The German Shepherd is a large, powerful breed that reaches 50 to 90 pounds at maturity, with significant size differences between males and females. Males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females weigh 50 to 70 pounds and stand 22 to 24 inches. German Shepherds are among the larger common breeds and require careful nutrition management during their extended growth period.
The German Shepherd is a large, powerful breed that reaches 50 to 90 pounds at maturity, with significant size differences between males and females. Males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females weigh 50 to 70 pounds and stand 22 to 24 inches. German Shepherds are among the larger common breeds and require careful nutrition management during their extended growth period.
German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly but take longer than many breeds to reach full maturity. Most reach their adult height by 12 months but continue adding muscle and bulk until 16 to 18 months, with some large males not reaching full weight until 2 years. This extended growth period means puppies need large-breed specific nutrition for a longer time than smaller breeds. Overfeeding or growing too quickly can increase the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, conditions that already affect the breed at high rates.
| Age | % of Adult Weight | Male (est.) | Female (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 9% | 6-8 lbs | 5-6 lbs |
| 2 months | 16% | 10-14 lbs | 8-11 lbs |
| 3 months | 25% | 16-23 lbs | 13-18 lbs |
| 4 months | 35% | 23-32 lbs | 18-25 lbs |
| 5 months | 44% | 29-40 lbs | 22-31 lbs |
| 6 months | 53% | 34-48 lbs | 27-37 lbs |
| 8 months | 68% | 44-61 lbs | 34-48 lbs |
| 10 months | 80% | 52-72 lbs | 40-56 lbs |
| 12 months | 90% | 59-81 lbs | 45-63 lbs |
| 18 months (full grown) | 100% | 65-90 lbs | 50-70 lbs |
Visual breakdown of how your German Shepherd grows toward their full adult weight at each milestone.