At What Age Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? Tips and Facts – Fumi Pets

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by Fumipets

 

At What Age Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? Tips and Facts – Fumi Pets 

 

The growth rate of a German Shepherd begins to decrease at the age of one year and eventually ceases between the ages of two and three. German Shepherds do not reach full maturity until they are about three years old, and until then, they are called pups or teenagers.

When it comes to the development of a German Shepherd, there is a lot to learn, and this article will attempt to explain everything.

 

What Is the Maximum Size of a German Shepherd?

A German Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that may grow to be very big in certain cases.

When it comes to weight, a male German Shepherd will usually weigh between 65 and 90 pounds (30 to 40 kilogrammes) at the conclusion of his development. This may happen between the ages of 2 1/2 and 3.

A female’s typical weight ranges from 46 and 70 pounds (22 to 32 kg).

An adult male German Shepherd is typically between 24 and 26 inches tall, or 60 and 65 cm tall. A female will stand between 22 and 24 inches tall, or 55 and 60 cm.

All of these measures should be completed by the time they are three years old. The growth process is almost complete at a year old, but there will be approximately 5% more weight and height increase between the year and the three-year mark.

It’s worth noting that all of these figures are averages. There may be some German Shepherds that are smaller or bigger than the figures suggest. That’s very natural.

Even if your dog’s statistics don’t appear to match these, there’s no reason to be concerned as long as the dog is healthy, can still run about and play, and has no visible problems.

It’s essential to remember that a German Shepherd’s length to height ratio is critical. The majority of German Shepherds have a 10:8.5 ratio. Measuring their length from the front of their chest to the base of their tail, and height from the withers, or from the bottom of their feet to the highest point of their shoulder blades.

A German Shepherd should be somewhat longer than it is tall, according to the 10:8.5 ratio. A dog with a length of 26 inches and a height of 22 inches is an example.

You may calculate the ratio by multiplying the length by.85, which gives you the anticipated height; if that figure and your dog’s actual height are near or identical, you know it has the right ratio.

German Shepherds are usually slim since they are athletic and active canines. However, their ribs should not protrude or be readily seen or felt.

When a dog reaches full maturity, its weight will better fill its body.

The Maturity Stages

There are a few dog breeds that grow fast. Those breeds do not include German Shepherds. For most of their lives, these dogs are lively and enthusiastic, but this is particularly true during their puppy years.

When rearing a German Shepherd puppy, there are a few phases of development and maturity to be mindful of.

Neonatal Stage

The first two weeks of a German Shepherd puppy’s life are called this period. Puppies are born blind and deaf, and at this age, they are essentially defenceless. During this time, they would just eat and sleep. They may reach a weight of 65 to 90 grammes each day.

Transitional Stage

From the age of two weeks to four weeks, the baby is in this period. The pups have opened their eyes and can see and hear for the first time. The puppy will be interested in what is going on around it. It will also begin to walk, but it will be shaky and unsteady on its feet.

Socialization Stage

This period lasts anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months. A German Shepherd can consume soft foods at this stage, interact with others, and maintain a body temperature of about 100 degrees.

This stage is critical for a German Shepherd that has a history of being a guard dog and being cautious of strangers. The puppy has to be exposed to new people, animals, and surroundings at this period, but it must be done in a safe manner.

If this isn’t done correctly, the dog may become cautious or even hostile towards people and unfamiliar locations as it grows older.

You may start housebreaking the puppy around the age of eight weeks.

Juvenile Stage

This period lasts between 3 and 6 months. A German Shepherd puppy will grow more autonomous at this time and will attempt to investigate their environment more. They’ll be active and have a limited attention span for the time being.

At this time, their puppy teeth will be replaced by adult teeth, and their ears should be standing up by 4 months. By the conclusion of this period, at about 6 months old, the puppy will have reached sexual maturity.

When the puppy is about 4 months old, he or she will have reached the halfway mark in terms of weight and size development. They’ll be about 70% on their growth scale after 6 months.

During this time, you may focus more on puppy training. Simply keep the sessions brief, since it will not have a lengthy attention span. When being trained, German Shepherds react well to positive reinforcement.

Adolescent Stage

This period lasts approximately 6 months to 2 years and lasts about 6 months to 2 years. A female German Shepherd will go into heat between the ages of 5 and 8 months if she is not spayed, and the male will begin marking his territory and mounting if he is not fixed.

During this period, the puppy’s body will develop very big, nearly reaching full size by the end of the first year.

While they are approaching maturity in terms of size, their minds and emotions are still growing, and they will have lots of energy.

 

Maturity Stage

A German Shepherd reaches physical maturity at the age of 2 to 2 1/2 years, and mental maturity around the age of 3 years. A female German Shepherd matures more quickly than a male.

Your dog should be completely developed in height and weight by the conclusion of this period. They should also be emotionally and intellectually developed. If you’ve stayed with your dog this long, you’ll have a wonderful friend for many years to come.

 

Related Questions

 

 

When do German Shepherd puppies finish teething? 

When German Shepherds are about 6 months old, they will cease biting and chewing as much since teething will be over. However, unless properly taught, some of this behaviour may persist for longer, particularly because German Shepherds do not reach full maturity until they are two to three years old.

 

What is the average lifespan of a German Shepherd? 

A German Shepherd’s life expectancy ranges from 9 to 13 years. Diet, exercise, illnesses, breeding, and other possible health problems may all affect their lifetime. A veterinarian may be able to predict a dog’s lifetime, but nothing is ever absolutely definite.

 

What’s the difference between German Shepherd males and females?

Females are generally smaller and lighter than men, and they develop more quickly as well. Females are also more loving and less difficult to teach than males.

Female dogs are more protective of their family, whereas male canines are more protective of their surroundings.