It is always fun when looking for a cute little furry friend to play with. This is where German Shepherds come into the picture for everyone. Do you need a loyal companion who is fun, energetic, and protective all in one? German Shepherds are the only choice for you here, then. 5 months is the usual time when families decide to adopt a German Shepherd for their family. Read on to get a complete guide on 5-month-old German Shepherds.
Average Size, Height, And Appearance
Average Size: The average size for a 5-month-old German Shepherd is 12 to 16 inches in height. Many factors affect the height of a pup, and it is only sometimes about the purity of the breed.
Height: The average height of a 5-month-old German Shepherd is 35 to 49 pounds.
Appearance: It is essential to keep the average height and weight of a 5-month-old German Shepherd in mind when you are looking to adopt one into your family. This is important because a combination of genetic and dietary factors determine the appearance of a German Shepherd pup. There may be a difference in the weight of male and female puppies because of their bone densities.
This is still the early stages of the teething process, so you must be careful when they are trying to chew something. It is usually the quality of fur that people are trying to inspect. Since they are smaller pups, their fur will be light. However, it needs to be consistent and healthy growth. The way the puppies stand and their paws are essential to check. It would be best if you ensured that their feet or paws were healthy. These signs will help define your puppy’s appearance and even health in many cases.
Physical and Behavioral Changes and Activities
Most German Shepherd puppies reach sexual maturity by the time they are 6 months old. This is particularly true for the male puppies, at least. You have to ensure that your puppy is not coming in contact with any street dogs or any other dogs, for that matter.
The physical and behavioral changes in this period are relatively straightforward. They are not something you cannot handle. As is, puppies of almost all dog breeds have a lot of energy. The same will be channelized here as well. German Shepherds are an inherently dominant dog breed. Adopting them when they are still puppies would be best because they must follow your commands. They need to understand that only your word will go. It cannot be easy to train or have such dogs in your flat.
Your puppy’s milk teeth will grow into adult teeth now. Their height and weight will also naturally increase drastically in the next few months. In all these changes, you must remain consistent with them. This is only because they will learn to listen to you. More importantly, you will be able to stay on top of their health regime. This is also when you will see a lot of muscle development for them.
Male v/s Female German Shepherd Pups
The 5-month mark is significant in German Shepherds as you can see noticeable differences in the male and female puppies in German Shepherds. For example, male puppies will have many more well-defined muscles at 5 months. Their bone density may be higher than their female counterparts. This is not necessarily an indicator of their health or their dietary requirements. This could be a genetic benefit that male German Shepherd puppies have.
Female German Shepherd puppies, on the other hand, are easier to train and will go great with families who already have children. This is because they are fiercely protective of their little ones. They, too, have an aggressive nature but not as much as the male German Shepherd puppies. Female German Shepherd puppies are also more accustomed to sharing their space with other dogs. So, if you already have a dog at home and want another one? A female German Shepherd puppy is the way forward for you. It is pronounced that both the male and female German Shepherd puppies “look” the same. However, female German Shepherd puppies are not as territorial as their male counterparts. They will not be as jealous of other dogs around you, the males.
Read Also: King Shepherd Versus German Shepherd – Everything That You Need To Know
German Shepherd Height and Weight Chart
Many factors go into determining the ‘right’ height and weight for your German Shepherd. You must consult with a doctor before jumping to any conclusions. They will be able to give you the best advice on the dietary requirements and exercise regime your German Shepherd needs to follow to remain in the best shape possible. Below is a general growth chart for male and female German Shepherd puppies.
1. Male German Shepherd Growth Chart
| Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 4-6 inches | 5-9 pounds |
| 2 Months | 7-9 inches | 16-20 pounds |
| 3 Months | 9-11 inches | 22-30 pounds |
| 4 Months | 11-14 inches | 35-40 pounds |
| 5 Months | 14-16 inches | 40-49 pounds |
| 6 Months | 16-18 inches | 49-57 pounds |
| 7 Months | 19-20 inches | 57-62 pounds |
| 8 Months | 20-22 inches | 62-66 pounds |
| 9 Months | 21-23 inches | 64-71 pounds |
| 10 Months | 22-24 inches | 66-73 pounds |
| 11 Months | 22-24 inches | 71-75 pounds |
| 1 Year | 22-24 inches | 71-79 pounds |
| 1.5 Years | 23-23 inches | 71-79 pounds |
| 2 Years | 23-25 inches | 71-84 pounds |
| 3 Years | 24-26 inches | 79-88 pounds |
2. Female German Shepherd Growth Chart
| Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | 3-6 inches | 4.5-8 pounds |
| 2 Months | 6-9 inches | 11-17 pounds |
| 3 Months | 8-10 inches | 17-26 pounds |
| 4 Months | 10-12 inches | 31-35 pounds |
| 5 Months | 12-14 inches | 35-44 pounds |
| 6 Months | 15-17 inches | 44-49 pounds |
| 7 Months | 17-19 inches | 49-53 pounds |
| 8 Months | 18-20 inches | 53-57 pounds |
| 9 Months | 19-21 inches | 55-60 pounds |
| 10 Months | 19-21 inches | 57-62 pounds |
| 11 Months | 20-22 inches | 60-64 pounds |
| 1 Year | 20-22 inches | 60-64 pounds |
| 1.5 Years | 21-22 inches | 60-66 pounds |
| 2 Years | 21-22 inches | 60-66 pounds |
| 3 Years | 22-24 inches | 66-70 pounds |
How to Train a 5-Month-Old German Shepherd?
Puppies, in general, are looking for leads and clues to follow. They tend to follow and look for a leader. They must look for this leader in the family or the person who is adopting them. They are an inherently dominant dog breed. This is why people prefer to adopt them when they are young. This makes it easier for people to train and be looked upon as their leader.
The easiest way to train a 5-month-old German Shepherd is by giving them a basic set of instructions through simple verbal instructions. It would be best if you guided them with your fingers, as the pups are curious and looking for a leader to follow. It would help if you rewarded them every time, they get a command right. This is how each command will be ingrained in their minds for life. It will become second nature for them to follow these commands thereon.
Nutrition Requirements of a 5-Month-Old German Shepherd
German Shepherds are high-energy dogs. They need lots of nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The more nutritional diet and exercise you give them, the healthier life they will lead. It would be best if you went for a mix of foods here, much like you would get a variety of foods for yourself. People generally consult with their vet before buying food for the puppy they are about to adopt.
Generally, people go for branded puppy kibble. It would be best if you got the kind available for puppies. The texture of the food is also essential for your dog. This is the stage to get them chewy snacks if it is specified that they are for puppies. If you want to get them on a natural diet, you cannot go wrong with raw meat, fruits, and vegetables.
It would be best if you stuck to a good and healthy diet for them from the beginning. Toxic food and giving too many treats can adversely affect your dogs.
Also Check: Short Haired Vs. Long-Haired German Shepherd: What’s The Difference?
Chew Toys for Your 5-Month-Old German Shepherd
It would be best if you were careful when buying chew toys for your 5-month-old German Shepherd. This is only because their teeth are still growing and soft and sensitive. However, there are now chew toys available in the market that are actually good for puppies’ teeth. They are known to clean their teeth and ensure that the puppies invest their energies constructively. Like always, you need to ensure that the chew toys are for puppies. The breed of the dogs does not matter on this account.
Health Issues of a 5-Month-Old German Shepherd
Allergies
Allergies in dogs are standard. They can be allergic to foods or even climatic conditions. If you live in a pollen-filled and humid area, chances are that your dog may be more prone to these allergies. These allergies are the result of the genes of the breed that the dog is from. Dust and pollen allergies are the most common in German Shepherds.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV)
This is one of the conditions that wide-chested dogs like German Shepherds have to deal with. It is a condition wherein gas or fluid gets filled in the stomach. The dog will be bloated, and the liquid may turn on itself. This can cause extreme discomfort and pain in your dogs and may even induce vomiting.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This is joint pain in dogs. Many factors can trigger this condition. You must allow a vet to take a look at the problem your dog is facing.
Panosteitis
This is just a temporary condition that can easily be fixed. If you notice any issue in how your German Shepherd is walking and may even be limping, it may be because of panosteitis. This is not caused by genetics either.
Diabetes
German Shepherds are prone to diabetes because of their large size, even the female German Shepherds. This is a common and easily treated condition, keeping in mind that they get their medication regularly.
Exercise Needs of a 5-Month-Old German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a very active breed. Even if you live in an apartment, your German Shepherd must get out at least twice daily. They must engage in rigorous physical exercise for at least 40 minutes daily. They are a dominant and aggressive breed, and even if they are great pets, they need to find a meaningful way to channel this energy.
Summary
German Shepherds are a pretty addition to any family and even if you are living alone. They are protective and active. Getting a German Shepherd may be the way forward if you want to lead a more healthy and active life.
FAQs
They are relatively bigger than most other dog breeds at 5 months of age. They have a height of 14-16 inches with a weight of 35-40 pounds.
German Shepherds are known for their great work ethic abilities. Regular training from early age is the best time to train a German Shepherd. So, you can train your 5 months old German Shepherd without hesitation.
A male German Shepherd should weigh around 40-49 pounds, whereas a female German Shepherd is at 35-40 pounds.
There is no exact age when they ‘stop’ growing. However, after 2 years of age in German Shepherds, the growth in weight and height will be negligible. It will fluctuate, but there will be no significant change as such.
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