If you're considering bringing a German Shepherd into your family, one of the first things you'll want to think about is the cost of ownership.
The initial cost of buying a German Shepherd can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on factors like bloodlines, breeder reputation, and location.
Owning a German Shepherd also means regular veterinary care, which can add up quickly. On average, you can expect to pay around $500 to $700 per year for routine check-ups and vaccinations.
From there, the costs can add up quickly, especially as your German Shepherd grows and ages.
German Shepherd Size and Growth
German Shepherd size and growth can be a bit confusing, but I'm here to break it down for you. At 1 month old, a German Shepherd puppy can weigh anywhere from 5.5 to 9 pounds and stand between 4 to 6 inches tall.
German Shepherds grow at different rates, but on average, a 6-month-old male will weigh around 53 pounds, while a female will weigh about 46 pounds. This massive growth spurt usually happens between 2 and 5 months old, so expect your puppy to grow significantly during this time.
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A good way to gauge how much bigger your German Shepherd will get is to check their age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they still have room to grow. You can also look at their paw size – if it's large compared to their legs and body, it's a sign they're still growing.
Here's a rough estimate of a German Shepherd's growth:
By the time your German Shepherd reaches adulthood, they'll typically weigh between 75 to 90 pounds for males and 55 to 70 pounds for females. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and some dogs may grow bigger or smaller due to various genetic and environmental factors.
Understanding German Shepherd Size
German Shepherds can grow significantly in the first two years, with some puppies still having room to grow at 11 months old. They will likely continue to grow until they reach their full size between 1 to 2 years old.
Their paw size is a good indicator of whether they still have growing to do - if their paws look large compared to their legs and body, they're probably still growing! If you bought your German Shepherd from a breeder, they can give you an estimated weight based on your puppy's parents and past litter.
Here's a rough estimate of German Shepherd growth rates:
An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while a female is 22 to 24 inches tall. Males weigh between 75 to 90 pounds, while females weigh between 55 to 70 pounds.
Will My German Shepherd Grow?
At six months old, a German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, with males weighing around 53 pounds on average and females weighing about 46 pounds.
If your German Shepherd is younger than two years old, they still have room to keep growing. This is because German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old.
A good way to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get is to check their paw size. If their paws look large compared to their legs and body, it's likely they're still growing.
You can also ask your breeder for an estimated weight based on your puppy's parents and past litter. Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents.
Here's a rough guide to German Shepherd growth:
Keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates, and some dogs may be smaller or larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to genetic and environmental factors.
Dog Breed Information
German Shepherds are a medium to large breed of dog, with males typically weighing between 85-110 pounds.
They have a muscular build and a distinctive double coat, with a medium-length outer coat and a soft undercoat.
German Shepherds are often considered a medium-sized breed, but their size can vary depending on their lineage and breeding.
Their height can range from 24-26 inches at the shoulder, with males generally being taller than females.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and active dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They are often used as police and military dogs due to their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature.
German Shepherds have a relatively short lifespan, with an average lifespan of 9-13 years.
Their size and energy level make them a great fit for active families or individuals who can provide them with plenty of exercise and attention.
German Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and digestive problems.
Regular grooming is also important to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular breed for first-time dog owners and experienced dog handlers alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do black German Shepherds cost more?
Yes, Black German Shepherds are generally more expensive than traditional Sable colored GSDs, with prices ranging from $700 to $2000.
Are German Shepherds 100 pounds?
German Shepherds typically weigh between 55-90 pounds, not 100 pounds. If you're curious about their weight range, check out our breed guide for more information.
Sources
- https://be.chewy.com/dog-breed/german-shepherd/
- https://www.petfinder.com/dogs-and-puppies/breeds/german-shepherd/
- https://www.greenfieldpuppies.com/german-shepherd-puppies-for-sale/
- https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/german-shepherd-growth-and-weight-chart/
- https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog.html
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