German Shepherd

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is known for their service and intelligence. They're excellent with families, but require a good amount of exercise.

Average size and lifespan

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Height: 1ft 10in - 2ft 2in
Weight: 75-90lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 14 Years

Behavior

  • Affection5/5
  • Kid-Friendly4/5
  • Stranger-Friendly2/5
  • Dog-Friendly3/5
  • Barking Amount3/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty2/5
  • Shedding Amount3/5
  • Easy to Train5/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need4/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance4/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly2/5

German Shepherd Information

The second most popular dog in the United States, the German Shepherd, is a true dog lover's dog. The breed is easily recognizable by its strong, muscular body; alert, pointy ears; thick, multi-colored coat; and noble, hard-working personality.

Originating from the farm and sheep-dogs of the past, the German Shepherd gained popularity during World War I, gaining recognition for its courage, loyalty, and intelligence. As a pet, this dog is excellent with children and other pups and does well with training. Just be sure he gets regular exercise and stimulation, and you'll have the perfect puppy.

Are you getting a Shepherd? Check out our list of German Shepherd names!

German Shepherd History

The German Shepherd originates from a herding dog known as the continental shepherd dog in the 1800s. This European Shepherd eventually split into three breeds we know today as the Belgian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Dutch Shepherd.

The German Shepherd was bred as a working dog in Germany. It was used to herd sheep, as it was intelligent, fast, and strong. However, as herding became a less popular trade, German Shepherds found a perfect career fit with police and military units worldwide.

German Shepherd Training & Temperament

German Shepherds are very intelligent and trainable dogs. They do well with early socialization and training classes. As noted, this breed is often used for police and military dogs because of their excellent obedience and trainability.

They form a strong bond with their family and enjoy spending time with them. It's essential to socialize them with strangers to help reduce their tendency to be overprotective.

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German Shepherd Exercise

The German Shepherd is an active breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is a good dog! They do great with walks and playtime. They can also be used for dog training like agility, dock diving, herding, and tracking activities.

German Shepherd Grooming

German Shepherds are pretty easy to groom. However, they tend to shed a couple of times a year, and brushing a couple of times a week will help maintain their coat. Increase brushing as needed to remove loose hairs during shedding season.

They need a bath when dirty. Otherwise, make sure to check & clean their ears and clip their nails.

German Shepherd Health

They are a healthy breed that doesn't usually have many issues. Breeders will screen out issues, but some things to watch for are hip and elbow issues. They are also susceptible to bloat (sudden stomach expansion), which should be monitored. It's a good idea to avoid strenuous exercise after eating.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Shepherd, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can German Shepherds be apartment dogs?

The German Shepherd needs room to run and play. That makes them difficult to keep in a small apartment.

Can German Shepherds be left alone?

While German Shepherds prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are German Shepherds good with kids?

German Shepherds do well with kids. Supervise them closely, as with any dog, but they are unlikely to become aggressive.

Are German Shepherds friendly with strangers?

German Shepherds tend to be uncomfortable with strangers. They need extra socialization with people outside the family.

Do German Shepherds get along with other dogs?

Although German Shepherds will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues that socialization can help.

Do German Shepherds bark a lot?

As far as dogs go, German Shepherds bark an average amount. Expect barking to alert you, get attention, or react to strangers and other dogs.

Do German Shepherds shed a lot?

German Shepherds shed a medium amount. They have seasonal shedding, but they aren't terrible to clean up after.

Do German Shepherds need a lot of grooming?

German Shepherds don't require very much grooming. Typical maintenance and baths are enough.

Do German Shepherds need a lot of exercise?

The German Shepherd has a good amount of energy and needs walks and play to stay happy.

Are German Shepherds easy to train?

The German Shepherd is smart and extremely trainable. They learn commands quickly and enjoy the bond of training.

Can German Shepherds handle cold weather?

German Shepherds do well in cold weather. You may need to protect their paws, but they handle colder climates well.

Can German Shepherds handle hot weather?

Although German Shepherds can tolerate hot conditions, don't expose them for too long.

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