A Typical German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart And Timeline
Once youve gathered as much information as possible about your German Shepherd puppys parents, genes, and prior growth timeline, you can then plug this into the typical German Shepherd growth chart.
Lets now take a closer look at the typical growth chart for an average German Shepherd puppy. Just keep in mind that this is a template you can use, not a prediction of how fast your puppy might grow or how big your dog might get.
This is very important because you dont want to over-feed your dog too early in life. Let your dog grow at its own pace and check in with your dogs breeder and veterinarian frequently if you have any questions or concerns.
How Many Puppies Can A German Shepherd Have In A Litter
German Shepherds tend to have between five and nine puppies in a litter. Eight is the average. However, larger litters commonly occur and arent that all unusual.
It isnt odd for a German Shepherd dog to have as many as 15 puppies. According to the AKC, the largest litter registered was 17 puppies.
This litter size is significantly larger than some other breeds. Litter size is affected by many things, but the dogs size is one of the more significant factors. German Shepherds are larger dogs, so they are going to have more puppies than smaller breeds.
For instance, Dachshunds only have one to six puppies on average. The largest litter ever came from a Neapolitan Mastiff, a breed that can reach 150 pounds.
When it comes to litter sizes, size does matter.
German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart For Female Gsds
For a female German Shepherd puppy, the weight range in adulthood typically varies between 50 pounds and 80 pounds. Puppies will be between 22 to 24 inches tall on average.
This growth chart timeline is again courtesy of Von Geliebten Haus GSD breeders. It uses an average female German Shepherd that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age.
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When Is The Right Time To Neuter Or Spay A Gsd Puppy
This is a question that is best discussed with your dogs veterinarian.
Many German Shepherd breeders recommend waiting until at least the age of one when the dog has completed the majority of growth and the growth plates in the long leg bones have closed for good.
The key is to wait until those growth plates have closed, which may mean waiting longer than 12 months to do the spay/neuter surgery and having to endure a restless, sexually mature dog for a few months.
But this can prevent potentially disastrous and financially devastating veterinary care later in life, so it is worth talking this over with your dogs veterinarian.
In some cases, a dogs growth plates may close before 12 months of age.
In this case, youll want to talk about how the timing of the spay/neuter procedure can affect the incidence of other known GSD health issues such as cancer and incontinence.
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.
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Top 10 Claims For German Shepherds
Like all dogs, German Shepherds can get sick or injured unexpectedly. The top 10 accident and illness claims received by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance^ for this breed are:
- Allergies*
- Lamenesswhich could indicate hip or elbow dysplasia
- Arthritis
*Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit www.aspcapetinsurance.com/terms. Preventive and Wellness Care reimbursements are based on a schedule. Complete Coverage reimbursements are based on the invoice. Levels 1-4 reimbursements are based on usual and customary eligible costs. Products, schedules, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Discounts may vary and are subject to change. More information available at checkout.
The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Products are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company , produced and administered by C& F Insurance Agency, Inc. , a Crum & Forster company. Through a licensing agreement, the ASPCA receives a royalty fee that is in exchange for use of the ASPCAs marks and is not a charitable contribution. C& F and Crum & Forster are registered trademarks of United States Fire Insurance Company. Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group is a trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company. The Crum & Forster group of companies is rated A by AM Best Company 2020.
Are German Shepherds Easy To Train
Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate.
As we’ve seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A “tougher” German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog.
That doesn’t mean “softer” German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog.
In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you.
This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies .
Or see my advice on dog training
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Quick Ways To Train A 1 Year Old German Shepherd
While most people associate training with puppies, the reality is that you can learn how to train a 1 year old German Shepherd using the proper techniques.
No, its not too late to teach them new tricks!
And, you might even find that an adult German Shepherd is easier to train than a young puppy because they have more attention span and self-control.
Heres what you need to know about how to train a one year old German Shepherd so they can gain new skills and become a part of your family.
Other Juvenile Period Physical And Behavioral Developments
During the juvenile or ranking period, German Shepherd puppies start to understand and learn about dominance and submission within a pack.
They can begin proper obedience training towards the end of this period, but you need to bear in mind that your puppys attention span is still quite short.
At around 4 months, they also go through a chewing phase as they start to lose their baby teeth, and they can enter another fear phase.
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Make Sure They Are Empty Before Leaving
First, and most obviously, take your dog potty immediately before leaving. Also, try and make sure your pup pees and poops before your leave the house, not just one or the other.
Leave enough time before having to leave to walk your dog around a little so they can do both if your German Shepherd takes a little longer to do their business.
Weeks Newborn German Shepherd Puppy
This is the neonatal stage when the 2 week old German Shepherd puppies are still weak and vulnerable.
The pups depend on their mother for everything which includes feeding, grooming, and relieving themselves.
As the puppy grows, there are notable changes that happen within this period
- The eyes become fully open within two weeks
- The puppies can hear better within two weeks
- As they get stronger, puppies begin to crawl
- Crawling slowly graduates to walking
- They start going for potty by themselves
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How To Train A 1 Year Old German Shepherd
Is it too late to train your 1-year-old German Shepherd?
A 1-year-old German Shepherd may still show many puppylike behaviors, but also have behavior you find troubling in other ways.
He might test his independence and show undesirable behaviors, or has never been given proper training to understand how to live in a home.
Its essential to keep training your German Shepherd as it matures to keep its mind sharp and to stay on top of any unwanted behaviors. Youll also need to offer the mental stimulation and structure that it needs to live happily in your family.
These tips are useful for owners that have recently adopted an adult dog, or they can be used to train an older dog that needs to gain new skills.
Do German Shepherds Still Grow After Being Neutered
A common question among puppy owners is whether your German Shepherd will continue to grow after being neutered or spayed. The question is not so simple to answer. If you neuter your puppy, your puppy will continue to grow until he is an adult.
However, new science has indicated that if you neuter your puppy before he is fully grown, there is a greater risk that your puppy will develop hip dysplasia, arthritis, and even cancer in some dogs.
So, while neutering your German Shepherd when hes young will not stop him from growing, it might harm them in other ways.
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German Shepherds And Barking
As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. If youre having problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist.
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Routine Care Diet And Exercise
Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.
- Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
- She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair daily brushing is recommended during this time.
- German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
- Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
- She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must.
- She’s a large, smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she’ll get bored. That’s when the naughty stuff starts.
- Naturally a bit wary, she’s distrustful of strangers bond her to children early to trigger protective behaviors.
- Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
- Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
- Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.
At What Age Do German Shepherds Stop Growing
A German Shepherds growth rate starts to slow at about one year of age, and it stops completely between two and three years old. German Shepherds are not fully matured until roughly three years old, and they are considered puppies or adolescents before then.
Theres a lot to learn when it comes to the growth of a German Shepherd, and this article will attempt to help explain it all.
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Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs
With the right training and socialization, German shepherds are excellent dogs for an active household. They will be loving, obedient, and protective.
They are good around children, though small children should always be supervised around dogs, regardless of the breed and their level of familiarity. Accidents happen, even when children are around dogs they have grown up with and know well.
Make Sure The Puppy Is Active
You want to make sure that the puppy that you are considering is as active as his or her siblings and seems physically up to speed with them. Also, make sure that the puppy seems to play well with you. If the puppy distances himself and tries to avoid affection or being held, you may want to consider another puppy because a puppy that doesn’t like affection is likely to grow into an adult that doesn’t like affection.
Then again, a German Shepherd puppy who is okay with being alone might make a good guard dog. It is important to figure out what you want in your dog and then evaluate the puppy to see if it fits into your expectations so that you and your puppy will both be happy and content.
Looking at these few things will help make sure that your purchase is the right one and that you can avoid problems later down the road. Once you have considered everything and you have carefully examined the puppy and its personality, the adoption process should be a smooth and happy experience for everyone involved. Take your time and never make any snap decisions.
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How Much Do German Shepherds Grow After 1 Year
While a German Shepherd might not finish reaching their full height and weight till their 2-year mark, when you look at how they grow, youll find that they do most of their developing in their first year.
But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year?
Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. So, while they still have a little growing to do, you can see that by the time they reach their 1st birthday, theyve done most of their growing already.
Old German Shepherd Diets
As dogs age, their dietary needs change.
Often, elderly dogs are less active than their younger counterparts. This means that they dont need the same amount of calories.
Many elderly dogs can become overweight as they begin to slow down if their food is not changed.
Being overweight can put extra tension on their joints and lead to a variety of health problems.
On the other hand, however, some dogs do the exact opposite as they age and get skinnier.
They can begin to eat less than they need due to dental problems or other disorders.
Because this varies widely from dog to dog, we recommend speaking with your vet about your particular dogs situation.
You should also ask your vet to teach you how to evaluate your dogs weight from home.
This skill will allow you to pick up on health problems before they become dangerous.
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At What Age Is A German Shepherd Fully Grown
German Shepherds require more time to fill out their adult size in their abdomen and chest as well as reach their full height. Female German Shepherds are fully grown when they reach the age of around two years.
On the other hand, male German Shepherds grow to be bigger than female German Shepherds and are fully grown when they are about two and half years old.
Some German Shepherds may continue to grow until they reach the age of three years, but most of the growth happens by 2 to 2½ years old.
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Neonatal Period: Birth 3 Weeks
Right after birth is when a German Shepherd puppy is going to be most vulnerable. In the first three weeks of life, puppies will open their eyes, develop their hearing abilities, learn to crawl and to walk, and learn to go to the bathroom away from the rest of the litter.
They are small and delicate at this point. Their mother is completely responsible for feeding them, helping them urinate and cleanup, as well as keeping them warm. It is best at this stage to let the mother do her part and allow her the space to mother without humans interfering with her.