How Long Do German Shepherds Grow? What You Should Know!

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German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. They are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and loyalty. These dogs can grow to be quite large, and knowing how long they will grow can help you make better decisions about buying one. So, how long do German Shepherds Grow?

The average German Shepherd male typically grows to 24-26 inches and an average German Shepherd female grows to 22-24 inches. Some may still grow up to 3 years old.

How long do German Shepherds Grow

How Big Do German Shepherds Get?

German Shepherds are a large breed of dog and will reach their full size by the time they are three years old. The average weight for a fully grown GSD is 49 to 57 pounds for males and 44 to 49 pounds for females. They should be less than 20 inches tall by the age of two.

While their size does not depend on the color of their coat, it will depend on how big they are when they start their growth phase. Most German Shepherds will stop growing at the age of three, but some may grow beyond that point depending on how big they already are.

The size generalizations in this passage apply to purebred German Shepherds only–if your dog is a mix, then their size will depend on what they are mixed with. Overfeeding as a puppy or an adult may harm your dog, but it is not possible to influence the final size of a German Shepherd by altering the amount fed.

What Are The Factors That Affect German Shepherd Growth?

There are many factors that play into a German Shepherd’s growth. The size of the pup’s mother, the time taken to raise and socialize your GSD pup, genetics, climate, diet, and personality are all examples of things that can affect their development. Let’s take a closer look at Genetics, Physical Activity & Health, and Diet & Nutrition.

Genetics & Environment

Dogs that come from breeders who select larger sizes will be larger than dogs that come from breeders who select smaller sizes. The environment in which the dog lives also affects its size; a dog that lives in a kennel and is not exercised will be smaller than a dog that lives in a home and is exercised regularly.

Physical Activity & Health

Dogs that don’t get enough exercise can become overweight, which can lead to health problems such as joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.

Walks are a great way to provide your dog with some exercise, but be sure to vary the terrain so he or she doesn’t get bored. Playing fetch or going for a run are also good ways to keep your dog active.

Diet & Nutrition

A healthy diet and plenty of exercises will help your dog grow properly and maintain a healthy weight.

Protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are all necessary to ensure that your puppy grows up big and strong. Puppies need more protein than adult dogs; between 22% and 26% of their diet should come from protein.

Good sources of protein include meat, eggs, and dairy products. Puppies also need plenty of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, iron, zinc, and calcium are important for healthy development.

It is important to consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your puppy.”

When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing?

German Shepherds usually continue to grow until they are about 2 years old.

But there is no definitive answer to the question of whether German Shepherds stop growing at a certain age, so you can’t rely on one specific number. Certain types of German Shepherds will continue to grow until 3 years old while others might keep going until the age of 2 years old.

German Shepherds stop rapidly growing by 12 months and then continue to slowly grow. They reach their final weight at around 36 months, but males may get an extra inch by 15-18 months and females slightly less than that by 12-15 months.

What Is The Average Adult German Shepherd Height?

The average height of a German Shepherd falls between 24 and 26 inches for adults, but remember that this range is just an average. Your dog’s height may be different depending on their sex and breed.

You should know that male and female German Shepherds do not always differ in size – on average, they differ by just 2 inches. However, males are typically taller than females.

Another thing to keep in mind when measuring your German Shepherd is that you should never measure them by their head because dogs cannot maintain an upright position with their heads consistently. Instead, measure them at the withers – the part of their back right above their shoulders at the base of the neck when they’re standing up.

What if My German Shepherd is Not the Correct Weight

If your German Shepherd is not the correct weight, it’s important to take action and adjust his diet and exercise habits. A dog’s genetics might make him more likely to be overweight, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help him get closer to the correct weight.

Younger pups will need a heavier adjustment in their diet than older dogs because their metabolism grows more rapidly. However, only one of the two factors (genetics or heritage) is really true when it comes to a GSD’s weight. Make sure you talk to your vet about the best way to help your pup reach his ideal size!

Conclusion

In this blog post, I have outlined how long German Shepherds can grow and when they usually stop growing. But as I have mentioned in the article, this is just the average and it can change under different circumstances. So, use this blog as just an outline and you should not solely depend on this blog.

I hope this post has been helpful in understanding ‘How long do German Shepherds grow”. If you have any questions or feedback about this post, please let me know in the comments section below.