Breeds

German Shepherd Dog - Breed Profile
| Print | March 24, 2009 5:14 PM

German Shepherd Dog - Breed Profile

For nobility of character, purpose, and appearance, few animals can surpass the German Shepherd Dog. This breed's courage, steadfast heart, and keen senses have endeared him to mankind--for avalanche and earthquake search and rescue, narcotics and bomb detection, tracking missing persons, and guiding the blind. He is the world's leading guard, police, and military dog, probably owing to his steady nerves.

The German Shepherd Dog also makes a wonderful companion. He is active, but dignified, and will delight in joining you in fishing, swimming, or hiking. He's very fond of children once he gets to know them. Experienced owners know just how far to assert their authority over this dog in training.

German Shepherd Dogs are descended from various old breeds of German herding and farm dogs. They can live almost anywhere as long as they get exercise and attention.

The German Shepherd Dog's outer coat is harsh; it is of medium length. He sheds profusely and needs brushing every other day, year round. The coat is usually tan with a black muzzle and "saddle" over back and sides, but any rich color is allowed.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Strong, agile, muscular, alert and full of life. Never timid or nervous. Longer than tall. Unmistakably noble and intelligent.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, 24 to 26 inches at withers; females, 22 to 24 inches.

Fun Facts

Bob of Carmel, California, was a famous German Shepherd Dog who learned many skills. He could wipe his feet on the doormat, take money to the grocery store and pick out what he wanted to buy, balance a glass of water on his nose, and other tricks. His most unusual achievement was learning to play the piano. He held the toy piano steady with one paw, while he tapped out tunes with the other. He had his own toy piano, which he would play while "singing" along.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Comments (35)

Kell March 24, 2009 7:57 PM

NOT what i am looking for. I need to know how German Shepherd dogs care for their young. I want a good grade on my term paper

rachael March 26, 2009 4:47 PM

only play with other dogs at the dog parks

Dwo Bonna March 28, 2009 6:55 PM

My uncle gave me a present a week ago and it was a German Shepherd puppy. I have named it Typhoon and would luv to watch grow to be a Ghanaian-German Shepherd.

MELISSA March 29, 2009 8:00 PM

i THINK GERMAN SHEPHERDS ARE A REAL HONEST DOGS AND FRIENDLY

ROENA March 30, 2009 5:52 AM

GERMAN SHEPHERDS ARE GOOD HUNTERS.THEY ARE USED AS SNIFING DOGS IN SOME AREAS HERE IN OUR COUNTRY.

jennifer March 30, 2009 10:49 AM

i have had dalmation dogs before but thought i would try this breed as two of my sisters have had one before.
maggie is wonderful but very frightened around strangers will she get better with people.

Susan April 2, 2009 5:25 PM

I got my first G. Shepherd four 1/2 years ago. Beamer is absolutely wonderful! Huge - 125 lb. Extremely loyal and loving. He barks like he's going to kill when someone comes to the door, but once I let them in, he's all love. Very calm, VERY smart. I'd get another one!

i have a german shepherd and he is soooooooooooooooo cute April 9, 2009 7:32 AM

sophia

Betty April 11, 2009 1:44 AM

I have had german shepherd all my life, My dad alway had them. My first by myself, was Deik, he was german breed, great dog, had him for 14 years. Hard to put him down. Now I have Jake, he is red and black, about 117 pounds. He is now 9 years old. If somecome to the door his bark is very loud. About a 2 years ago someone tried to break into my house. I let him out the back door and he climb over a 6 ft fence and went after peason, then he came back and sat on the front step and would not come in the house for about hour or so. Great dogs..............

Rick April 23, 2009 5:08 PM

I had a Shepperd she lived for 13+ yrs. and was a true dream...

tomo April 25, 2009 7:22 PM

i have two a bitch and a dog zac 11. his age seems to be showing lately he has lost sight in one eye also he has problems with his back legs but he is still so full of life and zara she s 5 i coulnt live without my dogs there both a joy and children could climb on there backs but a burglar would get fright ov his life at my house

Carolyn April 29, 2009 2:19 AM

I love My GSD! Mokah is 3 and is a joy. She's so lovable, but everyone seems to be afraid of her.

Heather May 3, 2009 3:14 PM

my first dog growing up was a German Shepard. He used to sleep in my room and howl at the fire whistle at night. Such a good dog, lovable and loyal. My younger brother learned to walk by holding on to the fur on his back and following him around. This dog was perfect with all kids.

Cheyenne May 13, 2009 10:06 PM

I wish I had a German Shepherd dog, but I do have a border collie cross lab(male),border collie heeler who had puppies and we don't know what breed her puppies were because she was rescued off the rezerve. And we are keeping one of her puppies named Daisy

collette May 30, 2009 1:43 PM

i have a 2 month German Shepherdxrodie and i need info on her i have a famly and i need to know how thay are with kids and temperment os do you know if there is anny info on her

Puppie Girl June 4, 2009 12:12 PM

I've had 1 gsd of my own. his name was buddy. i had taught him a handshake we would do everyday. gsd's are very intelligent and a great gaurd dogs.

Lisa June 5, 2009 2:34 PM

My family and I just got a 6 week old German Shepherd named Sasha. I have always had Labrador Retrievers (actually have a yellow one now named Faith) but we decided to get a Shepherd because my fiance loves them.

Kate June 14, 2009 9:44 AM

Hi, I have 2 children - one is 5 and one is nearly 2 and we've been given first refusal on a german shepherd pup. They havent even been born yet, but i need some advice, dont know anything about the breed. Are they good with kids, what would be better dog or bitch? temperament? etc any advice would be good, thank you.

kelly June 14, 2009 3:28 PM

hi i am the owner of a 3 yr old german shepard and i have to say she is the most tolerant fantastic dog i have ever owned we have 3 young children and she is fantastic she is kind patient and very mothering to them a great guard dog yet fine to let people in who i say is ok she is daft as a brush great sense of humour and all round great dog . she did have a tendency to chew when she was a pup she ate my setee when i went to school but soon grew out of it they are slow to mature they are quiet daft untill they reach about 3 but what a dog they mature into loyal gentle patient and calm yet great courage when needed no need to fear intruders i am a great fan and love the breed nothing like what i thought she would be thanks and bye

karen June 15, 2009 4:23 PM

To Kate, I have 3 children, the youngest being 6 and a GSD which has just turned 2. This is my 2nd GSD and I would say THE best dog to have around children, especially if it is a bitch, as they are more loyal and tend to look after the kids as their own. As for temperament it depends on the owner, if you are skitsy the dog will be as well, keep calm, but firm and you will have a fantastic pet

nina June 19, 2009 1:41 PM

I love all KIND OF DOGS. I HAVE GERMAN SHEPERD DOG. HER NAME IS PRINCESS

Alison June 27, 2009 11:00 PM

Have just recently recieved a gift of a black sheppard pup she is wonderful, I have looked after her mom and dad and they are the best. totally trust both of these dogs with my seven year old. I have two rotties and an Akita but this sheppard has been a dream to train at eight weeks old she is totally house trained ,sits , lies down and retrieves a ball, If she is half as nice as her mother I'm blessed to have her. a great dog. I used to breed labradors ,but found rotties and sheppards are an easier dog to train and more loyal to the owners, a great family dog and companion.. My new favorite breed a German sheppard, have already found a male for my dog to breed to with the same wonderful temperment. But that is three years away.

julie July 15, 2009 7:11 PM

someone is bringing me a solid black german sheppard 2 year old female who's owner has died. is there such a thing as a solid black german sheppard being full blooded?

mel July 23, 2009 12:56 PM

hi i got 9 months old German Shepherd called tyson how can we stop him from barking at boys or man who comes in to the house plz can someone help

nicola July 27, 2009 10:39 AM

I had a german shepherd for 12 years who sadly died from bowel cancer so decided to get another - talk about chalk and cheese. Max is a nervous dog and doesn't really like my kids although is never agressive. He spends all day barking and would like him to calm down a bit. Have tried herbal seren-um but with no effect - anyone tried anything else?

kaylee August 1, 2009 4:05 AM

in my future im getting a short haired male GSD.. names?

Nadia August 1, 2009 5:19 AM

Hi,everyone my I have a dog thatis growing into a old age that will might die very soon and her name is lola.But for all those doglovers take my advise when your dog die's he will became a very good and fun loving dog just like mine

jenny August 21, 2009 12:57 PM

hello everyone.
we got our german shepered maggie 7 month's ago she is so funny and happy with us 4, but as soon as someone come's in the house or near her she get's so nervous she keep's barking.
as yet she hasn't tried to bite anyone hope that never happens as we love her very much.
if anyone no's what we can do can you please let us no.

Anonymous September 3, 2009 10:40 AM

i have a gs bitch she is loyal to me but very timmid does this mean that she will not guard my flat

raylene September 28, 2009 4:09 PM

i like german shepherds because they are cool and i always wanted one that can guard my family, that is train, and the one that is house train too so it doesn't have to crap all over the place......:D

Didi September 30, 2009 1:06 PM

I recently adopted a shepherd/lab cross from the shelter. I love her to pieces, she is extemely smart and housetrained in 1 day. The only draw back is she is extremely protective of me & tries to push the kids away. Will she get better with training or is this just in bred in her?

Eric October 10, 2009 10:27 AM

I have a cute male German Shepare and i am looking for a female German shepard to cross breed. Pls, you must have documentations (paper work) for the dog.
email me at kwabi@mail.com Thanks.

John S. October 15, 2009 11:15 PM

I can not seem to find a Belgian German Shepherd dog on this site can someone please help me to find one I love the German Shepherd dog breed I have had 3 of them 2 in witch died of old age the 3rd is my seizure alert dog name Chewy. But I would like to have a Belgian Shepherd if I can find one

John S. October 15, 2009 11:29 PM

Kate) The German Shepherd Dog is a grate dog around kids if raze from pups but they must be watched because they tend to get a little wild at times they love to play the one thing you dont want to do is play tug of war this can lead to making the dog want to bite someone But if the dog is traind right this dog will protect your family in more was than you could ever belive

Christina M. October 27, 2009 4:51 PM

i have a german shephard puppy....7 months old....he is a rescuee...im having a problem potty training him...to gout side and not in my kitchen...i dont know what to do...he is driving me crazy...

Cassandra December 14, 2009 7:30 PM
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(John S) The breed you are talking about is a Belgian Malinois. They look very similar to a GSD

Reply
Libby January 2, 2010 9:03 AM
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Hi, I have a beautiful long haired German Shepherd pup (10 months old) called Bella. I have always loved GSD's and put off having one until now because of my job, I am a Childminder. The opportunity came up for me to have a pup so I did a lot of research on the breed, especially on how they are with children. I was told that as soon as I got my pup the most important thing to do was socialise her as soon as possible. We use to take Bella everywhere with us. We allowed people to stroke and hold her. I took her to puppy classes, and still go as she has made so many friends and when she is old enough she will do agility and flyball too. I can honestly say she has been perfect around my childminding children. I watch her with them all of the time, not just for their sake but for Bella too, so she isn't pulled around. I have gates up so that Bella can have peace away from the children if she wants in a separate room, plus If I need to be out of the room for anytime I can make sure that the children and Bella are safe away from each other. Bella has never had problems with anxiety, nervousness or exessive barking etc. I can only put this down to her being socialised right from the start. Bella is so faithfull, loyal and loving. I call her my little shadow she is never far away from me! She protects the house and family and If I have her with me when I take the children out she looks out for them all. It is a funny sight to see if the children are in the park she looks around on alert all of the time until the gang are back together beside her. I would not want to be the person on the receiving end if they caused trouble to me, the children or our home as she loves us all so much, as we all do her. I regret not getting a GSD sooner now, as I could not wish for a more loyal beautiful dog. Ps Anyone thinking of buying a GSD be warned, a walk will take twice as long as you probably expect, because in my experience SO MANY people stop you to say hello to them and say how much they love the breed and say how beautiful Bella is. It makes me feel proud to walk her. They are the most nobliest of dogs and I know I am probably biased but the best dog in the world is a German Shepherd. Libby

Reply
Teresa Lewis February 22, 2010 6:43 PM
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Teresa Feb. 22, 2010 8:30pm

Hello, I am so pleased and proud to say that i have an amazing 9 year old GSD named Ralph. I trained him to be a support therapy dog and he loves his responsibilities. I am a teacher of special education middle school students and Ralph has been going to school with me for 5 years now. Ralph is so smart and loyal and he is the smartest dog i've ever known. He has just been a pleasure. I do not believe anyone can go wrong with a GSD. Ralph is a German bred dog and he loves children! I am very excited to be getting another GSD in about 6 weeks. I am going to get a female since i have Ralph, a male. I will train this dog to be a therapy dog as well and one day i will take this one to school also. If anyone has any reserves about getting a GSD, i can respectfully say 'NO WORRIES'. you will not be sorry. Teresa

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