German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart

✓ Quick Answer

German Shepherd puppies grow quickly during their first year, then fill out more slowly until about 18 to 24 months of age. Males typically reach around 66 to 88 pounds and females around 49 to 71 pounds at maturity. The figures in the chart below are general estimates, since growth varies with genetics, diet, and health, so always ask your vet about your own puppy.

German Shepherd Puppy Weight by Age

The table below offers a general guide to expected weight by age for male and female German Shepherd puppies. Every puppy is an individual, so some will sit above or below these ranges and still be perfectly healthy. Use the chart as a rough reference, not a strict target, and track your puppy’s trend over time rather than focusing on a single number.

Age	Male weight (estimate)	Female weight (estimate)
1 month	5 to 9 lb	4 to 8 lb
2 months	16 to 20 lb	11 to 17 lb
3 months	22 to 30 lb	17 to 26 lb
4 months	35 to 40 lb	31 to 35 lb
5 months	40 to 49 lb	35 to 44 lb
6 months	49 to 57 lb	40 to 49 lb
7 months	57 to 62 lb	44 to 53 lb
8 months	62 to 66 lb	48 to 57 lb
9 months	64 to 71 lb	48 to 60 lb
10 months	66 to 73 lb	49 to 62 lb
11 months	66 to 75 lb	49 to 64 lb
12 months	66 to 79 lb	49 to 66 lb
18 months	66 to 84 lb	49 to 69 lb
24 months	66 to 88 lb	49 to 71 lb

For height, adult males usually stand about 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder and adult females about 22 to 24 inches. Most of the height gain happens within the first 12 months, with the chest and frame continuing to broaden well into the second year.

German Shepherd Growth Stages

Knowing the typical growth stages helps you set fair expectations and spot when something seems off. These windows overlap and can shift a little from puppy to puppy.

Newborn to 8 weeks: Rapid early growth while still nursing and then weaning. Puppies usually go to new homes around 8 weeks.
2 to 4 months: Fast weight gain and a lot of energy. This is a key window for socialization and gentle training.
4 to 7 months: The lanky, leggy stage. Puppies often look tall and thin as height outpaces muscle and width.
7 to 12 months: Growth begins to slow. Your puppy starts to look more like an adult but is still filling out.
12 to 24 months: The chest deepens, muscle builds, and the coat matures. Final size and shape settle in during this period.

When Do German Shepherds Reach Full Size?

German Shepherds are a large breed, so they take longer to mature than small dogs. Most reach close to their full height by around 12 months, but they continue to gain muscle and width until roughly 18 to 24 months of age. Some larger males may keep filling out slightly beyond 2 years. Because the growth plates in large breeds close later, it is wise to avoid heavy or repetitive high impact exercise until your vet confirms your puppy is physically mature.

Healthy Growth Tips

Steady, moderate growth is healthier for German Shepherds than fast growth. Pushing for rapid weight gain can strain developing joints and bones. These tips support balanced development.

Feed a quality large breed puppy food: These formulas are designed to support controlled growth and balanced calcium levels.
Do not overfeed: Keep your puppy lean. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard. Ask your vet about portion sizes.
Provide age appropriate exercise: Free play and short walks are great. Avoid forced running, jumping, and stairs while joints are still developing.
Support joints: Use non slip flooring and discuss joint friendly nutrition with your vet, especially given the breed’s risk of hip and elbow dysplasia.
Keep up with vet visits: Regular checkups let your vet weigh your puppy, monitor the growth trend, and catch any concerns early.
Fresh water and routine: Constant access to water and a consistent feeding schedule help digestion and steady growth.

If your puppy seems far outside these general estimates, gains or loses weight suddenly, or shows signs of pain or lameness, contact your veterinarian. A professional can assess your individual dog far better than any chart and recommend a plan suited to your puppy’s needs.

Frequently asked questions

How big will my German Shepherd get?

As a general estimate, adult males usually weigh about 66 to 88 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall, while females weigh about 49 to 71 pounds and stand 22 to 24 inches. Genetics and parent size play a big role, so your vet can give you a better idea for your specific puppy.

At what age is a German Shepherd full grown?

Most German Shepherds reach close to their full height by around 12 months, then continue building muscle and width until roughly 18 to 24 months of age. Some larger males may keep filling out a little beyond 2 years.

How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weigh?

As a rough guide, a 6 month old male often weighs around 49 to 57 pounds and a female around 40 to 49 pounds. These are general estimates only, and a healthy puppy can fall above or below this range. Your vet can confirm if your puppy's weight is on track.

Why does my German Shepherd puppy look so skinny and lanky?

Between about 4 and 7 months, German Shepherds often go through a leggy stage where height outpaces muscle and width. A lean, tall look is usually normal at this age. They typically fill out and broaden through the chest during their second year.

Should I free feed my German Shepherd puppy to help it grow faster?

No. Fast growth can strain developing joints and bones in large breeds. It is healthier to feed measured portions of a quality large breed puppy food and keep your puppy lean. Ask your vet for portion recommendations based on your puppy's age and weight.

When can my German Shepherd puppy start more intense exercise?

Because large breed growth plates close later, it is best to avoid forced running, jumping, and repetitive high impact activity until your puppy is more physically mature, often around 18 to 24 months. Check with your vet before increasing exercise intensity.