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Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shepherd Dog Growth
- German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth Chart
- When do German Shepherd Dogs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get?
- German Shepherd Dog Growth Calculator
- How Much Should a German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
- What is the Height of the German Shepherd Dog?
- Is Your German Shepherd Dog Growing Normally? This is How to Tell
- How to Measure the Weight of your German Shepherd Dog
- How Fast Do German Shepherd Dogs Grow? German Shepherd Dog Growth Rate
- Size of Male German Shepherd Dog Versus Size of Female German Shepherd Dog
- Male German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth Chart
- Female German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth Chart
- German Shepherd Dog Growth Stages
- Male German Shepherd Dog Weight/Growth Chart in KG
- Female German Shepherd Dog Weight/Growth Chart in KG
- How Much Should a 12-Week-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
- How Much Should a 4-Month-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
- How Much Should a 6-Month-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
- How Much Should a 1-Year-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
- How to Tell If Your German Shepherd Dog is Overweight
- Conclusion on German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth
German Shepherd Dog Growth
Did you just get the German Shepherd Dog puppy? And do you want to know when your German Shepherd Dog will stop growing and how big your German Shepherd Dog will get? Or do you want to know if your German Shepherd Dog is of the ideal weight for its age?
In this article, we will answer all these relevant questions related to German Shepherd Dog growth and weight.
If you do not own the German Shepherd Dog yet, make sure you purchase your German Shepherd Dog from an reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder. Also, check out our German Shepherd Dog buying guide and German Shepherd Dog price guide here.
You can also work with a reputable rescue to adopt a puppy.
It is important for you as a caring German Shepherd Dog owner to know if your German Shepherd Dog is growing normally and that your German Shepherd Dog is not overweight or underweight.
Extensive research studies have shown that most dogs are overweight because their owners spoil them with food, treats, and easy life styles. Most dogs eat way too much and do not get enough exercise. Research has also shown that one of the reasons many dogs die young is because they are overweight. However, you can extend your dog`s life by making sure your dog is of healthy weight and growth.One final reason to keep track of your German Shepherd Dog`s weight and growth is that your German Shepherd Dog`s weight and growth pattern can tell you if your German Shepherd Dog has some underlying health conditions (such as bone, heart, hormone diseases). This is what recent research has shown.
This article contains the German Shepherd Dog growth calculator that you can use to predict your German Shepherd Dog`s adult weight. This article also contains the German Shepherd Dog growth chart and weight calculator that you can use to approximately tell if your German Shepherd Dog`s weight is in the normal range.
However, the more accurate method to predict and track normal growth in your German Shepherd Dog is by regularly weighing your German Shepherd Dog and recording the weight of your German Shepherd Dog with our free dog weight tracker and weight predictor. Our tool will tell you, first, a more accurate future weight of your German Shepherd Dog and, second, if your German Shepherd Dog is growing normally.
We designed our dog weight tracker and weight predictor based on a recent research study carried out by researchers from Banfield Pet Hospitals and the University of Liverpool. This study collected and analyzed the weight of over 6 million healthy dogs in the United States. The dogs studied included dogs in the German Shepherd Dog weight category.
Also, check out our German Shepherd Dog food calculator here to know how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog based on your German Shepherd Dog`s weight and age.
German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth Chart
Below is the typical growth chart and weight chart of German Shepherd Dogs at different stages in their lives.
Note that your German Shepherd Dog may be slightly heavier or lighter than what the chart says. The weight chart is an average weight chart.
Also, this growth chart is the combined growth chart of the male and female German Shepherd Dog.
To know how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog at different ages and weights, check out our German Shepherd Dog feeding guide and calculator.
To know how much water your German Shepherd Dog needs to drink at different ages and weights, check out our German Shepherd Dog water drinking guide and calculator.
Note that the growth pattern of a female German Shepherd Dog can be slightly different from the growth pattern of a male German Shepherd Dog
. Therefore, later on in this article, we will provide you with the gender-specific growth chart for the male and for the female German Shepherd Dog.| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Weeks | 31 LBS | 23 LBS – 39 LBS |
| 20 Weeks | 41 LBS | 31 LBS – 51 LBS |
| 25 Weeks | 48 LBS | 36 LBS – 60 LBS |
| 30 Weeks | 54 LBS | 40 LBS – 68 LBS |
| 35 Weeks | 58 LBS | 43 LBS – 74 LBS |
| 40 Weeks | 62 LBS | 45 LBS – 78 LBS |
| 45 Weeks | 64 LBS | 46 LBS – 82 LBS |
| 60 Weeks | 67 LBS | 48 LBS – 86 LBS |
When do German Shepherd Dogs Stop Growing and How Big Do They Get?
Your German Shepherd Dog will grow very fast in its first 46 weeks. At 46 weeks, your German Shepherd Dog will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight. Then your German Shepherd Dog will slowly stop adding more weight. At around 62 weeks (~14 months), your German Shepherd Dog should be at its maximum weight. German Shepherd Dogs stop growing at 62 weeks (~14 months).
The above discussion is general, and it applies to both male and female German Shepherd Dogs. However, male dogs usually grow at a different rate compared to female dogs
A male German Shepherd Dog will grow very fast in its first 47 weeks. At 47 weeks, a male German Shepherd Dog will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 47 weeks. A male German Shepherd Dog will then slowly stop adding more weight. At around 66 weeks (~14 months), a male German Shepherd Dog should have reached its maximum weight. Male German Shepherd Dogs stop growing at 66 weeks (~14 months).
Similarly, a female German Shepherd Dog will grow very fast in its first 44 weeks. At 44 weeks, a female German Shepherd Dog will have reached 95 percent of its adult weight at 44 weeks. A female German Shepherd Dog will then slowly stop adding more weight. At around 58 weeks (~14 months), a female German Shepherd Dog should have reached its maximum weight. Female German Shepherd Dogs stop growing at 58 weeks (~14 months).
See the growth graph of a German Shepherd Dog below.
As you can see in the German Shepherd Dog growth curve below, the German Shepherd Dog grows really fast in its early weeks, and then its growth levels off till it reaches 100 percent of the adult weight.
German Shepherd Dog Growth Calculator
Use the calculator below to estimate how big your German Shepherd Dog will get based on its current weight.
This German Shepherd Dog growth calculator is based on the typical weight curve of a German Shepherd Dog shown above. The calculator assumes that your German Shepherd Dog is growing normally, and not on its way to become overweight or underweight.
How Much Should a German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
Adult German Shepherd Dogs typically weigh between 75 to 95 pounds.
Above is a graph that shows how much a German Shepherd Dog should weigh at different ages. Check where the weight of your German Shepherd Dog falls in the graph for its age.
It is totally fine if the weight of your German Shepherd Dog falls in either the dark green or light green region of the graph. However, weight in the dark green region is more typical for German Shepherd Dogs.
If the weight of your German Shepherd Dog falls outside both the dark and light green region for its age, then you should consult a vet.
Also, you can use the German Shepherd Dog weight calculator below to find the typical weight and the normal weight range of German Shepherd Dogs, male or female, of any age between 12 weeks and 100 weeks.
If you want to see how the weight of your German Shepherd Dog compares to that of other German Shepherd Dog`s of its age, enter the weight of your German Shepherd Dog in the calculator, and the calculator will show you where your German Shepherd Dog stands on the weight chart.
The calculator will also tell you if your German Shepherd Dog is within the normal weight range for the German Shepherd Dog.
This German Shepherd Dog weight calculator uses information from belpatt.fr and data from a research study on dog weight carried out by researchers at the University of Liverpool.
Please, talk to your vet before taking any decision on your pet`s weight and health.
What is the Height of the German Shepherd Dog?
The adult German Shepherd Dog is 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall . This is the average adult height of the German Shepherd Dog.
Is Your German Shepherd Dog Growing Normally? This is How to Tell
Puppy growth predictors, growth charts, and growth calculators like the ones above are approximate methods for predicting growth in dogs. However, these tools have limited capabilities. This is because each dog is unique and a dog`s growth may be different from that of the overall dog population.
A more accurate and scientific way to predict a dog`s growth is to measure the dog`s weight every week and record the weight. Doing this with your German Shepherd Dog will give you a clearer picture of how your German Shepherd Dog is growing.
You can use our free tool to track your German Shepherd Dog`s growth and weight over time. Our tool will also let you know if your German Shepherd Dog is growing normally.
Tracking your German Shepherd Dog`s weight will let you see the unique growth trajectory of your German Shepherd Dog. You can use this growth trajectory to accurately predict how big your German Shepherd Dog will get. The growth trajectory will also let you know very early if your German Shepherd Dog will become overweight or underweight.
Monitoring your dog`s weight is important because pet obesity is one of the leading causes of premature death in dogs. And these days, pets gain weight very easily because their owners spoil them with lots of treats and food. Catching early abnormal weight in your dog and correcting it (through diet changes, exercise) can significantly extend your dog`s life.
Below is what a normal growth pattern and what abnormal growth patterns look like in German Shepherd Dogs. You can compare your German Shepherd Dog growth trajectory against these references to see if your German Shepherd Dog is growing normally or you can use our automatic tool.
How to Measure the Weight of your German Shepherd Dog
There are two methods you can use to measure your German Shepherd Dog`s weight.
The first method, which is the better and more accurate method to weigh your German Shepherd Dog, is to use a dog weighing scale.
Using a dog scale is important if you would like to monitor your German Shepherd Dog`s growth regularly to catch any abnormal growth early.
Having a scale for weighing your German Shepherd Dog will make it easy for you to weigh your German Shepherd Dog regularly without any trouble.
The scale that we recommend for weighing the German Shepherd Dog is this high durability and affordable W.C Redmon Precision Digital Pet Scale. Click here to check out this scale on Amazon.
The second method is to use a bathroom scale to weigh yourself while holding your German Shepherd Dog. Then use the same scale to weigh yourself without your German Shepherd Dog. Then calculate your weight when holding your dog minus your weight when not holding your German Shepherd Dog. This method is illustrated in the picture below.
However, note that this method of holding your dog on a scale is not very accurate, and it may be difficult for you to use this method to weigh your German Shepherd Dog if your German Shepherd Dog is very heavy or if your German Shepherd Dog is the type that would not stay still while being held.
How Fast Do German Shepherd Dogs Grow? German Shepherd Dog Growth Rate
Starting from 3 months of age, German Shepherd Dogs grow at a rate of 2.24 pounds per week (1.02 Kilograms per week) on average. Starting at 4 months, your German Shepherd Dog will gain 1.87 pounds (0.85 Kilograms) every week on average.
At 5 months of age, your German Shepherd Dog will grow at a rate of 1.55 pounds per week (0.70 Kilograms per week) on average. Then at 6 months, your German Shepherd Dog will gain 1.26 pounds (0.57 Kilograms) every week on average.
See the growth rate chart of the German Shepherd Dog below
| Age (Months) | Growth per week (Pounds) | Growth per week (Kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | 2.24 | 1.02 |
| 4 Months | 1.87 | 0.85 |
| 5 Months | 1.55 | 0.70 |
| 6 Months | 1.26 | 0.57 |
| 7 Months | 1.01 | 0.46 |
| 8 Months | 0.80 | 0.36 |
Size of Male German Shepherd Dog Versus Size of Female German Shepherd Dog
The average size of a male German Shepherd Dog is 77 pounds (35 kg) while the average size of a female German Shepherd Dog is 60 pounds (27 kg).
In general, male dogs are usually bigger than female dogs.
Male German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth Chart
The growth pattern of Male dogs is also different from that of Female dogs.
Adult male dogs are generally bigger in size than adult female dogs.
Below is the typical growth and weight chart of a Male German Shepherd Dog.
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Weeks | 35 LBS | 31 LBS – 39 LBS |
| 20 Weeks | 46 LBS | 40 LBS – 51 LBS |
| 25 Weeks | 54 LBS | 48 LBS – 60 LBS |
| 30 Weeks | 61 LBS | 53 LBS – 68 LBS |
| 35 Weeks | 66 LBS | 58 LBS – 74 LBS |
| 40 Weeks | 70 LBS | 61 LBS – 78 LBS |
| 45 Weeks | 72 LBS | 63 LBS – 82 LBS |
| 60 Weeks | 76 LBS | 66 LBS – 86 LBS |
Female German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth Chart
The growth pattern of female dogs is different from that of male dogs. On average, female dogs grow faster than males and reach full size earlier. For this reason, it`s important that the standard height and weight charts for dogs are gender-specific.
Also, adult female dogs are generally smaller in size than adult male dogs.
Below is the typical growth and weight chart of a Female German Shepherd Dog.
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Weeks | 28 LBS | 23 LBS – 33 LBS |
| 20 Weeks | 37 LBS | 31 LBS – 42 LBS |
| 25 Weeks | 43 LBS | 36 LBS – 50 LBS |
| 30 Weeks | 48 LBS | 40 LBS – 56 LBS |
| 35 Weeks | 52 LBS | 43 LBS – 61 LBS |
| 40 Weeks | 55 LBS | 45 LBS – 64 LBS |
| 45 Weeks | 56 LBS | 46 LBS – 67 LBS |
| 60 Weeks | 59 LBS | 48 LBS – 70 LBS |
German Shepherd Dog Growth Stages
Your German Shepherd Dog will go through a number of developmental stages on its journey to adulthood. Your German Shepherd Dog`s growth pattern can be categorized into 6 distinct stages: Neonatal, Transitional, Socialization Period, Juvenile Period, Adolescent Period, and Maturity.
You can know the developmental stage of your German Shepherd Dog based on how old your German Shepherd Dog is.
1. German Shepherd Dog Neonatal Period
German Shepherd Dog Neonatal Period is from Birth to 2 weeks. During this stage, the German Shepherd Dog puppy will be totally dependent on its mother. The German Shepherd Dog puppy`s eyes will still be unopened with no sense of vision. The German Shepherd Dog puppy will only have the senses of taste and touch
2. German Shepherd Dog Transitional Period
German Shepherd Dog Transitional Period is from 2 weeks to 3 weeks. During this stage, the German Shepherd Dog puppy will continue to develop a better sense of hearing and taste. The puppy`s teeth will start coming through and its eyes will begin to open.
During this stage, the German Shepherd Dog puppy begins to crawl forward and backward, begins to stand, begins to wag its tail. This is also the age where your puppy’s personality begins to develop.
3. German Shepherd Dog Socialization Period
German Shepherd Dog Socialization Period is from 3 weeks to 14 weeks. During this stage, the German Shepherd Dog puppy will be able to fully use all of its senses (vision, smell, touch, hearing, taste), and the puppy will learn to survive without its mother.
Also during this stage, the German Shepherd Dog puppy learns how to act like a dog (biting, chasing, barking, etc). The rapid learning and socialization of the puppy occur at this stage, and what the German Shepherd Dog puppy learns in this stage will have a long-term effect on the puppy`s behavior as an adult.
4. German Shepherd Dog Juvenile Period
German Shepherd Dog Juvenile Period is from 3-4 Months to 5-14 months. During this stage, the German Shepherd Dog puppies will attempt to clarify and resolve their boundaries. Their baby teeth start getting replaced by adult teeth.
5. German Shepherd Dog Adolescent Period
German Shepherd Dog Adolescent Period is from 5-14 Months to 2-3 Years. German Shepherd Dogs go through social and sexual maturity during this stage.
6. German Shepherd Dog Maturity Period
German Shepherd Dog Maturity Period is from 1 year to 4 years. At this age, your German Shepherd Dog will transition to full adulthood.
Male German Shepherd Dog Weight/Growth Chart in KG
The growth pattern of Male dogs is also different from that of Female dogs.
Adult male dogs are generally bigger in size than adult female dogs.
Below is typical growth and weight chart of a Male German Shepherd Dog in Kilograms (kg).
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Weeks | 16 KG | 14 KG – 17 KG |
| 20 Weeks | 20 KG | 18 KG – 23 KG |
| 25 Weeks | 24 KG | 21 KG – 27 KG |
| 30 Weeks | 27 KG | 24 KG – 31 KG |
| 35 Weeks | 30 KG | 26 KG – 33 KG |
| 40 Weeks | 31 KG | 27 KG – 35 KG |
| 45 Weeks | 32 KG | 28 KG – 37 KG |
| 60 Weeks | 34 KG | 29 KG – 39 KG |
Female German Shepherd Dog Weight/Growth Chart in KG
The growth pattern of female dogs is different from that of male dogs. On average, female dogs grow faster than males and reach full size earlier. For this reason, it`s important that the standard height and weight charts for dogs are gender-specific.
Also, adult female dogs are generally smaller in size than adult male dogs.
Below is typical growth and weight chart of a Female German Shepherd Dog in Kilograms (kg).
| Age | Average Weight | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Weeks | 12 KG | 10 KG – 15 KG |
| 20 Weeks | 16 KG | 14 KG – 19 KG |
| 25 Weeks | 19 KG | 16 KG – 23 KG |
| 30 Weeks | 22 KG | 18 KG – 25 KG |
| 35 Weeks | 23 KG | 19 KG – 27 KG |
| 40 Weeks | 24 KG | 20 KG – 29 KG |
| 45 Weeks | 25 KG | 21 KG – 30 KG |
| 60 Weeks | 26 KG | 22 KG – 31 KG |
How Much Should a 12-Week-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
The average weight of a 12-week-old female German Shepherd Dog is 22.4 lbs (10.1 kg).
The typical weight range of a 12-week-old female German Shepherd Dog is from 18.7 lbs to 26.0 lbs (8.5 kg to 11.8 kg).
The average weight of a 12-week-old male German Shepherd Dog is 28.0 lbs (12.7 kg).
The typical weight range of a 12-week-old male German Shepherd Dog is from 24.9 lbs to 31.0 lbs (11.3 kg to 14.1 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 12-week-old female German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) and as high as 30.6 lbs (13.9 kg)
Correspondingly, 12-week-old male German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 7.0 lbs (3.2 kg) and as high as 32.6 lbs (14.8 kg)
How Much Should a 4-Month-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
The average weight of a 4-month-old female German Shepherd Dog is 30.4 lbs (13.8 kg).
The typical weight range of a 4-month-old female German Shepherd Dog is from 25.6 lbs to 35.2 lbs (11.6 kg to 16.0 kg).
The average weight of a 4-month-old male German Shepherd Dog is 37.8 lbs (17.1 kg).
The typical weight range of a 4-month-old male German Shepherd Dog is from 33.7 lbs to 41.9 lbs (15.3 kg to 19.0 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 4-month-old female German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 13.3 lbs (6.0 kg) and as high as 43.6 lbs (19.8 kg)
Correspondingly, 4-month-old male German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) and as high as 48.1 lbs (21.8 kg)
How Much Should a 6-Month-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
The average weight of a 6-month-old female German Shepherd Dog is 42.4 lbs (19.3 kg).
The typical weight range of a 6-month-old female German Shepherd Dog is from 35.5 lbs to 49.4 lbs (16.1 kg to 22.4 kg).
The average weight of a 6-month-old male German Shepherd Dog is 53.1 lbs (24.1 kg).
The typical weight range of a 6-month-old male German Shepherd Dog is from 47.0 lbs to 59.1 lbs (21.3 kg to 26.8 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 6-month-old female German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 22.4 lbs (10.2 kg) and as high as 62.5 lbs (28.4 kg)
Correspondingly, 6-month-old male German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 24.6 lbs (11.1 kg) and as high as 71.1 lbs (32.2 kg)
How Much Should a 1-Year-old German Shepherd Dog Weigh?
The average weight of a 1-year-old female German Shepherd Dog is 58.5 lbs (26.5 kg).
The typical weight range of a 1-year-old female German Shepherd Dog is from 47.8 lbs to 69.2 lbs (21.7 kg to 31.4 kg).
The average weight of a 1-year-old male German Shepherd Dog is 75.1 lbs (34.0 kg).
The typical weight range of a 1-year-old male German Shepherd Dog is from 65.1 lbs to 85.0 lbs (29.5 kg to 38.6 kg).
However, a recent research study on dog weight shows that 1-year-old female German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 37.2 lbs (16.9 kg) and as high as 84.5 lbs (38.3 kg)
Correspondingly, 1-year-old male German Shepherd Dogs can normally weigh as low as 43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) and as high as 98.3 lbs (44.6 kg)
How to Tell If Your German Shepherd Dog is Overweight
As mentioned earlier in this article, a very accurate way to know if your German Shepherd Dog puppy is on its way to becoming overweight is by weighing your dog every week and recording its weight. This will show you the growth trajectory of your German Shepherd Dog puppy. And a close look at your puppy`s growth trajectory will tell you if your German Shepherd Dog puppy will be overweight or underweight. This method is relatively easy to use.
You can use our free online tool to track your German Shepherd Dog puppy`s growth curve.
However, if you do not have a record of the weekly weights of your German Shepherd Dog, and you want to tell if your dog is overweight, underweight, or of normal weight, then you can use a chart called the body condition chart shown below. This method requires some expertise to use, and it is further discussed below.
To tell your dog`s body condition, first, look at your dog closely and observe which of its bones and structures are sticking out or not sticking out from under its skin. Next, use your hands to feel for fat and bones over your dog. To know which bones to look and feel for, check out the body condition tool guide from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and this guide. This exercise will tell you the body condition score for your dog.
Body condition scores are from a scale of 1 to 9. A score of 1, 2 or 3 means that a dog is too skinny. A score of 4 or 5 means that a dog is of ideal weight, and a score above 5 means that a dog is overweight.
Talk to your vet if your German Shepherd Dog appears to be overweight. The vet might recommend reducing how much food to feed your German Shepherd Dog.
Conclusion on German Shepherd Dog Weight and Growth
In this article, we have provided you with the information, growth charts and growth calculators to help you tell how big your German Shepherd Dog will get. These tools will also help tell if your German Shepherd Dog is growing normally.
However, the best way to monitor and predict the growth of your German Shepherd Dog is to measure and record your puppy German Shepherd Dog`s weight every week.
Use our free German Shepherd Dog weight tracker and calculator tool available here to track and predict your German Shepherd Dog`s weight.
It is important that every German Shepherd Dog owner monitors the growth of their German Shepherd Dog for normal growth by checking the weight of their German Shepherd Dog regularly. Regular weight monitoring will let you detect any abnormal growth very early before it is too late. We discussed how you can tell if your German Shepherd Dog is growing normally from your German Shepherd Dog`s weight history earlier in this article.
Abnormal growth in German Shepherd Dog can be because of underlying disease (such are heart, hormonal, or bone problems) or because of overfeeding or underfeeding. All of the aforementioned reduce the German Shepherd Dog lifespan and quality of life.
Don`t wait. Start tracking your German Shepherd Dog`s weight today!