German Shepherd Dog

The Perfect Owner & Home

The German Shepherd may be too much dog for the first-time dog owner, but for someone who is willing and able to meet this breed's needs, this is a wonderful dog.

If their exercise needs can be met, this breed can live in the city or country.

A German Shepherd will give his life for his owner or working partner, and many have. Experienced dog owners will never find a more devoted, loyal and responsive dog.

Appearance & Grooming

Large: 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder

Weight: 70 to 90 pounds

German Shepherds are a large breed but are not supposed to be overly big or giant sized. They stand from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh from 70 to 90 pounds. The body is long and lean with a slant from the shoulders to the hips. The head is the breed's most recognizable feature, with the large intelligent eyes and upright ears.

The breed has a double coat, which means it has both an under coat and an outer coat. The under coat is soft and dense. The outer coat is medium length, straight and coarse. German Shepherds shed year-round. The coat needs to be brushed twice a week. During spring and summer when shedding is at its worst, daily brushing may be needed.

Personality, Temperament, & Exercise Needs

The German Shepherd Dog is a superior working dog because they are intelligent, curious, cautious with strangers, protective, and because they have a strong drive to work. The GSD is always thinking and is ready to do something - anything - at a moment's notice.

These traits make the dog tough to own as a pet. Many breeders, in fact, say this is not a good breed for first-time dog owners. The owner must establish himself or herself as the one in control from the very beginning and even then the dog may challenge you.

These dogs are great family dogs, but do not take rough play between children as child's play nor will they tolerate arguing or fighting between adults in the household. The dog may step in between the people having problems.

This breed also needs daily vigorous exercise. A tired German Shepherd is a happy dog! These dogs need a couple of good long walks for socialization, a run alongside a moving bicycle for exercise, and two or three one-half hour games of catch for playtime.

Socialization & Training Needs

All German Shepherds need socialization that begins in early puppyhood and continues on into adulthood. This will teach the dog that not all people are dangerous and will help the dog make better judgment decisions later should the need to protect his home or family arise. Depending upon where you live, puppy socialization classes generally range from $75 to $100 for a six-week course.

Obedience training is also very important, as the dog must understand the owner is allowed to set household rules and social manners. This dog is too intelligent, powerful and protective to be untrained. Luckily, German Shepherds retain their training very well, once it's learned, much better than most other breeds. Training will also keep the dog's mind busy, as a bored German Shepard will get into trouble! Obedience classes normally run from $90 to $120 for a six- to seven-week course.

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD), is one of the most readily recognized breeds of dog in the world. They are also in demand world wide as a respected working partner for military and law enforcement agencies.

Health Concerns

These conditions have all been seen in the breed.

* Gastric bloat and stomach torsion



* Hip and elbow dysplasia



* Allergies



* Panosteitis (bone disease)



* Pancreas problems



* Neurological problems

German shepherds are cool!

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD), is one of the most readily recognized breeds of dog in the world. They are also in demand world wide as a respected working partner for military and law enforcement agencies.

Health Concerns

These conditions have all been seen in the breed.

• Gastric bloat and stomach torsion
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Allergies
• Panosteitis (bone disease)
• Pancreas problems
• Neurological problems