Here is a comprehensive guide with a German Shepherd Puppy Weight Growth Chart and all the essential information you need to know about their growth, development, and weight milestones.
Table: German Shepherd Puppy Weight by Age
Age (Weeks)
Weight Range (kg)
Percentage of Adult Weight
Growth Stage
4
4.0 - 6.0
10%
Rapid early growth, still dependent on mother
8
7.0 - 9.0
20%
Weaning stage, starting to eat solid food
12
10.0 - 14.0
30%
Playful, learning basic socialization skills
16
15.0 - 18.0
40-45%
Growing fast, teething phase
20
18.0 - 22.0
50%
Half of adult weight, strong bone growth
24
22.0 - 26.0
60-65%
Increased physical activity, needs good nutrition
28
25.0 - 30.0
70%
Adolescence stage, learning commands
32
27.0 - 32.0
75%
Maturing muscles, more independent behavior
36
30.0 - 35.0
80-85%
Near full adult size but still growing
52 (1 year)
31.0 - 40.0
90-100%
Reaches full height, still filling out in weight
Key Points About German Shepherd Growth:
1. Growth Stages:
0 to 8 Weeks: Newborn puppies grow rapidly in the first two months and are typically weaned by 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, their weight increases dramatically as they nurse and begin to eat solid food.
8 to 16 Weeks: By 8 weeks, German Shepherd puppies weigh around 7-9 kg and will continue to grow fast, gaining about 1-2 kg per week.
4 to 6 Months: During this stage, puppies experience a growth spurt and should reach approximately 50% of their adult weight by the end of 6 months.
6 to 12 Months: Growth begins to slow down after 6 months, but they continue to gain weight and muscle mass. By 1 year, most German Shepherds reach 90-100% of their adult weight.
1 to 2 Years: Although they reach their full height at around 12 months, German Shepherds continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are 18-24 months old.
2. Typical Adult Weight and Height:
Male German Shepherds typically weigh between 30 to 40 kg (66 to 88 lbs) and stand around 60 to 65 cm (24 to 26 inches) at the shoulder.
Female German Shepherds weigh around 22 to 32 kg (49 to 71 lbs) and stand about 55 to 60 cm (22 to 24 inches).
3. Factors Influencing Growth:
Genetics: The size of a German Shepherd is heavily influenced by the parents’ genetics. Dogs from larger lines will naturally be bigger.
Diet: A balanced, high-quality puppy food is critical for healthy growth. Overfeeding or underfeeding during the puppy stage can lead to issues such as obesity or underdevelopment.
Exercise: German Shepherds are highly active and require regular exercise, but over-exercising during the puppy stage can put stress on growing joints and bones. Appropriate activity levels are essential.
Health: Issues such as parasites or illnesses can slow down growth, so regular vet check-ups are important.
Feeding Guidelines for German Shepherd Puppies:
8 to 12 Weeks: Feed your puppy 3-4 meals a day with high-quality puppy food that is rich in protein and calories to support rapid growth.
3 to 6 Months: Continue feeding 3 meals per day. As they grow, reduce the frequency but increase the quantity of food.
6 to 12 Months: Start transitioning to adult food around 12 months. Feeding 2 meals per day is appropriate at this stage.
1 Year and Older: Feed 2 meals a day of adult dog food that is high in protein, especially as they continue to build muscle.
Common Growth Milestones:
Teething (3 to 6 Months): Expect German Shepherd puppies to begin teething around 16 weeks. This stage can make them chew excessively, so be sure to provide appropriate chew toys.
Adolescence (6 to 12 Months): German Shepherds start to develop their personality around this stage, with a focus on obedience training and socialization.
Full Growth (1 to 2 Years): By 1 year, they will be fully grown in height, but they will continue to gain muscle mass and may take up to 2 years to reach their full adult weight.
Adult German Shepherd Weight Guide:
Gender
Weight Range (kg)
Height at Shoulder (cm)
Male
30 - 40 kg
60 - 65 cm
Female
22 - 32 kg
55 - 60 cm
Growth Monitoring Tips:
Weighing Your Puppy: Regularly weigh your puppy to track its progress. This will help ensure that they are growing at a healthy rate. Use a scale and track the weight weekly, especially during the first 6 months.
Body Condition Score: In addition to weight, use the body condition score (BCS) to assess whether your puppy is underweight or overweight. A score of 4-5 out of 9 is ideal for puppies, meaning you should be able to feel their ribs without excess fat.
Vet Visits: Regular check-ups with a vet are essential during the puppy phase to ensure they are growing well and to discuss any concerns related to diet, weight, or health.
Key Takeaways:
Rapid Growth: German Shepherds grow rapidly in the first 6 months, reaching about 50% of their adult weight by then.
Full Height by 1 Year: Most German Shepherds reach their full height by 1 year of age, but they will continue to fill out and gain muscle until 18-24 months.
Balanced Diet and Exercise: Proper nutrition and controlled exercise are essential to support healthy growth without stressing the joints or bones.
Track Weight: Regularly track your puppy's weight to ensure they are on track with growth milestones.