German Shepherd Dog [Everything You Need to Know] | All Things Dogs (2024)

German Shepherd Dog [Everything You Need to Know] | All Things Dogs (1)

The German shepherd dog is a medium-to-large German working dog. German shepherds grow to 25 inches tall, weigh between 55 and 88 pounds, and live for up to 13 years.

German shepherds are intelligent, obedient dogs that are strongly protective of their owners. Although

German shepherds get along well with children and other pets, the dogs need early socialization and consistent training to become trusted family members.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. German Shepherd Quick Summary
  2. German Shepherd Appearance
  3. German Shepherd Origins
  4. German Shepherd Personality and Temperament
  5. Taking Care of a German Shepherd Dog
  6. How to Train a German Shepherd
  7. German Shepherd Price
  8. German Shepherd FAQs
  9. Should You Get a German Shepherd?

German Shepherd Quick Summary

Breed groupPastoral group (herding dog)
SizeMales: 24–26 inches
Females: 22–24 inches
WeightMales: 80–88 pounds
Females: 55–77 pounds
CoatDouble-coated
Color VariationsBlack, sable, blue, white, liver (brown), tan, gray, red and black, tan and black
SheddingHeavy
PersonalityIntelligent, loyal, stubborn, curious, watchful
Life Span9–13 years
Cost$800–$1,500
Exercise NeedsHigh: minimum 2 hours of exercise per day
Food NeedsHigh: 1740–2100 daily caloric intake
Known Health ConditionsHip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
TrainabilityGood

German Shepherd Dog [Everything You Need to Know] | All Things Dogs (2)German Shepherd Appearance

German shepherds have thick coats in shades of brown, tan, black, and gray, with black snouts, pointed ears, and long, bushy, downward-curving tails.

German shepherds have stocky bodies with medium-length fur. Long-fur breeds of German shepherds are also available.

Height and Weight

The average height of a male German shepherd is 24 to 26 inches, and female German shepherds grow to 22 to 24 inches tall. A German shepherd’s height is genetic, passed on from the dog’s parents.

Male German shepherds weigh between 80 and 88 pounds, and females weigh between 55 and 77 pounds.

Genetics and diet affect the weight of a German shepherd. Nutritious, high-protein foods allow for healthy weight gain in German shepherds.

German shepherd puppies weigh between 4.5 and 9 pounds and are between 4 and 6 inches tall. The puppies grow and gain weight until they reach full adult size, at three years old.

Coat

German Shepherds have thick, medium or long double coats. The undercoat is a thick, plush layer of short fur, while the outer layer consists of long hairs, called guard hairs, that keep the dog protected from the elements.

The hair on the German shepherd’s ears, head, paws, and toes is short, while the hair on the back of the dog’s legs and on the dog’s tail is long.

Long-coated German shepherds have thick, tufty fur behind their ears, and dense feathering on their hind legs.

German shepherd colors are traditionally black and tan, but the coat can also be gray, silver, or various shades of brown. The most dominant coat color of all German shepherds is the sable German shepherd.

German shepherds often have multi-colored coats, such as black and tan, black and red, or black and silver. White German shepherds are rare. There are also blue German shepherds, and black German shepherds.

Head and Facial Features

The German shepherd has a large, wedge-shaped head proportionate to its body, and a square-cut, elongated muzzle with a black, wide nose.

German shepherds have erect, alert ears with pointed tips. The skull tapers gradually from the ears to the nose, ending in a long snout with strong jaw muscles.

German Shepherd Origins

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German shepherds originated from shepherd dogs in Germany. The German shepherd was selectively bred in the late 1880s and was originally used as a working dog.

Horand von Grafrath was the first dog to be declared a German shepherd dog in 1899.

Today, German shepherds are still used as working dogs in the public sector due to their intelligence and trainability.

German Shepherd Personality and Temperament

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German shepherds are smart, obedient, and curious. German shepherds take longer to bond with humans than other dog breeds, but once friendships are forged, the dogs are highly loyal to their owners.

The German shepherd is a sensitive breed that hates being left alone. When nervous or upset, German shepherds display destructive behaviors, such as scratching and biting furniture.

German shepherds are vocal dogs with a loud, ferocious bark, so they’re not an ideal pet for families with babies or nervous children.

German shepherds are best suited to families with teenage children or couples who are able to spend a lot of time with their pet.

Taking Care of a German Shepherd Dog

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German shepherds are easy to care for, but the dogs require a lot of attention and are highly active.

Feed your German shepherd a healthy, high-protein diet and take the dog for long walks.

Regularly brush your German shepherd’s teeth and coat, and contact your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual, like missing fur or bleeding gums.

Food Needs

German shepherds have big appetites, requiring a daily intake of 1740–2100 calories. The average adult German shepherd requires between 2.5 and 3.5 cups of nutritious kibble every day.

Adjust portions based on the size, age, and activity level of the dog, and the calorie density of the food.

Feed German shepherds a combination of wet and dry food with the correct nutritional profile to keep the dogs healthy and free from bone growth issues.

Buy dog food designed for large breed dogs, even when feeding a German shepherd puppy.

German shepherds need to grow slowly to avoid joint problems later in life, and foods for small breed puppies are unsuitable because they’re designed to promote fast growth.

A raw food diet is a good option for German shepherds because it removes a lot of unnecessary carbohydrates and provides a high percentage of protein, vitamins, and minerals needed for healthy growth.

Grooming Needs

German shepherds have high grooming needs due to their thick double coats, but brushing an obedient German shepherd is easy. This is especially true for long-haired German shepherds.

Brush your German shepherd three or four times per week to remove loose hairs and maintain soft, shiny fur.

To groom your German shepherd, remove the dog’s collar and run a slick brush down the dog’s back, from head to tail, in the direction that the fur grows.

Repeat until the brush is no longer picking up hair, then move onto the dog’s hips, tail, belly, and legs.

Alongside brushing, German shepherds need to be bathed once per month to thoroughly clean the fur.

Don’t bathe a German shepherd more than twice per month, as overbathing strips the natural oils from the dog’s coat.

Exercise Needs

German shepherds are active, energetic dogs that need at least two hours of exercise per day, ideally split into two or three separate walks.

Walking isn’t the only exercise you can do with a German shepherd. Because German shepherds are an intelligent breed, they’re ideal dogs for agility activities like herding and tracking.

Off-lead exercise, playtime, and training add variety to routine daily walks.

German shepherds have high exercise needs, so the dogs are best suited to homes with medium-to-large backyards rather than apartments with no backyard.

However, German shepherds can still live in apartments as long as the dogs are taken for frequent walks to prevent restlessness.

Mental Needs

The German shepherd is a smart dog that needs lots of mental stimulation throughout the day. Because German shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs, they have a lot of intelligence that should be put to use.

Mental exercise and brain games help to keep a German shepherd mentally fit. Training and playtime should be a big part of your German shepherd’s daily routine.

Toys are a good source of mental stimulation for German shepherds, especially interactive puzzle toys that present a challenge in return for a treat.

Tug toys and chew toys, flying discs, and tennis balls are also good choices for keeping a German shepherd mentally stimulated.

Common Health Concerns

German shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions, including:

  • Hip dysplasia: a hereditary condition caused by incorrect development of the hip joint. Improper nutrition, obesity, and certain types of exercise worsen hip dysplasia. Dogs with hip dysplasia show a decreased range of motion and decreased activity. Hip dysplasia is treated with lifestyle changes or surgery, depending on severity
  • Elbow dysplasia: a similar condition caused by poor-fitting elbow sockets. Symptoms are similar to hip dysplasia. Dogs with elbow dysplasia may point their front paws outwards or hold their elbows at an unnatural angle. Lifestyle changes and surgery are common treatments

To avoid buying a dog that develops hereditary conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, look for breeders who can prove through health screening that the parent dogs don’t have these conditions.

How to Train a German Shepherd

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German shepherd training is easy and they enjoy learning new tricks. You can train German shepherd puppies starting as young as seven weeks old.

Begin by teaching your German shepherd practical commands, like “sit,” “down,” and “stay,” with one-minute training sessions.

Leash train your dog as soon as possible, using treats as a reward. Toilet train your dog if wasn’t already trained as a young puppy.

When your dog is 10 weeks old, move on to more challenging commands, like “wait,” “spin,” and “bark.”

Socialize your dog by introducing it to new places and people, offering positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.

German shepherds forget everything they’ve learned without daily training. Stick to a daily training schedule, with positive, reward-based training.

Avoid harsh punishments, which will make your dog fearful of you.

German Shepherd Price

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German shepherds are expensive, sought-after, purebred dogs. The most expensive German shepherds are those sold by responsible breeders, who breed dogs based on good health and beautiful appearance.

How Much is a German Shepherd?

A German shepherd costs $800–$1,500. The price of a German shepherd depends on the dog’s age, local competition among breeders, and whether the dog has any rare or unusual features.

Adopting a German Shepherd is cheaper than buying one — adoption usually costs $200–$350 — but most German shepherds up for adoption are adults and/or have behavior problems.

German shepherd puppies cost more than German shepherd adults because owners can enjoy the special experience of watching puppies grow into adult dogs.

Rare-color German shepherds, such as silver or white German shepherds, are more expensive because of their uniqueness.

How Much Does it Cost to Raise a German Shepherd?

The initial cost of a German shepherd’s toys, vet bills, bedding, food, training classes, leash, and other pet supplies is $350–$600.

The cost per month of owning a German shepherd is about $85–$125, for grooming, healthcare, food, and new toys.

German Shepherd FAQs

  • How do you discipline a German shepherd puppy?
  • Are German shepherds good with kids?
  • Can German shepherds be friendly to strangers?
  • Can you train a German shepherd not to bark?
  • Will German shepherds turn on their owners?
  • Should I get a German shepherd as my first dog?
  • Do German shepherds bark a lot?
  • Are German shepherds easy to train?
  • Do German shepherds like to cuddle?
  • Are German shepherds aggressive?
  • Is a German shepherd a good family dog?

Should You Get a German Shepherd?

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German shepherds are beautiful, energetic, highly intelligent dogs, but they’re not ideal for all homes or lifestyles.

German Shepherds are Suitable for:

German shepherds are suitable for families with old children or adult couples with plenty of time to dedicate to their pet.

Homes with backyards are better than apartments because German shepherds are big dogs with lots of energy.

Because German shepherds are sociable, needy dogs, they’re ideal for households where at least one person is at home most of the day.

People who are prepared to regularly groom, play with, train, and bond with their pet make good German shepherd owners.

If you are thinking about getting a German shepherd, check out some popular German shepherd names.

German Shepherds are NOT Suitable for:

German shepherds are not suitable for owners who work long shifts away from home, as the dogs are known to be destructive when left alone for long periods.

German shepherds also aren’t suitable for people with mobility problems, inactive people, or people who don’t have time to exercise their dogs for at least two hours every day.

People looking for a low-commitment dog shouldn’t buy a German shepherd.

There are also a lot of German shepherd mixes that might share some of your preferred German shepherd traits with other positive traits of other breeds if you think a German shepherd isn’t suitable for you.

German Shepherd Dog [Everything You Need to Know] | All Things Dogs (2024)

FAQs

What do you need to know about German Shepherd dogs? ›

They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily.

What to expect when owning a German Shepherd? ›

German Shepherds are a 7 to 10-year commitment to lots of daily exercise. Early training and socialization are crucial for German Shepherd puppies, they grow up to be big powerful dogs. German Shepherds can get bored easily, they were bred to work and need a “job” to do or they might become destructive.

Is a German Shepherd a good house dog? ›

Loyal and loving, German Shepherds are usually thought to be good family pets who are gentle with children. However, as with all dog breeds, any time your German Shepherd spends with children should be supervised to make sure everyone is safe and happy.

What do German Shepherds like the most? ›

German shepherds love games and learning new things. They need a lot of mental stimulation; playing a game of tracking or searching is a great way to keep them entertained.

How do I keep my German Shepherd happy? ›

Interactive play. German Shepherds require mental stimulation to keep their minds active. Activities such as scent-retention games and puzzle toys are great options to keep them stimulated.

What are German Shepherds weakness? ›

Since GSDs are prone to hind leg weakness, they are at an increased risk for severe arthritis. Dogs with bad hips and arthritic joints may change their gait and walk lower to the ground, causing German Shepherd legs to appear even more bent.

What is the best home for a German Shepherd? ›

The Confidence Pet XL Waterproof Plastic Dog Kennel Outdoor House is our pick as the best overall doghouse for a German Shepherd. It's 41-inches deep, 38-inches wide, and 39-inches tall, so it has plenty of internal volume for your pet to move around and get comfortable.

Can German Shepherds be left alone? ›

Can a German Shepherd be left alone for longer than 8 hours a day? No. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking.

Do German Shepherds choose a person? ›

German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family, but they can still be a good family dog. Although they have their fair share of behavioral issues, these generally stem from a lack of leadership on the part of their pet parents.

Do German Shepherds prefer to be inside or outside? ›

The German Shepherd Dog wants to be indoors with you and your family, and adapts well even to apartment living, so long as you get him outdoors for a good romp every day. But left alone for long periods he may turn to destructive chewing and neurotic barking.

Do German Shepherds sleep a lot? ›

While puppies need 18-20 hours per day for healthy growth, adult German Shepherds should be sleeping for around 12-14 hours. Not getting enough sleep can increase the risk of obesity or illness in dogs. It's important to look out for the signs of a lack of sleep, including increased aggression or irritability.

What are the cons of having a German Shepherd? ›

The cons are that this breed requires a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy which can take a big chunk of your time. Another potential downside is that this is a high shedding breed so you will have to be prepared to deal with an excess of dog hair in your home.

What foods do German Shepherds love? ›

As large, active dogs, German Shepherds require lots of protein and carbohydrates to build muscle and maintain energy levels. Adult German Shepherds need roughly 20-25% protein in their diet and should look at protein sources such as chicken, beef, fish, lamb, turkey or eggs.

What treats do German Shepherds love? ›

Some of our favorite treats are:
  • Greenies Dental chews. These are safe to feed daily to puppies 6 months and older and help keep your dog's teeth in good health.
  • Peanut Butter Smart Sticks are a safe alternative to rawhide chews. ...
  • Stewart Pro Treat Beef liver Freeze dried dog treats. ...
  • Dogswell hip and joint Jerky.
Sep 17, 2022

What are 5 facts about German Shepherds? ›

Overview
  • Fact #1: German Shepherds Are One of The Smartest Dog Breeds.
  • Fact #2: World War I Made Shepherds Famous.
  • Fact #3: German Shepherds Aren't Dangerous Dogs.
  • Fact #4: The First Modern German Shepherds.
  • Fact #5: German Shepherds Remain Hugely Popular in America.
  • Fact #6: German Shepherds Have Stars on The Walk of Fame.

Is German Shepherd a good dog for beginners? ›

They're known for their bravery and strong loyalty. However, this dog breed isn't recommended for first-time dog owners. A German Shepherd's loyalty must be earned, and it takes a lot of work to train one. German Shepherds require an experienced dog owner who can provide firm and fair training consistently.

What do I need to know before adopting a German Shepherd? ›

A bored GSD will often find his own excitement and stimulation, which might include digging, barking, herding small children around, “creating” toys out of household furniture or the children's toys, etc. GSDs need exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation almost every day to be on their best behavior.

Are German Shepherds difficult to own? ›

They are highly motivated by praise and recognition for a job well done. The GSD is not a breed that is recommended for someone new to dogs as their natural intelligence can make them challenging to train. They need to have mental stimulation and will always find a job to do to help out the family.

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