German Shepherd Growth Chart: Weight and Height by Age

How big do German Shepherds get?

Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds, and adult females 50 to 70 pounds.

PetMD lists adult males at 65 to 90 pounds and 24 to 26 inches tall, and adult females at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 24 inches. Across the breed, that is a typical range of 50 to 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches. Males are larger than females in both height and weight, and the two charts below reflect that.

Every puppy is an individual. Parents, lines and build all move a dog within, or occasionally outside, these ranges, which is why the numbers below are best read as a corridor and not a finish line.

Photo: Pexels

Male German Shepherd growth chart

Typical ranges compiled by Hepper. Pounds (lb) and inches (in).

The biggest gains come early. A male roughly doubles his weight between 3 and 6 months, then slows. By 1 year he usually looks nearly full height, and the next year is mostly about filling out through the chest and body.

Female German Shepherd growth chart

Typical ranges compiled by Hepper. Pounds (lb) and inches (in).

Females follow the same pattern a little smaller and usually level off earlier. At 1 year the typical female is close to her adult weight range, while a male is often still adding weight.

When do German Shepherds stop growing?

Height mostly settles around the first birthday, while weight and body fill out for longer.

Sources describe the timing a little differently. Hepper says German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years, with females typically maturing faster than males. A large analysis of growth data from more than 6 million young dogs, published in PLOS ONE in 2017, noted that larger breeds can take up to 24 months to reach adult body weight, compared with 8 to 12 months for smaller breeds.

In practice, expect the fastest growth before about 8 months, a clear slowdown after the first year, and gradual filling out into the second year and beyond. A puppy that seems stuck, or one that suddenly jumps, is worth mentioning to your vet.

Is my German Shepherd puppy on track?

Why growth speed and weight matter for German Shepherd joints

PetMD, citing the Canine Health Information Center, says about 20 percent of German Shepherds have hip dysplasia, a condition that can cause limping, reduced range of motion and pain, especially as arthritis develops later in life.

Extra weight makes every joint work harder. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center names obesity as a significant contributor to osteoarthritis, because of the added force on the joints and the inflammatory signals that fat tissue produces. A steady, lean growth curve is one of the most useful things an owner controls.

For more on this stage, see our guides on German Shepherd puppy joint development, growth plates in puppies and hip dysplasia prevention.

Supporting joints through the growth window

The growth window is when a German Shepherd's joints and bones are still developing, and it only happens once. Lean growth, measured meals, sensible exercise and regular vet checks come first. Our large breed puppy growth guide and the broader puppy growth chart analysis cover the basics.

MoveGuard Growth is a daily joint chew made for the growth stage. It is dosed by your dog's expected adult weight, so check the label, and your vet can help you estimate that number for your puppy. It supports joint development, works alongside your vet's plan and does not replace veterinary care. Check the label for allergens if your dog has sensitivities, since it contains shellfish, krill, fish and soy. Results vary from dog to dog.

When to call the vet

A growth chart cannot tell you if your puppy is healthy. Only an exam can, and regular weigh-ins at the vet are a good habit through the first two years.