Her size for her age

Question
My "little girl" German Shepard is a little over 8 months and only weighs about 51 pounds.  Most people comment on how good she looks, her face, etc., which are indicative of a pretty shepard, but they think she is small.  Some other people I know have female shepards that are about 60 pounds and about the same age.  I got her from a reputable breeder.  Should I worry that she is small or her age and will not get much bigger?

Answer
She sounds to me like she will end up on the small side for a Shepherd.  All our puppies including the one Shepherd have ended up towards the small side.  We have a 7 month old female Lab that is only 45 pounds.  I will be surprised if she gets much over 50 pounds by a year.  I think you need to plan to enjoy a small Shepherd.  It really shouldn't be a problem unless you plan to show her, or need an intimidatingly large dog for security work.  

Check the ends of the leg bones.  If they are still much knobbier than an adult's, the growth plates are still open and it is still growing.  If not, do not expect much more growth.

You may find this link interesting,   http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/8/2027S