Female German Shepherds, on average, weigh between 22 to 40 kg (48 to 88 lbs) as adults. At 8 weeks old, female puppies typically weigh around 4.5–6.8 kg (10–15 lbs). By 6 months, they typically weigh 18–24 kg (39–53 lbs), and by 1 year, they reach approximately 25–32 kg (55–71 lbs). Their final adult weight is usually reached between 18 and 24 months, with most females averaging between 28–35 kg (62–77 lbs).
When I first adopted my German Shepherd, Bella, at 8 weeks, she weighed just 6 kg. Fast forward to her first birthday, and she weighed 30 kg—a healthy, muscular frame with plenty of energy. Understanding the expected Female German Shepherd Weight milestones helps ensure a puppy’s growth is on track and that they receive the right amount of nutrients throughout their development. Learn about the size collar for an American Eskimo to ensure a perfect fit and comfort for your dog.
German Shepherd Female Weight: Standard by Age
Key Growth Milestones for Female German Shepherds
German Shepherds are medium to large dogs, with females being slightly smaller than males. Their growth is typically rapid in the first year, but continues gradually through their second year. Here’s an overview of the weight chart for female German Shepherds:
| Age | Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) |
| 8 Weeks | 4.5 – 6.8 kg | 10 – 15 lbs |
| 12 Weeks | 6.8 – 9.1 kg | 15 – 20 lbs |
| 4 Months | 9.1 – 13.6 kg | 20 – 30 lbs |
| 6 Months | 14 – 18 kg | 30 – 39 lbs |
| 9 Months | 18 – 24 kg | 39 – 53 lbs |
| 12 Months | 25 – 32 kg | 55 – 71 lbs |
| 18 Months | 28 – 35 kg | 62 – 77 lbs |
| 24 Months | 28 – 40 kg | 62 – 88 lbs |
At 6 months, Bella weighed 16.5 kg, and by 12 months, she reached 30 kg, staying within the healthy range for her size and age. Discover why Afghan Hound collars are wide by exploring the unique characteristics of this breed and how wide collars enhance their comfort and style.
Female German Shepherd Weight: Factors Influencing Growth
1. Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in determining the adult weight of a German Shepherd. The parents’ sizes (particularly the mother) give a good indication of the expected final weight. Bella’s mother weighed about 32 kg, and her father was around 35 kg, so it was no surprise when she topped out at 30 kg at 1 year.
2. Diet and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is crucial in ensuring your puppy grows at a steady, healthy rate. At 8 weeks, Bella’s diet consisted of high-quality puppy food, which included 28–32% protein and 18–20% fat. By 6 months, we switched her to a balanced adult food with fewer calories but still rich in protein, which helped her muscle development.
The caloric intake changes with age:
- 8 weeks: 200–250 kcal/day
- 4 months: 450–650 kcal/day
- 1 year: 1,100–1,300 kcal/day
3. Exercise and Activity Level
German Shepherds are known for their high energy levels and need for consistent exercise. Regular exercise ensures that they grow strong and lean. Bella’s daily walks and playtime helped her build lean muscle mass without putting on excess weight. A lack of physical activity, on the other hand, can cause unhealthy weight gain.
4. Spaying/Neutering
Spaying or neutering can affect a dog’s weight, potentially leading to a slightly higher body weight. Bella was spayed at 18 months, and I noticed that her body shape became more streamlined after the procedure, but she maintained a steady weight of 30 kg throughout adulthood. Find out what style dog collar is best for hounds to ensure comfort and safety for your furry friend.
Female German Shepherd Growth Chart: Real-Life Insights
Below is a more detailed growth chart for female German Shepherds, including real-life insights into Bella’s growth trajectory.
8 Weeks (2 Months)
- Weight: 4.5 – 6.8 kg (10 – 15 lbs)
- Height: 9 – 12 inches (23 – 30 cm)
- Development: Puppies at this stage are full of energy and starting to explore their environment. They have rapid growth spurts and will double their weight in the first month.
Bella weighed 6 kg at 8 weeks, and she was full of curiosity. Her legs seemed too long for her body, but that’s a typical puppy characteristic!
12 Weeks (3 Months)
- Weight: 6.8 – 9.1 kg (15 – 20 lbs)
- Height: 12 – 14 inches (30 – 35 cm)
- Development: By this age, your German Shepherd is now more coordinated and confident. Their motor skills start improving, and they begin developing personality traits.
Bella weighed 8 kg at 12 weeks. She had a strong build for her size and loved playing with her siblings. During this period, it’s important to start socializing puppies with other dogs and humans.
4 Months
- Weight: 9.1 – 13.6 kg (20 – 30 lbs)
- Height: 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm)
- Development: At 4 months, the puppy’s body starts looking more proportional. Their muscles are starting to form, and they become more active. The teething phase begins during this period.
Bella weighed 12 kg at 4 months, and she looked like she was almost fully grown. She was also transitioning from puppy food to a more balanced adult diet, which allowed for healthy muscle and bone development.
6 Months
- Weight: 14 – 18 kg (30 – 39 lbs)
- Height: 16 – 18 inches (41 – 46 cm)
- Development: This is a growth spurt period, where female German Shepherds develop muscle strength. You may notice them becoming less gangly and more defined.
By 6 months, Bella weighed 16.5 kg and had grown into a tall, athletic puppy. She was well-muscled, and her weight gain had slowed to a more manageable level as she entered her teenage phase.
9 Months
- Weight: 18 – 24 kg (39 – 53 lbs)
- Height: 18 – 20 inches (46 – 51 cm)
- Development: By now, most female German Shepherds will start to appear like adults, though they still have puppy characteristics, particularly in their behavior. They are very energetic and may require more frequent training sessions.
Bella weighed 19 kg at 9 months and her development was nearly complete. She had a lot of energy and still enjoyed chasing after toys and running.
12 Months (1 Year)
- Weight: 25 – 32 kg (55 – 71 lbs)
- Height: 20 – 22 inches (51 – 56 cm)
- Development: At 1 year, female German Shepherds reach near-adult size. Their growth rate starts to slow down significantly, and their body composition becomes leaner and more defined.
Bella weighed 30 kg at 1 year, and she had developed her adult physique. At this stage, her energy levels were slightly more manageable, but she was still quite active.
18 Months
- Weight: 28 – 35 kg (62 – 77 lbs)
- Height: 22 – 24 inches (56 – 61 cm)
- Development: Female German Shepherds are approaching their full size, and their muscle tone is significantly improved.
Bella weighed 32 kg at 18 months, and she had transitioned into a much leaner and muscular dog.
24 Months (2 Years)
- Weight: 28 – 40 kg (62 – 88 lbs)
- Height: 22 – 26 inches (56 – 66 cm)
- Development: The final weight is reached by the end of 2 years. This is when your German Shepherd will fully mature physically, though some may continue to fill out and build muscle up to 3 years.
By 24 months, Bella had reached her final weight of 30 kg and stood at 23 inches. Her development was complete, and she was a healthy, active dog. The recommended size collar for an English Cocker Spaniel usually ranges from 12 to 18 inches, providing a snug and comfortable fit for your dog.
How to Keep Your German Shepherd Healthy and at a Good Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your German Shepherd’s longevity. Here are some tips to keep your dog at a good weight:
- Provide a Balanced Diet: Feed them high-quality dog food with appropriate levels of protein and fat. Bella thrived on a food that contained 30% protein and 18% fat after 12 months.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in daily walks and playtime. German Shepherds need around 1–2 hours of exercise per day.
- Watch for Overfeeding: Avoid giving too many treats or human food, as it can lead to weight gain.
- Vet Checkups: Regular vet visits help monitor weight and health. Bella’s vet checked her weight every 3–6 months.
- Monitor for Health Issues: Keep an eye on any changes in appetite or behavior, which could indicate a health issue like hypothyroidism.
FAQs About Female German Shepherd Weight
How much should a 6-month-old female German Shepherd weigh?
Typically, they should weigh between 14–18 kg (30–39 lbs).
When will my female German Shepherd stop growing?
Female German Shepherds usually stop growing between 18–24 months, but they may continue to fill out in muscle mass until they’re around 3 years old.
Is it normal for my German Shepherd to be smaller than other dogs?
Yes, some variation in size is normal. Genetics, nutrition, and overall health all play a role.
Final Thoughts
The Female German Shepherd Weight can vary, but with proper care, they typically fall within the 28–40 kg range (62–88 lbs) by the time they reach 2 years. Monitoring their growth and development is key to ensuring they stay healthy and happy. Whether they’re a spunky puppy weighing 6 kg or a full-grown dog weighing 30 kg, your German Shepherd’s size will reflect their genetic potential and the care they receive. To find the perfect fit, learn more about what size collar for a Bichon, ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety.
