German Shepherd Size & Weight Chart: How Big Do They Get?
Written for general planning, not medical advice — no one at Argos Paws is a veterinarian. If something is wrong with your dog right now, call your vet or the nearest emergency clinic.
Quick answer: A full-grown German Shepherd typically weighs 50-90 lb (23-41 kg) and stands 22-26 in (56-66 cm) tall at the shoulder; males usually weigh 65-90 lb (29-41 kg) and females 50-70 lb (23-32 kg). Most reach their adult size by around 12-18 months.
Photo: gomagoti · CC BY-SA 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons
German Shepherds are a versatile working breed used in police, military, service, and herding roles, valued for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability.
| Size category | Large |
|---|---|
| Typical adult weight | 50-90 lb (23-41 kg) |
| Height at the shoulder | 22-26 in (56-66 cm) |
| Full grown by | 12-18 months |
| Life expectancy | 7-10 years |
Male vs female German Shepherd size
| Weight | Height | |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 65-90 lb (29-41 kg) | 24-26 in (61-66 cm) |
| Female | 50-70 lb (23-32 kg) | 22-24 in (56-61 cm) |
Per the AKC breed standard. Individual dogs can sit outside these ranges and still be perfectly healthy — body condition matters more than hitting a number.
German Shepherd weight chart by age (lb & kg)
Estimated weights for an average German Shepherd puppy, based on the typical growth curve for a large breed. Males usually track toward the top of each figure, females toward the bottom.
| Age | Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 months | ~14 lb | ~6.4 kg |
| 3 months | ~25 lb | ~11 kg |
| 4 months | ~34 lb | ~15 kg |
| 5 months | ~42 lb | ~19 kg |
| 6 months | ~53 lb | ~24 kg |
| 9 months | ~63 lb | ~29 kg |
| 12-18 months (full grown) | 50-90 lb | 23-41 kg |
When does a German Shepherd stop growing?
As a large breed, German Shepherds typically reach adult weight by 12-18 months. Height usually levels off first — a German Shepherd can look full height at 9-12 months but keep adding chest depth and muscle for months afterward.
Use the Puppy Weight Predictor below — it's pre-loaded with the German Shepherd's growth curve, so just enter your puppy's current weight and age.
Predict your German Shepherd's adult weight
Enter your puppy's current weight and age to get an estimate based on this breed's typical growth curve.
Open the Puppy Weight PredictorHow much does it cost to feed a German Shepherd?
A typical adult German Shepherd (70 lb, average activity) needs roughly 1498 kcal/day — about 0.9 lb (3.5 cups) of dry kibble per day, which works out to around $53/month at typical kibble prices. Fresh or subscription-style food usually costs more, around $599/month for the same dog. These are population-level estimates — use the calculator below for a number based on your dog's actual weight and food type, or see the German Shepherd feeding chart for puppy amounts by month.
Estimate German Shepherd food costs
Pre-filled with this breed's typical adult weight — adjust activity level and food type to get your monthly estimate.
Open the Dog Food Cost CalculatorBrowse dog food sized for a German Shepherd
Compare dry, wet, and breed-specific formulas — filter by your dog's size and life stage to narrow it down.
Browse dog food on Amazon(affiliate link)How old is my German Shepherd in human years?
The old "×7" rule doesn't hold up — large breeds like the German Shepherd age at their own rate, not a generic one. Use the calculator below, pre-set to this breed's size.
Convert your German Shepherd's age
Pre-filled with this breed's size category for a more accurate human-year estimate than a flat multiplier.
Open the German Shepherd Age CalculatorCommon health considerations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia are common enough that health screening is standard practice for breeders.
- Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord disease, is more prevalent in this breed.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) risk is elevated in deep-chested large breeds like this one.
This is general breed-level information, not a diagnosis or a prediction for any individual dog. Talk to your vet about health screening and preventive care specific to your dog.
Is pet insurance worth it for a German Shepherd?
See a typical monthly premium for this breed and whether it would likely pay off against a major vet bill.
German Shepherd insurance costEstimate what coverage would cost for your dog
Premiums swing widely by breed, age, and location. Our calculator gives you a realistic range in about a minute — no email, no sign-up.
Open the pet insurance calculatorJoint supplements can help support a growing German Shepherd
Larger breeds carry more weight on developing joints. Many owners start a glucosamine/chondroitin or omega-3 supplement during the growth phase rather than waiting for stiffness to appear.
Browse joint supplements on Amazon(affiliate link)Similar breeds
Based on energy level, living-space fit, and care needs, these breeds are closest to the German Shepherd:
Take our breed match quiz
Answer a few quick questions about your lifestyle and living space to see which breeds — not just the German Shepherd — actually fit best.
Take the Breed Match QuizFrequently asked questions
How much does a full-grown German Shepherd weigh?
A full-grown German Shepherd typically weighs 50-90 lb (23-41 kg), making it a large breed. Males usually weigh 65-90 lb (29-41 kg) and females 50-70 lb (23-32 kg). Individual dogs vary within that range depending on sex, genetics, and body condition — use the Puppy Weight Predictor above for an estimate based on your specific puppy's current weight and age.
How tall is a full-grown German Shepherd?
A full-grown German Shepherd stands 22-26 in (56-66 cm) tall, measured at the shoulder (withers). Males are typically 24-26 in (61-66 cm) and females 22-24 in (56-61 cm).
When does a German Shepherd stop growing?
As a large breed, German Shepherds typically reach adult weight by 12-18 months. Height typically levels off a bit before this; larger breeds like this one keep adding muscle and body mass for months after they stop getting taller.
Is a German Shepherd a good first dog?
The German Shepherd is usually better suited to an owner with some prior dog experience. That doesn't rule out a well-prepared first-time owner, but the breed's needs are less forgiving of a learn-as-you-go approach.
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
A lot. The German Shepherd needs serious daily exercise — 60-90+ minutes, ideally with a job to do (training, fetch, hiking) rather than just a walk. An under-exercised German Shepherd is a common source of destructive or restless behavior.
Is a German Shepherd good with kids?
Generally good with kids, especially with basic training and normal socialization. As with any breed, supervise younger children and teach them how to approach and handle the dog.
How much grooming does a German Shepherd need?
A moderate, manageable routine — weekly brushing covers most German Shepherds, with occasional baths as needed.