"The Complete Guide to Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy"

But as the puppy matures, chances are your dog may fluctuate and you begin to have questions about how much your dog should weigh at a certain age and when it stops growing

How big does a German Shepherd get?

German Shepherds are large dogs, typically one of the larger breeds

Males and females have noticeable differences when it comes to their body build

When they become adult dogs, males are larger, have broader heads, and look distinctly masculine

The average size for an adult male GSD is around 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 85-100 pounds

A fully grown female GSD is about 20 to 22 inches tall and weighs from 60 to 75 pounds

This size can also vary depending on the type of German shepherd (working line vs show line)

For example, if you get a working line German shepherd, you can expect it to be larger than its show line counterpart

When do German Shepherds stop growing?

A male German Shepherd will be fully grown at about 18 months old

Female German Shepherds are fully grown at around two years old

At 18 months, your German Shepherd should have reached his full height, but it can take longer to reach his final weight

German Shepherd weight chart

The data below are for reference only, you should always check with your vet to determine the healthy weight for your GSD

Male German Shepherd Weight Chart (1 month to 3 years)

Female German Shepherd Weight Chart (1 month to 3 years)

Using Body Condition Scores (BCS)to determine whether your dog is overweight or underweight

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a way to measure body fat in dogs and cats by evaluating weight, height, body length, circumference, and fat percentage, but it’s a subjective method that needs visualization and palpation

“If your pet is a healthy weight, you should easily feel his ribs”

BCS5-Point Scale1/5Very thin2/5Underweight3/5Ideal weight4/5Overweight5/5Obese

BCS9-Point Scale1/9Emaciated2/9Very thin3/9Thin4/9 – 5/9Ideal weight6/9Overweight7/9Heavy8/9Obese9/9Severely obese

However, if you can see the ribs without feeling them with your hands, then your dog is underweight

If your dog is overweight you won’t be able to feel a ripple of ribs with a flat palm

Just be aware that your German Shepherd has a double-coat dog with thick hair that you may not see, but if you’re snuggling and cuddling, then it will be very apparent

If you have identified that your pet is not currently at a healthy weight, talk to your vet

Using BMI to determine whether your dog is overweight or underweight

Using body mass index (BMI) to determine whether a dog is overweight or underweight is not yet a widely accepted method

It’s important to consult with a veterinarian for an accurate assessment of your dog’s health

Factors That Affect German Shepherd Weight

Dogs can become overweight as well as underweight for different reasons

Here are the most common factors that play a crucial role in the weight of your dog:

Genetics plays an integral part in the growth of dogs

The weight and size of the parents have a great influence on the growth of a German Shepherd puppy

For example, if the parents are larger than average, there is a higher chance that the puppy will grow into a larger adult

Also read: 20 Amazing Facts Every German Shepherd Dog Owner Should Know

The type of diet you are feeding your German Shepherd puppy also has much to do with their growth and weight

More posts on feeding your German Shepherds

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Choosing the best dog food:

The Best Food For German Shepherd Puppies

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Best Dry Dog Food for Your German Shepherd Puppies: How to Choose?

The Best Dog Food for a 12 Months German Shepherd

What To Look For When Buying Dog Food for German Shepherds?

Is Royal Canin German Shepherd Dog Food Any Good?

On feeding your German Shepherd:

How Much Does It Cost to Feed a German Shepherd Puppy in the First Year?

How Much Does an 8-Week-Old German Shepherd Puppy Eat in a Day?

How Much Does a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd Dog Eat in a Day?

Can Dogs Eat Vanilla Ice Cream?

17 Human Foods That Are Safe For German Shepherds to Eat

The Benefits of Feeding German Shepherds Raw Food

How to Feed Your Dog Raw Food on a Budget?

Is It Ok to Give Raw Meat to My German Shepherd Puppy?

Best Dog Food for German Shepherds with Sensitive Stomach

What to Do if Your German Shepherd Won’t Eat?

Yet dogs are more likely to become overweight or obese – for many reasons

When dogs reach adult size, it’s time for them to start eating grown-up dog food

Feeding an adult dog high-calorie puppy food can lead to obesity

Often, people forget to account for dog treats in their dog’s daily food intake

A few small snacks a day can add up to a lot of extra calories over time

Check out Amazon’s latest list of the best dog food

A German Shepherd puppy needs 5 minutes of exercise every month old they are twice per day

For example, if your puppy is 4 months old, they need 20 minutes of exercise two times a day

Since German Shepherd puppies have a fast growth rate, overexercising them can lead to ligament and joint problems

If your puppy is less than 5 months old, slow walks at the appropriate times are enough

You can introduce longer walks or jogging after the age of 6 months old

The first sign of aging is a general decrease in activity levels, including a tendency to sleep longer, and less interest in long walks

But if they eat just as much as they used to, dogs will gain weight fast

If you are checking the weight of your pooch, chances are that he is not eating his food as usual

There are a variety of reasons that dogs might refuse to eat

Loss of appetite in dogs is sometimes a sign of illness, parasites, dietary or teeth problems

This will often cause weight loss

Although skipping a meal or two doesn’t necessarily indicate serious disease for your dog, you should talk to your veterinarian for the best advice

It could be the reason your dog won’t eat his food

Your pooch is wise enough to refuse to eat his meal if he believes it is the cause of his discomfort

The majority of these are minor and brief, including a temporary loss of appetite in dogs

Some dogs might get anxious while their owner is away

In these instances, a dog may not eat his food until his owner returns

The surrounding can also stop a dog from eating his meal

It can be hard to focus on eating when another dog is near

If your dog’s appetite was fine until you went on a trip with them or moved to a new location, it may be that your dog won’t eat because of traveling or the unfamiliar surroundings

Some dogs are pickier than others when it comes to their food

The best thing they can do with the food they don’t like is to walk away

How to make my dog eat more?

What you can do to help when your dog won’t eat will depend on what you and your veterinarian determine to be the cause of the problem

If your dog’s decreased appetite is a behavior problem caused by pickiness or discomfort with mealtime, rather than the result of a medical condition, there are a number of things you can do to encourage your pet to eat

How To Get German Shepherds to Eat Their Food?

Take your dog for a walk before mealtime

If your dog is not eating after 15-20min, take the bowl away and allow her to skip the meal

Let your dog eat in a quiet corner without distraction

Changing your dog’s feeding situation: Try using different bowls or plates at different heights to see what your dog prefers

But be careful GSD are can get bloat with an elevated eating position

Switch to a different kind of food, such as wet food if you normally feed your dog dry food

Hand-feed your dog

Also read: What to Do if Your German Shepherd Won’t Eat?

If your dog’s loss of appetite is caused by illness, the vet may recommend a prescription diet to meet your pet’s nutritional needs while the underlying disease is being addressed

Why do dogs become overweight?

On the other hand, being overweight can also lead their other health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, joint injuries or high blood pressure

So you also need to be aware of your dog is overweight

Although German Shepherds are active dogs, they still can become overweight for many reasons

Aging: As dogs age, they lose muscle mass over time, which leads to slower metabolism and weight gain

The more overweight your dog is, the greater the strain placed on their joints

Unfortunately, the pain caused by osteoarthritis makes it harder for your dog to exercise

Unless your dog is suffering from health issues, there’s a lot you can do to ensure your pup lives a healthy life

Here are our top tips for how you can help your dog lose weight:

Choose high-quality dog foods

If you’re experiencing difficulty helping your dog reach a healthy weight, you should reach out to your vet’s office to check for potential health issues

They may have food recommendations for overweight dogs, and your vet can help ensure your dog is getting adequate nutrition

How do I know if my German Shepherd is healthy?

Much like humans, preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life

Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best ways you can do to ensure your dog is in top shape

Veterinarians can assess your pet’s health, make general health and wellness recommendations, and look out for common, breed-specific conditions

Health costs for a big dog like a German Shepherd are more expensive than their smaller dogs

Some plans are also available to cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, congenital conditions, and more

Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their health

Speak with your vet about your German Shepherd’s ideal weight and any lifestyle changes, like additional exercise, specific diets, treats, or food quantity

At the end of the day, keeping your GSD at a healthy weight will ensure a lifetime of health and joy for both of you

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He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans

Learn MoreGerman Shepherds weigh anywhere between 66 to 88 pounds for males and between 49 to 71 pounds for females

German Shepherd Dogs large dogs and their weight is justified by their height, which at the shoulder is about 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for femalesIs your German Shepherd the correct weight and height for their age?Read on to find out everything you need to know about German Shepherd development, weight, and height!Contents & Quick NavigationHow a Puppy Grows: Stages of German Shepherd Puppy DevelopmentNeonatal Period: Birth – 3 WeeksSocialization Period: 3 Weeks – 12 WeeksJuvenile Period: 3 Months – 6 MonthsSexual Maturity Period: 6 Months – 16 MonthsTransition to Adult Period: 16 Months – 36 MonthsAverage Adult German Shepherd WeightGerman Shepherd Weight ChartsAverage Adult German Shepherd HeightGerman Shepherd Height ChartsHow Big Should a German Shepherd Be?How Much Should a German Shepherd Weigh?Working Dogs Versus Show DogsWhat If My German Shepherd Isn’t the Right Weight?How a Puppy Grows: Stages of German Shepherd Puppy DevelopmentBefore we get to the weight and height charts, let’s take a moment to study the developmental stages all puppies go throughIt’s crucial to watch for each of these milestones as they come

These, more than weight or height, will help determine if your German Shepherd puppy is developing normallyHere are the stages of German Shepherd puppy development from birth to maturity:Neonatal Period: Birth – 3 WeeksDuring this stage, a puppy is mostly helpless, and the mother will be responsible for feeding them, keeping them warm, and helping them eliminate wasteHere are some of the developmental milestones to watch for:Beginning to crawl (1 week)Eyes and ears begin to open (10 days)Eyes and ears fully open (2 weeks)First baby teeth erupt (2 weeks)Begin eliminating on their own (2 weeks)Start walking (2 weeks)Socialization Period: 3 Weeks – 12 WeeksNow that puppies can interact with the world and creatures around them, they begin to do so

There are dog social skills that the mother teaches her puppies during this stage

If they are taken from their mother too early, they may have trouble interacting with other dogs later in lifeHere are some of the milestones of this period: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 MonthsAt this point, puppy development begins to slow down as they have done most of the developing they need and will now primarily just grow larger

Near the end of this stage is when you’ll want to start puppy classes and start training your puppyHere are some important milestones that a German Shepherd puppy will go through at this stage:Have all puppy teeth (3 months)Improved motor skills (3 months)Begin getting adult teeth (4 months)Sexual Maturity Period: 6 Months – 16 MonthsAs you already guessed, this is the point at which your German Shepherd will reach sexual maturity

By the end of this stage, they will mostly look like an adult dog, though they’ll still have some growing to doThe most important thing you should do for your dog at this point is spay or neuter them

If you are planning on breeding your dog, then you’ll need to make sure they have good hips and overall formation to improve the breedSome developmental milestones during this period are: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 MonthsAt this point, there are no more major milestones for your German Shepherd to reach

They will, however, continue to grow during this timeFemale German Shepherds aren’t considered to be fully-grown until they are at least 24 months whereas some males aren’t seen as adults until 36 monthsThroughout this period, you should continue to feed them a high-quality food for German Shepherds to ensure that they grow at the proper rate, allowing their hips to develop normally

By the end of this period, they should reach their adult weightHere’s a video showing how quickly a German Shepherd goes from being a puppy to a very adult-looking dog:Average Adult German Shepherd WeightWhile the vast majority of German Shepherds will fall in this range, there are exceptions

Your veterinarian or else an experienced Shepherd breeder can tell you if your dog is the right weight for their age and heightThe average weight of adult German Shepherds by gender as mentioned in the first paragraph:Males: 66 – 88 pounds (30 – 40 kg)Females: 48 – 70 pounds (22 – 32 kg)German Shepherd Weight ChartsThese charts will show you what your German Shepherd puppy will weigh as they grow to reach adulthood

One is for male puppies and the other for femalesSomething to keep in mind is that dogs grow at different rates, so they may not reach the next weight milestone by that month or may reach it sooner

As long as they’re close and don’t have other problems, it’s normalMale German Shepherd Weight ChartAgeWeight RangePercentage of Adult Weight1 month55 – 9 lbs / 25 – 4 kg10%2 months16 – 20 lbs / 6 – 9 kg22%3 months22 – 30 lbs / 10 – 14 kg40%4 months35 – 40 lbs / 16 – 18 kg50%5 months40 – 49 lbs / 18 – 22 kg60%6 months49 – 57 lbs / 22 – 26 kg70%7 months57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg80%8 months62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg85%9 months64 – 71 lbs / 29 – 32 kg90%10 months66 – 73 lbs / 30 – 33 kg92%11 months66 – 75 lbs / 30 – 34 kg95%1 year71 – 75 lbs / 32 – 34 kg95%1 ½ years71 – 79 lbs / 32 – 36 kg98%2 years71 – 84 lbs / 32 – 38 kg98%3 years79 – 88 lbs / 36 – 40 kg100%Female German Shepherd Weight ChartAgeWeight RangePercentage of Adult Weight1 month45 – 8 lbs / 2 – 35 kg10%2 months11 – 17 lbs / 5 – 75 kg22%3 months17 – 26 lbs / 8 – 12 kg40%4 months31 – 35 lbs / 14 – 16 kg50%5 months35 – 44 lbs / 16 – 20 kg60%6 months44 – 49 lbs / 20 – 22 kg70%7 months49 – 53 lbs / 22 – 24 kg80%8 months53 – 57 lbs / 24 – 26 kg85%9 months55 – 60 lbs / 25 – 27 kg90%10 months57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg92%11 months60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg95%1 year60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg95%1 ½ years60 – 66 lbs / 27 – 30 kg98%2 years62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg98%3 years66 – 70 lbs / 28 – 32 kg100%Average Adult German Shepherd HeightThe height of a German Shepherd is always measured at what is known as the withers, which is the part of their back right above their shoulders at the base of the neck

This is the tallest point on the dog’s body when they’re standingThe head is never included in animal measurements because it’s too hard to get them to stay still with their head in a fully-upright position

For this reason, horses, dogs, and other animals are always measured to the shoulderLike with weight, males will typically be bigger than females, but it’s not always the case

Here are the average ranges of German Shepherds by gender as mentioned above:Males: 24 – 26 inches (60 – 65 cm)Females: 22 – 24 inches (55 – 60 cm)German Shepherd Height ChartsYou can use this chart to check to see if your German Shepherd’s growth is on track

As with weight, there will be some dogs that fall outside of the ranges listed here, but that’s normal as long as your dog is otherwise healthyMale German Shepherd Growth/Height ChartAgeHeight RangePercentage of Adult Height1 month4 – 6” / 11 – 16 cm24%2 months7 – 9” / 17 – 22 cm31%3 months9 – 11” / 23 – 27 cm40%4 months11 – 14” / 29 – 35 cm50%5 months14 – 16” / 35 – 40 cm60%6 months16 – 18” / 41 – 46 cm70%7 months19 – 20” / 47 – 52 cm80%8 months20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm85%9 months21 – 23” / 54 – 59 cm90%10 months22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm92%11 months22 – 24” / 57 – 62 cm95%1 year22 – 24” / 57 – 62 cm95%1 ½ years23 – 25” / 59 – 64 cm98%2 years23 – 25” / 59 – 64 cm98%3 years24 – 26” / 60 – 65 cm100%Female German Shepherd Growth/Height ChartAgeHeight RangePercentage of Adult Height1 month3 – 6” / 8 – 14 cm21%2 months6 – 9” / 14 – 22 cm30%3 months8 – 10” / 20 – 25 cm40%4 months10 – 12” / 26 – 31 cm50%5 months12 – 14” / 31 – 36 cm60%6 months15 – 17” / 37 – 42 cm70%7 months17 – 19” / 43 – 48 cm80%8 months18 – 20” / 45 – 50 cm85%9 months19 – 21” / 48 – 53 cm90%10 months19 – 21” / 49 – 54 cm92%11 months20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm95%1 year20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm95%1 ½ years21 – 22” / 53 – 55 cm98%2 years21 – 22” / 53 – 57 cm98%3 years22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm100%How Big Should a German Shepherd Be?Unlike many other breeds, the German Shepherd has very specific standards when it comes to their proportions

While weight and height are important, what matters more is that they’re the right ratioTo find out if your dog is the right ratio, you need to measure their length from the front of their chest to the base of their tail

You’ll also measure their height at their withersA German Shepherd should have a length/height ratio of 10:85

For example, 26 inches times 085 is 221 inches, so you know that dog is proportionate

Using the other example, 305 inches times 085 is 259 inchesHow Much Should a German Shepherd Weigh?Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range

Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weightSource: https://wwwnutrimentco/blog/tag/fatAs you can see, it’s easy to determine if your German Shepherd is at the proper weight

Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessaryWhile German Shepherds are generally thinner compared to other dogs of their size, you still shouldn’t be able to see or easily feel their ribs

Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adultsWorking Dogs Versus Show DogsSomething that may determine your German Shepherd’s overall body conformation is whether they were bred to be a show dog or a working dog

Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of ShepherdsShow dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front

German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousinsAs you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legsWorking dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore

They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same heightAs you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for workingSomething else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same

It’s hard to prove for sure, but it’s possible that their recessive genes that carry the black gene may also contribute to a larger sizeWhite German Shepherds, on the other hand, aren’t known for being any different in size than other dogs

So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed aboveHere’s another video of a German Shepherd growing up that’s a lot of fun to watch if you’ve got a minute!What If My German Shepherd Isn’t the Right Weight?If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem

This will determine what should be done nextFor underweight German Shepherds, you may need to:Feed them larger meals more frequentlySwitch to a high-quality dog foodTreat for parasitesCreate a treatment plan for diabetesHave their teeth cleaned and any mouth conditions treatedTreat another disease that may be causing low body weightFor overweight German Shepherds, you may need to:Feed them less food less oftenCut out treatsSwitch to a high-quality dog food with fewer carbohydratesProvide more exercise for themTreat hypothyroidismTreat hip dysplasia or arthritisTreat Cushing’s diseaseHopefully, this has answered all of your questions about German Shepherd weight and height

As always, if you have any concerns about your dog’s health, you should consult your veterinarian as soon as possibleDo you have a giant German Shepherd?

Either way, we’d love to hear about how your pooch measures up on these weight charts