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When do German Shepherds Stop Growing?

When do German Shepherds Stop Growing

The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed, having been developed in the late 19th century in Germany. It is a descendant of various shepherds and working dogs and was bred specifically for its intelligence, strength, and trainability. It is an intelligent breed that is easy to train and excels in a variety of activities. It’s also an active dog that requires a fair amount of exercise and activity.

So, when do German Shepherds stop growing?

This article will provide answers and valuable information that every German Shepherd owner should know!

German Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart

The German Shepherd is a working dog that has served many purposes throughout its history. It was used to herd livestock, find and fight bears, and detect and track wounded games. As a result, the GSD is very intelligent, energetic, and resilient. This made them perfect for police work, service, and therapy.

As with all dogs, the growth rate of a GSD can vary. And this is where the German Shepherd growth chart comes in handy. It’s incredibly useful in the pursuit of the healthy weight of your Shepherd puppy. 

Check out the Shepherd Weight chart for males and females below. 

Male German Shepherd Growth Chart

AgeHeightWeight
1 month4 – 6”5.5 – 9 lbs
2 months7 – 9”16 – 20 lbs
3 months9 – 11”22 – 30 lbs
4 months11 – 14”35 – 40 lbs
5 months14 – 16”40 – 49 lbs
6 months16 – 18”49 – 57 lbs
7 months19 – 20”57 – 62 lbs
8 months20 – 22”62 – 66 lbs
9 months21 – 23”64 – 71 lbs
10 months22 – 24”66 – 73 lbs
11 months22 – 24”71 – 75 lbs
1 year22 – 24”71 – 79 lbs
1.5 years23 – 25”71 – 79 lbs
2 years23 – 23”71 – 84 lbs
3 years24 – 26”79 – 88 lbs

In most cases, the average German Shepherd’s weight is between 50 and 90 pounds. The full-grown Shepherd’s size is between 24 and 26 inches. Males typically weigh more than females.

Female German Shepherd Growth Chart

AgeHeightWeight
1 month3 – 6”4.5 – 8 lbs
2 months6 – 9”11 – 17 lbs
3 months8 – 10”17 – 26 lbs
4 months10 – 12”31 – 35 lbs
5 months12 – 14”35 – 44 lbs
6 months15 – 17”44 – 49 lbs
7 months17 – 19”49 – 53 lbs
8 months18 – 20”53 – 57 lbs
9 months19 – 21”55 – 60 lbs
10 months19 – 21”57 – 62 lbs
11 months20 – 22”60 – 64 lbs
1 year20 – 22”60 – 64 lbs
1.5 years old21 – 22”60 – 66 lbs
2 years21 – 22”60 – 66 lbs
3 years22 – 24”66 – 70 lbs

The average height for a female German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches. The average weight is 50 to 70 pounds as they reach physical maturity. German Shepherds typically live between 9 and 13 years.

The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood

The German Shepherd’s weight by age can vary depending on the individual dog.  But before adult weight, there are many stages and developmental milestones to reach.  And we’ll go through them one by one.

Newborn Stage

A German Shepherd Newborn is a beautiful thing. They are so small and fragile, but they are also so full of life. It is amazing to watch them grow and change so quickly. They are always learning and exploring new things.

But before they become the perfect pet, they have to start out as puppies.

In the neonatal period (also known as the neonatal stage), puppies are born blind and deaf, but they grow quickly. By the time they’re two weeks old, they’re starting to see and hear. At this age, they’re also starting to explore their surroundings and play with their littermates.

At one week, the shepherd’s average size will be about 8 to 16 ounces. At two weeks of age, the weight range varies from 10 to 20 ounces. At three weeks, your puppy will experience weight gain and reach 12 to 24 ounces. After three weeks, your puppy will be able to leave the mother’s care and live on its own. They will need a 10-day supply of Puppy Soft Foods.

The puppy growth chart is important because it will help you understand how big your puppy will be as an adult and how long it will take them to reach their larger size.

Childhood and Teen Years All in One Year

German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for good reason. They’re loyal, obedient, and protective, making them the perfect family pet.

When German Shepherds are puppies, they are very playful and energetic. They love to explore their surroundings and play with their toys. As they grow older, they become calmer and more relaxed. However, they still enjoy playing and spending time with their family and friends, which is a breed standard. 

Like all dogs, they go through a teenage phase.

During this period of shepherd development, around six to eighteen months of age, your GSD will start to test its limits. They may become more willful and disobedient, and may even start to act out aggressively. This is normal behavior for a teenage shepherd dog, and with patience and training, it can be overcome.

During this time, it’s important to be consistent with your rules and boundaries. German shepherds are quick learners, so if you’re consistent with your training, they’ll soon understand what you expect of them. Your dog will grow out of its teenage phase and the activity level that comes with it. Before you know it, they’ll become the loyal, obedient dog you know and love.

This breed typically reaches full size by the time they’re 18 months old. But they’re not considered adult german shepherds until they’re two or three years old. This is when they reach their full mental maturity and are able to learn new things more easily.

Transitional Stage

The transitional period of German Shepherds is the period between 8 and 10 weeks old. During this time, puppies learn to socialize with other dogs and humans and begin to understand basic commands. This is an important time for puppies to bond with their new families and learn how to behave in their homes.

Socialization Stage

During the socialization period, they learn to interact with other dogs and people. They start to trust and obey their owners, and they become less fearful of unfamiliar situations.

German shepherds typically reach the socialization stage between 4 and 12 months old. It’s also between 2 to 5 months of age that they experience rapid growth. 

Juvenile Stage

The juvenile period for German Shepherds is around 6 to 18 months old. During this time, they are still growing and learning, so they need plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. They are also more likely to be active and playful, so it is important to provide them with an outlet for their energy.

Adolescent Stage

Adolescent German Shepherds are playful and active, but can also be aloof and independent. The now large-sized dogs are often more interested in exploring and playing than following commands. This stage can last until the dog is about two years old.

End of Adult Growth Stage

The End of the Adult Growth Stage of german shepherds is when they have reached their full adult height and ideal weight. They will stop growing any taller, and will only fill out slightly in terms of weight. 

When is a german shepherd fully grown?

German Shepherds reach their full size by 18 to 24 months old. However, they may continue to fill out and mature until they are three years old. You can expect your German Shepherd to gain an additional weight of five pounds a year until he reaches standard weight.

Before that happens, consider two things: Switching from puppy food to adult food between 12 and 24 months, and training your dog.

These are excellent dogs for first-time dog owners because they are easy to train. The only thing you need to start training your GSD is a strong attitude and some consistency.

Training should be fun for both you and your dog, so set a regular time to train each day and make sure it’s a time that you won’t be distracted by other things if you struggle with a short attention span.

GSD are naturally intelligent and eager to please. They are also very responsive to their owners and will try to follow their commands to the best of their ability, especially if you use positive reinforcement.

How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be?

On average, the german shepherd 6 month weight varies between 30 and 50 pounds.

At six months old, a German Shepherd should be big enough to comfortably wear a medium-sized collar and leash. He should also be able to sit, lie down, and stay on command.

How big will my German Shepherd get?

How long does a german shepherd grow?

The answer varies, ideally it will take about two years to reach their full adult size. They will usually stop growing at around 18-24 months old.

The average height ratio for a German Shepherd is 24-26 inches (61-66cm) for males and 22-24 inches (56-61cm) for females.

They are a medium to large-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 66-88 pounds (30-40kg), and females between 49-71 pounds (22-32kg).

Final thoughts

When it comes to German Shepherds, the best way to ensure a healthy and happy pup is to do your research. Be sure to purchase your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, and take the time to learn about the breed before bringing your new dog home. Once you have your dog, be sure to provide plenty of exercise, socialization, and training. With proper care, your pup will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come.

Finally, as a German Shepherd owner, it’s important to know when your dog will stop growing. We hope this article was of great help in answering your burning questions, and in giving you an idea of what to expect while witnessing the growth of your GSD.

People Also Ask:

  • At what age does a German Shepherd stop being a puppy?
    A German Shepherd stops being a puppy at around 2 years old.
  • How big is a 7 month old German Shepherd?
    A seven-month-old German Shepherd will typically weigh between 33 and 40 pounds. Males will be on the higher end of this range, while females will be on the lower end. German Shepherds are considered full-grown at around two years of age, so your seven-month-old pup is still quite a ways off from being done growing!
  • How do you discipline a German Shepherd puppy?
    When it comes to disciplining a German Shepherd puppy, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, these are intelligent dogs and they will quickly catch on to what you’re trying to teach them. However, they can also be stubborn, so you’ll need to be consistent with your training.

    Secondly, GSD are active dogs and they need a lot of exercise, so make sure you take them on regular walks and runs.

    Lastly, these are loyal dogs and they want to please their owners, so if you’re firm and consistent with your commands, they will eventually learn what you expect of them.
  • Are German Shepherds smart? 

German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds. They are easily trained and excel in obedience and working roles. They are also used as police and military dogs because of their high intelligence.

  • What is the maximum lifespan of a German Shepherd?

The maximum lifespan of a German Shepherd is about 13 years. However, the average lifespan is only about 10 years. They are prone to a number of health problems that can shorten their lives, including hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and digestive issues.

  • At what age do German Shepherd ears stand up?
    German Shepherd ears usually stand up by the time they are 8 weeks old. However, it is not unusual for them to take up to 16 weeks to fully stand up.

What is the longest a dog has ever lived?
The longest a dog has ever lived is 29 years, 5 months, and 21 days. The dog’s name was Bluey and she was an Australian Cattle Dog.

Bluey was born on May 29, 1945 and passed away on December 12, 1987.

What do you think?

Written by Jack

Jack is the founder of Germanshepherdsfamily, a german shepherds specific website where you'll find everything you need to know if you are a true lover of the German Shepherd breed!

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