When Do German Shepherd Stop Growing? Growth & Weight Chart

I have a German Shepherd in the USA & let me help you to find the answer to “When Do German Shepherd Stop Growing”.

German Shepherds stop growing in height & length by the age of 18 to 24 months. However, their weight & muscle mass can continue to develop until they are around three years old.

The growth rates can vary between individual dogs based on genetics, diet & overall health.

Different ages of the growth of a German Shepherd:

• 0 to 6 months: Rapid growth phase where puppies can grow most of their height & length.

• 6 to 12 months: Slower growth, with the dog approaching its adult size.

• 12 to 18 months: Minimal growth in height & length, but continued development in weight & muscle mass.

• 18 to 24 months: Growth in height & length usually ceases, but some dogs may continue to grow & gain muscle mass.

• 24 to 36 months: Final development phase, with the dog reaching full physical maturity in terms of muscle mass & overall body condition.

German Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart

Below, we have mentioned the German Shepherd weight by age & growth chart of Male German Shepherds & Female German Shepherds.

Male German Shepherd Growth Chart

Age	Height (inches)	Weight (lbs)
1 month	4 – 6	5.5 – 9
2 months	7 – 9	16 – 20
3 months	9 – 11	22 – 30
4 months	11 – 14	35 – 40
5 months	14 – 16	40 – 49
6 months	16 – 18	49 – 57
7 months	19 – 20	57 – 62
8 months	20 – 22	62 – 66
9 months	21 – 23	64 – 71
10 months	22 – 24	66 – 73
11 months	22 – 24	68 – 75
1 year	24 – 26	60 – 64
1.5 years	24 – 26	60 – 66
2 years	24 – 26	60 – 66
3 years	24 – 26	65 – 90

Female German Shepherd Growth Chart

Age	Height (inches)	Weight (lbs)
1 month	3 -6	4.5 -8
2 months	6 -9	11 -17
3 months	8 -10	17 -26
4 months	10 -12	31 -35
5 months	12 -14	35 -44
6 months	15 -17	44 -49
7 months	17 -19	49 -53
8 months	18 -20	53 -57
9 months	19 -21	55 -60
10 months	19 -21	57 -62
11 months	20 -22	59 -64
12 months	22 -24	61 -68
18 months	24 -25	68 -78
24 months	24 -25	75 -85
36 months	24 -25	80 -90

German Shepherd Growth Stages

German Shepherds go through many growth stages as they go through puppyhood to adulthood. These growth stages can vary slightly from dog to dog but follow a similar timeline.

• Puppy (0-6 months): During this stage, German Shepherd puppies grow very quickly. They will gain weight, grow taller & start to develop their adult coat. It is important to provide proper nutrition & training during this stage to ensure healthy growth & development.

• Adolescent (6-18 months): At this stage, they have high energy levels & a strong desire to explore & play. German Shepherds may experience growth during this time & their bones & muscles will continue to develop. It is important to provide many exercises & mental stimulation to help prevent behavioral issues.

• Young Adult (18 months-3 years): By this stage, most German Shepherds have reached their full size & weight. They will continue to mature mentally & emotionally & training should continue during this stage to have good behaviors & prevent any behavior problems.

• Adult (3 years & older): German Shepherds are considered adults at around three years old, but they may continue to develop mentally & emotionally throughout their lives. It is important to continue providing regular exercise, mental stimulation & proper nutrition to keep your adult German Shepherd healthy & happy.

Also Read: How Much Space Does A German Shepherd Need?

German Shepherd Behavior Stages

Here are German Shepherd behavior stages based on age & stage.

Age	Stage	Behavior Characteristics
0-2 weeks	Newborn Stage	Depending on the mother, eyes & ears are closed.
2-4 weeks	Neonatal Stage	Eyes & ears open, starts to crawl.
2-4 weeks	Transitional Stage	Interacts with littermates & starts to play.
4-12 weeks	Socialization Stage	Learns social behaviors & needs exposure to various experiences.
3-6 months	Juvenile Stage	Rapid growth, more adventure & continued training are needed.
6-12 months	Adolescent Stage	Slower growth & need training.
1-3 years	Adult Stage	Reaches full size & needs continuous training.

Factors Affecting The Growth Of German Shepherd

Some factors can affect the growth of your German Shepherd like genetics, nutrition, exercise, health, environment, age, etc.

• Genetics: Genetics is an important factor in determining the growth of a German Shepherd. The size, build & overall development of a dog is affected by its genetics.

• Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for the growth & development of a German Shepherd. A balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients, vitamins & minerals is essential for healthy growth.

• Exercise: Regular exercise is important for the physical & mental well-being of a German Shepherd. Proper exercise helps to develop muscle, bone strength & overall growth.

• Health: The overall health of a German Shepherd can impact its growth. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations & preventative care can help ensure that the dog is healthy & growing properly.

• Environment: The environment in which a German Shepherd lives can also affect its growth. A clean & comfortable living space, free from stress can promote healthy growth.

• Age: The age of the German Shepherd can also affect its growth. Puppies grow faster in their first year of life, while adult dogs may have slowed growth & changes in body structure.

Also Read: Why Is My German Shepherd So Itchy?

Signs That Your German Shepherd Has Stopped Growing

You can consider some signs to understand if your German Shepherd has stopped growing, like slow growth, weight gain, low height, bone growth plate closure, etc.

• Slow growth: If your German Shepherd’s growth seems to have slowed down significantly or stopped altogether, this could be a sign that they have stopped growing.

• Weight gain: If your German Shepherd continues to gain weight but does not grow in height or length, this could be a sign that they have reached their full size.

• Low height: If you notice that your German Shepherd has not grown taller in a significant amount of time, this could be a sign that they have reached their full adult height.

• Behavioral changes: As German Shepherds mature & reach full size, they may experience changes in their behavior & energy levels.

• Bone growth plate closure: You can know if your German Shepherd has stopped growing by checking if their bone growth plates have closed. These growth plates help bones to increase length during growth & once they have closed, growth stops. A veterinarian can help to check if the growth plates have closed through X-rays.

Also Read: Why Is My German Shepherd So Skinny?

Tips To Grow Your German Shepherd

There are some tips that I used to grow my German Shepherd like providing proper nutrition, regular exercise, training, mental stimulation, grooming, etc.

• Proper Nutrition: Make sure to feed your German Shepherd a balanced & high-quality diet to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need for growth.

• Regular Exercise: German Shepherds are a high-energy breed & need exercise to stay healthy & happy. Get enough time for daily walks, playtime & other activities to keep them active.

• Socialization: Introduce your German Shepherd to different people, places & pets from a young age to help them develop good social skills & prevent aggression towards strangers.

• Training: Consistent training is key to a well-behaved German Shepherd. Start with basic commands & continue to challenge them with new tasks to keep their minds active.

• Mental Stimulation: German Shepherds are highly intelligent & need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Provide them with puzzle toys, interactive games & training sessions to keep their brains engaged.

• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Ensure your German Shepherd receives regular check-ups & vaccinations to prevent illness & catch any health issues early.

• Grooming: Regular grooming is essential to keep your German Shepherd looking & feeling their best. Brush their coat regularly, trim their nails & clean their ears to maintain their overall health & appearance.

Common Myths About German Shepherd Growth

German Shepherds are one of the best dog breeds which are known for their intelligence, loyalty & versatility. However, there are many myths about their growth.

#Myth 1: German Shepherds Stop Growing at One Year

Fact: German Shepherds continue to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Males may take a bit longer to reach their full size compared to females.

#Myth 2: The Size of the Paws Indicates Final Size

Fact: While large paws can sometimes indicate a larger adult size, it's not a definitive answer. Genetics, nutrition & overall health are the most important factors in determining a German Shepherd's final size.

#Myth 3: Feeding More Will Make Them Grow Bigger

Fact: Overfeeding can cause obesity & health problems but won't necessarily make a dog grow larger than its genetic potential. A balanced diet which is best according to their age & size is crucial for healthy development.

#Myth 4: Growth Supplements Can Enhance Their Size

Fact: Unnecessary supplements can cause health issues. Proper nutrition & veterinary care are essential. Supplements should only be given if recommended by a veterinarian.

#Myth 5: Spaying or Neutering Affects Growth

Fact: Spaying or neutering can affect hormone levels, which may slightly affect growth patterns, but it does not drastically increase the size of the dog. The timing of the procedure should be discussed with a vet.

#Myth 6: All German Shepherds Grow at the Same Rate

Fact: Growth rates can vary based on genetics, diet, exercise & health conditions. Comparing one German Shepherd’s growth to another’s can be wrong.

#Myth 7: You Can Tell a Puppy’s Adult Size by Its Growth at 6 Months

Fact: Growth can be unpredictable. Some puppies may grow rapidly early on and slow down with age, while others may have a more consistent growth rate.

Also Read:

German Shepherd End Of Life Symptoms

German Shepherd Bite Force PSI

How Fast Can a German Shepherd Run?

Can German Shepherd Kill Pitbull?

Conclusion

In conclusion, German Shepherds stop growing in height & length by 18-24 months, with weight & muscle mass development continuing to grow until around three years old.

Growth rates vary based on genetics, diet & health. You should provide proper nutrition, exercise, training, mental stimulation, and grooming for a healthy dog.

You should also see signs like slow growth, weight gain, low height, behavioral changes & bone growth plate closure. 

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