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German Shepherds are a popular breed, known for their intelligence and loyalty. On average, they can grow to be between 24 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their height is determined by their genetics, with males typically growing taller than females. In fact, according to breed standards, males should stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females should stand between 22 and 24 inches tall.
As puppies, German Shepherds grow rapidly, with an average growth rate of 1-2 inches per month. This rapid growth is due to their high metabolism and the need for plenty of food and exercise to support their development.
By the time they reach adulthood, German Shepherds have typically reached their full height, but may still be filling out in the chest and shoulders.
Discover more: Do German Shepherds Ears Naturally Stand up
German Shepherd Growth Chart
At 1 month old, a German Shepherd puppy will be around 4 to 6 inches tall and weigh 5.5 to 9 pounds.
As they grow, their height and weight increase rapidly. By 3 months, they'll be 9 to 11 inches tall and weigh 22 to 30 pounds.
By 6 months, a German Shepherd will be 16 to 18 inches tall and weigh 49 to 57 pounds.
Here's a breakdown of a German Shepherd's growth chart:
By 12 months, a German Shepherd will be 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 71 to 79 pounds.
Female German Shepherds are generally 10 percent shorter and up to 25 percent lighter than their male counterparts.
Breed Characteristics
German Shepherds are a medium to large-sized breed, with males typically reaching a height of 24 to 26 inches and females reaching a height of 22 to 24 inches.
Their athletic build and muscular structure make them well-suited for active roles as herding dogs, police dogs, and guide dogs.
With their short, dense coats, German Shepherds require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them highly trainable, but also require consistent socialization and training from an early age.
German Shepherds are generally a healthy breed, but can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and digestive problems.
Their high energy levels and strong work ethic make them a great fit for active families or individuals who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Historical and Genetic Factors
German Shepherds have a unique genetic makeup that contributes to their height. They are a medium to large breed of dog, with males typically standing between 24 and 26 inches tall.
Their ancestors, such as the Thuringian Shepherd, were known for their herding ability and robust build. This genetic legacy has been passed down through generations, influencing the breed's overall size.
German Shepherds' height can also be influenced by their genetic diversity, which has been shaped by centuries of selective breeding.
Are Wolves Really Big?
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Wolves can outweigh and outweigh German Shepherds, depending on the subspecies. They can weigh between 70 to 145 pounds, with some individuals even reaching 175 pounds.
A larger male German Shepherd might weigh around 90 pounds, which is significantly less than the weight range of wolves. In fact, some wolves can weigh more than 1.5 times as much as a German Shepherd.
Wolves have a more extended body, with lengths reaching up to 6.5 feet from nose to tail tip for the most massive individuals. This is in contrast to German Shepherds, which typically have a shorter body length.
Their skeletal structure is also quite different, with wolves having longer legs, larger feet, and broader skulls. These adaptations are suited for hunting and surviving in the wild.
Historical Evolution
The German Shepherd breed has undergone significant changes in size over time, influenced by breeding for specific roles like herding, guarding, and police work.
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In the 1800s, German Shepherds were modest-sized herders, but selective breeding led to the larger, versatile dogs we recognize today.
Captain Max von Stephanitz, often hailed as the father of the German Shepherd breed, reshaped its destiny by selectively breeding for traits like strength, intelligence, and loyalty.
By the early 20th century, German Shepherds were noticeably smaller than today's standards, but by the late 20th century, their average size had grown substantially with improved nutrition and selective breeding practices.
Historically, German Shepherds were bred for different tasks, ranging from herding to guarding, and each task might favor a different size or build.
The breed's size has been influenced by its changing roles, with police and military work favoring larger, more intimidating dogs.
Statistics from dog shows in the early 1900s indicate that German Shepherds were indeed smaller than today's standards, showing just how much the breed has evolved over time.
On a similar theme: Different Colored German Shepherds
Section 2: Influencing Factors
Genetic lineage plays a significant role in determining the size of a German Shepherd. A dog's parents and grandparents can have a direct impact on its adult height.
Daily nutrition is also a crucial factor in a German Shepherd's growth and development. A well-balanced diet can help a puppy reach its full potential height.
From genetic lineage to daily nutrition, various elements come into play when determining the size of a German Shepherd.
Average Height by Age
At 10 months old, a German Shepherd will typically stand at around 61 cm or 24 inches tall. This is a significant milestone in their growth, and they'll continue to develop physically over the next few months.
By 12 months, a German Shepherd will be between 22 to 24 inches tall, weighing between 71 to 79 pounds. This is a normal range for their height and weight at this age.
Here's a quick summary of average height by age:
Keep in mind that these are just averages, and individual German Shepherds may grow at different rates.
Male Puppy to Adult Growth Chart
As you watch your male German Shepherd puppy grow, you might wonder how tall and heavy he'll be at different ages. One thing's for sure, they grow fast!
By 12 months, a male German Shepherd will be around 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 71 to 79 pounds.
Here's a breakdown of their growth chart:
By maturity, a male German Shepherd will reach 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 79 to 88 pounds, which is a healthy weight for the breed.
One Month
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At one month old, your furry friend is already starting to grow. German Shepherds at this age typically stand at 23 cm or 9 inches tall.
As for their weight, one-month-old German Shepherds usually tip the scales at 4 kg or 8.8 pounds.
Three Months
At three months old, babies typically reach a height of around 22-24 inches. This is a significant milestone in their growth and development.
Their growth rate is quite rapid at this stage, with many babies gaining about 1-2 pounds per week. This rapid growth is fueled by the nutrient-rich milk they're getting from their mothers.
By three months, most babies can hold their heads up while sitting and may even start to support their upper body with their arms. This newfound strength and control over their movements is a huge step forward.
Their average weight at this age is around 13-17 pounds, with boys typically weighing more than girls. This weight gain is essential for their overall health and development.
At three months, babies are also starting to develop their own unique personalities, which can be quite entertaining for parents and caregivers.
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Four Months
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At four months old, babies are starting to grow rapidly, with an average increase in height of about 2-3 inches. This is a significant milestone in their development.
By this age, most babies have reached an average height of around 23-24 inches.
Five Months
At five months old, your baby is likely to be around 23-24 inches tall, which is roughly the same height as a standard loaf of bread. This is because their growth rate is increasing rapidly during this stage.
Their legs are getting stronger too, and they're probably able to hold their head up while sitting, even if it's just for a few seconds.
By this age, your baby's height has increased by about 4-5 inches since birth.
Broaden your view: Pictures of Baby German Shepherds
Six Months-Old
At six months old, your German Shepherd will likely be growing rapidly.
A 6-month-old German Shepherd typically weighs around 28 kg / 61.6 lbs.
As for their height, you can expect them to reach around 55 cm / 21.6 in.
Two Years
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At two years old, dogs start to reach their adult height. For a German Shepherd, this typically means they'll be around 63 cm or 24.8 inches tall.
You might be surprised at how quickly they grow, but it's essential to remember that every breed is different.
A two-year-old German Shepherd will usually weigh around 37.5 kg or 82.6 pounds.
Ten Years
As we reach the age of 10, our bodies undergo significant changes. On average, a 10-year-old boy is about 53.5 inches tall, while a 10-year-old girl is about 52 inches tall.
At this age, kids are still growing rapidly, but growth rates start to slow down. By the time they reach 10 years old, boys have already surpassed girls in terms of average height.
The good news is that kids this age are still developing and growing at a healthy rate, with most reaching their adult height within the next 2-3 years.
Worth a look: What Age Do German Shepherds Stop Growing
Fourteen Years
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At fourteen years old, the average height for boys is around 5 feet 9 inches, while girls average around 5 feet 4 inches.
Boys tend to grow about 3-4 inches in the two years leading up to this age.
Girls, on the other hand, tend to grow about 2-3 inches during the same period.
This growth spurt is a normal part of puberty, and it can be influenced by genetics and overall health.
By age fourteen, most children have reached about 75% of their adult height, with some variations depending on individual development.
Average Height by Sex
Male German Shepherds typically reach a height of 24 to 26 inches by maturity.
Female German Shepherds, on the other hand, reach a height of 22 to 24 inches by maturity.
Here's a comparison of the average heights of male and female German Shepherds:
This 10% height difference between males and females is a notable characteristic of the breed.
Male (Standard)
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Male German Shepherds typically reach a height of 24 to 26 inches by maturity, with a weight range of 79 to 88 pounds. This is according to the growth chart provided in the article, which shows a healthy weight for a fully grown male German Shepherd.
At 1 month, a male German Shepherd is approximately 25 cm or 9.8 inches tall, weighing around 4 kg or 8.8 pounds. By 2 months, they reach 35 cm or 13.8 inches in height and 9 kg or 19.8 pounds in weight.
Here is a breakdown of the average height and weight of a male German Shepherd at different ages:
By 1 year, a male German Shepherd reaches 64 cm or 25.2 inches in height and 40.5 kg or 89.3 pounds in weight.
Female Standard
At 1 month, a female German Shepherd stands at an average height of 23 cm or 9 inches, weighing around 3.5 kg or 7.7 lbs. This is a great starting point for any puppy owner to keep in mind.
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As they grow, their height increases significantly. By 6 months, they reach an average height of 53 cm or 20.9 inches, weighing around 24 kg or 52.9 lbs.
Here's a breakdown of their growth milestones:
By 1 year, they reach an average height of 59 cm or 23.2 inches, weighing around 32.5 kg or 71.7 lbs. This is a great milestone to celebrate with your furry friend.
Variations in Size
German Shepherds can range from 24 to 26 inches in height at the shoulder, depending on the individual dog.
They can weigh anywhere from 75 to 95 pounds, with males typically being larger than females.
Male German Shepherds can reach up to 26 inches in height, while females reach up to 24 inches.
What Constitutes a Large Breed?
A large breed German Shepherd typically exceeds standard breed height and weight, with males over 26 inches tall or 90 pounds and females over 24 inches or 70 pounds being considered larger than average.
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The German Shepherd Dog Club of America provides guidelines for the breed's standard size, with ideal males measuring 24-26 inches in height at the withers, while females stand between 22-24 inches.
Genetics play a pivotal role in determining a German Shepherd's size, with larger ancestors increasing the likelihood of a bigger dog.
A balanced diet rich in protein and essential nutrients during formative months can significantly impact a German Shepherd's growth, leading to a larger dog.
Approximately 15% of German Shepherds can exceed the standard size set by breed clubs, highlighting the variation in sizes within the breed.
West, East, and Czech Lines
West German Working Line German shepherds are closest to the original GSDs created by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1899.
These dogs reach a height of 24-26 inches in males and 22-24 inches in females. Males weigh between 66-88 pounds, while females weigh between 49-71 pounds.
East German DDR Working Line German shepherds are larger, more muscular, and have blockier heads than average GSDs.
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They can weigh anywhere from 49-88 pounds, with a maximum height of 26 inches.
Czech Working Line German shepherds are athletic and physical, with males reaching 60-80 pounds and females reaching 50-70 pounds.
Here's a comparison of the three lines:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a German Shepherd taller than a husky?
No, a German Shepherd is not taller than a Siberian Husky, with Huskies typically ranging from 20-23.5 inches tall. In fact, Huskies are often shorter than German Shepherds.
Sources
- https://www.petinsurancereview.com/blog/german-shepherd-weight-and-growth-chart-male-female-and-puppy-growing-patterns
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/
- https://post.bark.co/breeds/how-big-do-german-shepherds-get/
- https://gsdcolony.com/blogs/news/why-is-my-german-shepherd-so-big
- https://www.siue.edu/~kbeal/final/index.html
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