German Shepherd Parameters: Weight and Height by Month

The German Shepherd belongs to large breeds of service dogs. Usually weighs more than 25 kg, which is a big weight for her average height. The size of an adult depends on the stages of its development in infancy. Change in height at the withers, weight, length of limbs and trunk leads to the formation of the exterior of the dog as a whole.

The formation of the type of nervous system and the physical maturation of the puppy depends on many factors.

Very important is heredity. At conception, equally from both parents, he is transferred to:

• weight;
• height;
• memory;
• taste priorities;
• learning ability;
• temperament.

The development of the fetus in the womb is affected by:

• high-quality selection of males for mating;
• care and maintenance of a pregnant bitch.

The first 4–8 weeks from the moment of birth are especially important in the development of a puppywhile mom constantly feeds her cubs with milk. For this period, the breeder is fully responsible.

After a month and a half from birth, small pets need not only good feeding, but also sufficient socialization. This is the time of the emergence of a new owner and place of residence in the fate of the animal. The shepherd does not inherit its character, it is formed by the environment and society. Now the owner must ensure the correct conditions of detention:

• vaccinations and regular check-ups at the veterinarian;
• good nutrition;
• competent education;
• training
• a lot of attention.

Insufficient communication with a new family member will lead to severe nervousness and even panic in the German, mental and physical retardation will be traced. Such dogs are subject to culling from the breed.

The entire period of physical maturation and formation ends by the year. But there is also a factor of individual development, which can end by 2 years, and for some individuals, by 2.5-3. This refers to the psychological formation of the shepherd.

As a result, the following factors affect the height, weight, and other parameters of the German Shepherd Cub.

• Heredity. In dogs of different lines, offspring of different sizes is born. Also, the speed of growing up and gaining weight depends on the parents.
• Intrauterine development. If the mother’s content and nutrition is complete, her offspring will receive all the vitamins and minerals necessary for proper development. And at the time of birth, puppies will have the necessary height and weight, as well as good physical and psychological data.
• Suction period. If, during the active feeding of babies with breast milk, the mother was fed correctly, and the small shepherds started to be fed in time, then they will meet the norm parameters in terms of size and age by the time of transition to a new house.
• The quality of feeding plays an important role. Nutrition should be complete and appropriate for the age of the dog. Otherwise, the pet will regularly receive less than the necessary amount of minerals and trace elements necessary for it to grow and develop well.
• Content. German shepherds, like dogs of other breeds, cannot be kept constantly on a chain or in an aviary. It is necessary to let them out for a walk, give them attention, communicate and conduct daily training. Otherwise, they will not have the possibility of physical development, and the psyche will become weak, which will affect the general condition of the animal.
• The disease. The presence of infectious diseases in infancy, as well as the presence of parasites, can very seriously affect growth. Therefore, you need to periodically visit the veterinarian, do vaccinations on time and monitor the health of the pet. And also to prevent contact with sick animals.

Tips for owners of dogs of this breed for the proper development of the puppy:

• the dog should have two bowls: for food and water;
• the presence of the owner during feeding is desirable;
• it is necessary to communicate with the pet, it must feel the leader, it is necessary to help in interacting with other people and animals;
• should observe the physiological indicators of the pet and record the appearance of deviations;
• you can’t stop the shepherd from exploring the world, objects, and places to learn skills - this helps to develop patience and stress resistance;
• should begin the process of education and training from infancy.

The main parameters approved by the Union of German Shepherd Dog Lovers in Augsburg (this company is considered the founder of the breed):

• average height of the animal;
• good muscular development;
• height at the withers;
• the color of the nose (should be black);
• shape of ears (erect).

Standard measurements:

• weight at the age of 10–12 months - 31–34 kg;
• metacarpal circumference - 12 cm;
• height at the withers of the male individual - 60–65 cm, female - 55–62 cm;
• chest circumference - 74–75 cm;
• head length - 25 cm;
• head circumference - 29 cm.

Deviation from the norm by more than 1-3 kg and 2-3 cm indicates the "friability" of the shepherd and doubtfulness of the purity of the breed.

In general, the German shepherd must be strong and muscular, with a strong physique.

There should be no errors in the upbringing of a German, since he has a swift attack and increased viciousness (directed), which also applies to his merits. But without proper training, this can lead to sad consequences.

Also, the features of this breed include balance, strength and dexterity.

At birth, puppies should normally weigh: boys - 500 g, girls - 350 g. In a month, the young shepherd dogs grow up to 20 cm on average and gain weight 5-6 times greater at birth. This is the most active period of growth.

The development of these dogs is uneven. From birth to three months, this is a cute little puppy, tidy and awkward. And at seven months old, he looks like a fully mature dog. But completely to physical and psychological formation is still very far away.

Below is a table showing the growth and weight of German Shepherds by month. Normal deviations are considered to be 150-200 g in average growth and weight. It depends on the number of puppies in the litter, on heredity and on the conditions in which the mother and offspring were kept.

By two years, the weight of a shepherd girl can reach 33.5 kg, and a boy 40 kg.

The rapid growth of dogs of this breed occurs up to 4-6 months. Large babies are slightly behind, but by 2-3 months all the cubs in the litter are usually compared.

The development of a puppy by months, can be divided into 4 stages.

• Two to four months. There is a set of muscle mass. The bones themselves form 28 days, but by two months they are still very fragile. Their hardening occurs by four months.
• Four to six months. Muscle growth and bone strengthening continue. Compared with a newborn, the pet grows 7-8 times. At this stage, you can’t overfeed it, with such a rapid development, this can lead to diseases and irreversible consequences.
• Six to eight months and a year and a half. The final strengthening of the skeleton. Weight gain occurs due to an increase in muscle mass. Growth is halting.

From six to ten months, males have the ability to fertilize. Their testicles descend into the prepuce sac. The increase in height continues only in males due to the growth of flat bones. Tubular bones are already formed in dogs of both sexes. In girls, growth at the withers almost stops, but the formation of reproductive organs is still ongoing. Although the appearance of the first estrus in a shepherd dog can occur as early as six months.

By the year the animal is fully capable of having offspring. But experts recommend keeping your pet from early mating, as after mating, it’s not only stunting, but the exterior data also ceases to form, which will also affect the cubs.

• The most responsible age is one to two years. The final transition from the lad to the young dog. At this stage, the complete formation of the central nervous system occurs. At this time, conflicts may occur between the pet and the owner.
• But even two year old dog cannot yet be considered fully adult.
• From birth to three years weight increases 90 times.
• With age, the dog does not lose its playfulness. This is an indicator of her health. Even an adult dog will be happy to play with the owner.

Among this breed there were many heroes. Their names are unknown, but we know that a lot of them fought in both world wars both on the side of the Soviet army and on the side of the Germans.

These shepherd dogs are even in the Guinness Book of Records. For example, the dog Leo, who neutralized more than three hundred drug smugglers.

The largest individual of this breed is marked in the nursery Charming Bear. Her height is 65 cm, the maximum for German shepherds, and weighs a little over 40 kg. She is a service dog. It has balance, a mobile type of behavior and has a unique ability for various types of training.

The dog has such success due to the presence of a single owner whom he trusts, and he takes care of it correctly. The shepherd also gets along well with children. She is beautifully trained. It can do a good job of apprehending criminals. And also be a guide for the blind.

With proper upbringing, the German Shepherd is an excellent outgoing dog that can get along with children and other animals in the house. However, you need to make a lot of efforts to socialize your pet in order to rid him and himself of problems in the future.

Also, individuals of this breed are considered strong working dogs.

Interesting facts about the German shepherd see below.