German Shepherd Puppy Size

Question
I have a 4.5 month old spayed female



I have a 4.5 month old, spayed, female puppy. She is 32 lbs. and is 19.5 inches at shoulder. Is she small for her age?  

Answer
That does sound small.  Her ribs aren't showing excessively?  See http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx  Some young shepherds won't eat enough to meet the ideal body condition.  If not, as long as you are feeding a meat based food, leave well enough alone.  

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