The Dog Word

German Shepherd

18+ Categories all about the German Shepherd dog breed including information about their personality, appearance, Energy level, training ability, and more. Check it out now!

German Shepherd

Overview and History

 Loyal and intelligent German Shepherds are awesome family dogs and excellent working dogs. They are very versatile in the work they do, including being good guard dogs, rescue, and police dogs. They are also used in drug and bomb detection, tracking, and more. They were originally bred as herding dogs hence their breed group. In Britain 1977 they changed the German Shepherd’s name back to GSD from what it was formally known as there, “Alsatian”.

Place of Origin

Germany

Alternate Names

GSD

German Shepherd Laying Down

German Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Description

General

City Dog

Farm Living

Guard Dog

Watch Dog

Guide Dog

Good With Children

Best With Families

Can Sleep Outdoors

Space Requirements

Large Yard

 

Average Life Expectancy

7 – 10 years

 

Breed Group

Group 7 – Herding Dogs


Appearance

 

Size, Height, and Weight

Medium - Large Breed

Height at the shoulders:

Female: 22 - 24 inches

Male: 24 - 26 inches

Weight:

77-85 pounds for males, 60-70 for females.

Two Dogs laying together, one is a white german shepherd, the other is a retriever
  • Photo Credit to Brooke Rossman

Coat

Length: Long

Double-coat

Hypoallergenic: No

Heavy Shedder

Grooming Requirements:

Daily Brushing

Coat Colors:

Black and tan, all black, sable.

Cross Country Skiing with a White German Shepherd
  • Photo Credit to Brooke Rossman

Personality

Temperament

Alert

Affectionate

Fearless

Devoted

Dignified

Happy

Fond of People

Fond of Other Dogs

Weary of Strangers

Loyal to the family

Loyal to the Pack Leader

Active

Intelligent

Stubborn

Friendly

German Shepherd Face

Friendliness Towards other Dogs

Indifferent: This breed tends to be more indifferent about other dogs. Due to their confident nature if challenged a German Shepherd will establish dominance, but they tend to be more friendly than not. Especially if appropriately socialized from a young age.

Friendliness towards other Pets

Friendly – this breed tends to be friendly with cats and other animals.

Friendliness Towards Strangers

Cautious – This breed can tend to be aloof with strangers. Socialization with many new humans from a young age is important to preventing unwanted behavior.


Energy & Trainability

Energy Level

High Energy/High Exercise Needs – This breed tends to have higher energy.

A large yard and daily run is important for this breed. Regular stimulation can prevent unwanted behaviors.

Training Ability

Easy - This breed tends to learn commands and expectations easily. Recommended for inexperienced owners.

German Shepherd puppy laying down

Additional Information About this Breed

Tips for Raising Your Dog

The German Shepherd dog is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia which is a result of inbreeding early on in the existence of the breed. This can cause arthritis later on in life.

They are highly active dogs. Often if you have one who is destructive it is likely due to a lack of outlet for their excess energy.

As with all dogs, it is important to not over exercise a puppy. They grow quickly and too much pressure on their joints can cause issues later on in life.  Wait until your puppy is at least a year old before you take them on any lengthy hikes or runs.

Cross Country Skiing with a White German Shepherd
  • Photo Credit to Brooke Rossman

Rescue and Adoption Organizations

Manitoba All Shepherd Rescue Inc.

German Shepherd Rescue and Adoption

If you are a rescue and adoption organization and would like to see your information on this page and/or on our CAN Rescue and Adoption Organizations List, please use the contact us form and provide:

-   The organization name, Web Site URL, breed/page you would like your site listed, and city and province of shelter location if applicable.

 

Sources:

German Shepherd Wikipedia Page 2019, The Canadian Kennel Club Website 2019, The American Kennel Club Website 2019, The Kennel Club (UK) Website 2019, and the FCI World Canine Organisation website 2019.


Loading Conversation

Share This Page



Recently Added

Vizsla
18+ Categories all about the Vizsla dog breed including information about their personality, appearance, Energy level, training ability, and more. Check it out now!
German Shepherd
18+ Categories all about the German Shepherd dog breed including information about their personality, appearance, Energy level, training ability, and more. Check it out now!
Australian Cattle Dog
18+ Categories all about the Australian Cattle Dog breed including information about their personality, appearance, Energy level, training ability, and more. Check it out now!
Siberian Husky
18+ Categories all about the Siberian Husky dog breed including information about their personality, appearance, Energy level, training ability, and more. Check it out now!