Did you know that maintaining the ideal weight for your German Shepherd is crucial for their overall health and well-being?
In this guide, we’ll explore the various factors that affect a German Shepherd’s weight and provide a complete chart to help you monitor your furry friend’s growth.
So, how much should a German Shepherd weigh? Let’s take a look…
CONTENTS
- Male German Shepherd Growth Chart
- Female German Shepherd Growth Chart
- How to Use the Weight Chart
- Monitoring Your Dog’s Progress
- German Shepherd Weight Basics
- Importance of Healthy Weight
- Factors Affecting Weight
- Average German Shepherd Weight by Age
- Puppy Weight
- Adult Weight
- Factors Influencing German Shepherd Weight
- Genetics
- Diet and Nutrition
- Exercise and Activity Levels
- Assessing Your German Shepherd’s Weight
- Body Condition Score (BCS)
- Visual and Physical Examination
- Addressing Weight Issues in German Shepherds
- Overweight German Shepherds
- Underweight German Shepherds
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight for Your German Shepherd
- Regular Check-ups and Monitoring
- Balanced Diet and Exercise
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How much should a German Shepherd weigh by age?
- How much does a full-size German Shepherd weigh?
- What is overweight for a German Shepherd?
- What factors influence my German Shepherd’s weight?
- How can I help my overweight German Shepherd lose weight?
German Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart
A weight chart can help track your German Shepherd’s growth and ensure they are developing at a healthy pace. Our German Shepherd weight chart provides estimated weight for each age group, from 1 month to 3 years, allowing you to monitor your dog’s progress and compare it to average weight milestones.
Male German Shepherd Growth Chart
| Age | Height | Weight |
| 1 month | 4 – 6” | 5.5 – 9 lbs |
| 2 months | 7 – 9” | 16 – 20 lbs |
| 3 months | 9 – 11” | 22 – 30 lbs |
| 4 months | 11 – 14” | 35 – 40 lbs |
| 5 months | 14 – 16” | 40 – 49 lbs |
| 6 months | 16 – 18” | 49 – 57 lbs |
| 7 months | 19 – 20” | 57 – 62 lbs |
| 8 months | 20 – 22” | 62 – 66 lbs |
| 9 months | 21 – 23” | 64 – 71 lbs |
| 10 months | 22 – 24” | 66 – 73 lbs |
| 11 months | 22 – 24” | 71 – 75 lbs |
| 1 year | 22 – 24” | 71 – 79 lbs |
| 1.5 years | 23 – 25” | 71 – 79 lbs |
| 2 years | 23 – 23” | 71 – 84 lbs |
| 3 years | 24 – 26” | 79 – 88 lbs |
Female German Shepherd Growth Chart
| Age | Height | Weight |
| 1 month | 3 – 6” | 4.5 – 8 lbs |
| 2 months | 6 – 9” | 11 – 17 lbs |
| 3 months | 8 – 10” | 17 – 26 lbs |
| 4 months | 10 – 12” | 31 – 35 lbs |
| 5 months | 12 – 14” | 35 – 44 lbs |
| 6 months | 15 – 17” | 44 – 49 lbs |
| 7 months | 17 – 19” | 49 – 53 lbs |
| 8 months | 18 – 20” | 53 – 57 lbs |
| 9 months | 19 – 21” | 55 – 60 lbs |
| 10 months | 19 – 21” | 57 – 62 lbs |
| 11 months | 20 – 22” | 60 – 64 lbs |
| 1 year | 20 – 22” | 60 – 64 lbs |
| 1.5 years old | 21 – 22” | 60 – 66 lbs |
| 2 years | 21 – 22” | 60 – 66 lbs |
| 3 years | 22 – 24” | 66 – 70 lbs |
Regularly checking the chart will help you identify any potential weight issues and address them in a timely manner, ensuring your furry friend’s health and well-being.
How to Use the Weight Chart
Using our chart is simple. Weigh your pup and make a note of the number. Then locate your pup’s age on the chart and simply follow it across to the weight column to check whether your puppy’s weight matches the weight range shown.
You can print out the chart and note down where your puppy’s weight is at each stage (for example once a month).
By regularly tracking your German Shepherd’s weight using the chart, you can ensure they are growing at a healthy pace and address any potential weight issues before they become a problem.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Progress
It’s crucial to update the weight chart regularly to track your German Shepherd’s growth and identify any potential weight issues. If you notice any sudden changes in your dog’s weight or if they fall outside the average weight range for their age, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian and make any necessary adjustments to their diet and exercise routine.
By staying proactive in monitoring your dog’s progress, you can ensure they maintain a healthy weight and live a happy, active life.
German Shepherd Weight Basics
When it comes to your German Shepherd’s weight, it’s important to understand that various factors can influence their ideal weight. Age and genetics among other factors all play a significant role in determining how much your beloved canine companion should weigh.
So, why is it important to keep your German Shepherd at an optimal weight? Keeping your German Shepherd breed dogs at an ideal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health.
Typically, an adult German Shepherd weighs around 80lbs, but a month-old German Shepherd puppy will weigh significantly less. The healthy weight range for a grown German Shepherd, according to the American Kennel Club, is 50 to 90 pounds.
Genetics have a major influence on how big a German Shepherd will be when it’s fully grown, including both male and female German Shepherds.
Importance of Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight for your German Shepherd can prevent various health issues and ensure a longer, happier life. An overweight German Shepherd can be at risk of developing health issues like arthritis, diabetes, joint injuries, and high blood pressure.
It’s especially important to maintain their weight after German Shepherds stop growing. Accelerated growth due to overfeeding can put a strain on their joints and increase the likelihood of hip dysplasia. This is a common issue in some dog breeds, including German Shepherds.
On the other hand, being underweight can lead to a weakened immune system, poor coat condition, and a greater risk of injury. Diabetes mellitus is a health issue that could affect German Shepherds and lead to severe weight loss.
With any dog breed, you should always be keeping an eye on their weight. In my experience, weight changes (even slight ones) can be an early indicator of an issue. Catching health problems early can help you to treat them effectively.
Factors Affecting Weight
As mentioned earlier, factors such as age, gender, diet, exercise, and genetics play a role in a German Shepherd’s weight.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are key for keeping the German Shepherd Dog breed at a healthy weight. The environment, climate, and health conditions can all have an effect on their weight as well.
Understanding these factors will help you make better choices regarding your dog’s diet, exercise, and overall care. By monitoring your dog’s weight, you can ensure they maintain a healthy weight and live a happy life. Which is what we all want as dog owners.
Average German Shepherd Weight by Age
German Shepherd puppies and adults have different weight ranges, with puppies experiencing rapid growth in their first few months.
It’s essential to keep track of the growth of your German Shepherd puppy and compare it to the average German Shepherd growth milestones to ensure they are developing at a healthy pace.
For example, male German Shepherd puppies typically weigh between 71 and 79 pounds at 6 months old. While female puppies have an average weight of 60-64 pounds at 12 months and 60-66 pounds at 18 months.
German Shepherds typically take three years to reach their full adult weight. They mature physically and mentally after 36 months.
Adult males usually weigh around 80 pounds at 18 months and 84 pounds at 36 months, while females typically weigh between 66 and 70 pounds at 24 months.
Puppy Weight
Puppy weight varies by age and gender, with growth spurts typically occurring between 2-5 months. A German Shepherd puppy usually weighs around 503 grams or 1.1 lbs when it’s born.
At 8 weeks, it’s generally between 11-17 lbs. At 12 weeks, the average weight is 15-30 pounds.
Genetics, diet and nutrition, exercise and activity levels, and body condition score (BCS) all play a role in a puppy’s weight. By regularly monitoring their growth, you can ensure your German Shepherd puppy is on track and help them achieve a healthy adult weight.
Adult Weight
Adult German Shepherds have a weight range depending on their gender, with males typically weighing more than females. Males usually weigh between 79-88 lbs (36-40 kg), and a female German Shepherd usually weighs between 66-70 lbs (29-31 kg).
It is essential to monitor your German Shepherd Dogs weight as they grow into adulthood. This ensures they maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of health issues associated with being underweight or overweight.
Factors Influencing German Shepherd Weight
As mentioned in previous sections, there are lots of factors that can influence your German Shepherd’s weight and overall health. Understanding these factors and how they impact your dog’s weight will help you make better choices regarding their diet, exercise, and overall care.
In the following subsections, we’ll delve deeper into each of these factors and how they can affect your German Shepherd’s weight.
Genetics
Just like us, a dog’s genes play a big role in how they develop. Genetics play a part in determining your German Shepherd’s size and weight, with parental size being a strong indicator of how big your dog will be when fully grown.
It’s essential to keep this in mind when monitoring your dog’s weight and growth, as some German Shepherds may naturally be smaller or larger than average due to their genetic makeup.
By understanding the role genetics plays in your dog’s weight, you can better manage their health.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet and proper nutrition are essential for maintaining a healthy weight in German Shepherds. Providing them with high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs will ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development.
It’s also important to monitor food intake and adjust portions as needed to prevent overfeeding and weight gain.
I know that when our dogs are behaving well, or even when they’re just particularly adorable, we want to give them lots of treats. But it’s important to feed healthy treats and stick to feeding guidelines so you aren’t overfeeding your furbaby. Try to share human food with them (certainly not very often).
By providing your German Shepherd with a well-rounded diet, you’ll be supporting their overall health and well-being.
Exercise and Activity Levels
Exercise and activity levels can impact your German Shepherd’s weight, with regular exercise being crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Engaging your dog in physical activities such as walking, swimming, or playing fetch will help them burn calories and maintain their muscle mass.
Additionally, regular exercise can improve your dog’s mental health, reducing stress and anxiety. German Shepherds are naturally very active dogs, so get your walking boots on!
By ensuring your German Shepherd receives adequate exercise, you’ll be promoting their overall well-being and helping them maintain a healthy weight.
Assessing Your German Shepherd’s Weight
Assessing your German Shepherd’s weight involves using a Body Condition Score (BCS) and conducting a visual and physical examination. These methods can help you determine if your dog is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight.
In the following subsections, we’ll explore the BCS and visual and physical examination methods in more detail, providing you with useful tools to assess and manage your German Shepherd’s weight.
Body Condition Score (BCS)
BCS is a method for measuring body fat in dogs, using a scale to evaluate weight, height, body length, circumference, and fat percentage. A BCS of 1 indicates that a dog is severely underweight, while a score of 9 signifies extreme obesity.
By regularly evaluating your German Shepherd’s BCS, you can monitor their body condition and make any necessary adjustments to their diet and exercise routine.
Visual and Physical Examination
A visual and physical examination of your German Shepherd can help determine if they are underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight. To conduct a visual examination, observe your dog’s overall body shape, looking for signs of excess fat or visible ribs.
I find it helpful to take pictures of my dogs from different angles, including from above. This helps to compare them to the BSC chart. I also find it helps to track any changes in their bodies over time, as I can just compare the photos.
For a physical examination, gently feel your dog’s ribs and waist area to assess their body fat levels. If you have concerns about your dog’s weight, consult with your veterinarian for further assessment and guidance.
Addressing Weight Issues in German Shepherds
Addressing weight issues in German Shepherds involves identifying the cause and implementing appropriate solutions. Whether your dog is underweight or overweight, understanding the factors contributing to their weight issues will help you make informed decisions about how to improve things.
In the following subsections, we’ll discuss specific strategies for addressing weight issues in overweight and underweight German Shepherds, providing you with practical solutions and guidance.
Overweight German Shepherds
Overweight German Shepherds may require a change in diet, increased exercise, and regular monitoring to achieve a healthy weight. By feeding them a high-quality diet with high protein and fiber but low fat, and incorporating gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or playing fetch, you can help your dog shed excess weight.
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and monitoring your dog’s progress will ensure they stay on track and maintain a healthy weight long-term.
If you’re unsure about how to help your dog, it’s always a good idea to chat with your vet who can give you more guidance.
Underweight German Shepherds
Underweight German Shepherds may need a vet consultation and dietary adjustments to reach an ideal weight. Your veterinarian can help identify any underlying health issues that may be contributing to your dog’s low weight and recommend appropriate dietary changes.
By providing your dog with a nutrient-rich diet and engaging them in regular exercise, you can help them build muscle mass and regain weight.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight for Your German Shepherd
Maintaining a healthy weight for your German Shepherd involves regular check-ups, monitoring food intake, and ensuring they receive adequate exercise. As owners, it’s our responsibility to be proactive about our dog’s health and well-being to help them live a happy, active life.
In the following subsections, we’ll discuss the importance of regular check-ups and monitoring, as well as the role of a balanced diet and exercise in maintaining a healthy weight for your German Shepherd.
Regular Check-ups and Monitoring
Regular vet visits and monitoring of your German Shepherd’s weight and body condition score (BSC) can help identify and address any potential weight issues before they become serious health concerns.
My dogs go to the vet every six months to get weighed and health checked, even if they’re otherwise healthy. I highly recommend doing this if you’re able to, as it’s very reassuring and helps to catch issues early.
Balanced Diet and Exercise
Remember we talked about the importance of diet and exercise earlier? Providing a balanced diet and engaging your German Shepherd in regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and promote overall well-being.
Feed your dog high-quality, nutrient-rich food. Take them for lots of walks, engage them in playtime, and try activities that get their mind working. After all, these dog are bred to work so they need to be kept busy.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding your German Shepherd’s ideal weight and the factors that influence it is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. By regularly assessing their weight, addressing any weight issues, and providing a balanced diet and regular exercise, you’ll ensure your German Shepherd lives a happy, healthy life.
Take action now to keep your furry friend at their ideal weight and enjoy the many years of companionship ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a German Shepherd weigh by age?
On average, a German Shepherd should weigh around 75 pounds when they reach adulthood at age 2-3 years old. Check out our German Shepherd weight chart for more.
How much does a full-size German Shepherd weigh?
A full-size German Shepherd typically weighs between 75 and 90 pounds, with females weighing slightly less at 55 to 70 pounds.
What is overweight for a German Shepherd?
If your German Shepherd weighs 100 pounds or more, they are overweight. An adult male should weigh between 75-90 pounds and a female should weigh 50-75 pounds.
What factors influence my German Shepherd’s weight?
Genetics, diet, exercise, and age are all key factors that can significantly affect your German Shepherd’s weight.
How can I help my overweight German Shepherd lose weight?
To help your overweight German Shepherd, you should provide a high-quality diet, increase their exercise, and regularly monitor their progress.
This will help them to lose weight in a healthy way and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
