding.
From this developed a distinctive looking dog.; With dark pigment, a big head, deep chest, athletic body, supreme intellect, and stamina to boot.
This type of German Shepherd has a sound temperament and a high work drive .
They must have plenty of mental and physical stimulation and an experienced handler.
Check out this infographic and learn some fun facts about the German Shepherd Breed!
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What Is A Giant German Shepherd
As the name suggests, Giant German Shepherds are a larger variety of the German Shepherd we know. They are generally born from crossbreeding German Shepherds to other large dog breeds.
German Shepherds are under the large breed category which weighs 59 to 99 pounds. On the other hand, Giant German Shepherds weigh more than 100 pounds, so they belong to the giant dog breeds.
In addition, their height ranges from 25-29 inches compared to the 24-26 inches of standard German Shepherds.
Giant German Shepherds are also known to be gentler and calmer than the standard GSD pups. Their temperament makes them perfect working dogs as well as family companions.
Although still under development and yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Giant German Shepherds have already proven their quality and unique traits as testified by other organizations in the country.
Do German Shepherds Shed
German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat consisting of a dense, harsh and close-lying outer coat with a softer undercoat. Their coat is easy to maintain with a quick brushing every few days to remove loose hair. They shed more profusely once or twice a year. To control the shedding, you should brush them more frequently during these seasons.
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Whats The Difference In Temperament
Both seem to have similar temperaments in many respects, however, the German Shepherd can become a bit nippy and bark at you when hes left alone too long or doesnt get enough attention or stimulation.
But other than that the German Shepherd is loyal, obedient, alert and watchful. Well cover the King Shepherds temperament a little later.
Why Breed Big German Shepherds
There are several reasons for breeding larger than normal German Shepherds.
Breeders of GSDs that will be trained for physically demanding tasks like search and rescue or military and police work can cultivate large size, muscular strength, endurance, and athleticism.
Are these big lugs good as family pets?
Many potential owners seek out GSDs for their protective nature.
Breed experts often say that males tend to be more protective of their home territory and females tend to be more protective of their human family.
Owners interested in training their dogs to guard their property and family might also be interested in larger German Shepherds, both male and female.
Besides working ability and protectiveness, many people are simply fans of bigger dogs, and the idea of a giant German Shepherd is very appealing.
How exactly do you get a larger German Shepherd? Lets look at how breeders select for larger than normal size.
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Working And Show Lines Of German Shepherds
In addition to the length of their coat and its coloring, the German Shepherd is also sometimes categorized by its body type. This body can be more or less stylized, tending to be more or less muscular. The more muscular the dogs are considered to be working lines and the less muscular are show lines. They are not officially different types of German Shepherd dogs, but they do exhibit small differences.
Focusing on working dog lines, they tend to have larger muscle mass and a more structured body. This means they are more commonly used by police or security forces. There are differing opinions on whether temperament differs between working and show breeds. While both types will require training and education, some believe working dog lines can tend to be more aggressive and better suited for security. Conversely, show dogs are thought to have a more docile temperament.
Whether a working or show dog, German Shepherds are not ideal dogs for first-time owners. These dogs need a lot of attention, proper socialization and careful training. Without it, they are prone to behavioral disorders. They can be wonderful and loving companion animals, but their need for attention and structure does not suit every temperament.
Not all types of German Shepherd are show dogs, but even within this category there are variations. Show dogs can be either:
- West German working lines
- East German working lines
- Czech working lines
Types Of Shepherd Dogs
Shepherd or sheepdogs come in all shapes in sizes, with around 30 different types of shepherd dogs altogether. Some, like the Corgi, look unsuited for the role but perform surprisingly well. Others, like the Bouvier des Flandres, are more versatile farm dogs, undertaking a variety of roles, from guarding and herding livestock to pulling carts.
The following 16 types of shepherd dogs make great pets for energetic owners who are willing to put in the time necessary to keep them mentally stimulated and physically challenged.;
Each type has its own physical traits and characteristics which can present problems in the wrong environment.;
Find out what makes each of these shepherd dogs special and which would be the best dog for you and your family.
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German Shepherd Mixes And Their Sizes
There are many different breed mixes with German Shepherd in them. This is thanks to the great personalities and physiques of these dogs. They are strong, agile loyal and friendly. These are things that make really great breed mixes.
A GS may not be exactly what youre looking for. Maybe theyre a little bigger than you were hoping for. Or maybe youre even looking for something a little bigger than a shepherd, but you love the shepherds great personality.
In this case, a shepherd mix might be better for you, as they come in all shapes and sizes.
Carpathian Or Romanian Shepherd
These dogs originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. They are also known as Ciobnesc Românesc Carpatin, Romanian Shepherd, Romanian Carpathian Shepherd, Câine Ciobnesc Carpatin, Carpathian Sheepdog, Carpatin, Romanian Carpatin Herder, and Rumanian Carpathian. They are bred to be strong, quick-moving, and smart enough to fight a wolf or lynx, immobilize a wolf or wild boar, and serve as a reliable working dog.
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Dinner Time: Calorie Needs Of Your Gsd
As mentioned in the Fast Facts section, German Shepherds are prone to developing a potentially deadly condition known as Bloat that causes your dogs stomach to swell and twist on itself.
To help avoid this, its important to develop and stick to a consistent feeding routine as soon as you bring your puppy home. For example, a small puppy may require about 2,500 calories per day, spread over a total of four meals. Its best to provide food thats specifically formulated for large breed puppies.
Then, around six months or so, you can reduce the number of meals to two or three. Eventually, as your Black German Shepherd becomes an adult you can switch his food to a large breed adult blend. And you can reduce his calories to about 1,500, divided into two meals per day.
Of course, your vet is the best resource for any specific nutrition questions!