TL;DR:
A German Shepherd puppy’s weight progresses through clear stages during their growth. In the first two months, they weigh between 5 and 20 pounds and gain quickly with proper feeding. By 3–4 months, they typically reach 20–40 pounds and begin looking lanky as their legs outpace their body. At 5 months, a healthy puppy usually weighs 35–50 pounds, showing steady growth. By their first birthday, males average 65–75 pounds and females 50–65 pounds, though they may still appear slightly lean as they finish maturing. Monitoring your puppy’s weight, feeding a premium large-breed formula, providing low-impact exercise, and maintaining regular vet visits help ensure they grow into a strong, balanced adult.
Bringing home a German Shepherd puppy is a moment you will always remember. These intelligent, loyal dogs quickly become cherished members of the family. One of the first questions many new owners ask is about their German Shepherd puppy’s weight: how much should a healthy puppy weigh at each stage?
As German Shepherd breeders, decades of experience have shown us how essential proper growth is to a puppy’s long-term health and structure. Understanding what to expect at each stage of development helps ensure your dog grows into a strong and well-balanced adult. Here, you’ll learn how a German Shepherd’s weight changes by age, offering clear and practical information.
Why Your German Shepherd Puppy’s Weight Matters
Monitoring your puppy’s weight is more than just tracking numbers on a scale. It is an important way to ensure their bones, joints, and muscles develop properly. Maintaining a healthy weight supports:
- Strong bones and healthy joint alignment.
- Muscle development for strength and agility.
- A healthy metabolism and immune system.
As breeders who specialize in German Shepherds bred for temperament and structure, we see firsthand how proper weight management in puppyhood sets the stage for a lifetime of vitality. Understanding what’s normal will help you feel confident in your care and allow you to identify any concerns early.
German Shepherd’s Weight By Age: What To Expect
As German Shepherds grow, their weight and structure change noticeably, influenced by genetics, gender, nutrition, and even litter size. Knowing what to expect at each stage gives you confidence in your care and helps you ensure your puppy is on the right track. Below are the average weight ranges you can expect for a puppy, along with guidance on what to watch for as they develop.
1-2 Months: Early Growth & Development
During the first two months of life, German Shepherd puppies grow quickly as they begin to build the foundation for healthy development. At this stage, you can expect your pup to weigh anywhere between 5 and 20 pounds.
Key factors to know:
- Puppies usually double their birth weight by the end of the first week.
- Nutrition from the mother (or high-quality milk replacement) is critical.
- Puppies gain weight quickly but still look small compared to their future size.
These first few weeks are essential, and consistent feeding ensures your puppy develops strong bones, joints, and muscles.
Owner’s tips:
- Weigh your puppy weekly to monitor consistent growth.
- Minor differences among littermates are normal, as genetics play a role.
- Contact us if you have questions about slow or fast gain at this stage.
Regular tracking gives you peace of mind and allows us to help adjust care if needed.
3-4 Months: Lean Growth & Energy
By the time your puppy reaches 3-4 months, their weight typically ranges from 20 to 40 pounds. This stage is when many puppies begin to look lanky as their legs grow faster than their bodies, giving them a tall and slender appearance.
Key factors you should know:
- High-quality, protein-rich puppy food fuels healthy muscle and bone development.
- Males may start to outpace females slightly in weight.
- Their growing bodies require the right balance of nutrients to keep up with their energy needs and support strong, even growth.
Tips from the owner:
- Avoid overfeeding, since extra weight can stress growing joints.
- Follow the feeding guidelines we recommend for our puppies.
- Ensure your pup gets moderate playtime, but nothing too high-impact yet.
Keeping your puppy lean at this stage sets the foundation for sound joint health and a balanced adult physique.
5 Months: The Midpoint In Puppyhood
By 5 months, your German Shepherd is halfway through their first year, and their weight reflects steady progress. A 5-month-old German Shepherd’s weight typically falls between 35 and 50 pounds, depending on gender and individual growth rate.
What to watch for:
- Puppies should have a visible waistline when viewed from above.
- You should still be able to feel ribs easily, but not see them prominently.
- Overexertion at this age can harm soft joints, so keep activity controlled.
Tips:
It’s important to weigh your puppy weekly and pay attention to the overall growth trend rather than fixating on a single number. If you’re ever unsure about your 5-month-old German Shepherd’s weight, don’t hesitate to seek guidance. A little reassurance and the right advice can help keep your puppy on track and growing strong.
6-12 Months: Transitioning To Adulthood
Between 6 and 12 months, German Shepherds continue to mature and gradually fill out as they approach their adult build. By their first birthday, males typically weigh between 65 and 70 pounds, while females generally range from 60 to 65 pounds. At this stage, puppies may still look a little lanky compared to their eventual adult structure, which is completely normal.
Their growth plates are usually still developing and won’t fully close until around 18 to 24 months. That’s why it remains important to avoid high-impact activities that could strain their joints during this sensitive period.
Tips:
- Keep feeding a premium, large-breed puppy formula.
- Avoid letting your pup jump off high surfaces or engage in intense running.
- Maintain regular vet checkups to confirm growth is on track.
With proper care, patience, and support, your puppy will continue to grow into a strong, balanced, and healthy adult.
Addressing Common Concerns
New owners may worry about their German Shepherd puppy’s weight and growth. These concerns can shape nutrition, exercise, and care choices. We address these pain points to offer clarity and support.
Concern: Slow Or Fast Growth
Owners may feel uneasy if weight gain seems too slow or too rapid. Slow growth can indicate insufficient nutrition or an underlying health issue. On the other hand, rapid growth may place too much stress on developing joints, increasing the risk of conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia.
Our high-quality puppies benefit from large-breed puppy food and tailored feeding plans. Consult us to adjust portions as needed, and regular veterinary checkups can help catch and address any issues early.
Concern: Choosing The Right Food & Feeding Schedule
Choosing the right puppy food and feeding schedule can feel overwhelming. A diet too low in protein, calcium, or calories may hinder growth, while overfeeding can lead to obesity and joint strain.
We recommend large-breed puppy formulas and provide personalized feeding advice. Feed two to three meals daily, adjusting amounts based on your puppy’s weight and body condition.
Concern: Health Worries
German Shepherds can be prone to joint issues, and poor weight management during growth can increase these risks. Many owners fear that improper weight or activity levels could lead to long-term health problems.
We advise moderate, low-impact exercise, balanced diets, and avoiding strenuous activities until growth plates close, which typically happens around 18 to 24 months. Keeping these factors in mind helps ensure your puppy develops at a healthy pace and grows into a strong, well-balanced adult.
Practical Tips For Healthy Puppy Growth
Supporting your German Shepherd puppy’s growth takes attention and consistency. Here are some simple but effective strategies to keep your puppy on track:
- Track Weight: Weigh weekly using a digital scale to monitor weight gain. Share results with us to discuss dietary adjustments.
- Quality Nutrition: Feed premium puppy food, large-breed formula with balanced protein, calcium, and calories. Avoid low-quality diets or human foods.
- Safe Exercise: Offer short, low-impact exercise to build muscle strength without stressing joints.
- Vet Visits: Schedule checkups every 2-3 months to confirm healthy growth and address health concerns. We can recommend trusted veterinarians.
- Body Condition: Ensure weight is a healthy weight with a slight waistline. Contact us to adjust the food portions if the puppy appears too thin or heavy.
By following these tips, you can feel confident that your German Shepherd puppy is growing steadily and staying healthy through each stage of development.
Choose Our German-Bred Shepherds For A Healthy, Thriving Puppy
Raising a German Shepherd puppy is a truly rewarding experience filled with joy and discovery. Understanding your puppy’s weight at each stage helps you give them the care they need to grow strong, healthy, and confident.
Whether you’re keeping an eye on a 5-month-old German Shepherd’s weight or preparing for their transition into adulthood, our carefully bred German Shepherds are built to thrive with the right balance of nutrition, exercise, and guidance.
For those looking to add a German Shepherd to their family, we offer premium, German-bred puppies paired with ongoing, personalized support to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and bring home a healthy, well-bred German Shepherd puppy that embodies the best of the breed.
