Size Matters - Page 1

My young GSD will be 2 yrs in Sept. He is a healthy but lanky 70 lbs, about 25 inches at the withers. While vacationing at the beach, a stranger made the comment that he looked small for a German Shepherd. I found myself blathering in his defense that actually he is a "correct" size. Now checking the Standard vs. Body structure on this site, it is interesting to note the standard speaks in terms of percentages only, which would leave the door open for an increase or decrease in size. Which would make sense for example if one noticed a sudden sheep size increase, the German Shepherd would have no problem stepping up to the job with some help from a King shepherd or two.

However, according to the Body Structure  my boy is surely a few lbs. off of center. I am sure he will fill out as he ages. He's just got such a great metabolism on him, makes me jealous!

Anyhow, this seemed like a discrepancy to me and the answer probably lies with the Germans somewhere, I don't think they give a hoot about the opinions of the FCi . So my question is, does size matter? 

LOL LOL LOL.....Whew....pant pant...gotta love the topic line.....and I can't miss this opportunity to say.....

Does size matter?  It depends on if you're asking a man or a woman!  LOL....

General Info

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/info/14.html

Actually, your boy is right in the middle of the standard, if he was measured correctly. 

Marsha Seck

Would rather see them smaller than oversized King shepherd types...have customers call wanting a over 100 lbs shepherd every day and I tell them they called the wrong kennel for that mess. LOL Marlene

Here is a link to the FCI.  To get to the GSD standard, scroll down to Germany & click on "EN" :

http://www.fci.be/nomenclatures_detail.asp?lang=en&file=group1

Here is the excerpt regarding size:

SIZE AND WEIGHT :

Dogs : Height at the withers : 60 to 65 cm.

Weight : 30 to 40 kg.

Bitches : Height at the withers : 55 to 60 cm.

Weight : 22 to 32 kg.

The length of the body is approximately 10-17 % longer than the height at the withers.

Hope this helps! 

 Sue,

When they said we(USA) would convert to metric in the 70's, I can attest to you that they lied. Please, spare me your copy and paste, unless you can spout the numbers in inches and pounds; as most know here, there is no love lost between us, and helping me is not on your agenda.

I was  trying to provide the information you asked for, I politely provided the link to the FCI standard, & copied the info on size & weight for your convenience.  Sorry to dissapoint you, no hidden agenda.  I will continue to respond to any thread I choose until the day Oli says otherwise, whether you like it or not.  Regarding the size of your dog, personally I prefer GSDs in the middle of the standard.  Too many times the upper limits of the standard are pushed.  Ours is supposed to be a medium sized dog, they are better for the work.

1kg = 2.2lbs

2.5cm = 1 inch.

I get comments from the "general public" all the time on my female, isn't she too small for a gsd?  They are just used to oversized byb bred dogs.  Actually,  she's at the very upper end of standard height and 64 lbs.   Surprises people as the general public does think of gsds as "large" and 100 lbs doesn't sound heavy to them.

Heather

if he is 25" to the wither then he is 62.5cm bang in the niddle where he should be at 70lbs he is about 32k so ok there to

jim h