As a German Shepherd owner, it is critical to recognize certain growth and development stages during your puppy's life.

A German Shepherd growth chart will assist you in determining whether your puppy is in the proper weight category for their age and is meeting all of their developmental milestones.

Knowing what to expect during your puppy's growth allows you to make informed decisions about activity, nutrition, and socializing.

This article will provide you with additional information regarding the German Shepherd Dog Growth Chart of your puppy so that you may monitor for any symptoms that their growth is being harmed and to ensure that your puppy grows and matures into a healthy adult.

When Do German Shepherd Dogs Stop Growing?

If you've been nurturing your German Shepherd puppy since he was a small puppy, you may be wondering if he's finished growing or when he'll stop, especially given the breed's tendency to grow rather large.

The reality is that there is no definitive answer. Growth rates differ between dogs. When do German Shepherds reach the point of no return?

Some German Shepherds are fully grown by the time they reach the age of 18 months. Others will continue to grow until they reach the age of two. Certain varieties of German Shepherds will even continue to grow until they reach the age of three.

Typically, growth slows substantially after 12 months, and any growth that occurs after that time period is tiny and very sluggish. At 18 months, your German Shepherd should have attained full height, although reaching his final weight may take longer.

German Shepherd Dog Growth Pictures

What is the Standard German Shepherd Dog Size

According to the American Kennel Club's German Shepherd Standard, an adult male German Shepherd stands between 24 and 26 inches tall, while an adult female German Shepherd is between 22 and 24 inches tall. Full-size estimations vary greatly between sexes.

German Shepherd Dog Weight Chart

Here is the weight chart of a German Shepherd Dog:

Age	Male Weight Range	Female Weight Range
1 month	5.5 – 9 lbs / 2.5 – 4 kg	4.5 – 8 lbs / 2 – 3.5 kg
2 months	16 – 20 lbs / 6 – 9 kg	11 – 17 lbs / 5 – 7.5 kg
3 months	22 – 30 lbs / 10 – 14 kg	17 – 26 lbs / 8 – 12 kg
4 months	35 – 40 lbs / 16 – 18 kg	31 – 35 lbs / 14 – 16 kg
5 months	40 – 49 lbs / 18 – 22 kg	35 – 44 lbs / 16 – 20 kg
6 months	49 – 57 lbs / 22 – 26 kg	44 – 49 lbs / 20 – 22 kg
7 months	57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg	49 – 53 lbs / 22 – 24 kg
8 months	62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg	53 – 57 lbs / 24 – 26 kg
9 months	64 – 71 lbs / 29 – 32 kg	55 – 60 lbs / 25 – 27 kg
10 months	66 – 73 lbs / 30 – 33 kg	57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg
11 months	66 – 75 lbs / 30 – 34 kg	60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg
1 year	71 – 75 lbs / 32 – 34 kg	60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg
1 ½ years	71 – 79 lbs / 32 – 36 kg	60 – 66 lbs / 27 – 30 kg
2 years	71 – 84 lbs / 32 – 38 kg	62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg
3 years	79 – 88 lbs / 36 – 40 kg	66 – 70 lbs / 28 – 32 kg

German Shepherd Dog Growth Chart – What To Expect
German Shepherd Dog Weight Chart by Age

 

German Shepherd Dog Weight 4-6 months

A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be rather huge due to the rapid development spurts that many German Shepherds experience between two and five months of age. By six months of age, a male German Shepherd will weigh approximately 53 pounds, while a female will weigh approximately 46 pounds.

What is the Full Grown German Shepherd Dog Weight?

According to the American Kennel Club's German Shepherd Standard, an adult male German Shepherd stands between 24 and 26 inches tall, while an adult female German Shepherd is between 22 and 24 inches tall.

Full-size estimations vary greatly between sexes. An adult male German Shepherd weighs between 75 and 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs significantly less than a male, between 55 and 70 pounds.

Please keep in mind that these are simply approximate measurements to give you an idea of the potential size of a German Shepherd puppy. Due to a number of genetic and environmental factors, some dogs will grow to be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when completely grown.

Stages Of GSD Development

Neonatal Period: Birth – 3 Weeks

The period immediately following birth is the most hazardous time for a German Shepherd puppy. Puppies open their eyes, improve their hearing abilities, learn to crawl and walk and learn to use the bathroom away from the rest of the litter during the first three weeks of life.

They are still quite little and delicate at this stage. Their mother is entirely responsible for feeding them, assisting them with urination, cleaning up, and keeping them warm. During this period, it is better to let the mother do her job and to give her space to the mother without human interference.

Socialization Period: 3 Weeks – 12 Weeks

Puppies begin to interact with the surroundings and the creatures around them as they gain the ability to do so. It is critical to begin socializing puppies at this stage in order to acclimate them to humans.

Puppies should stay with their mother for the duration of this period, even if they have previously been weaned. During this time, the mother teaches her puppies canine social skills. If they are taken from their mother too soon, they may have difficulty later in life associating with other canines.

• Walking well (3 weeks)
• Begin playing with littermates and humans (4 weeks)
• Have most if not all of their teeth (4 weeks)
• Demonstrate adult behaviors including mounting and greeting by sniffing tails (6 weeks)
• Fear response (a period that occurs from 6 – 8 weeks of age)
• Can begin housebreaking (7 weeks)
• Ears begin to stand upright (Week 12)

Juvenile Period 3 Months – 6 Months

Between the third and sixth months, puppies undergo the “juvenile stage.” The infant phase will have concluded. They should be able to eat alone, communicate with people, and be on the verge of housebreaking. They will continue to grow at a steady rate and are now prepared for training.

They will also begin to lose their milk teeth at this time, so keep an eye out for the possibility of them chewing on objects you do not approve of. Having dog-approved chew toys on hand can assist both puppies and owners in successfully navigating teething time.

Sexual Maturity Period: 6 Months – 16 Months

As you may have guessed, this is the stage of sexual maturity your German Shepherd will achieve. By the end of this stage, they will resemble an adult dogs, though they will continue to develop.

The most critical thing you can do at this stage is spay or neuter your dog. If you intend to breed your dog, you must ensure that they have sound hips and overall structure in order to improve the breed.

Several developmental milestones occur during this time period, including the following:

• Have all adult teeth (6 months)
• Intact females begin having heat cycles (6 months)
• Ears are standing upright on their own (6 months)
• Intact males reach sexual maturity (7 months)
• Strong pack bonds are formed (16 months)

Transition To Adult Period: 16 Months – 36 Months

Between the ages of 16 and 36 months, your puppy will mature into an adult. Certain puppy behaviors should have subsided, allowing for the development of more mature behaviors. Some German Shepherds continue to grow until they reach the age of 36 months, but the majority are finished by 24 months.

While you will be transitioning them off puppy food and onto adult food at this point, you must continue to closely check their nutrition to ensure that they are developing properly and maintaining a healthy puppy weight.

While they should still be brimming with vitality, they should have ceased biting random objects and moderated their behavior significantly.

German Shepherd Dog Height Chart

Here is the height chart of a German Shepherd Dog:

Age	Male Height Range	Female Height Range
1 month	4 – 6” / 11 – 16 cm	3 – 6” / 8 – 14 cm
2 months	7 – 9” / 17 – 22 cm	6 – 9” / 14 – 22 cm
3 months	9 – 11” / 23 – 27 cm	8 – 10” / 20 – 25 cm
4 months	11 – 14” / 29 – 35 cm	10 – 12” / 26 – 31 cm
5 months	14 – 16” / 35 – 40 cm	12 – 14” / 31 – 36 cm
6 months	16 – 18” / 41 – 46 cm	15 – 17” / 37 – 42 cm
7 months	19 – 20” / 47 – 52 cm	17 – 19” / 43 – 48 cm
8 months	20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm	18 – 20” / 45 – 50 cm
9 months	21 – 23” / 54 – 59 cm	19 – 21” / 48 – 53 cm
10 months	22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm	19 – 21” / 49 – 54 cm
11 months	22 – 24” / 57 – 62 cm	20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm
1 year	22 – 24” / 57 – 62 cm	20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm
1 ½ years	23 – 25” / 59 – 64 cm	21 – 22” / 53 – 55 cm
2 years	23 – 25” / 59 – 64 cm	21 – 22” / 53 – 57 cm
3 years	24 – 26” / 60 – 65 cm	22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm

How To Weigh Your German Shepherd Dog Puppy?

If you want to maintain track of your German Shepherd Dog's weight, you must first learn how to weigh him properly.

To begin, you should be able to weigh your German Shepherd Dog at home if he is a puppy or if you are just large enough to hold him. This can be accomplished with a standard bathroom scale.

To begin, weigh yourself and record the result. Then, while standing on the scale, pick up your dog and hold him. The difference in weights represents your dog's weight.

If your dog is too huge to carry, you can either invest in a dog scale, which can cost upwards of $100, or contact your veterinarian. The majority of veterinarian offices will enable you to use their scale.

Unless there is a health problem, you can weigh an adult German Shepherd Dog once every six months. Once a week is sufficient for a puppy to ensure he is growing normally.

What Is A German Shepherd Dog’s Neck Size?

To determine the neck size of your dog, use a soft and flexible tape measure to determine the neck size of your dog where her collar naturally falls. Then, put two fingers between your dog's neck and the tape measure to ensure that the dog collar fits snugly but comfortably. A German Shepherd Dog's average neck circumference is between 18 and 24 inches.

How Big Do German Shepherd Dogs Get?

The size of your German Shepherd is largely determined by the dog. Based on the size of his parents, you should have a good sense of how big he will grow.

If you are unaware of his parents' sizes, there are other things to consider.

When it comes down to it, you should be more concerned with proportions than with averages. A German Shepherd's length-to-height ratio should be 10:8.5. Therefore, if your German Shepherd is 28 inches long, he should be approximately 23.5 inches tall. This figure is obtained by multiplying his length by.85.

You should easily be able to see his waist and ribs based on his weight. If the waist cannot be seen, he is obese. He is underweight if his ribs and spine are protruding.

German Shepherd Dog Body Condition Score (BCS) 

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is the human equivalent of the Body Mass Index. It is a subjective evaluation that standardizes an animal's weight in order to assist you in developing an exercise and diet plan that is appropriate for your puppy's activity level, body type, and lifestyle.

Scales of the body condition range from 1-9 or 1-5. Your German Shepherd puppy's ideal BCS score should be 3/5 or 5/9. This is where a very thin layer of fat covers the ribs, pelvic bones, and backbone and is plainly palpable.

When viewed from the side, the tummy tuck should be apparent, as should the waistline under the ribs when viewed from above.

Factors That Affect German Shepherd Dog Puppy Growth 

Genetics

As with humans, genetics play a significant part in the development of dogs. The parents' weight and size have a significant effect on the growth of a German Shepherd puppy. For instance, if both parents are shorter than normal, the puppy's adult height is more likely to be lower as well.

Additionally, German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to a number of ailments, including hip and elbow dysplasia, a variety of allergies, and pancreatic abnormalities.

Occasionally, they may experience difficulties with correct movement and angulation. These health issues can be passed on to puppies, impairing their growth.

Diet & Nutrition

The diet you feed your German Shepherd puppy has an effect on their growth. A well-balanced diet and regular adjustments to their diet plan to meet their developmental requirements are important to guarantee that they grow to their full potential.

The majority of owners believe that because German Shepherds are huge dogs, they require large servings of food. However, this is not the case, as excessive eating can result in excessive weight gain, which can result in problems including dysplasia and osteoarthritis.

To avoid this, see your veterinarian about developing a mealtime schedule for your puppy or conduct research on German Shepherd puppy feeding regimens.

Physical Activity & Health

Due to the fact that German Shepherds are active dogs, they require a great deal of exercise to remain active and healthy. A German Shepherd puppy requires 5 minutes of exercise twice a day at the age of one month.

For instance, if your puppy is four months old, he or she requires twenty minutes of activity twice daily.

Due to the rapid growth rate of German Shepherd puppies, excessive exercise might result in ligament and joint problems.

If your dog is younger than 5 months, moderate walks at appropriate periods are sufficient. After the age of five months, you can introduce trekking and jogging.

Common Questions about German Shepherd Dog

At What Age Is A German Shepherd Dog Fully Grown?

As is the case with many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered completely developed until they reach the age of approximately 18 months. Female German Shepherds continue to grow until they reach approximately two years of age, whilst male German Shepherds continue to grow until they reach approximately two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require additional time to develop a full chest and abdomen.

As the German Shepherd weight chart demonstrates, these dogs can continue to grow until they reach the age of three, although the majority of growth occurs within the first 24 months. If your GSD is over 36 months of age and continues to gain weight, consult your veterinarian to verify that the weight increase does not progress to obesity.

How Long Are German Shepherd Dogs Pregnant?

Dogs typically gestate for roughly 63 days from conception, though this might vary by several days. While this may appear to be a basic response, conception is frequently difficult to determine.

How Many Puppies Do German Shepherd Dogs Have?

German Shepherd Dogs normally have between one and fifteen puppies in a litter. While the typical litter size is eight puppies, bigger litter are frequently predicted.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of German Shepherd Dogs?

The German shepherd dog's average lifespan is between 10 and 13 years. Female German Shepherds live an average of 1.4 years longer than male German Shepherds. Female German Shepherds live an average of 11.1 years, while males live an average of 9.7 years.

How Much Does It Cost To Own A German Shepherd Dog?

After you've paid for your pup, the cost of owning a German Shepherd can be roughly $85 each month (the typical original purchase price is $2000). Thus, the lifetime cost of owning a German Shepherd over a ten-year period might reach $12,230, which includes the puppy's purchase price as well as all food and care bills.

How To Help Your German Shepherd Dog Lose Weight If He Is Overweight 

As with humans, exercise is critical for your overweight dog's health. Increased movement helps your dog burn off excess energy (and calories consumed). Avoid panic! Exercising your pet does not have to include marathons or lengthy hikes. Regular walks and the opportunity to run and play safely off-leash. 

Even creating a stimulating indoor environment that encourages your dog to exercise on a regular basis can help. Bear in mind that different breeds require varying amounts of exercise, so visit your veterinarian, breeder, or your dog's breed standard for recommendations on recommended activity levels.

Distinguish Begging from Hunger

Begging is not necessarily motivated by a desire for more food; it is also used to gain attention. (And, by rewarding the behavior, you reinforce and encourage it to continue.) If your dog begs, do not automatically assume he is hungry. Trust your instincts and keep track of the date and time of your last meal. 

If your dog is prone to begging and you are prone to succumb to those puppy dog eyes, choose a high-protein meal with a fiber blend to help control your dog's hunger and voluntary food consumption. In this manner, you may feed your dog with the assurance that he will feel fuller and content for a longer period of time.

Restriction on treats and table scraps

Even when our dogs are not begging, many of us provide an excessive amount of treats and table scraps. Dogs are not required to share our food! Consider treats and scraps for your pet in the same way that you would candy for children to help you keep them in check. If you're going to utilize snacks for training, choose low-calorie, low-fat ones and keep the portions small. 

As an alternative, keep in mind that clickers are excellent for reinforcement and they have no calories! After all, a few extra pounds can make a significant impact in the lives of dogs, which are significantly smaller than humans. (Even the colossal breeds!) Therefore, focus on a balanced diet and resist the temptation to “reward” them with extra.

Customize Your Dog's Diet

Not all weight-loss foods are created equal, which is why it's critical to match your dog's nutrition plan to their unique needs. Choose a brand that caters to your dog's unique needs, whether they be weight control, dietary sensitivities, or illnesses.

Conclusion German Shepherd Dog Growth Chart

German Shepherds grow more slowly than tiny dog breeds due to their medium to a large stature. This element increases the risk of joint damage in German Shepherd puppies that are overworked or overexercised. Consult your veterinarian to determine which workouts are appropriate for your German Shepherd puppy's current age and size.

Frequently Asked Questions: