German Shorthaired Pointer Growth Chart – GSP Weight & Size Chart

German Shorthaired Pointers are a special breed that many people love because of their endurance and enthusiasm.

A German Shorthaired Pointer growth chart will help you to understand this breed’s development as well as its power, agility, and speed.

With all of these impressive characteristics, you can expect German Shorthaired Pointers to be effective hunters of all types of animals.

They are also loyal to their owners and have an aristocratic aesthetic.

When it comes to grooming, you will not have much hassle because German Shorthaired Pointers have an easy coat to care for.

If you have a small apartment or house, you may have a hard time with them because they do not do well in small spaces. They enjoy wide open spaces where they are free to run around.

This article will share with you all that you need to know about the German Shorthaired Pointer growth and development as well as other pertinent information that you should know about this special breed.

When Do German Shorthaired Pointers Stop Growing?

Keeping in mind, that no two dogs will grow at the same rate German Shorthaired Pointers are considered fully grown when they are 24 months old.

Their physical growth is usually complete between 1 ½  and 2 years but cognitive growth is finished in 2 years.

There are many conclusions last you can come to based on a German Shorthaired Pointer’s physical capabilities like hunting and cognition based on their current age.

As the dog parent must know their stages of development and the length of time it takes to reach these stages.

That said, it is most important to provide the proper nutrition and exercise so that they can be their best selves.

German Shorthaired Pointer Growth Chart

You can expect the German Shorthaired Pointer growth chart below to show the average weight estimations of German Shorthaired Pointers.

There are always outliers and exceptions to rules so do not be alarmed if you realize that your dog it’s not the exact weight that we have listed in the GSP weight chart.

Some dogs are late bloomers while others have growth spurts. This can depend on a number of factors.

To use the GSP growth chart, you simply need to have an accurate record of your dog’s age and match it as close as possible to the ages listed on the left column.

After this, you can look for the corresponding weight listed. Then you can weigh your German Shorthaired Pointer to find out if the comparison matches up.

Sometimes a dog’s weight can be vastly different from current averages but still be totally healthy.

Even though it is rare, some German Shorthaired Pointers can grow to be around 75 Pounds and still be in great health overall. To make sure, you need to visit the veterinarian and use this chart as a guide.

GSP Weight Chart

German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy Development Stages

Birth – 2 Weeks 

At 2 weeks old you should expect you are in German Shorthaired Pointer to be close to his mother as he needs her for the purpose of milk, hygiene, and warmth.

At this point, the entire litter would not be capable of looking after themselves.

The German Shorthaired Pointer would be unable to see and have proper use of muscles to walk around. Most of the time would be spent sleeping and feeding.

They are quite delicate and are in need of an ideal temperature for survival. They can also be susceptible to fevers. Allow them this time to be with their mothers and have minimal contact.

3 Weeks – 12 Weeks 

The weaning process begins during this time. There are many changes as your German Shorthaired Pointer will grow rapidly.

For one thing, his muscles will become stronger as he begins walking and being a typical playful puppy.

Make the weaning process easy on your German Shorthaired Pointer by introducing solid foods gradually. With kibble, you need to add liquid and create a consistency of a thick porridge so that it is easy on him.

You can expect them to be fully weaned at 5 ½ weeks old with a full set of teeth that are needle sharp.

4 Months – 9 Months 

Your German Shorthaired Pointer will continue to grow at a rapid rate as he explores his environment and becomes socialized.

You should have already begun training before this stage but if you have not then the time is now.

When your German Shorthaired Pointer is about 6 months, females usually weigh approximately 14 to 19 kg. Male German Shorthaired Pointer usually weighs approximately 18 to 23 kg.

10 Months – 18 Months 

At the end of this stage, you should expect your German Shorthaired Pointer to complete his physical growth.

At 12 months, a female German Shorthaired Pointer will weigh between 20 and 26 kg while males should weigh between 24 and 31 kg. This is the stage where you can expect your dog to be in heat.

In truth, the heat cycle for a German Shorthaired Pointer really starts in the previous stage because their first heat cycle happens around 6 to 12 months with the average being 8 months.

For females, the heat cycle usually lasts around 21 days but giving birth may be a bit hazardous at this point because younger dogs are not physically and emotionally equipped to deal with childbirth.

It is better to wait until their development is complete.

Adult 

Even though your German Shorthaired Pointer is physically an adult some dogs may still have growth to complete up until 2 years of age.

Since females are a bit smaller they may attain full growth before meals. German Shorthaired Pointers at this age usually way between 45 lbs and 70 lbs.

How Big Do German Shorthaired Pointers Get?

As the owner of a German Shorthaired Pointer, it is not uncommon to think about the weight and height they would grow to be when they are adults.

There is no clear-cut answer to this question since it may be determined by a variety of factors. Even within the same dog breed, there are dogs who grow at different rates.

The most foolproof way to anticipate your German Shorthaired Pointer’s eventual size would be to gain information about the parents. Hereditary factors affect your dog because of the genes passed down through generations.

You need to have a discussion with your breeder who would be able to provide info on your dog’s parents. In some cases, you may have adopted a stray dog or gone to a shelter, so this is not possible.

Some people conduct a DNA test to find out if their dog is pure-blooded. If you realize that your dog is mixed in any way then your estimation should be adjusted based on the other breed’s size.

A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is rather cute because the head and the paws are a bit larger in proportion to the rest of the body.

If you notice this within your dog then you know that he still has growing left to complete. The chart in this article can also help you to figure out the future weight of your German Shorthaired Pointer.

Male Vs Female German Shorthaired Pointer Size Chart 

According to the American Kennel Club, your German Shorthaired Pointer male should have a height of between 23 and 25 inches at the withers in adulthood. The average would be around 24 inches. They usually weigh around 64 lb on average.

On the other hand, female German Shorthaired Pointers usually have a height of between 21 and 23 with an average height of 22 inches.

They usually weigh around 53 lbs on average. Your German Shorthaired Pointer could be penalized harshly for a height difference at shows and competitions.

To measure your dog, you must find the withers which is the highest point of the shoulder blades. Then get a tape measure and find the difference from the floor to the withers in a straight perpendicular line.

Will Neutering/Spaying My German Shorthaired Pointer Affect His Growth?

Your German Shorthaired Pointer will enter a period of sexual maturity at the age of eight months old. Therefore, it is a good idea to wait at least one year before you decide to spay or neuter them.

Spaying or neutering affects the hormones coursing through your dog’s body. These hormones affect other processes like growth and development so spaying or neutering at the wrong time can be harmful to your dog.

For female German Shorthaired Pointers, you should watch her carefully because when she enters the heat cycle you may end up with unwanted pregnancy. This in itself, can be quite dangerous for a young dog.

There is also some advantage to spaying or neutering. Other than the obvious benefit of preventing unwanted pregnancy it can actually help your dog to be less aggressive.

Some dogs have been known to reduce their aggression after being neutered. It may also prevent your dog from running away to find mates when they are in heat. Always get advice from your veterinarian whenever you decide.

Doberman vs German Shorthaired Pointer Size

The Doberman and the German Shorthaired Pointer have many similarities as many people mistake them for each other.

But today are vastly different as well. For the similarities, we know that these are both working dogs who originated from Germany. They can also both be guard dogs.

In adulthood, a German Shorthaired Pointer usually has a height of 24 to 26 inches which is a bit shorter than a Doberman who usually stands at 26 to 28 inches.

Dobermans also weigh more in comparison to German Shorthaired Pointers. Fully grown Dobermans average a weight of 60-80 lbs while German Shorthaired Pointers weigh a bit less with 50-70 lbs.

Factors That Affect German Shorthaired Pointer Growth 

Genetics & Gender

Genetic factors play a great role in a German Shorthaired Pointer’s life because genetics partly determine the rate of growth and development overall.

The genes passed down through generations also determine your dog’s susceptibility to certain diseases.

The gender will also affect the appearance of this breed because males have a more masculine build while females are smaller with a more feminine physique.

Nutrition

Your German Shorthaired Pointer’s daily nutrition will affect his growth and development. You should make sure that your dog is fed food of high quality.

This will help him to meet all the developmental milestones as he grows because of critical vitamins and minerals that are needed for muscle, bone, and teeth development along with cognition and brain health.

There are commercial dog foods that contain harmful ingredients as well as fillers that do not help your puppy to develop properly. These harmful ingredients can actually stunt your dog’s growth.

Physical Activity & Health

German Shorthaired Pointers have a night really energetic personality, so they tend to get bored and make mischief if they are not engaged.

They are natural hunters so make sure you give them ample exercise as well as playtime.

As long as you do not start a vigorous exercise when they are very young you can feel free to engage your German Shorthaired Pointer in an hour of physical activity daily.

Your German Shorthaired Pointer will have the benefits of toned muscles and stronger bones because of his involvement in exercise.

It also helps to prevent obesity which can cause your dog to develop many other harmful diseases.

How Big Is A GSP When He Is Born?

Puppies of the German Shorthaired Pointer breed generally measure 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in length and weigh between 10 and 14 ounces (283 to 397 grams) at birth.

When born, GSP pups can’t see or hear anything, thus their mother is crucial to their survival.

GSP pups often weigh between 35 and 50 pounds (16 and 23 kilograms) at six months of age, after having gained weight fast during their first few months of life.

As they mature, they’ll put on muscle and weight, eventually topping out at about 45 to 70 pounds (20 to 32 kilograms).

How Big Should A 6-Month-Old GSP Be?

Genetics, nutrition, and activity all have a role in how big a 6-month-old German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) will wind up becoming.

A male GSP of this age may often weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds, and have a shoulder height anywhere from 22 to 25 inches.

Female GSPs are typically smaller than their male counterparts, weighing around 50 pounds or less and measuring 21 to 23 inches at the shoulder.

While these are recommendations for the breed as a whole, it is vital to remember that each dog is an individual.

If you are concerned about your GSP’s physical development, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Is GSP A Medium Or Large Breed?

When it comes to dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is somewhere in the middle, straddling the line between medium companion and large working dog.

While the American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies GSPs as a medium-sized breed as a whole, certain dogs may develop into quite larger sizes.

At maturity, male GSPs measure between 23 and 25 inches (58 and 64 cm) in height and 55 and 70 pounds in weight (25 to 32 kilograms).

Women typically range in height from 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) and weight from 45 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kg), making them smaller and lighter than males (20 to 27 kilograms).

GSP Body Condition Score (BCS)

A German Shorthaired Pointer’s health and fitness may be quantified using the GSP Body Condition Score (BCS). The amount of fat a dog has is assessed subjectively via a combination of visual inspection and physical contact.

From 1 (very thin) to 9 (extremely overweight or obese), the GSP BCS scale normally spans from 1 to 9. It is widely agreed that a GSP’s BCS should fall anywhere between 4 and 6.

While looking down on your dog, you should be able to make out his or her waistline, and you should be able to feel his or her ribs, but not see them.

A BCS 6 dog should have some fatty tissue hanging over the ribs and a defined waist. The ribs of a dog with a body condition score (BCS) of 7 or above will be covered with fat, and the dog will have no discernible waist.

The GSP’s health and well-being depend on regular BCS monitoring. Obese or underweight dogs are more likely to develop conditions including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

How Much To Feed A Growing German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy?

There is no clear answer to the question because a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy would have different nutritional requirements during the various stages of growth.

For example, newborns depend on their mother’s milk and feed from her all throughout the day and night. When your puppy is weaned you should try to make the feeding schedule closer to this by feeding him more frequently but in smaller amounts.

As your German Shorthaired Pointer grows older you now need to increase the amount of food while decreasing the frequency the food is given.

Remember that the amount of food you give a German Shorthaired Pointer also depends on their activity level. In adulthood, about 3 cups of food per day is appropriate.

How To Tell If Your German Shorthaired Pointer Is Underweight Or Overweight? 

For a German Shorthaired Pointer, the task of determining whether he is overweight or underweight is a bit simpler than for other breeds because his coat is short and makes it clear.

German Shorthaired Pointers are naturally lean, but they should have good muscle definition.  They should not have a clearly visible skeletal display.

If you stand above your German Shorthaired Pointer and notice that you can clearly see his spine then chances are he is underweight.

On the other hand, if you run your hands along his rib cage, but you are unable to feel any of his ribs and only then he may be overweight.

What Are The Most Common Conditions To Be Aware Of In Growing German Shorthaired Pointer Puppies?

A typical German Shorthaired Pointer is known to have a few hereditary diseases that affect their lives such as eye disorders, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and a few skin problems.

Your dog may have epilepsy if his parents did as well because it is genetic. It is also caused by brain lesions and can happen abruptly lasting for approximately 1 minute.

German Shorthaired Pointers are also predisposed to having cluster seizures, so you should check with your veterinarian if you notice this.

Do German Shorthaired Pointers Experience Growing Pain?

German Shorthaired Pointers have been documented to suffer from growing pain or Panosteitis which is the medical term. it usually affects a few limbs at a time and may also switch from limb to limb without warning.

Your German Shorthaired Pointer also can experience this without warning or previous encounter with this condition.

Large breed dogs are known to suffer from growing pains more frequently, but it can affect all dog breeds. There is no clear verdict on what is the cause, but it is speculated that it stems from hereditary and autoimmune factors.

You may notice your German Shorthaired Pointer being lethargic or having no appetite. He may also flinch when you touch his limbs because he is in pain.

What To Do If My German Shorthaired Pointer Is Not The Right Weight?

Your German Shorthaired Pointer is classified as a medium-sized dog and most of their weight should comprise lean muscles.

This is why they seem to be a bit leaner than other breeds. You can look at the above GSP growth chart and your dog to see if the weight matches up.  If it does not then there are a few things that you can do.

If you realize that your German Shorthaired Pointer is drastically underweight then you need to increase his calories.

Make sure to give him foods that are high in protein especially when he is still developing. Dogs need higher amounts of protein and fat in their developing years.

On the other hand, if your dog is overweight then you can reduce the number of calories he is given and make sure that you engage him in regular exercise daily.

How To Help Your German Shorthaired Pointer Lose Weight If He Is Overweight?

If your German Shorthaired Pointer is overweight then it is very important that you do something about it because obesity can lead to other health complications.

German Shorthaired Pointers are typically lean and energetic, so they do not gain weight easily, but you should still be careful when you feed them.

If you realize that your German Shorthaired Pointer is overweight then you should immediately cut out all treats. Stop giving your dog table scraps between meals.

Engage him in exercise but start off slowly because the extra weight could be harsh on his joints. Give your German Shorthaired Pointer high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and stay away from carbohydrates.

How To Properly Weight My German Shorthaired Pointer?

You wouldn’t be reading this article if you weren’t interested in tracking your dog’s weight. It is quite important to do this because his weight measurements can give an insight into overall health.

You should be checking your dog’s weight throughout his life span so that you can be proactive in keeping him healthy.

It is easy to measure your dog. You just need to place him on the scale and take that measurement. It’s easy to do as a puppy but as your dog grows older you may need to take your weight measurement.

Next, you need to step on the scale while holding your dog. Find the difference between these two measurements, and you will get your dog’s weight.

German Shorthaired Pointer Genetics And Common Health Problems

A German Shorthaired Pointer usually lives for around 12 to 14 years and will usually suffer from a few genetic diseases such as:

hypothyroidism, gastric torsion, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) canine hip dysplasia (CHD), pannus, von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD), and entropion.They also suffer from major issues such as lymphedema.

GSP Growth Chart FAQs

What Is The GSP Height Chart 

Male GSPs should be between 23 and 25 inches (58 and 64 centimeters) at the shoulder, while females should be between 21 and 23 inches (53 and 58 centimeters) in height. These measurements are from the American Kennel Club (AKC).

What Are The Dangers Of Stunned Or Accelerated Growth?

Hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and other long-term health concerns may develop in dogs with abnormal skeletal and joint development.

As an added downside, it may amplify the dangers of obesity and related illnesses.

What Is My GSP’s Neck Size?

It is impossible to know the precise neck size of your German Shorthaired Pointer without actually measuring it.

Nonetheless, as a rough rule of thumb, the neck circumference of an adult GSP ranges anywhere from 15 to 22 inches (38 to 56 cm).

Final Words

German Shorthaired Pointers are seen as a medium-sized breed, but sometimes they can fall into the large breed category.

Always remember that they are high-energy dogs, so you must engage them in physical activity.  This is one of the best ways that you can ensure their health and happiness.

If you are also an active person who likes to spend time with your dog, then this breed will make you the perfect companion.