What is the ideal weight for a German shepherd? A lot of people have this question, and it’s a valid one. A German shepherd that is too thin or too heavy can have a lot of health problems.
In this article, we will discuss the ideal weight for a German shepherd and how to make sure your dog stays at a healthy weight.
How much should a German Shepherd Weight
German shepherds are huge in appearance. Their growth is relatively slow, but they are significant compared to other breeds of dogs.
The weight of male and female German Shepherds are different. The growth development is different for every dog. If a dog is behind or ahead of its time, that’s also fine. With proper care, your dog will be able to get to the ideal weight.
A regular vet visit is important to keep track of your dog’s weight.
Male German Shepherd stops growing when they are 3 years of age. For female German Shepherd, it is different. They stop when they are 2 to 2.5 years old.
Read: German Shepherd Growth Chart according to age
According to American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard, a German Shepherd weight chart is given below to keep track of your German Shepherd’s weight.
| Age | Average Male Weight | Average Female Weight |
| 1 month | 5.5-9 lbs | 4.5-8 lbs |
| 2 months | 16-20 lbs | 11-17 lbs |
| 3 months | 22-30 lbs | 17-26 lbs |
| 4 months | 35-40 lbs | 31-35 lbs |
| 5 months | 40-49 lbs | 35-44 lbs |
| 6 months | 49-57 lbs | 44-49 lbs |
| 7 months | 57-62 lbs | 49-53 lbs |
| 8 months | 62-66 lbs | 53-57 lbs |
| 9 months | 64-71 lbs | 55-60 lbs |
| 10 months | 66-73 lbs | 57-62 lbs |
| 11 months | 71-75 lbs | 60-64 lbs |
| 1 year | 71-79 lbs | 60-64 lbs |
| 1.5 years | 71-79 lbs | 60-66 lbs |
| 2 years | 79-84 lbs | 60-66 lbs |
| 3 years | 79-88 lbs | 66-70 lbs |
How to make sure your dog stays at a healthy weight?
Preventive care is very important for German Shepherd. They are high-maintenance dogs. Lack of care can lead to unwanted physical health conditions. Here are some precautions you can take to ensure your dog has the ideal weight.
- Keep track of your dog’s weight gain and weight loss. Visit the vet regularly.
- A proper diet full of fiber and protein, fat, and fresh food.
- Include oils into their food such as fish oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil for their overall health.
- Do not overfeed them.
- Make sure they exercise regularly to maintain the ideal weight.
- Do not let them gain weight, nor should they be underweight.
- If they are overweight, make them lose weight, and if they are underweight, make them gain some weight.
- Avoid heavy work, which can affect the joints until he is old enough to do it.
- Make sure that they do not consume foreign substances which can lead to an upset stomach.
- Avoid food that can cause an allergic reaction to your GSD such as grapes, resins, etc.
- Keep your German Shepherd clean so that they do not develop any skin infection.
How to determine if your dog is overweight or underweight?
The best way to know if your dog is overweight or underweight is to see the weight chart provided; it is clearly shown the ideal weight of a dog according to their age.
The weight varies between males and females, and individuals can also vary. But it should be between the ranges provided above. Little less or more can be problematic for your dog.
For example, a fully grown adult male German Shepherd will weigh around 75-90 pounds, and the female German Shepherd will weight around 55-70 pounds.
If there is too much difference in the number, it can be a problem.
To know your dog’s weight, you need to visit the vet every month for a weight checkup. Take necessary precautions if your dog turns out to be overweight or underweight.
How to help your dog lose weight if necessary?
If your dog is overweight, it might not be suitable for your dog’s health, so if it is necessary, you need to help your dog lose weight.
Here are some suggestions for you to help your dog lose weight;
1. Regular exercise for your dog
Take your dog for regular exercise; it can include walking, running, jogging, other exercises suggested for dogs. Make it a habit and exercise for at least 1-2 hours per day. It will help them lose weight and keep their body fit and active, and they will have fewer chances of having joint or bones problem.
Read: How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need
2. Do not overfeed your dog
If your dog is overweight, try to maintain a healthy diet, reduce fat and carbs from their food, and include more fiber, protein, greens.
You can give your dog his normal meal in the morning but try giving them primarily green beans, kibble, and multi-vitamins in the evening.
Do not give any food in between the meals.
Avoid giving your dog treats for some time till they achieve the ideal weight, or you can also replace the treats with some healthier options.
Health risks associated with being overweight or underweight
Health risks of overweight dogs
Overweight dogs are more likely to face health issues that can threaten life.
Following are many health-related problems seen in overweight dogs:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Joint pain
- Bone problem
- Urinary bladder stones
- Low heat tolerance
- Hypothyroidism
Read: Common Health issues in German Shepherds
Health risks of underweight dogs
German Shepherds are used in police, military, and guards. They need a lot of energy and strength for all the training and running. If they are underweight, then they will face physical problems.
- Weak immune system
- Prone to allergies and infection
- Skin and hair problems
- Hormonal imbalance
- Infertility
- Muscle loss
- Decreasing physical resilience
- Reduction of bone density
Conclusion
Being a German Shepherd owner, you have to take responsibility and take proper care of your dog. Having the ideal weight is a necessity for German Shepherds.
Both overweight and underweight can cause a big loss for your dog.
There are many reasons why your dog is underweight or overweight. If you observe any signs of being overweight or underweight, make sure to take immediate action and prevent your dog from any health problems.