German Shepherd Growth Chart – What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What to Expect

When I first brought home a German Shepherd puppy for a friend of mine, I remember how quickly that tiny fluffball turned into a teen and then suddenly into a strong, regal adult.

It felt like every time I saw him, something had changed, bigger paws, longer legs, deeper bark. But while the growth was fast, the questions were even faster: Is this weight normal? Should he be taller by now? Why does he look so skinny all of a sudden?

That’s where a German Shepherd growth chart can be a lifesaver. It helps track development, spot early health issues, and simply gives peace of mind to anyone raising one of these incredible dogs.

Whether you’re navigating the early German Shepherd growth stages by week or trying to understand what’s normal German Shepherd growth by month, this chart can help you.

German Shepherd Male and Female Growth Chart

German Shepherds grow rapidly in their first year, and while males and females often follow similar patterns, their adult size and weight do differ. Males tend to be taller, heavier, and more muscular overall, while females are slightly smaller and more streamlined.

This is where a German Shepherd male and female growth chart can give you a more precise idea of whether your pup’s size is on track and when to expect those major growth spurts.

German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart

That puppy phase goes by faster than you think. From the moment you bring your GSD home at 8 weeks to the time they hit the 1-year mark, they’re changing practically every day. Bone development, muscle tone, teething, it’s all happening at once.

A German Shepherd puppy growth chart helps make sense of it all. It outlines average height, weight, and physical milestones by age, which is super helpful during vet checkups or even when just choosing the right harness size.

Those first few months? They matter a lot, what you feed, how much they exercise, and what kind of vet care they receive will all impact how they grow.

Also read GSD Puppy Height and Weight Growth

German Shepherd Growth Stages 

In the first few weeks, everything is about rapid development. From birth to 8 weeks, the changes are fast but subtle; the eyes open, ears perk up, baby teeth come in, and motor skills start forming. Once the puppy hits the 8–12 week range, though, things start to accelerate. Teething kicks in, energy levels shoot up, and you’ll notice growth spurts nearly every other day.

Here’s a rough outline of German Shepherd growth stages by week in those early months. Tracking this early stage helps with early health detection and social development.

• Week 1 – 2: Eyes and ears are still closed, almost entirely reliant on mother.
• Week 3 – 4: Sensory development begins, weight nearly doubles.
• Week 5 – 6: Walking becomes more coordinated, social play starts.
• Week 7 – 8: Ready for adoption, start of early training and personality shaping.

German Shepherd Growth by Month

Once your pup is past 8 weeks, growth shifts into overdrive especially between months 2 to 6. During this stage, you’ll see long legs, narrow bodies, and what many call the “awkward teenage phase.” It’s normal, they’re growing into their frame.

Here’s a general monthly breakdown of German Shepherd growth by month expectations but keep in mind, overfeeding during this period can lead to joint stress. Stick with a vet-approved feeding schedule.

• 2 – 4 months: Fastest growth rate, bones lengthen, teething begins.
• 4 – 6 months: Still lean, but muscle begins developing. Start basic training.
• 6 – 9 months: Puberty hits, energy spikes, and weight gain continues.
• 9 – 12 months: Final growth stages, coat thickens, body fills out.
• 12 – 18 months: They reach full height, but will continue to gain muscle mass and “bulk up.”

What Affects a German Shepherd’s Growth Rate

If your GSD seems off track from what’s shown on a German Shepherd growth stages chart, talk to your vet, they may recommend bloodwork, diet adjustments, or a closer monitoring plan. Several factors can influence how quickly or slowly your dog grows:

• Genetics: If the parents were particularly large or small, that plays a role.
• Nutrition: Diet quality during the early months affects bone density and muscle development.
• Exercise: Balanced physical activity helps build muscle but avoid over-exercising puppies.
• Health Conditions: Parasites, joint issues, or digestive problems can delay growth.

German Shepherd Growth Stages With Pictures

Seeing is believing, that’s why German Shepherd growth stages with pictures can be so helpful. Comparing your pup to photo timelines helps put those growth spurts in perspective and makes it easier to identify any red flags.

Look for things like body structure, ear shape (those floppy-to-pointy transitions are a phase), coat changes, and even behavior development. Some shepherds may “look” more mature early on but still have months of filling out to do.

Healthy Weight Guidelines for German Shepherds

Your GSD’s weight is one of the most important indicators of healthy growth. A good rule of thumb: you should be able to feel their ribs easily but not see them. Puppies are often lanky during growth spurts, but if your dog is too thin or too round, it might be time to reassess their diet. Average healthy weight ranges:

• Male adult GSD: 65 – 90 lbs
• Female adult GSD: 50 – 70 lbs
• 4-month puppy: 30 – 40 lbs depending on sex
• 6-month puppy: 45 – 60 lbs

FAQs 

At what age is a German Shepherd fully grown?

Most German Shepherds reach their full height by 12 months, but they won’t reach their full weight and muscle mass until about 18 to 24 months. Males tend to take slightly longer to bulk up compared to females. This means even if your dog looks “grown,” they’re still developing internally for quite a while, especially their joints and skeletal structure.

Why is my German Shepherd growing slower than the chart says?

Not all dogs grow at the exact same pace. If your pup seems smaller than the German Shepherd growth by month averages, it might be due to genetics (smaller parents), lower-calorie diet, or even recovering from an illness. Slow growth isn’t always bad, but if you’re worried, ask your vet to do a full checkup to rule out underlying issues like parasites or nutritional deficiencies.

What should I feed my German Shepherd puppy during growth?

High-quality large-breed puppy food is ideal. These formulas are designed to support proper bone growth and avoid overloading the joints with excess calories or calcium. Overfeeding is a common mistake that leads to rapid growth and future problems like hip dysplasia. Feed according to your vet’s recommendations, and adjust the portion as your puppy’s size changes.

Also read GSD Puppy Foods List

Is it normal for German Shepherd puppies to look thin while growing?

Yes, very normal. GSD puppies go through a “lanky” stage between 4 to 9 months where their legs seem too long for their body and they often look underweight. It’s part of the natural German Shepherd growth stages process. As long as your pup is eating well, staying active, and showing no signs of illness, the lean look is temporary and will even out by the time they hit 1–2 years.

Can neutering/spaying affect my dog’s growth?

It can. Early spaying or neutering may delay the closure of growth plates, which can result in a slightly taller dog. Some studies also suggest it may increase the risk of joint problems if done too early. Always consult your vet about the right timing for your specific dog, especially if you’re focused on maintaining a healthy growth pattern.