My German Shepherd puppy isn't growing. Is a breed DNA test useful?

Hi and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be her genetics if her mother or father were not as tall or the height issue could be related to a dysfunction of the pituitary gland which controls growth. A blood test at your veterinarian's office can determine if the reason behind the short stature is pituitary related. I hope this helps!

It is hard to say what it may be without actually seeing it. You can always upload up to 3 pictures so we can see what you are talking about. Otherwise taking him to a veterinarian is never a bad idea to get something checked out. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

He does look well bred. I would compare his legs to the others in the litter to see if his bones are thicker than theirs, and again compare the coat length and thickness also. It’s awfully early to be able to tell how he will develop. I would visit him weekly to see how he grows. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

Hi there. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I think that based on the photos Bruno looks very characteristic of a 5 month old GSD. I am not really sure what you are worried about. I would not be overly concerned about anything related to his looks until he is full grown (about 18 months of age). You absolutely don't want a large breed puppy to grow too fast as that can cause joint abnormalities so be careful of this. He should be eating a large breed puppy food so I hope the Royal Canin you are feeding is this type of diet and not just a general puppy food. If you have specific concerns I suggest you take him to your vet for an exam. Again, I think he looks just fine from the photos. Best wishes.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Shera is only 4kg at this age, I would suspect something is preventing him from gaining weight. I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian and have him checked for intestinal parasites and treated for parasites. He may have a congenital disease such as a liver shunt or some other systemic disease going on that needs to be treated. The sooner he is seen the better. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hello. Good care is all you can do for Kyra. At 2 months of age, she still has the potential to reach her potential maximum growth. Feed her the best large breed puppy food you can purchase. Do not supplement her with any vitamins or minerals. Deworm her based on a veterinarian's analysis of her stool & make sure she receives all appropriate vaccinations at the appropriate times. Treat her well & she will mature into a healthy, beautiful dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

The question you are asking is a little unclear. I think you are trying to ask what the average adult size of a German Shepherd is at a particular age. An adult female GSD should reach anywhere from 50-85 pounds depending on breeding lines. Complete growth in large breed dogs is not usually reached until at least 18 months of age, though the majority of their growth has stopped by on year. Based on the photo you have provided and the age, Soska looks to be a very appropriate size at this time.