German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly during their first year, with males reaching between 24 to 26 inches (61 to 66 cm) at the shoulder and females standing 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm). At 8 weeks, a male puppy typically weighs 16–20 lbs (7.2–9.0 kg) and stands around 10–12 inches tall. By 6 months, they hit 45–55 lbs (20–25 kg) and 18–20 inches in height. Standing up on their hind legs, adult males can reach 60–65 inches, while females often reach 56–60 inches.
When I first brought my German Shepherd, Luna, home at 2 months old, she weighed a little over 17 lbs and could barely reach my shin. Fast forward to her first birthday, and she was towering at 24 inches at the withers and almost 60 inches tall when standing up. Understanding the German Shepherd Puppy Size curve helped me plan her diet, vet visits, and even what size crate to buy. Discover the perfect collar size for an Anatolian Shepherd Dog to ensure comfort and security for your furry friend.
German Shepherd Puppy Size: Height vs. Standing Height
German Shepherds have a lean but athletic frame. The AKC standard defines their height at the shoulder (withers) as:
- Male: 24 – 26 inches (61 – 66 cm)
- Female: 22 – 24 inches (56 – 61 cm)
Their standing height—on hind legs—adds 30–40 inches on top of their shoulder height, depending on neck length and posture.
| Gender | Height at Withers | Standing Height |
| Male | 24 – 26 in | 60 – 65 in |
| Female | 22 – 24 in | 56 – 60 in |
Luna, a female, maxed out at 23.8 inches at the shoulder and stood just under 60 inches when excited. She often leaned on the counter with her front paws—a good reminder to never leave food unattended. Learn more about the unique double-layered coat of an Anatolian Shepherd and how to care for it effectively.
German Shepherd Puppy Size Chart by Age
Below is a growth chart based on veterinary and breeder data, plus personal tracking from Luna’s first year.
Male German Shepherd Puppy Size
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Height (in) |
| 8 weeks | 16 – 20 | 10 – 12 |
| 12 weeks | 22 – 30 | 12 – 14 |
| 4 months | 30 – 40 | 14 – 16 |
| 5 months | 40 – 49 | 16 – 18 |
| 6 months | 50 – 60 | 18 – 20 |
| 9 months | 65 – 70 | 22 – 24 |
| 12 mo | 70 – 80 | 24 – 26 |
Female German Shepherd Puppy Size
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Height (in) |
| 8 weeks | 14 – 17 | 9 – 11 |
| 12 weeks | 20 – 25 | 11 – 13 |
| 4 months | 28 – 34 | 13 – 15 |
| 5 months | 34 – 42 | 15 – 17 |
| 6 months | 40 – 48 | 17 – 19 |
| 9 months | 50 – 60 | 20 – 22 |
| 12 mo | 60 – 70 | 22 – 24 |
At 6 months, Luna was 46 lbs and 18.9 inches tall. By 1 year, she reached her adult size of 65 lbs and 23.8 inches at the shoulder. For insights on whether Pomeranians should wear a collar, including considerations for safety and alternatives, check out this informative article.
Puppy Growth Milestones and What to Expect
2 Months Old (8–9 Weeks)
- Weight: 14–20 lbs
- Height: 9–12 inches
- Standing Height: 18–22 inches
Puppies at this age double in weight every 2–3 weeks. Expect clumsy legs, big ears, and a huge appetite.
4 Months Old
- Weight: 30–40 lbs
- Height: 14–16 inches
- Standing Height: 28–32 inches
Their paws look oversized, and their back legs grow faster than their front, making them look awkward. Luna ate 1,200–1,400 kcal/day during this time.
6 Months Old
- Weight: 45–55 lbs
- Height: 18–20 inches
- Standing Height: 36–40 inches
This is a growth spurt period. Expect up to 1 inch/month in height and 2–4 lbs/week in weight gain.
9 Months Old
- Weight: 60–70 lbs
- Height: 22–24 inches
- Standing Height: 50–60 inches
Puppies look almost full-grown but still lack full muscle tone. Luna started formal obedience training at this age.
12 Months Old
- Weight: 65–80 lbs
- Height: 22–26 inches
- Standing Height: 56–65 inches
Most German Shepherds hit 90–95% of their final size by 12 months. The rest is filling out.
18–24 Months (Adulthood)
- Final weight: 70–90 lbs (Males), 60–75 lbs (Females)
- Final height: 24–26 in (Males), 22–24 in (Females)
- Standing height: 60–65 in (Males), 56–60 in (Females)
Muscle and chest development continues. Luna’s chest expanded from 24 inches at 1 year to 27 inches by 2 years. For a comprehensive guide on what kind of harness is best for a Pomeranian, including comfort and safety tips, check out this article.
German Shepherd Growth vs. Other Large Breeds
| Breed | Adult Weight | Adult Height | Standing Height |
| German Shepherd M | 70–90 lbs | 24–26 in | 60–65 in |
| German Shepherd F | 60–75 lbs | 22–24 in | 56–60 in |
| Labrador Retriever | 55–80 lbs | 22–24 in | 54–60 in |
| Dogo Argentino | 80–100 lbs | 24–27 in | 66–70 in |
| Golden Retriever | 55–75 lbs | 21–24 in | 54–60 in |
| Great Dane | 110–175 lbs | 30–34 in | 72–78 in |
Factors That Influence Puppy Size
1. Genetics
Size traits are passed down directly from the parents.
- Luna’s dam was 72 lbs and 23 inches tall.
- Her sire was 88 lbs and 26 inches.
- She landed in between, topping out at 65 lbs and 23.8 inches.
2. Diet and Nutrition
- High-protein diets (28–32%) are essential for muscle.
- Calcium:Phosphorus ratio of 1.2:1 prevents joint deformities.
- Luna consumed 1,800–2,000 kcal/day at 12 months.
3. Exercise and Play
- 2–3 short walks/day.
- No hard jumping before 12 months.
- Fetch, swimming, and tug toys helped Luna gain strength safely.
4. Neutering Age
Early neutering (before 6 months) can delay closure of growth plates, potentially making the dog taller but leaner. Luna was spayed at 16 months, after her growth plates had closed.
5. Health Conditions
- Hip dysplasia or EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) can stunt growth.
- Regular vet checkups ensure healthy development.
How to Measure Your Puppy’s Height Accurately
Measuring Shoulder Height:
- Have the puppy stand straight.
- Place a yardstick vertically from the floor to the shoulder blade.
- Record the number. Luna measured 18 inches at 6 months.
Measuring Standing Height:
- Gently encourage the dog to stand upright.
- Measure from paws to top of head.
- Luna stood 57 inches tall at 14 months.
Discover if the American Eskimo is a guard dog and learn about its suitability for protecting your home.
FAQs About German Shepherd Puppy Size
When will my German Shepherd stop growing?
Most German Shepherds reach adult height by 12 months, but full muscle and weight continue building until 18–24 months.
How big should my GSD be at 4 months?
Males: 30–40 lbs, 14–16 inches. Females: 28–34 lbs, 13–15 inches.
My puppy is smaller than the chart. Is that normal?
Growth varies. Genetics, nutrition, and even stress can impact size. Monitor trends, not just numbers.
Final Thoughts
Watching a German Shepherd puppy grow is like watching a wolf turn into a family protector. From 10 inches at the shoulder at 8 weeks to 24–26 inches by adulthood, the German Shepherd Puppy Size journey is fast and fascinating. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps you provide the right care—from adjusting caloric intake to choosing the perfect crate or harness. Learn about the size collar for an American Eskimo to ensure a perfect fit and comfort for your dog.
Luna went from a clumsy 17-lb furball to a majestic 65-lb shepherd with a 60-inch standing height. Whether your pup ends up slightly smaller or taller, the key is to fuel their growth with love, balanced nutrition, and regular checkups.
