About German Shepherds
To know at what age, do German Shepherds stop growing we should monitor their diet and exercise. As this is a large dog breed, they tend to develop hip dysplasia and other problems of joints and skeleton. Exercise and a healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, etc., should keep your puppy healthy and strong.
To help them grow well, get to know them. Alsatian Wolf Dogs or German Shepherds are large-sized dogs that originated in Germany. As the name suggests they are Shepherd dogs that integrate well on the farm and family.
They are obedient, smart, intelligent, curious, watchful, confident, courageous and alert. They are the most popular and preferred dogs as per dog registration records. They also have a good life expectancy of 9 to 13 years. This makes them excellent companions.
Their coat may be black, black and tan, red and black, sable, black and grey or grey. The male gains a height of 60 to 65 cm while the female maybe 55- 60 cm. The male typically weighs 30 – 40 Kg while the female gains up to 22 – 32 Kg.
How to Help Your German Shephard Grow Healthy?
These good groups in your dog’s diet will help it grow to its fullest size and maturity.
Proteins help in the growth and development of cells. And these are the building blocks of their bodies. Some good sources of proteins are meat, poultry, fish, and dairy.
Carbohydrates give energy to your pooch to bound around with exuberance. They are the fuel for the body and give energy. A good source is grains, cereals, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Fibers help in the proper movement of bowels. They help prevent constipation and decrease the risk of canine diabetes and maintain cholesterol. Some good sources are legumes, fresh fruits, dried fruits, whole grains, etc.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for your dog.
Calcium helps develop strong bones and teeth. It helps in the proper musculoskeletal growth and regulates the nervous system. Dogs get their calcium from raw bones, fish, vegetables and dairy products.
Iron is the main constituent of hemoglobin that oxygenates the body. It prevents anemia and fatigue. Green leafy vegetables, meat, poultry, fish beans, etc. are a rich source of this element.
Phosphorus combines with calcium to make healthy bones. It also helps in build cell membranes and the proper function of nucleic acids. The ATP molecules that fuel your German Shepherd also contain phosphorus. It aids the coagulation of blood and the smooth functioning of the nervous system. Phosphorus comes from protein sources such as meat and dairy products.
Sodium helps regulate the fluids outside and inside the cells. This osmoregulation helps maintain and improve the function of the cells comprising the organs and organ systems. Dairy, fruits, grains, vegetables are an excellent source of sodium.
Magnesium helps absorb calcium that strengthens the bones. Seafood and vegetables carry magnesium that is the central element of chlorophyll.
Vitamin A and E are powerful antioxidants that boost the immune system. These antioxidants protect the surface of the eye, boost the immune system, fight aging, etc. Leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, carrots are excellent sources of Vitamin E. Liver, eggs, yellow fruits vegetables are a rich source of beta-carotene or vitamin A.
Vitamin D is essential for good bones, teeth and a rich coat of fur. Beef liver, fatty fish, eggs, etc. are a rich source of this vitamin.
Vitamin C reduces the risk of colds and infections. It quickens the healing of wounds, keeps the skin, fur, muscles, and gums healthy. It is an antioxidant and aids brain function. Fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, citrus fruits, etc. are good sources of Vitamin C.
Growth Milestones of German Shepherds
To learn at what age do German Shepherds stop growing; monitor the growth of your German Shepherd. Keep a German Shepherd Growth Chart to monitor the height and weight of your puppy.
The Neonatal period is between birth to 3 weeks. The socialization period is between 3 – 12 weeks. The Juvenile period is between 3 – 6 months. The Sexual maturity period is between 6 – 16 months. The transition to Adulthood is between 16 – 36 months.
The length versus height ratio of a healthy German Shepherd is 10:8.5. This means if the length is 26 inches or 66.04 cm then the height should be 22 inches or 55.88 cm.
Therefore, in conclusion, at what age do German Shepherds stop growing? On average, German Shepherds reach physical maturity around 18 – 24 months, i.e., 1.5 to 2 years. It is observed that the Eastern European lines mature slower than their cousins elsewhere on the globe. They attain full maturity around 36 months.
The growth rate of most breeds of German Shepherds such as the Saddle coat, the Black German Shepherd, the Sable German Shepherd, the Panda German Shepherd, and White German Shepherd slows down when they reach six months and continues till 12 months.
Thereafter they grow steadily until 2.5 years when it is gained full size and sexual maturity.
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