German Shepherds are a large and active breed, and their growth is influenced by both genetics and their environment. While every dog is different, tracking your GSD’s development can help ensure they’re growing at a healthy pace.
Keeping an eye on their weight and size as they mature not only helps you spot growth milestones—it also allows you to catch potential health issues early, such as hip dysplasia or joint problems.
If you’re wondering what your German Shepherd should weigh at 3 months, 6 months, or even a year old, our detailed growth chart below will give you helpful benchmarks to guide you along the way.
Overview: Fun Facts About the German Shepherd
German Shepherds were originally bred in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz to herd sheep, but their intelligence and loyalty quickly made them favorites for police, military, and service work. Today, they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, praised for being smart, protective, and easy to train.
Many dog lovers are surprised to learn that there are five main types of German Shepherds.
- The American/Canadian Show Line has a sloped back and is great as a family pet.
- The West German Show Line is known for its striking looks, especially in black and red.
- The West German Working Line has a straighter back and was bred more for ability than appearance.
- The East German (DDR) Line follows strict breeding standards and is known for good health and darker coats.
- The Czech Working Line is a strong, working type often seen in black or sable colors with straight backs.
German Shepherds are large dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, adult males typically stand 24–26 inches tall and weigh 79–88 pounds, while females are about 22–24 inches tall and weigh 66–70 pounds. These sizes may vary slightly, and dogs are measured from the shoulders (called the withers) to ensure accuracy.
The Complete German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart (Height & Weight)
Wondering if your German Shepherd puppy is growing as expected? Our detailed growth chart tracks the average height and weight for both male and female GSDs—from their first month to their third year—so you can easily monitor your pup’s development and milestones.
German Shepherd Female Puppy Growth Chart
Female German Shepherds typically reach their full adult weight by the time they’re three years old. In comparison, males often take a bit longer and continue to fill out until they’re around four.
|
Female GSD Age |
Weight Range |
Height Range |
|
1 month |
4.5 – 8 lbs / 2 – 3.5 kg | 3 – 6” / 8 – 14 cm |
| 2 months | 11 – 17 lbs / 5 – 7.5 kg |
6 – 9” / 14 – 22 cm |
|
3 months |
17 – 26 lbs / 8 – 12 kg | 8 – 10” / 20 – 25 cm |
| 4 months |
31 – 35 lbs / 14 – 16 kg |
10 – 12” / 26 – 31 cm |
|
5 months |
35 – 44 lbs / 16 – 20 kg | 12 – 14” / 31 – 36 cm |
|
6 months |
44 – 49 lbs / 20 – 22 kg |
15 – 17” / 37 – 42 cm |
|
7 months |
49 – 53 lbs / 22 – 24 kg | 17 – 19” / 43 – 48 cm |
|
8 months |
53 – 57 lbs / 24 – 26 kg |
18 – 20” / 45 – 50 cm |
| 9 months | 55 – 60 lbs / 25 – 27 kg |
19 – 21” / 48 – 53 cm |
|
10 months |
57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg | 19 – 21” / 48 – 53 cm |
|
11 months |
60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg |
20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm |
| 1 year | 60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg |
20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm |
|
1.5 years |
60 – 66 lbs / 27 – 30 kg | 21 – 22” / 53 – 55 cm |
| 2 years | 62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg |
21 – 22” / 53 – 55 cm |
| 3 years | 66 – 70 lbs / 28 – 32 kg |
22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm |
German Shepherd Male Puppy Growth Chart
Male German Shepherds are generally larger than females due to sexual dimorphism—a natural difference in size between the sexes. While males are often born bigger, it’s not unusual for a female littermate to outsize a male early on. If that happens, don’t worry—most male pups catch up and surpass their sisters as they grow.
|
Male GSD Age |
Weight Range | Height Range |
| 1 month | 5.5 – 9 lbs / 2.5 – 4 kg |
4 – 6” / 11 – 16 cm |
|
2 months |
16 – 20 lbs / 6 – 9 kg | 7 – 9” / 17 – 22 cm |
| 3 months | 22 – 30 lbs / 10 – 14 kg |
9 – 11” / 23 – 27 cm |
|
4 months |
35 – 40 lbs / 16 – 18 kg | 11 – 14” / 29 – 35 cm |
| 5 months | 40 – 49 lbs / 18 – 22 kg |
14 – 16” / 35 – 40 cm |
|
6 months |
49 – 57 lbs / 22 – 26 kg | 16 – 18” / 41 – 46 cm |
| 7 months | 57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg |
19 – 20” / 47 – 52 cm |
|
8 months |
62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg | 20 – 22” / 51 – 56 cm |
| 9 months | 64 – 71 lbs / 29 – 32 kg |
21 – 23” / 54 – 59 cm |
|
10 months |
66 – 73 lbs / 30 – 33 kg | 22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm |
| 11 months | 66 – 75 lbs / 30 – 34 kg |
22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm |
|
1 year |
71 – 75 lbs / 32 – 34 kg | 22 – 24” / 55 – 60 cm |
| 1.5 years | 71 – 79 lbs / 32 – 36 kg |
23 – 25” / 59 – 64 cm |
|
2 years |
71 – 84 lbs / 32 – 38 kg | 23 – 25” / 59 – 64 cm |
| 3 years | 79 – 88 lbs / 36 – 40 kg |
24 – 26” / 60 – 65 cm |
German Shepherd Puppy Growth and Development (with Pictures)
German Shepherd puppies go through important milestones beyond just weight and height. These stages include physical, social, and behavioral development that help shape a well-rounded adult dog.
Tracking these milestones not only helps you understand your pup’s progress—it also ensures you’re giving the right care, training, and support at every stage.
0 to 2 Weeks Old
At this stage, newborn GSD puppies are fully dependent on their mother. They rely on her for nutrition, warmth, and to help them with basic functions like defecating. It’s crucial for breeders to focus on providing the mother with high-quality food and maintaining a clean whelping box for the puppies’ health.
2 to 4 Weeks Old
By this age, your GSD puppy should have doubled its birth weight. Their senses are developing, and their eyes will begin to open. Though still reliant on their mother, puppies that are separated from her at this stage have a higher chance of survival.
4 to 8 Weeks Old (1-2 Months)
At 4 to 8 weeks, your GSD puppy will start to crawl and explore. They may even begin to sample puppy food, and their motor skills will improve as they start to play more. This is the time when your puppy will begin learning basic manners from mom.
8 to 12 Weeks Old (3 Months)
By 8 to 12 weeks, some GSD puppies will have their ears start to stand up, while others will keep their floppy ears until after they finish teething. This is a crucial time for socialization, as puppies should be exposed to various people, places, and sounds to help them become well-adjusted adults.
3 to 4 Months Old
This is the juvenile phase where GSD puppies can be playful, curious, and a bit mischievous. If they are still with their littermates, they will begin asserting their place in the pack. For those that have already joined their new families, expect some nipping as they start teething. Offering them chew toys will help save your shoes and furniture.
6 Months Old
Around six months, your GSD puppy will slow down in growth and start looking like a miniature adult. This is a time when some puppies may become more fearful or confused, especially with commands they once followed easily. Avoid coddling them during this phase, as it can reinforce fearful behaviors. Female GSDs may also go into heat at this time, so it’s essential to avoid letting them get pregnant too early.
9 Months Old
By nine months, your GSD puppy may enter a rebellious stage, testing boundaries and trying to assert their independence. Be patient and consistent with training—positive reinforcement works best. This is also when some GSDs may begin showing signs of dominance.
12 Months Old (1 Year)
At one year, your GSD will begin to resemble an adult dog. Their attention span will improve, making training easier, and their unique personality traits will start to emerge. Male GSDs may begin marking territory or displaying dominance at this stage.
14 to 16 Months Old
By this time, most GSDs will have calmed down a bit, though some may remain energetic. This is an excellent time to start more serious training, such as obedience courses. You may also notice that your puppy has reached their full adult size, and it’s time to transition them to adult food to support their new nutritional needs.
Key Things You Should Know About Your German Shepherd’s Growth
When it comes to your German Shepherd’s growth, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Understanding their growth rate, ideal weight, and factors influencing their physical development will help ensure your dog’s health and well-being.
Do Different German Shepherd Types Grow at Different Rates?
While every dog matures at its own pace, it’s generally observed that working-line German Shepherds tend to mature slower than show-line dogs. However, growth rates can vary based on the individual dog, so it’s essential to monitor your GSD’s progress based on their unique needs.
How Can You Predict How Big Your German Shepherd Will Get?
To estimate the size of your GSD, the best indicator is looking at the size of the parents. If the parents are on the smaller side, it’s unlikely the puppy will grow to be much larger than average. Genetics play a significant role in predicting growth potential.
Is Your German Shepherd at a Healthy Weight?
Instead of focusing solely on the scale, observe your dog’s body condition. The key signs to look for are whether you can see or feel their ribs. If you can see the ribs easily, your GSD is underweight, and if you can’t feel them at all, they may be overweight. The ideal weight is one where you can feel the ribs without them being overly visible.
How to Assess Your German Shepherd’s Weight:
- Underweight: If your GSD is underweight, they may appear malnourished, with visible ribs and bones along their back and sides. This often signals health problems that require a vet’s attention. In this case, a high-calorie diet like puppy food is essential.
- Ideal Weight: A healthy German Shepherd at their ideal weight will look well-proportioned, with ribs you can feel but not see. They should be active and energetic, showing no signs of excessive weight. Maintain regular meals and consistent exercise.
- Overweight: Overweight GSDs need to be put on a controlled diet and encouraged to exercise regularly to prevent further weight gain. Carrying excess weight can lead to serious health issues, shortening their lifespan. Adjusting their food intake and incorporating gentle exercise routines is key.
By closely monitoring these factors, you can help ensure your German Shepherd stays happy and healthy throughout their growth and development!
Factors That Can Affect Your German Shepherd Puppy’s Growth
Aside from genetics, several external factors can influence your German Shepherd’s growth and development. By understanding these influences, you can provide the best care for your puppy to ensure they reach their full potential.
Nutrition
Nutrition plays a critical role in your GSD’s growth. Before bringing your puppy home, you might be tempted to splurge on treats and snacks, but proper nutrition is far more important. To give your GSD the best start, you should focus on high-quality dog food suited for their breed and life stage.
Puppies need a balanced phosphorus to calcium ratio to support healthy bone development, while adult dogs require food with high protein and lower fat. Senior dogs, on the other hand, need fewer calories but benefit from food enriched with joint health supplements.
Pro Tip: We recommend referring to our guide on the best dog food for German Shepherds to choose the right food for your furry friend.
Neutering or Spaying
Neutering or spaying your GSD at a young age can slightly increase their growth since the hormone responsible for halting physical growth is removed. However, some studies suggest this early procedure may lead to an increased risk of joint issues like hip dysplasia, as well as certain types of cancers or arthritis.
For females, it’s often advised to wait until after their first heat cycle before spaying, while males should ideally be neutered around two years of age. However, some argue that neutering before this age may have benefits in terms of behavior and health, so it’s best to consult your vet to weigh the risks and benefits specific to your dog.
Parasites and Worm Infections
Worms and parasites, such as hookworms or roundworms, can cause stunted growth in German Shepherd puppies. Infected dogs may experience symptoms like poor coat quality, diarrhea, or lethargy. Once your dog is treated with a dewormer, they should start recovering and growing at a normal rate. It’s important to monitor your puppy’s health regularly and take action at the first signs of a parasite issue.
Breed Genetics
A major factor in your German Shepherd’s growth is genetics. Most GSDs stop growing around 18 months, but some may continue growing until they are 3 years old. If you’re unsure whether your puppy is done growing, an x-ray can help determine the status of their cartilage, giving your vet insight into their growth potential. Once they’ve finished growing, you can safely increase the intensity of their exercise routine.
Other Health Issues
German Shepherds are generally healthy, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health conditions. One rare but notable condition is pituitary dwarfism, which can lead to stunted growth, resulting in short legs and an oversized head. If your puppy is displaying unusual growth patterns or physical abnormalities, it’s crucial to consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
What to Do If Your German Shepherd is Not the Right Weight
Sometimes, growth spurts can cause your GSD to gain or lose weight rapidly. If your puppy is underweight, providing them with extra calories can help them reach their ideal weight. However, if your dog’s low weight is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, it’s important to see a vet immediately, as they may have an intestinal blockage or a severe parasite infection.
What to Do If Your Puppy is Growing Too Fast
Overfeeding your puppy, particularly a breed prone to joint problems like the GSD, can be harmful. Rapid growth puts extra stress on their developing joints, potentially leading to painful conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia. To prevent this, provide a high-quality, well-balanced diet and avoid overfeeding, ensuring a steady and healthy growth rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Big Do White German Shepherds Get?
White German Shepherds grow just like any other standard German Shepherd, following the same growth patterns. Their size doesn’t differ significantly from other GSDs, excluding variations like East-European Shepherds, King Shepherds, and Shiloh Shepherds.
Are There Smaller German Shepherds?
While German Shepherds are known for their medium to large size, there are smaller variations. Miniature German Shepherds have become popular among dog owners who prefer a compact version of this intelligent and loyal breed. However, many of these miniature GSDs are actually mixed breeds, often crossed with other small dogs like the Collie or Toy Poodle, creating designer hybrids.
Do You Have All the Information You Need About Your GSD’s Growth?
Your German Shepherd’s development, both physically and mentally, is a fascinating journey, and there’s always more to learn along the way.
Keep in mind that growth charts for weight and height are simply guidelines. If your GSD puppy is growing steadily, there’s usually no need to worry.
We hope this guide has equipped you with the essential information to care for your puppy. If you ever have concerns or uncertainties, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian for professional advice.