How Big Do German Shepherds Get Size Chart
Health & Nutrition

How Big Do German Shepherds Get? Male & Female Size Chart

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Most people are familiar with this big and cuddly dog breed. But exactly how big do German Shepherds get? If you are thinking of adopting or buying a German Shepherd, this guide along with size charts for both sexes, will give you a good idea of just how big they are going to get. It will take you from newborn to the time they reach adulthood at 3 years old. From a cute little ball of fur to a big athletic show stopper, these impressive canines are one of the best large dog breeds on the planet. Just make sure you have plenty of room on your couch!

German Shepherds are considered a medium to large breed and can stand as high as 26″ at the shoulder. Males range between 24-26″ tall full grown. They are heavier and taller than females and can weigh between 65-90 pounds. Females range between 22-24″ tall full grown. They are smaller than males and can weigh between 50-70 pounds.

They have beautiful curves and a double coat of medium long hair which adds to the appearance of their size. Their frame is relatively well balanced. Their proportion is 10 to 8.5 making them a little longer than they are tall.

How Big Do Male German Shepherds Get?

Male German Shepherd Size Chart

The male German Shepherd can stand anywhere between 24 and 26″ which is only a few inches taller than the female. However, they can outweigh the female by 20 lbs, averaging anywhere between 65 and 90 lbs.

To put things into perspective, their shoulder height is equivalent to that of a 5-month-old human baby. That being said, they can get bigger depending on several factors including their genetics and health.

There are instances of them weighing over 100 lbs. This would put them up there in weight with the Anatolian Shepherd or Irish Wolfhound.

Male German Shepherd Size Chart:

Age in MonthsWeight lbs.Weight kgHeight inHeight cm
15.5 – 92.5 – 44 – 611 – 16
216 – 206 – 97 – 917 – 22
322 – 3010 – 149 – 1123 – 27
435 – 4016 – 1811 – 1429 – 35
540 – 4918 – 2214 – 1635 – 40
649 – 5722 – 2616 – 1841 – 46
757 – 6226 – 2819 – 2047 – 52
862 – 6628 – 3020 – 2251 – 56
964 – 7129 – 3221 – 2354 – 59
1066 – 7330 – 3322 – 2455 – 60
1166 – 7530 – 3422 – 2457 – 62
1271 – 7532 – 3422 – 2457 – 62
1871 – 7932 – 3623 – 2559 – 64
2471 – 8432 – 3823 – 2559 – 64
3679 – 8836 – 4024 – 2660 – 65

How Big Do Female German Shepherds Get?

Female German Shepherd Size Chart

The female German Shepherd is slightly shorter and can be significantly lighter than their male counterpart. They average between 22 and 24″ tall and weigh in between 50 and 70 lbs.

On the low end of the spectrum, they can be equal in weight to a male Aussie or Bulldog. At their heaviest, they are comparable to an American Foxhound or Greyhound.

However, weights can vary and females can reach weights heavier than 70 lbs. It is not uncommon to see a GSD that is over 90 lbs. and even surpassing 100 lbs. on occasion.

Female German Shepherd Size Chart:

Age in MonthsWeight lbs.Weight kgHeight inHeight cm
14.5 – 82 – 3.53 – 68 – 14
211 – 175 – 7.56 – 914 – 22
317 – 268 – 128 – 1020 – 25
431 – 3514 – 1610 – 1226 – 31
535 – 4416 – 2012 – 1431 – 36
644 – 4920 – 2215 – 1737 – 42
749 – 5322 – 2417 – 1943 – 48
853 – 5724 – 2618 – 2045 – 50
955 – 6025 – 2719 – 2148 – 53
1057 – 6226 – 2819 – 2149 – 54
1160 – 6427 – 2920 – 2251 – 56
1260 – 6427 – 2920 – 2251 – 56
1860 – 6627 – 3021 – 2253 – 55
2462 – 6628 – 3021 – 2253 – 57
3666 – 7028 – 3222 – 2455 – 60

What Is The Smallest German Shepherd?

Although you may have seen the term “Miniature GSD” on the internet. It is not a pure-bred German Shepherd. It is simply a mix with smaller dog breeds to produce the little version.

In reality, the smallest pure breed would be the Dwarf German Shepherd. They are a pint size version of the breed caused by a genetic disorder known as Panhypopituitarism.

It is a rare condition passed down from the parents that causes a lack of the necessary hormones needed for growth. Not only are they tiny, but they suffer from dry skin and hair loss.

These little guys can be quite small, with the oldest known case standing less than 14″ tall and weighing under 14 lbs.

Comparing that with all of the GSD growth stages, the full-grown Dwarf would be on par with the weight of a 1.5-month-old German Shepherd puppy. Its height would be equivalent to a 4-month-old male.

What Is The Largest German Shepherd?

Back in 2014, someone referred to as “Oborge” claimed to have a GSD named Duke that stood 32″ tall and topped the scales at 131 lbs. The owner contributed the dog’s bigness to a diet that was high in spinach.

It is unclear whether this was true or simply a wives’ tale. Chances are it was mixed with another breed to achieve its massive proportions.

Even though they aren’t a pure breed, the King Shepherd stands atop the list if you are looking for a bigger version of the classic German Shepherd dog.

This fairly new breed, developed in the 90’s, is mixed with a few other breeds, such as the Alaskan Malamute and Great Pyrenees to get the additional size. They are a few inches taller and up to 50 pounds heavier than the standard breed.

Males range anywhere between 26 and 29″ and weigh anywhere between 90 and 150 lbs. Females are quite a bit smaller, standing between 25 and 27″ and weighing between 75 and 110 lbs.

Why Are Male And Female GSDs Different Sizes?

Have you ever wondered why male GSDs are bigger than female GSDs? There is a scientific explanation and it is called “sexual dimorphism.” Common in birds, insects and plants, it is also frequent in some dog breeds.

The most extreme examples are baboons in which the male is two times the size of the female. The opposite can also be true. Female Cottontop Tamarins are a little bigger than the males.

Like humans, the condition starts in the dog’s womb. Typically, males are introduced to a high level of testosterone, giving them the male characteristics including their largeness.

It is hard to notice the difference when they are puppies but as they grow the size difference becomes more significant. By the time they are adults, the contrast can be pretty staggering especially in large dog breeds.

In Closing:

Remember, the size can differ quite dramatically depending on certain factors such as their family’s bloodline, diet and overall health. Some owners of the breed have dogs that weigh 70 pounds while others have dogs that weigh over 100 pounds. It is much better for them to be lean and healthy than overweight.

When choosing a dog, size is one of the most important factors. Especially when considering health issues, overall costs and living space. One downside to larger dogs is that they are more prone to certain joint conditions. Vet bills can add up over time and surgeries such as hip replacements can put a big dent in your financial situation.

In addition, you are going to spend more on food and supplies. You will also need a bigger yard for a dog this large.

Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

Have you ever owned one that was more or less than the average height and weight? What is the biggest GSD you have ever seen?

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