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 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
Registered Breed
(Links below are to the Breed Standard Page for each organization)
FCI (The World Canine Organization)
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.
- Photo Credit to Brooke Rossman
Coat
Length: Long
Double-coat
Heavy Shedder
Grooming Requirements:
Daily Brushing
Coat Colors:
Black and tan, all black, sable.
- 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
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.
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.
- 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.
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