"The Complete Guide to German Shepherd Weight and Height"

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.

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.

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.

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.

A balanced diet that provides essential nutrition according to the developmental requirements of your pup is all you need.

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Choosing the best dog food:

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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.

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.

Dogs become less energetic as they age.

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.

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.

Does your dog have allergies, loose stools, gas or, an upset tummy?

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

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.

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.

Hip dysplasia: Your dog may experience pain when the hip is touched, which eventually deters them from moving around.

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.

Dog insurance or cost-sharing service is certainly a good investment to prevent you from breaking the bank, by covering the medical expenses in the worst-case scenario.

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.

Female German Shepherd dogs are slightly smaller, lighter and more delicate in their features than their male counterparts.

A female German shepherd puppy may be the best choice if you are primarily seeking a pet or a guard dog for the family.

How big are female German Shepherds?Differences in temperamentTraining and socializationSpecial female health considerations

Today, I’ll take a close look at the female German Shepherd Dog. I will examine the unique temperament, personality, and characteristics of these gorgeous girls, and to help you decide which gender is the right fit for you.

Male vs Female German Shepherds

For some people, aside from simple size, weight, and height considerations, there really is no important or measurable difference between a male and a female German shepherd.

But for other people, even the subtle differences between a male and a female German shepherd can be sufficiently important to make one gender a preferable choice to the other in certain specific situations.

Female German Shepherd size, height, and weight

One of the most obvious general distinctions about the female GSD is that she is generally leaner, smaller, and shorter than her male counterpart.

German shepherd dogs are considered to be “sexually dimorphic,” which means there can be a visible difference in appearance between the appearance of the adult male and adult female dogs within the breed.

This may be as simple as a height and weight difference or it could include differences in facial and body configuration and behavior, what is often termed “feminization” or “masculinization,” which relates to the dominance of different hormones as the dog grows up.

The female GSD stands 22 to 24 inches high (paw to shoulder), a full two inches shorter than the male.

And the female GSD will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, which makes her about 15 pounds lighter than the adult male.

Of course, these weight generalizations may vary depending on any given puppy’s parents.

The bi-color coat pattern is the most common and recognized color for the German shepherd dog of either gender.

In most cases, you will find a black female German shepherd that displays one other secondary coat color, either cream, red, tan, or silver.

In certain cases, you may see a single-color GSD in blue, gray, liver, sable, or white, although these are not breed standard colors and may render your dog at fault or deemed ineligible (certainly in the case of the white coat color) for the show ring.

There is no gender-related differentiation in overall coat color or pattern that is seen in the male versus female German shepherd.

Female German Shepherd Personality

The German shepherd female temperament can also show marked differences in behavior and personality that can be related back to her gender.

Whether these differences are present and how apparent they may be will vary depending on the traits of the specific parent dogs, which is why it is important to be able to meet and get to know each parent dog as you are selecting between male and female German shepherd puppies.

Experienced GSD breeders and trainers often cite the following presentation and personality differences you may see more frequently or more overtly in the female German shepherd temperament:

Less likely to guard “her” items, be that a favorite toy, a treat or meal, a certain family member, etc.More likely to bond equally with more than one family member (aside from the principle person responsible for training and meals).May be easier to train and more sensitive to commands and cues.Possibly a better pick for service dog or therapy dog work.Good for rally, agility, and obedience training due to lighter weight, smaller size, and more graceful body structure.Less apt to become territorial in the presence of strangers.A female German shepherd dog may be a better pick for first-time dog owners, families with young children, or individuals/families primarily desiring a pet dog.

In one study sponsored through the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, data showed that at 11.1 years, female German shepherd dogs tend to live, on average, 1.4 years longer than male GSDs, whose average lifespan is 9.7 years.

Female German Shepherd Training

The GSD is currently the second most popular family pet dog in America, and this is for good reason, but ongoing regular socialization and puppy training is a huge reason why!

Here, when planning your GSD’s sociability and training, it is wise to keep certain fundamental German shepherd dog traits in mind.

This is one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds!

Your German shepherd has an incredibly strong work ethic with tremendous drive and focus while on the job.

German shepherds of either gender are hands-down one of the most popular police and K-9 dogs in the world.

Some of these are German shepherd mix dogs while others are purebred GSDs. Socialization

Everyone in the family should play a part in feeding and training your new pup.

This will go a long way towards developing her tendency to bond closely with each family member.

While a female German shepherd is lighter and shorter, she will still be strong from the get-go!

Female German shepherds will need plenty of early socialization with young children in the family and with other family pets.

Young children in particular will need to be supervised at all times in interactions with your female GSD puppy!

There are some health issues that both male and female GSDs share in common.

Only hip and elbow dysplasia are currently required tests for reputable breeders, with the remainder being optional (recommended) health tests.

German shepherds can sometimes contract a blood disease called hemophilia A.

Female German shepherd dogs are usually carriers and, unlike males with the genes for the condition, will not show symptoms.

Interestingly, this condition is less likely to impact female German shepherd dogs than males.

German Shepherd Spaying

Having an un neutered female dog is inconvenient, but only for a few weeks of the year.

Certain health conditions are more common in girls that are spayed before 12 months old.

Urinary incontinence, mammary cancer and joint disorders are all more likely is your girl is neutered before a year old.

Understanding the German Shepherd growth chart is crucial for owners.

The chart enables you to monitor the physical development of your pup as they transition into adulthood.

As a young pup, German Shepherds grow up fast, so it is helpful to know the recommended weight month by month.

German Shepherds are medium to large breed working dogs originating from Germany.

They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs and are one of the most popular breeds in the US.

This article will give your more information about the growth of a German Shepherd puppy to ensure that you watch out for any signs that may affect their growth and for your puppy to grow and become a healthy adult.

When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing?

German Shepherds are not fully grown until 18 months old, similar to most dog breeds.

Despite being fully grown, German Shepherds continue to fill out for many months.

Females fill out until two years of age, while males fill out until two-and-a-half years as they are larger.

As the German Shepherd size chart indicates, the majority of growth is complete by two years of age, with males reaching a maximum weight of 84 lbs, while females reaching a maximum of 68 lbs.

Beyond the 24-month mark, if your German Shepherd continues to grow excessively you should consult your vet for a check-up.

German Shepherd Weight Chart

A German Shepherd weight chart provides you with the weight estimation of your puppy as they grow.

Your puppy’s weight may deviate slightly from the numbers, but you should monitor to ensure that the deviation is not too much to avoid your puppy being overweight or underweight.

At three months, a female German Shepherd should weigh between 17 and 26 pounds, weigh between 44 and 49 pounds at 6 months, and weigh between 60 and 65 pounds at one year.

A male German Shepherd on the other hand should weigh between 22 and 30 pounds at three months, 49 and 57 pounds at 6 months, and 71 and 75 pounds at one year.

German Shepherd Weight Chart By Age

Best Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppies (2022)

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The final size of a German Shepherd is dependent on the gender.

In terms of height, the difference between male and female German Shepherds is more marginal.

Males reach 24 to 26 inches while females reach 22 to 24 inches.

To predict the final weight of your German Shepherd puppy you can do a few things.

Their adult height and weight will be a great indicator.

Second, you can follow a German Shepherd growth chart as presented in this article to give you month-by-month estimates.

Male vs Female German Shepherd Growth Chart

Male German Shepherds are heavier and slightly taller than female German Shepherds.

A male German Shepherd weighs between 71 and 84 pounds with a height of between 24 and 26 inches while a female German Shepherd weighs between 62 and 68 pounds with a height of between 22 and 24 inches.

You can measure the height of your German Shepherd at home.

To get accurate measurements, ensure that the dog is standing straight on a flat surface.

German Shepherd Growth Stages

I think we can all agree that it’s difficult to figure out the best way to take care of your dog’s health.

Not knowing about a German shepherd’s average weight and height only adds to the list of problems.

As German Shepherds grow through the stages of their life, they also develop more health risks.

But are the stages of a dog’s life?

It can last anywhere from 5 to 6 months, but most of the time, German shepherds finish puppyhood by their 6th month.

Within these 6 months, the puppy will experience six stages.

Each of them will help these puppies learn various things.

While not all of them are involved with weight or height, it’s still worth knowing.

0 – 13 days: During the first 13 days, the German shepherd is nothing more than a helpless dog.

13 – 21 days: The next stage will feature the development of a puppy’s senses.

Plus, they’ll be opening up their eyes for the first time so you can finally see those puppy eyes.

3 – 7 weeks: From the first few days of this stage, the puppy will discover the world through their newfound senses.

Then, they’ll be showing their true nature as a dog.

7 – 12 weeks: Then comes the stage that introduces the puppy to various kinds of people.

4 – 6 months: The last stage of puppyhood is where they’ll be the most stubborn.

They’ll eventually come back to being obedient dogs.

See also Great Pyrenees Size Chart – Growth & Weight Chart

Later in this article, we’ll show you a German shepherd puppy weight chart that features the first 12 months.

The next stage, adolescence, will then enter their life.

The adolescence stage typically starts in the sixth month of your puppy.

The following are the milestones that a German shepherd typically experiences in this stage.

6 – 14 months: This will be the second time that dogs experience extreme fear, especially on new things (the first one being trauma development).

14 – 18 months: Within this stage, the dog will be encountering some breakdowns, particularly with their memory.

18 – 24 months: This is the young adulthood stage.

In this stage, your dog may display some more aggression.

Don’t worry, though, because it’ll eventually pass as the dog transitions to adulthood.

The adulthood stage starts from 1 to 3 years since the birth of your puppy.

You may also find that their size will already be that of a typical German shepherd adult.

However, they may still grow bigger than their current size.

But this time, the growth in the weight and height of your dog may not be as noticeable as before.

So this might be the answer to the question – how big do german shepherds get?

This stage will also cause the German shepherds to be more active.

There won’t be any change aside from this until they enter the last stage.

This is the last stage of a dog’s growth.

It typically occurs when the German shepherd reaches six to ten years.

Dogs that enter this stage may be considered as seniors rather than adults.

Unfortunately, this stage will focus on the health of your dog.

Senior German shepherds will exhibit signs of health issues, such as joint pain, decreased stamina, and especially hip dysplasia.

Knowing about this is helpful since you now know that they need to be sent to the vet more often once they enter this stage.

Through these four stages, their weight and height will change.

However, there is an average weight of German shepherds and the next topic shows how long German shepherds can grow.

Will Neutering/Spaying My German Shepherd Affect His Growth?

Spaying removes the ovaries from female dogs while neutering removes the testicles of male dogs.

The procedures are designed to calm your dog as they enter adolescents as well as protect them from health conditions such as ovarian or testicular cancer.

If conducted at the right time, spaying or neutering should not impact the growth of your German Shepherd.

The recommended age to spay or neuter a German Shepherd is from 6 months to 24 months.

Belgian Malinois vs German Shepherd Size

Also, German Shepherds are heavier because they have more muscle while Belgian Malinois are leaner.

On average, a male Belgian Malinois has a height of between 24 and 26 inches with a weight of between 60 and 80 pounds while the females stand at a height of between 22 and 24 inches with a height of between 40 and 60 pounds.

On the other hand, a male German Shepherd weighs between 71 and 84 pounds with a height of between 24 and 26 inches while a female German Shepherd weighs between 62 and 68 pounds with a height of between 22 and 24 pounds.

Just like with their weight, German shepherds stop growing typically reach the end of their growing process as they reach their first year.

That’s also why we’ve only shown the German shepherd puppy’s weight chart since there won’t be any significant change past that.

However, 1 year isn’t how long German shepherds can grow.

Here’s a chart of the average height of a German shepherd (male and female).

9-month old German shepherd:54.1 centimeters: 95.5% of total growth.

1-year old German shepherd: 56.64 centimeters: 100% of total growth.

How To Check A German Shepherd’s Proportion?

While the American Kennel Club does not have a standard for weight, German shepherds are typically longer than tall.

For example, if a female German shepherd is 64.5 centimeters, then they should be 54.825 centimeters high.

The female German shepherd’s weight has nothing to do with this.

If your dog is not of this proportion, then there might be an existing problem.

To learn if your German shepherd is of the right proportion, multiply the length of your dog to 0.85.

The result of this will be the ideal height of your dog.

You should also check your German shepherd for yourself rather than relying on numbers.

How To Evaluate Your German Shepherd’s Weight?

There are three ranges of a German shepherd’s weight.

You’ll need to determine where your dog belongs to so you can act accordingly.

Categories of German Shepherd’s Body Mass

Both of these are under the underweight category and are bad proportions for your dog.

Ideal: What you should aim for is the Ideal weight of a German shepherd, which is 35 kilograms for a male and 30 kilograms for a female.

Overweight: Under the overweight range belongs the simply Heavy German shepherd and at the end of the spectrum you’ll see the Obese.

Checking Your Dog’s Weight

There are different ways to check if a German shepherd is underweight or overweight.

For example, you can find out if your dog is underweight by checking their sides if their ribs are visible.

So it’s also important to feel their ribs so you can check if your German shepherd’s size is normal.

If there’s too much skin at a point where you can’t feel their ribs anymore, they’re overweight.

If you can feel their ribs with the addition of a layer of skin, they’re likely to be of the ideal weight.

Getting Your German Shepherd Back to Normal Shape

Whether a German shepherd is underweight or overweight, you’ll need to do something to change their situation.

And one of the best ways to do this is to change their diet.

Underweight: Obviously, you’ll need to increase the content of their food.

A simple trick for this is to mix their normal food with that of higher fat content.You might also consider feeding them puppy food since it’s typically made to provide plenty of nutrients.

Overweight: When it comes to overweight German shepherds, you should simply cut off their food.However, don’t take it too far since their behavior may also change.

Factors That Affect German Shepherd Growth

Genetics plays an important role in dogs as the size of the parents can hugely influence the final weight and height of a puppy.

Therefore, if your puppy’s parents are larger or shorter than average, then your puppy will likely be the same.

Unfortunately, German Shepherd puppies can also inherit health conditions from their parents, so ensure that the breeder gives you the parents’ medical records.

Male German Shepherds are generally larger than female German Shepherds.

The type of diet that you feed your puppy can affect their growth.

Giving your dog a properly balanced diet that meets their developmental requirements is essential in ensuring that they achieve their optimum growth.

Most people may feed large portions of food to their German Shepherds because they are large dogs, however, you should note that overfeeding can lead to unnecessary weight gain causing diseases such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia.

Because they are active dogs, German Shepherds require a lot of exercises to stay healthy and active.

Younger puppies require about 20 minutes of exercise per day while older dogs need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise per day.

When your dog is in their growing stages, do not overexercise them as they could develop joint and ligament issues.

Slow walks are recommended when your puppy is less than 5 months old.

How Big Is A German Shepherd When He Is Born?

A German Shepherd puppy is usually about 1 pound (0.45 kg) and 7 to 10 inches (18 to 25 cm) long when it is born.

German Shepherds are big dogs that can grow up quickly in their first few months.

To make sure animals grow and develop in a healthy way, it’s important to give them the right food and veterinary care.

How Big Should A 6-Month-Old German Shepherd Be?

At 6 months old, a German Shepherd should weigh between 44 and 60 pounds and be between 15 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

It’s worth noting, however, that genetics, nutrition, and activity may all contribute to a wide range in canine body size.

To grow and develop in a healthy way, a puppy needs to eat well and get plenty of exercise.

Talking to a vet can help you figure out what size and weight your dog should be, and you can then make changes to their diet and exercise routine as needed.

Is The German Shepherd A Large Or Giant Dog Breed?

The German Shepherd is a large breed of dog, but not a huge one.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards say that a male German Shepherd should be 24-26 inches (60-65 cm) tall at the shoulder, while a female should be 22-24 inches (55-61 cm) (55-60 cm).

Males should weigh between 65 and 90 pounds (30–40 kg), and females should weigh between 50 and 70 pounds (23-32 kg).

Even though German Shepherds are not considered giant breeds, they are still strong and muscular dogs with a strong, agile build.

German Shepherd Body Condition Score (BCS)

The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a way to measure a dog’s weight and body condition as a whole.

A BCS of 4-5 is thought to be ideal for German Shepherds.

A German Shepherd needs to eat well and exercise to keep their BCS in good shape.

How Much to Feed A Growing German Shepherd Puppy?

The amount of food that you feed your German Shepherd depends on their age, activity level, growth, hunger levels, and your vet’s recommendations.

See also How Much To Feed A Sheltie Puppy – Sheltie Feeding ChartThere is a general guide that you can follow when feeding your German Shepherd puppy.

Up to 16 weeks old, they need between ½ to 1 cup of food per meal.

Between 16 weeks and 9 months, they eat between 1 and 1¾ cups per meal.

Between 9 and 12 months, they eat between 2 and 2½ cups per meal.

From 12 months onwards, they need 2 ½ to 3 ½ cups per meal.

The feeding frequencies vary as your puppy grows.

From 8 to 12 months, they transition to two meals per day and you can stick to that for the rest of their life or change according to your vet’s advice.

What Are the Most Common Conditions To Be Aware Of In Growing German Shepherd Puppies?

As your German Shepherd grows, there are common conditions that may affect them and you need to be aware of them.

Bloat is a common condition because German Shepherds have deep and narrow chests.

Another condition that is prone to German Shepherds is skin allergy which may be caused by food or fleas.

Do German Shepherds Experience Growing Pain?

Since German Shepherds are medium to large-sized breeds, they can experience growing pains that may last from two to five months.

Since your German Shepherd will be fully grown at the age of two years, they may experience episodes of growing pain during the growth spurts periods.

The severity and length of time will vary, but if it signs of lameness, pain, discomfort, and limping last longer, you should contact your vet.

Your vet may recommend surgery or medication depending on the condition.

German Shepherd Genetics and Common Health Problems

Even though German Shepherds are healthy and active dogs, there are health conditions that they are genetically predisposed to as a breed.

Understanding the potential health problems your dog might face will enable you to take care of them in a better way.

The following are some of the genetic health problems that affect German Shepherds:

Sloped back – if your German Shepherd has this condition, their knees and hips come closer to the ground leading to your dog having a triangular shape and not rectangular.

Hip dysplasia – this is a common condition that happens when the socket and ball of the hip joint do not grow at a similar rate when your German Shepherd is a puppy.

Von Willebrand’s disease – this is caused by a deficiency in the protein that helps with clot formation in case your dog is injured.

German Shepherd Growth Chart FAQs

What Is The German Shepherd Height Chart

Male German Shepherds should be 24-26 inches at the shoulder, while females should be 22-24 inches at the shoulder, according to the AKC breed standard.

While dogs within this range are preferred for breeding and displaying, the breed standard does state that dogs outside of this range may be considered.Although the AKC establishes breed standards, individual dogs may deviate from those criteria in terms of size and look due to variables including heredity, food, and activity.

When a dog’s growth slows down or speeds up, it can cause a number of health problems, such as hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and osteoarthritis.

Rapid growth can also cause digestive and metabolic problems, like bloating, being overweight, and not being able to use insulin properly.

To help dogs grow and develop in a healthy way, it’s important to give them the right food and exercise.

What Is My German Shepherd’s Neck Size?

You can find out the size of your German Shepherd’s neck by wrapping a soft measuring tape around the base of their neck, where their collar would sit comfortably.

The average size of a German Shepherd’s neck can change based on the dog’s age, size, and weight.

Usually, an adult male German Shepherd’s neck measures between 18 and 24 inches (45 to 60 cm), while an adult female’s neck measures between 16 and 22 inches (40-55 cm).

But it’s important to measure your dog’s neck size to make sure that their collar or harness fits right.

What’s the normal weight and height of a German shepherd?

How big do German shepherds get?

These are just three of the countless questions asked by German shepherd owners.

Well, it’s only natural to ask questions about a German shepherd’s size.

After all, it’s important to understand how these things work.

That way, you can ensure that your full-grown German shepherd is normal.

It will also help you tackle health problems concerning the German shepherd’s size.

Fortunately, the German shepherd dog FCI standards made sure to provide owners with a German shepherd growth chart so we’re able to gather data from there.

However, a German shepherd’s average weight and height can be affected by genes and their environment.

Therefore, a pup may grow larger or smaller than the other.

This article looks at the standard German shepherd weight and a height chart so owners may be able to understand their dogs better.

Before anything else, you should know about a full-grown German shepherd’s normal milestones.

Hopefully, this article has provided all the essential information you need to know about the German Shepherd size chart so that you feel confident in monitoring your pup’s transition to adulthood.

The key takeaway is that monitoring your German Shepherd’s growth is crucial, with the growth chart being a quick and easy tool to help you monitor every month.

If you do suspect any health issues based on your monitoring, you should contact a vet straight away.

German Shepherds are beautiful, loyal companions.

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 females.Is 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 through.It’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 normally.Here 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 waste.Here 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.

It’s vital to begin socializing puppies at this point to become accustomed to humans.Puppies should remain with their mother during this entire period even if they’re already weaned.

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 life.Here 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 puppy.Here 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 do.The 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 breed.Some 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 time.Female 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 months.Throughout 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 weight.Here’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 height.The 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 females.Something 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 normal.Male German Shepherd Weight ChartAgeWeight RangePercentage of Adult Weight1 month5.5 – 9 lbs / 2.5 – 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 month4.5 – 8 lbs / 2 – 3.5 kg10%2 months11 – 17 lbs / 5 – 7.5 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 standing.The 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 shoulder.Like 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 healthy.Male 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 ratio.To 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 withers.A German Shepherd should have a length/height ratio of 10:8.5.

For example, 26 inches times 0.85 is 22.1 inches, so you know that dog is proportionate.

Using the other example, 30.5 inches times 0.85 is 25.9 inches.How 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 weight.Source: https://www.nutriment.co/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 necessary.While 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 adults.Working 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 Shepherds.Show 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 cousins.As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs.Working 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 height.As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working.Something 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 size.White 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 above.Here’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 next.For 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 possible.Do you have a giant German Shepherd?

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