Body proportion

Question
I have a well bred 6 nth male shepherd from a recognized breeder in the states. He is a long and beautiful. The thing is, he looks a little dearth. He weighs 53 pnds, is 22inches at the wither, and his front legs are 14 inches long when held off the ground and measured from toe to elbow( he won't stand still for me to measure it while standing. He is a little soft in the pasterns, not a lot. I've had a couple of remarks from passer bys the he looks short. I always tell them it's his coat deceiving the image. Any info on this predicament?

Answer
Young Shepherds can be a trial for their owners.  You should be feeding an all life stages food now. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

Other breeds definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  Yours may be one the Shepherds that no matter how much food you offer it, or how rich, it won't eat enough to keep itself in ideal condition as in the link above.  You are much better off leaving well enough alone than unbalancing its diet with rich foods.  You could see how it fits with http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/8/2027S

Bear in mind, that is a average.  I have a 7 month old Lab that is about 145 pounds and 20 inches at the hip.  That is just fine for her.