German shepherds are perfect companions for those who love adult grown-up dogs. What most German shepherd owners want to know is how big can their shepherd grow? Or when do German Shepherds Stop Growing?
The same question brings you here! A three years old German Shepherd is considered fully matured and grown-up. However, their growth slows down a bit at one year of age and completely stops between the age of two and three.
This working dog breed is highly energetic, smart, loyal, and outgoing. The German shepherd is the most popular dog breed used for security. They are exceptional service dogs.
Beyond their qualities, there is a lot of information related to German Shepherds’ growth that this article is going to reveal!
German Shepherds’ Development and Growth
German Shepherds are famous for good reasons i-e. size and loyal qualities. They vary from medium to large. They are perfect pets for families who love energetic and large dogs.
German Shepherds can grow up to 12 inches tall during their development phases and a grown-up GSD weighs up to 90 pounds. A healthy German Shepherd can live up to 9-13 years.
You can also know about how long do golden doodles live!
1) Just About German Shepherds:
GSDs are very friendly and get attached to their home members very quickly. They are excellent watchdogs and always protect their vicinity. As compared to other dog breeds, German Shepherds are easy to train.
They are strong, active, and energetic. German Shepherds love to play outdoor and are very social. They are stubborn sometimes but are not aggressive. Moreover, they are intelligent, obedient, and watchful.
2) Male and Female German Shepherds- A Comparison:
Male GSDs are typically bigger and taller in size. They are strong and emotionally stable. They are excellent for personal protection and guarding.
While female GSDs are a little smaller in size than male GSDs but they are more loving, obedient, approachable, and easy to train. They guard their family members and protect their territory.
5 Growth Stages in German Shepherds Life Span
If you own a GSD, you must be wondering when do German Shepherds stop growing? Like every living being, German Shepherds also grow in stages with age.
Let’s talk about 5 important stages in which a German Shepherd grows and develops its senses!
1) Newborn Spell:
The infant spell of a German Shepherd goes on for almost 14 days. During this time phase, the body temperature is lower as compared to an adult German Shepherd.
When the puppy becomes two weeks old, you will see it starts opening its eyes fully and sense sounds. The growth in this spell is quite quick. The front tooth starts growing on the lower jaw.
These small furballs are so packed with energy. As soon as they start hearing, they also start crawling and responding with movements.
2) Socializing Spell:
A puppy’s socializing spell starts from two weeks of age and lasts up to two months. They become curious and want to explore every single thing around them. A good exposure during this time develops great social and emotional capabilities.
They are also able to differentiate between different family members and other pets. They learn how to play, respond, and fight. At this age, they are introduced to soft chewable food. You will see them even chewing other things like toys or even your slippers!
3) Juvenile Spell:
At the age of 3 to 6 months, a puppy hits the juvenile spell. It goes through several development changes. It grows bigger and becomes more active and energetic.
Due to a lot of energy, it is very difficult to grab your puppy’s attention for a long time. However, it is the best time to train a puppy.
We suggest you keep the training sessions short and interesting for your furry companion.
Between the age of 4 to 6 months, the puppy will get his adult teeth and the floppy hanging puppy ears will become strong and upright.
4) Sexual and Reproductive Spell:
A 7-month-old German Shepherd reaches its spell of sexual maturity which lasts until the age of 2 years approximately.
The sexual spell of the male and female German Shepherds fluctuates between the 6th and 7th months. A female usually gets its first estrus at the age of 6 months while a male reaches the spell of sexual maturity at the age of 7 months.
During this time phase, the body of German Shepherds becomes large especially of male GSD’s.
This dog breed keeps on learning at this age and so is full of energy. You will never see a 1-year-old German Shepherd sitting idle. They love to run and play around.
5) Adulthood:
When a German Shepherd becomes mature, it enters adulthood. Female GSDs matures faster and fully grow until the age of 2-1/2 years. While male GSDs mature a little bit slower and reach their complete growth at the age of 2-1/2 to 3 years.
The growth and development milestone for German Shepherds is fully achieved at the age of 3 years. After that, there is no further physical or mental development.
Their growth rate starts declining when they reach adulthood and their height ceases to increase once they are fully mature.
A three years old GSD is fully ready to execute all of its activities!
When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? Final Considerations:
German Shepherds grow slower as compared to other small dog breeds. But it’s no surprise that German Shepherds can get really bigger and taller with age.
Female GSDs are not considered fully grown-up until they reach the age of 2-1/2 years. While male 3 years old GSDs are fully grown up. The growth of German Shepherds stops completely at the age of three years.
German Shepherds are very active and energetic since their puppyhood. They are easy to train and grow up stronger.
A 3-year adult GSD is ready to perform all of its activities and to be your loyal companion!
