what can i expect - Page 1

I have a 8 month gsd who is 25in and 68lbs,people are telling me he is to thin, what should he be and what will he be a 1yr

I remember that age! Star was eating me out of house and home, and STILL looked skinny! She matured at 25 inches, and is about 68 lb.  Once she had her first heat at about a year old, her metabolism slowed waaaay way down, and I was able to cut her food approximately in half. She was getting about 6 cups a day at that age.

 

Hard to say what your dog will be at 1 year, other than heavier and taller! It can take as long as 3 years for a GSD to really reach maturity. The bones stop growing at about 1 year, but they still have a lot of filling out to do in terms of gaining muscle.

Post a picture and pedigree, there might be some on here who have experience with them. But sounds to me like he is good size for age, don't know just talking pounds, without seeing the pup's condition.

@becker - I am guessing that you are a new GSD owner, welcome to the world of confusion, Self-doubt and fun. First thing to keep in mind is that your biggest challenge is your new. IF your dog is really on the skinny side, GOOD FOR YOU!!!! So many new GSD owners want to fatten their GSD up cuz its cool to have a big Shepherd. But reality is that you want to let the bones and joints mature before you allow to much weight on them. I have always heard (and found it to be true) that you want to be able to see each of your dogs ribs, not supper defined, but when they are panting, you should see them. Your guy/girl is still a puppy full of all kinds of energy so of course they are going to burn the cals you are feeding!! People on here will be able to give you better signs such as stool size being to big or how your pup "should" look, all i am going to say is DONT be in such a rush to put weight on your developing puppy.

If you have not already done so;  my suggestion would be to worm him for the basic 4;  round,whip,hook,tape.  That would probably be drontal plus;  or give a 3-5 day treatment of panacur. Panacur dosage is l ml/5 pounds of body weight or l cc per 5 pounds of body weight.  I use the panacur liquid you can buy at feed store or get from your vet.  Also have used Strongid but not in a while and do not know dosage for that.  Good luck  Nan

 

PS:  Weight to me sounds OK for his age but I like to keep them lean yet nourished.  Make sure he is getting plenty of exercise and sunshine.  BOL  Nan