When you bring your new German Shepherd puppy home, one of the first things you may ask is “Why is my German Shepherd so small?” It can be worrying when your pup doesn’t grow at the same rate as other puppies.
So why is my German Shepherd so small? There are several possible reasons, which we will explore in this article. If you are concerned about your dog’s size, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian to determine the cause.
What is the Average Size of a German Shepherd Puppy?
Before we dive into the reasons why your German Shepherd may be on the small side, it’s helpful to know what the average size is.
According to the American Kennel Club’s breed standards, a male German Shepherd should be 24-26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 65-90 pounds. Females are typically 22-24 inches tall and weigh between 50-70 pounds.
As for the puppies, it depends on their age. A month-old puppy should weigh between three and five pounds. At six months, they should be close to half their adult weight. And by the time they turn one year old, they should be at their full adult size.
Now that you know what the average size is for a German Shepherd, let’s look at some reasons for why is my German Shepherd puppy so small.
Why is My German Shepherd So Small?
It’s not always a worrisome issue that your German Shepherd is smaller than other dogs. However, there are some health conditions that could be the cause. So, it is always better to make sure about all the possibilities when you are wondering why is my German Shepherd so small.
Heredity
One of the most common reasons why your German Shepherd is smaller than average is due to heredity. If one or both of your pup’s parents were on the small side, it’s likely that they will be too.
This isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, you should still keep an eye on their growth to make sure they are hitting the milestones for their age.
Poor Nutrition
Another possible reason why your German Shepherd is smaller than normal is poor nutrition. If your pup isn’t getting enough of the right nutrients, it can impact their growth. You should also know if Can German Shepherd eat peanut butter.
This is often seen in puppies that are fed a low-quality diet or don’t get enough food. So, if you are concerned about your pup’s size, it’s important to make sure they are eating a high-quality diet that meets their needs.
You should also talk to your veterinarian about how much food your pup should be eating and how often. They can give you specific recommendations based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Slow Metabolism
A slow metabolism can also be the reason why your German Shepherd is smaller than other dogs. If their body isn’t able to process food as efficiently, it can impact their growth. This is often seen in dogs that are overfed or eat a high-calorie diet.
So, if you are concerned about your pup’s size, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about their diet and activity level. They can help you determine if your pup is at a healthy weight or if they need to be on a special diet.
Underlying Health Conditions
One possibility is that there may be an underlying health condition causing your German Shepherd to stay small. Some of the conditions that can stunt growth or cause a dog to remain smaller than usual include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart defects
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Certain types of cancer
If you are concerned about your pup’s size, it’s important to get them checked out by a veterinarian. They can run some tests to look for any underlying health conditions that may be the cause.
Intestinal Parasites
Another possibility is that your German Shepherd has intestinal parasites. These are tiny worms that live in the intestines and steal nutrients from the food your pup eats.
Intestinal parasites are common in puppies, but they can also be seen in adult dogs. If left untreated, they can cause a dog to become malnourished and stunt its growth.
If you are concerned that your pup may have intestinal parasites, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian. They can do a stool sample to look for the presence of parasites and provide the appropriate treatment.
As you can see, there are a number of possible reasons why your German Shepherd is smaller than average. If you are concerned about your pup’s size, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is a cause for concern and provide the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Hope this article gave you the answer to “Why is my German Shepherd so small?”. There are several reasons why your German Shepherd may be on the small side. However, in most cases, there is no cause for concern. If you are worried about your pup’s size, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there is a problem and provide the appropriate treatment. Stay tuned to Germanshepherdss.com!