German Shepherd Dog Parameters: Weight and Height by Month

The German Shepherd is a large breed of working dogs. It usually weighs more than 25 kg, which is a big weight for its average height. The size of an adult individual depends on the stages of its development in infancy. A change in height at the withers, weight, length of the limbs and body leads to the formation of the exterior of the dog as a whole.

Formation of the type of nervous system and physical maturing of the puppy depends on many factors.

Heredity is very important. At conception, equally from both parents, he is given:

• weight;
• growth;
• memory;
• taste priorities;
• learnability;
• temperament.

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

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

Especially important in the development of a puppy in the first 4–8 weeks of birth., while mother constantly feeds her cubs with milk. During 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. 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 vet;
• good nutrition;
• competent education;
• workouts;
• large amount of attention.

Lack of 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.

All the 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 and by 2.5-3. This refers to the psychological formation of a shepherd dog.

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

• Heredity. In dogs of different lines, offspring of different size is born. Also from parents depends on the rate of maturation and weight gain.
• Intrauterine development. If the maintenance and nutrition of the mother is complete, then 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.
• Suckling period. If during the active feeding of babies with breast milk, the mother properly fed, and the little shepherds began to be fed on time, then they will correspond to the norm parameters in size and age by the time they move to a new home.
• The quality of feeding plays an important role. Food should be complete and suitable for the age of the dog. Otherwise, the pet will regularly receive less the right amount of minerals and trace elements it needs for good growth and development.
• Content. German Shepherd Dogs, like dogs of other breeds, cannot be constantly kept on a chain or in an aviary. It is necessary to let them out for a walk, pay attention to them, communicate and conduct everyday trainings. 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.
• Disease. The presence of infectious diseases in infancy, as well as the presence of parasites can seriously affect growth. Therefore, it is necessary to periodically visit the veterinarian, make vaccinations on time and monitor the health of the pet. And also prevent contact with sick animals.

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

• the dog must have two bowls: for food and water;
• preferably the presence of the owner when feeding;
• it is necessary to communicate with the pet, he must feel the leader, he must be helped in interaction with other people and animals;
• one should observe the pet's physiological parameters and record the appearance of deviations;
• you can’t stop a shepherd dog from exploring the world, objects, places to get skills - it helps to develop patience and resistance to stress;
• should begin the process of education and training from infancy.

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

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

Standard measurements:

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

The deviation from the norm by more than 1–3 kg and 2–3 cm indicates the “looseness” of the shepherd dog and doubtfulness of the cleanliness of the breed.

In general, the German Shepherd should be strong and muscular, with a strong build.

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

Also, the traits of this breed include balance, strength and agility.

At birth, normal puppies should weigh: boys - 500 g, girls - 350 g In a month, shepherd cubs will grow to an average of 20 cm and gain weight. 5–6 times more at birth. This is the most active period of growth.

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

Below is a table of the dependence of height and weight of German shepherds by months. Normal deviations are 150–200 g in medium height and weight settings. 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 a little behind, but by 2–3 months, all the cubs in the litter are usually compared.

Puppy development by months, can be divided into 4 stages.

• Two to four months. There is a set of muscle mass.The bones themselves are formed 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 continues. Compared with a newborn pet grows 7-8 times. At this stage, it cannot be overfed, with such rapid development it can lead to diseases and irreversible consequences.
• Six to eight months and a year and a half. There is a final strengthening of the skeleton. Weight gain is due to increased muscle mass. Growth stops.

From six to ten months in males the ability to fertilize. Their testicles descend into the preputial sac. The increase in height continues only in males due to the growth of flat bones. The tubular bones are already formed in dogs of both sexes. In girls, the 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 already occur in six months.

By the year the animal is fully capable of having offspring. But experts recommend keeping your pet from early mating, because after mating, it’s not only growth that stops, but also the exterior data are no longer being formed, which will be reflected on the cubs.

• The most responsible age is one to two years. The final transition from a child to a 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 can not 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 were many heroes. Their names are unknown, but we know that they fought a lot 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, Leo's dog, who has 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, maximum for German Shepherd Dogs, and weight is just over 40 kg. She is a working dog. Possesses a balanced, mobile type of behavior and has a unique ability to various types of training.

The dog has such success due to the presence of the only owner whom he trusts, and he properly looks after her. Shepherd also gets along well with children. She is well trained. Can cope well with the detention of criminals. And also to be a guide for the blind.

The German Shepherd with proper education is an excellent sociable dog that can get along with children and with other animals in the house. However, you need to make a lot of effort to socialize your pet in order to save him and himself from problems in the future.

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

Interesting facts about the German Shepherd, see below.