German Shepherds are known for being large and powerful dogs, but some members of the breed are simply giants. The largest German Shepherd on record was a male named Duke, who weighed in at an impressive 131 pounds and stood 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
Duke’s Life
Duke was born in September 2010 to a pair of German Shepherds who were both of average size. However, Duke quickly outgrew his siblings and soon became the largest dog in his family. By the time he was fully grown, Duke was twice the size of a normal German Shepherd.
Despite his size, Duke was a gentle giant. He was known for his friendly personality and love of children. Duke also enjoyed playing fetch and going for walks in the park.
Duke’s Death
Duke lived a long and happy life. He died peacefully in his sleep in September 2019 at the age of 9. His passing was a sad day for his family and friends, but they will always cherish the memories they made with him.
Other Large German Shepherds
Duke is not the only large German Shepherd who has made headlines. In recent years, there have been several other dogs of the breed who have reached impressive sizes.
One such dog is a male named Zeus, who weighed in at 140 pounds and stood 34 inches tall at the shoulder. Zeus was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest German Shepherd in the world.
Another large German Shepherd is a male named Titan, who weighed in at 155 pounds and stood 36 inches tall at the shoulder. Titan is not officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records, but he is widely considered to be one of the largest German Shepherds in the world.
What Causes German Shepherds to Be Large?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a German Shepherd’s size. Genetics plays a role, as larger dogs are more likely to produce larger puppies. Diet and exercise also play a role, as well as the overall health of the dog.
Health Concerns for Large German Shepherds
While large German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they are at increased risk for certain health conditions. These conditions can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat.
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit properly. This can cause pain and lameness in the dog. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas.
If You Are Considering Getting a Large German Shepherd
If you are considering getting a large German Shepherd, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks. You should also make sure that you are prepared to provide the dog with plenty of exercise and a healthy diet.
With proper care, large German Shepherds can make wonderful companions. They are loyal, loving, and protective dogs who will bring joy to your life for many years to come.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are known for being large and powerful dogs, but some members of the breed are simply giants. The largest German Shepherd on record was a male named Duke, who weighed in at an impressive 131 pounds and stood 32 inches tall at the shoulder. Duke lived a long and happy life, and he will always be remembered for his gentle giant personality.
