When do German Shepherds Stop Growing? [ Updated 2022]

As a general rule Greman shepherds stop growing around 18 Months. German Shepherds reach physical maturity between the ages of 12 and 2 but may continue to grow until they get three. Of course, male and female German Shepherds are different in size, and to reflect this, male German Shepherds grow to a height of 24-26 inches, while female German Shepherds grow to a height of 22-24 inches, both weighing between 77-85 pounds

When do German Shepherds Stop Growing?

When do german shepherds stop growing? – These dogs are descended from the late nineteenth-century German herding dogs, which vary according to district type. In the late nineteenth century, a German cavalry officer developed the ideal German herding dog and bred several varieties to create the modern GSD.

German Shepherd Dogs gained fame in the United States in the early twentieth century, owing to their appearances in Hollywood alongside stars such as Rin-tin-tin.

After a brief anti-German sentiment following World Wars I and II, the breed has developed into the preferred dog for international policy and military units. When do German Shepherds reach the point of no return in terms of growth?

German Shepherds reach physical maturity (adult male) (full size)between the ages of 12 and 2 but may continue to grow until they get three. Of course, male and female German Shepherds are different in size, and to reflect this, male German Shepherds grow to a height of 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), while female German Shepherds grow to a height of 22-24 inches (55-60 cm), both weighing between 77-85 pounds (35-40 kg).

German Shepherds Growth Stages

When do german shepherds stop growing – Each dog breed (large dogs) grows differently for a variety of obvious reasons. However, raising a German Shepherd requires you to understand that your pup will naturally progress through several stages before reaching full maturity. The following is a list of the subsequent phases that you may wish to peruse: German Shepherd Growth Chart

Neonatal Phase 

This stage is more commonly referred to as the Newborn Stage, and it is during this stage, your GSD puppy will be unable to see or hear. As a result, it will do little except sleep and be in the total comfort of its dog mother; frequently, you will witness nursing.

This stage typically lasts about two weeks until the eyes open, and the pup can respond to sound; it’s a beautiful sight you won’t want to miss, so it’s a good idea to keep track of the days and to check on your pup from time to time. 

Transitional Phase 

During this period, your German Shepherd puppy will be between two and four weeks old and will be able to see and hear. You can observe how it would curiously look around the area and even attempt to walk a little. However, because its muscles are still developing, it would occasionally fall or wobble while standing and moving. Just be patient, and it will soon be as playful and vigorous as you wish.

Socialization Phase 

It occurs between three and twelve weeks of age and indicates that your puppy is ready to socialize with other dogs and humans. Assemble and project an image of a safe and loving environment for your German Shepherd; you must ensure that your German Shephard feels at home and is well cared for. Ignoring this will result in your puppy being uncertain, fearful, or aggressive toward you and outsiders.

German Shepherds are friendly animals, but if you do not develop a strong bond with them or expose them to their environment appropriately, they may not be. Therefore, it is recommended that you begin training them at this age. Establish a positive relationship and demonstrate to it that it can rely on and follow you. 

Juvenile Phase 

At the age of three and six months, your puppy reaches sexual maturity and appears to be more interested in exploring on its own. Perhaps you want to know your dog’s size as it grows older, but it seems that the body language is what you should be watching for. Managing a German Shepherd can be challenging. This is due to the physical maintenance requirements and the dog’s high level of energy and athleticism, which will be evident during this stage.

Adolescent Phase 

At this point, your German Shepherd will be six months old and will begin to exhibit the typical characteristics of sexual maturity. Females typically go into heat around 6 to 8 months and mature more quickly than males. Additionally, GSD males are territorial and easily aroused, so don’t be surprised if it begins marking and mounting. Think to spay or neutering your dog at this age to maintain its calm and proper behavior.

Adult Phase 

A fully grown German Shepherd is typically between the ages of two and three years and, in most cases, stops growing after that; this is true not only on the physical level but also on the sensitive and mental level. Female GSDs are smaller and lighter than males, but as previously stated, they mature more quickly.

If you’re considering bringing a German Shepherd into your home, its size is critical, given its maintenance requirements and the space it requires. It’s a wise decision to educate yourself about GSD puppies; in fact, they can be challenging to manage as they mature.

Estimate Your Puppy’s Adult Size 

At the age of two and three years, your German Shepherd will reach its physical maturity, although you do not have to wait that long to find out how big it will get, right? If you intend to own this large furry companion, you had better plan ahead!

Consider how you can provide a spacious area for your German Shepherd to play and sleep in the future, as well as the proper portion of meals!

Realizing the average size of an adult German Shepherd (Breed Standard) may not suffice; in fact, dimensions will vary significantly between dogs. Therefore, if you want to make a more accurate assessment, here are some excellent methods for estimating the adult size of your GSD puppy:

Check your puppy’s Genetic Background

This may be the simplest and most straightforward method of determining the size of your puppy. You can average the height and weight of your puppy’s parents to obtain a nearly accurate estimate of its adult size. 

Track 16 weeks from its Puppyhood

This method is quite simple, but it should be carefully tracked to obtain a more precise guess. First, begin monitoring your puppy’s growth at its birth and have its height and weight measured every 16 weeks. Then, multiply the measurement by two to obtain a reasonably accurate estimate. 

Study the Growth Charts

While charts can help you estimate the average size of a German Shepherd, they are only as accurate as your general understanding of how large a German Shepherd can grow. In addition, male and female dogs have slightly different ideal sizes, so it’s a good idea to research what’s appropriate for your dog’s gender. 

Factors that Influence German Shepherds’ Growth 

If you’ve reached this section of the article, you’ve almost certainly learned a great deal about the final stage of a GSD’s growth as well as how to determine your own pup’s potential adult size. Indeed, several factors can influence your German Shepherd’s development; thus, without further ado, below is a brief list of the most common influences on your GSD’s growth.

Neutering or Spaying

Having your dog neutered or spayed will result in your dog growing slightly taller than usual due to the chemicals delaying the bone growth plate; this will also result in your dog gaining weight. 

Worm Infestations

This is a more severe condition that may impair your dog’s growth. In addition, worms would deplete your dog’s essential nutrients, resulting in malnutrition; you may wish to avoid this by having your German Shepherd checked at least once a year and keeping it flea-free. 

Strenuous Exercises during Puppyhood

At a young age, dogs’ bones are incredibly delicate, and taking your GSD for a long jog or run could seriously injure its growth plates. As a result, growth would be stunted. Therefore, it is always preferable to wait a year and allow your dog to develop strength and stamina naturally. 

When Do Female German Shepherds Stop Growing?

German Shepherds are not considered fully grown until they reach the age of approximately 18 months. Female German Shepherds reach full maturity at around two years of age.

When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing in the Height? 

German shepherds typically mature in stages according to their age. Male German shepherds reach their maximum height at nine months of age, while female German shepherds reach their full height at eight months.

When does a German Shepherd’s Head Stop Growing?

The head should be wedge-shaped, large but proportionate to the body, and approximately 40% of the dog’s height at the withers in length, without being clumsy or excessively long. It has a dry appearance in general and is moderately broad between the ears. The forehead is only slightly arched from the side and front, with no central furrow or only a faintly implied one. Backskull to foreface proportion is 50:50. Thus, the breadth of the backskull is approximately equal to its length. The top of the head [as seen from above] is a relatively continuous wedge-shaped taper from the ears to the nose, with a slanting but not overly defined stop. Upper and lower jaws are unquestionably influential. The muzzle is straight, with no saddle or arch. Lips are firm, well-closed, and dark in color.

Do German Shepherds Grow into their Ears?

Between the ages of 8 and 6 months, German Shepherd puppy ears develop. However, it is not unusual for ears to remain closed until 4 1/2 to 5 months. Indeed, a pup’s ears are frequently raised and then dropped when the dog begins to teeth. When this occurs, many owners experience panic.

When Do A German Shepherd’s Ears Stand Up?

It’s perfectly normal if your GSD’s ears do not stand up during this period! Indeed, some puppies’ ears may flop over for up to eight or nine months. At nine months, a German Shepherd puppy with floppy ears is nothing to be alarmed about. Later, when you see their adorable floppy ears, you’re going to smile! Mainly if one ear is raised and the other is lowered. The ears that are not upright are considered cute and adorable by the majority of owners. Even within the same litter, pups’ ears may stand at different times. Additionally, some puppies’ ears are not naturally upright. According to research, approximately 1 in every 5 German Shepherds will develop floppy ears throughout their lives.

Best age to begin Obedience Training in German Shepherd?

At the age of seven weeks, your puppy is capable and prepared to learn various simple obedience commands. However, you should avoid pressuring a puppy this young to demonstrate perfect obedience. A one-minute session is sufficient for a young puppy.

After a few weeks, your German Shepherd puppy should be able to sit, stay, and down, in addition to knowing its name. Although it typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks of proper dog training to develop a reliable off-leash come (recall).

When you quietly place the leash on your dog, use food rewards or play, and avoid jerking your dog around the house or neighborhood, leash training is relatively quick.

A simple trick like spin took me less than a day, but more complicated tricks can take weeks or months. Something complex, such as staying put in the face of numerous distractions (think cats or squirrels are running by), may take you at least six months to master.

Bear in mind that training a German Shepherd puppies requires you to take small steps and build on their success. For example, you cannot simply allow your neighbor’s cat to walk directly in front of you while walking your German Shepherds and expect them not to lunge if your dog is not sufficiently worked up to ignore this high-value distraction.

What Age to be able to Breed a German Shepherd?

For the best results, one should begin breeding their female GSD around two and stop when she reaches the age of eight. Breeding a dog during its first or even second heat cycle may confuse the mother and result in severe mental consequences, as she may neglect her pups.

What is the best Nutrition for a growing Germain Shepherd?

The best diet for German Shepherds is high in protein and contains between 18 and 22 percent protein. Additionally, they can obtain nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables, soft foods. However, dogs require the proper balance of protein, fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to maintain optimal health.

German Shepherds require a minimum of 22% protein during their growth stages and 18% protein as adults. Puppies need 8% fat, while adults require 5% fat to meet their energy requirements. Additionally, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water are necessary for survival.

These essential nutrients must be included in a GSD’s daily diet because they are required for the proper functioning of the body. All commercial pet foods must adhere to the AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines (Association of American Feed Control Officials).

Dogs’ primary dietary requirement is protein. Protein serves various functions, including providing energy, constructing and repairing muscles, forming new skin, hair, and nail cells, and maintaining the strength of the immune and musculoskeletal systems. Puppies and adult German Shepherds require different amounts. Protein is quantified on a dry matter basis, referring to what remains after moisture is removed from the food.

Fat is the second essential nutrient for your German Shepherd. Fat is derived from protein and is a source of energy. It is also required for normal cell, nerve, muscle, and tissue development, and function. Again, the amount necessary varies for puppies and adult German Shepherds. The recommended fat content for growing puppies is 8%, and for an adult dog, it is 5%.

Additionally, your dog’s nutritional requirements will vary according to his or her life stage, size, breed, activity level, and overall health. For instance, a puppy that is active and growing may require twice the calories of an adult dog of the same breed. Conversely, elderly dogs may require 20% fewer calories than dogs of similar age.

Additionally, my well-exercised German Shepherd will require significantly different nutrition than a lap dog that prefers to laze around all day. Finally, a pregnant or lactating dog will consume considerably more calories than a similarly sedentary “couch dog.”

Health problems with a growing German Shepherd

German Shepherds are wonderful dogs with the right owners, but they are prone to certain breed-specific conditions and illnesses. Ascertaining that the parents of your puppy have undergone the necessary health screenings can help reduce the likelihood of your puppy contracting some of these distressing conditions.

The Kennel Club classifies German Shepherds as a breed in ‘Category Three,’ which is the highest health care category due to their conformation. This means that these dogs have been bred for many years to look a certain way, but their appearance has begun to cause them health problems. This is primarily due to the shape of German Shepherds’ back legs and hips. Several of the conditions that German Shepherds may develop include the following:

• Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joints do not fit together perfectly, eventually leading to arthritis. Before breeding, dogs should undergo a hip dysplasia screening through the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
• Elbow dysplasia in German Shepherdsis a condition in which the elbow socket of a dog does not form properly, resulting in pain and discomfort. This is a condition for which there is a screening test.
• Canine Degenerative Myelopathy, alternatively referred to as Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyopathy, results in weakness in the back legs, eventually leading to paralysis. There is a screening test available.
• Anal furunculosis is a painful condition in which the dog’s bottom becomes ulcerated.
• Cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia are inherited eye diseases. These are subjected to screening tests.
• Epilepsy inGerman Shepherds is a neurological disorder that results in seizures.
• Pituitary dwarfism is a hormonal deficiency that results in significant growth problems and shortens lifespan.
• Hemophilia A and B are bleeding disorders that prevent blood from clotting properly and result in excessive bleeding from wounds. There are screening tests available.

If your dog’s health is a primary concern, there are some preventative measures you can take. This includes regular physical activity, rest, and a nutritious diet. Lucy Pet, fortunately for you, can assist you with the latter. Our natural kibble is precisely formulated and nutrient-dense, ensuring that your German Shepherd consumes a balanced and nutritious diet throughout its life.

Final Thought – When do German Shepherds Stop Growing?

German Shepherds will stop growing at a maximum of three years of age; the size of a fully grown GSD will vary according to its line and gender. As we already know, male German Shepherds have larger structures than female German Shepherds; a different GSD line would also indicate that this is not true.

Numerous German Shepherds are bred for either show or working purposes, which affects their measurements. For example, because their hindquarters are much shorter than their forequarters, show dogs appear thinner and awkwardly angled back, whereas working dogs have thicker and straighter body structures. In addition, GSD show dogs may be American/Canadian or West German in origin; they are bred for family companionship, whereas West/East German or Czech GSD working dogs are bred for police/military or heavy work ethic.