German Shepherds are one of the world’s most loved dog breeds. They’re curious dogs, as well as smart and loving. While some may be intimidated by German Shepherds’ reputations, that’s usually because they’re working dogs, and frequently used by law enforcement and the military!
It’s true: German Shepherds are all around smart, compassionate dogs. Are you thinking of adopting a German Shepherd? Well, you may be interested to learn some facts about the breed before you commit.
First of all, you may wish to know the breed basics. Here’s the run down of the “need to know” information about German Shepherds.
German Shepherd Lifespan: German Shepherds can live between 9 and 13 years. The median lifespan of a German Shepherd is 10.3 years.
Origin of the German Shepherd: As you may have guessed, the German Shepherd breed comes from Germany! They’re thought to have originated in 1899.
Height: Male German Shepherds reach a height of 24 to 26 inches (60 to 65 centimeters). Females reach a height of 22 to 24 inches (55 to 60 centimeters).
Weight: Adult males weigh between 77 and 95 pounds, or 35 to 43 kilograms. Females can grow to be 55 to 73 pounds, or 25 to 33 kilograms.
Breed Group: German Shepherds are historically herding dogs. They were originally used to herd sheep, though that role has evolved over the years.
Everything sound good? Are you still thinking of adopting a German Shepherd? Well, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of adopting the breed.
Pros of Owning a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a great fit for many families. There are dozens of “pros” to adopting a German Shepherd. These include:
- Intelligence! German Shepherds are extremely smart dogs. That means they’re easy to train and make great watch dogs.
- German Shepherds are loyal dogs. Because they’re naturally protective, German Shepherds are quite a loyal breed.
- They make great show dogs. German Shepherds are a beautiful breed, and because they’re so willing to follow commands, it’s possible your German Shepherd may be the next “best in show.”
- They’re adaptable to most climates. German Shepherds boast a double coat, which means they’ll be happy in both warm and cool climates.
- German Shepherds don’t have oily skin and hair, which means they won’t carry that “dog smell” you may get with other breeds. In fact, it’s usually okay to bathe your German Shepherd once a month.
- German Shepherds are great companions for active people. They love to run, meaning you can train for your 5k alongside your German Shepherd. They also love water, so take your German Shepherd to the beach with you!
Cons of Owning a German Shepherd
As with any breed, there are cons to adopting a German Shepherd. Here’s what you need to know about the “downside” of adding a German Shepherd to your family.
- German Shepherds shed a lot. As we mentioned, they have a double coat. So, in particular, if you live in a warm climate German Shepherds shedding can be problematic.
- German Shepherds love company. If you work from home or are retired, the breed may be a great fit! But if you’re away from home a lot, German Shepherds may get lonely, causing digging, scratching and other doggie misbehaviors.
- German Shepherds are prone to health issues like hip trouble, epilepsy and diabetes. They’re also more likely than some other breeds to have cataracts.
- German Shepherds don’t have the best reputation. They’re right up there with Rottweilers and Dobermans in terms of “misunderstood breeds” and people tend to be frightened of German Shepherds.
- They don’t always like new people. Say you’re a single woman, and you begin to date. It may take your pup some time to warm up to the new people in your life.
- They need a lot of exercise. If you live in an apartment or don’t have ample time to regularly exercise your German Shepherd, he may become quite an unhappy animal.
Should I Adopt a German Shepherd?
If the pros and cons seem like a good fit for your lifestyle, a German Shepherd may be perfect for you! Despite the misconceptions, German Shepherds are actually great family dogs. They’re extremely loyal, well-mannered and even-tempered when they’re trained and treated right.
If you live in a small space or you don’t have time to regularly let your dog get exercise, German Shepherds may not be a good option. There are plenty of other large dog breeds that don’t require as much activity.
Furthermore, if you find the idea of potential health problems stressful, German Shepherds might not be the right breed for you. All dogs have some risk of health concerns, but German Shepherds are historically inbred, which greatens the risk.
With that said, if you’re looking for a friendly, obedient and extremely loyal companion who loves to play outside, German Shepherds just might be a perfect match for you!
German Shepherd Facts
As you decide whether adopting a German Shepherd is the right decision, you may be interested in learning more about the breed and its history. Here are some facts about German Shepherds you may not have known.
The History of German Shepherds
As we mentioned, German Shepherds originated around 1899 in Germany. They were initially used as sheep-herding dogs, hence the name of the breed!
In the middle of the 19th century, people began to make efforts to standardize dog breeds. What they were looking for was a dog that had all the traits of a good herding dog, like intelligence, strength, speed and a strong sense of smell.
Gradually, these people began to “narrow down the gene pool” and by the end of the century, German Shepherds were the newest in herding breeds.
The German Shepherds that we know today have similar traits to the original breed. They’re frequently used in the military and in law enforcement because they’re fast and have a great sense of smell. They’re also easy to train and obedient, making them ideal “police dogs.”
German Shepherd Personality Traits
We’ve touched a bit on the traits of a German Shepherd, but if you want to get a better feel for what your new pup will be like, keep reading!
German Shepherds are, above all, loyal. They’re great family dogs and can get along quite well with children and babies. Once a German Shepherd is adopted, he’ll latch on to his family and offer protection and friendship.
This loyalty does come with a downside, though. Because they fall in love with their families, they can be aggressive toward strangers. Now, this is true for many dog breeds. It’s important to know that, with proper training, German Shepherds can be friendly and docile.
German Shepherds are smart, and they’re natural-born work dogs. In fact, they want to work. That makes training the breed very easy – your German Shepherd wants to follow your commands.
In summary, the breed is:
- Loyal
- Smart
- Energetic
- Guarding
- Aggressive if not trained properly
- Vocal
- Obedient
- Easy to train
German Shepherd Popularity
German Shepherds carry a lot of great personality traits! It’s no surprise, then, that the breed consistently ranks at the top of the list of most popular dog breeds.
In 2017, German Shepherds were ranked the second most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. In Germany, as you may have guessed, the most popular dog breed is the German Shepherd. It ranks first on the list.
In the UK, the German Shepherd isn’t quite as popular, but it’s still in the top ten breeds. The German Shepherd ranks eight on the list of most loved dogs. And in Canada, the German Shepherd is the second most popular dog.
As you can see, the German Shepherd may have originated in Germany, but the breed has become very popular all around the world, in just over 100 years! Their intelligence and willingness to obey have ensured them top spots on the list of most-loved breeds in many countries.
German Shepherd Temperament
We’ve touched a bit on the personality traits of German Shepherds. Let’s look a little more in detail at the temperament of the dogs.
German Shepherds have a history of getting along well with law enforcement. That means they’ve earned a reputation as “biting” or “aggressive” dogs, due to their job to catch the bad guys. In fact, German Shepherds can be aggressive. And they can be trained to bite. But, when raised properly, the opposite is true.
German Shepherds are very confident dogs. If you were to observe one, you might say he has high self-esteem. They’re proud and carry themselves regally; they’re very composed and may even appear stand-offish.
It’s true that German Shepherds don’t take kindly to strangers very quickly. But a well-trained dog won’t be aggressive right off the bat. Instead, he’ll be aloof, watching and observing the newcomer until he gets a better feel for whether that person is a threat.
In short, the German Shepherd temperament is restrained and skeptical of new people. However, once they get to know you, they’re loyal for life.
German Shepherd Care
If there’s one thing you need to consider before you adopt a German Shepherd, it’s that they shed. A German Shepherd is a double-coat dog, and will shed its top coat year round. And when we say shed, we mean heavily! Twice a year, your German Shepherd will also shed his undercoat.
We mentioned that your German Shepherd won’t need a bath but once each month. This is true – however, you’re going to need to brush him frequently. Twice a week should be okay for most German Shepherds; this will greatly reduce the amount of hair you find on the floor (and on your clothes, in your bed, in your car… you get the idea).
You’re also going to need to consider the likelihood that your German Shepherd will develop health issues. Common health issues within the breed include:
- Epilepsy
- Hip dysplasia
- Pancreatic disorders
- Degenerative disc disease
- Elbow dysplasia
- Skin conditions, particularly allergies
- Diabetes
- Cataracts
- Bloat
The German Shepherd breed was developed through generations of careful breeding. Unfortunately, much of that breeding was inbreeding, and that makes your dog prone to develop health concerns.
Caring for your German Shepherd includes frequent visits to the veterinary office. Your vet can check your German Shepherd for symptoms of commonly known diseases in the breed. Catching those diseases early can mean the difference between a long, healthy lifespan and a dog who becomes ill.
German Shepherd Lifespan
Speaking of a long, healthy life, you’re probably wondering about the lifespan of a German Shepherd. German Shepherds are lifelong companions… but just how long do they live?
The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 10.3 years. This excludes outliers like accidental death. Most German Shepherds will live between 9 and 13 years, and a great many dogs live well past 13 years!
There are a few things you can do to ensure your German Shepherd lives as long as possible.
- Take frequent trips to the veterinarian. Again, the vet can check your dog for symptoms of diseases common to German Shepherds.
- Feed your German Shepherd properly. We’ll talk about food for German Shepherds later in this guide.
- Allow your German Shepherd plenty of exercise. German Shepherds love to be outdoors, running, swimming and playing. Apartment life with minimal exercise may decrease the lifespan of your German Shepherd.
- Take care of your German Shepherd’s teeth! Tooth decay can cause infection and dietary concerns, so be sure you keep on top of your dog’s dental health.
- Let your dog rest. German Shepherds can get stressed, so it’s important you let your dog rest from time to time. He should have his own place, away from others, where he can “unwind” and calm himself if he becomes anxious.
Your German Shepherd can live a long life, so long as you give him the food, veterinary care and exercise he needs. Be sure you can commit to these considerations before you adopt a German Shepherd puppy or dog.
Feeding Your German Shepherd
Obviously, there’s a difference between feeding your German Shepherd puppy and feeding an adult dog or senior German Shepherd. Let’s take a look at what each age group needs to ensure optimal health.
Feeding German Shepherd Puppies
If you’ve bought your German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, he or she will likely have feeding recommendations based on the specific lineage of your dog. Follow those instructions so as not to damage your puppy’s gastrointestinal system.
If you’ve adopted your German Shepherd puppy from a shelter or someone else, there are a few things you should keep in mind when feeding him.
- Always be sure your puppy has fresh water on hand. Take the water away overnight to prevent “accidents” while housetraining him.
- Puppies will eat three to four times each day, up to 2 weeks of age. After that, they’ll eat twice each day.
- Begin with a diet of specially formulated puppy food. This is wet food that’s easy to chew and digest.
- Once your puppy reaches around 12 weeks old, begin to transition him to dry food. This is done by mixing wet with dry and gradually decreasing the amount of wet food in the mixture.
- Never give your puppy bones! That’s especially true for pork, chicken and turkey bones. They may break or splinter, and this may be fatal to your dog.
- Monitor your puppy’s weight. Overweight dogs are more susceptible to disease. If you’re unsure, check with your vet for proper weight guidelines.
- Never switch your dog’s food suddenly. To change dog food, gradually mix the old brand with the new to gently transition him.
Feeding Your Adult German Shepherd
Adult German Shepherds have different dietary requirements than puppies. As your dog gets older, his metabolism will slow and he’ll eat less food, fewer times per day. An adult German Shepherd should only eat one or two times per day. If you have questions, consult your vet.
Here’s what you need to know about feeding your adult German Shepherd.
- As with puppies, you should never abruptly switch types or brands of dog food. Instead, gradually transition your dog from one type to another.
- It’s up to you whether you choose wet or dry food for your German Shepherd. If your dog has dental issues, wet food may be easier. However, bear in mind that wet dog food can cause gas and even diarrhea.
- If you choose dry food, be certain our dog always has water available to drink.
- German Shepherds love meat. Try bison, beef, chicken and lamb. Your dog’s food should contain at least 22 percent protein.
- A vegetarian diet is okay, provided your dog gets enough protein. Eggs, beans, soy and some whole grains can provide the protein your dog needs.
- Check your dog’s weight regularly. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t feel your pup’s rib cage, he’s getting too much food.
- If you find that your dog is gassy, suffers diarrhea or has other symptoms of a food allergy, speak with your vet about alternative diets.
Feeding a Senior German Shepherd
Older dogs may have special dietary considerations. Now, that’s not always the case, but there are a few things you should remember as your dog ages.
- Older dogs may begin to have dental problems. It may be wise to switch your pup to a wet food; it’s softer and easier to chew.
- Older dogs typically need less fat and fewer calories in their diets. However, be sure they get plenty of omega fatty acids, as these can help alleviate joint discomfort.
- Remember that protein is especially critical to your older dog’s health. It helps keep muscles healthy and provides energy to your dog.
- Pay attention to your dog as he ages. If you notice any sensitivities, check with your vet to determine whether a dietary change may be necessary.
Whether you’re caring for a puppy, an adult or a senior dog, it’s important that you simply use common sense. If you notice your dog is overeating or eating too little, talk to your veterinarian about changing his diet to accommodate his particular needs.
Your German Shepherd’s Health
We mentioned that, because of the inbreeding utilized to create the breed, German Shepherds are prone to illness. Hopefully you and your pup won’t experience any of these health concerns, and your dog will lead a full and healthy life!
Breeders are aware of the health concerns within the species and are actively working to create a breed of dog that’s free from these illnesses. In the meantime, however, you’ll need to care for your German Shepherd’s health to help prevent disease.
Your Dog’s Inoculations
First and foremost, take your dog to the veterinarian at least every year! Depending upon the requirements in your country, your vet will provide inoculations to help protect your dog, other dogs and you! Inoculations include:
- Distemper
- Measles
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
- Hepatitis
- Rabies
- Bordetella
- Coronavirus
- Heartworm
- Kennel cough
There are more, of course, but these are common inoculations your vet will administer.
Your German Shepherd’s Dental Health
Along with keeping up with your dog’s inoculation schedule, your vet will also keep track of your dog’s dental health. Poor dental health can cause infections that impact your dog’s overall health, as these infections spread to the rest of your body.
Your vet will check your dog’s teeth, but there are things you can do to improve your German Shepherd’s overall dental health, too! These things include:
- Allowing your pup to chew on rawhide bones.
- Brushing your dog’s teeth! Be sure to use a dog toothpaste – human paste isn’t good for your German Shepherd.
- Feed your dog dry food when possible. Dry food strengthens your dog’s teeth, and also helps to remove plaque.
- Give your German Shepherd a rope toy – and play tug of war! Rope toys act like toothbrushes, helping to prevent gingivitis and other dental disorders.
- Remember that as your dog gets older, his teeth may weaken. It may be necessary to switch your dog to a softer, gentler wet food.
Your German Shepherd’s Overall Health
Of course, you want to bring your German Shepherd to the vet regularly just to keep tabs on his overall health. However, it’s important that you pay attention to your dog while you’re at home – this may help you catch any problems before they become serious or life-threatening.
First, when your German Shepherd is around wo years old, take him in for an x-ray. A proper x-ray is the only way to determine if your dog has hip dysplasia, a common condition in German Shepherds.
Annually, you’ll need to have your pup checked for heart trouble. Conditions common in German Shepherds include valve diseases, murmurs and enlarged hearts. Your vet can discuss these risks with you. Along with your heart exam, your annual checkup is a good time to discuss other conditions with your vet. Digestive trouble, vision trouble and epilepsy are a few examples.
Finally, watch your dog for any signs of pain. Limping, lethargy or other obvious signs of pain may indicate muscular and neurological diseases. Catching these issues early can help you prevent serious discomfort or even a shortened lifespan for your dog.
Training Your German Shepherd
Proper training of a German Shepherd begins in puppyhood. Beginning the training process early ensures that your dog is well-socialized, well-mannered and that he remains obedient for the duration of his long, full life!
Key Points to Remember When Training Your German Shepherd
As soon as it’s safe to do so, socialize your dog. You’ll want to introduce him to other people and other dogs. In fact, it may even be a good idea to introduce your pup to cats, guinea pigs or whatever else you have around the house!
It’s absolutely essential that you treat your German Shepherd with gentleness and care while you’re training. Harsh treatment of your dog may encourage him to grow into an aggressive result, causing a plethora of problems later on down the road.
When you train your dog, be sure to use praise rather than punishment. Dogs react very well to a treat offered, or a scratch behind the ears. If your dog does something he shouldn’t, use the word “No!” in a firm, loud voice.
Remember that all dogs make mistakes. They have their own personalities, and some are even trouble-makers! Use those mistakes as an opportunity to teach your dog the rules of the house and remember: you make those rules! Don’t let your dog become the leader of the pack – that’s your place!
Finally, be consistent with your commands. Your dog will learn a word like “sit” very easily. Imagine, then, is confusion when someone else commands him to “siddown!” Be sure everyone in the household is on the same wavelength when training your German Shepherd.
House Training Your German Shepherd
There are many schools of thought when it comes to teaching your dog to “do his business.” Some people utilize the crate training method. This is generally considered to be the most effective way to train your pup, although some people don’t care for the idea of leaving a puppy in a cage.
Puppy pads are also effective. There are dozens of brands of “scented” puppy pads on the market, and these pads offer an attractive place for your puppy to do his thing. However, it can be frustrating once it’s time to transition your dog to using the outdoors as his potty.
Some owners have had success with litter boxes! Yes, the type that cats use. This is ideal for smaller dogs, though German Shepherds can certainly be trained to do so.
No matter which method you prefer, house training your puppy is a process that requires patience. Remember – your puppy is going to make mistakes! Treat him gently and he’ll eventually learn just the right way to do his business.
Obedience Training for Your German Shepherd
The easiest way to complete obedience training for your German Shepherd is by bringing him to a training school. Training schools are great in that they teach owners effective methods of keeping German Shepherds under control, and they also socialize your dog!
With that said, if you want to teach your dog basic commands at home, that’s okay, too. Teaching your dog basic commands is quite sufficient to ensure everyone, including your dog, stays happy.
Some basic commands you may want to start with include:
- Sit
- Stay
- Down or Off
- Heel
- Lie
- Come
- Drop it
There are, of course, more. However, these are the most useful in simply controlling your German Shepherd’s behavior.
It can’t be stressed enough: remember to use praise and don’t punish your dog for his mistakes. Use a leash if necessary, and don’t resort to training tools that shock or otherwise hurt your German Shepherd.
Types of German Shepherds
Now that you know just about everything there is to know about German Shepherds, you may be contemplating adopting one! There are several types of German Shepherds available for adoption. All have similar mannerisms and temperament, but there are minor difference between them.
West German Lines
West German German Shepherds are gorgeous dogs, and they’re bred for protection. They need a lot of exercise, and are generally very social dogs. The standards for the West German line are set by the Club for German Shepherd Dogs, Inc. These include standards for their hips and elbows.
German Shepherds in the West German line are great family dogs, but they make excellent protection and work dogs, too.
American Lines
American German Shepherds are laid back. In fact, some may describe them as lazy! Of course, as with any German Shepherd, dogs in the American line do require ample exercise and room to move. That said, they tend to have lower energy levels than some other lines.
German Shepherds in the American line are generally bred for show, but they make excellent family pets. The American line is great with kids, and they’re very obedient.
East German Lines
East German lines are a hardy lot! These dogs are strong, resistant to harsh temperatures and bred to work. They’re very athletic animals and require a lot of physical activity.
Dogs in the East German line are true work dogs, enduring long days and possessing keen senses of smell. They’re a little more aloof than other lines, so they’re not the most social German Shepherds out there. German Shepherds from the East German lines are great watch dogs, and work well with the military and law enforcement.
Czech Lines
German Shepherds from the Czech lines look a little different to other German Shepherds. They’re very dark-furred; in fact, they’re usually black. The Czech line of German Shepherds are great work dogs, and like the East German pups they do well in military and law enforcement.
Dogs in the Czech line aren’t always great family dogs. However, they can be very good companions to those who live alone and need a watchdog!
Which Type of German Shepherd is Best?
It’s generally agreed that different types of German Shepherds have different personality traits. However, much of that has to do with the way you train your dog! Treating a dog gently and with kindness from puppyhood can result in a well-mannered, obedient dog. Conversely, treating even the most gentle dog with harshness can create an aggressive, skittish dog.
To choose the types of German Shepherd that’s best for you, meet him in person! Many people claim that they don’t choose dogs. Instead, visit a breeder or shelter and allow your dog to choose you!
German Shepherds in the Movies
Just for fun, would you like to watch a few movies that star (or at least cast) German Shepherds? Here are a few of our favorite movies with your favorite dog breed as cast members.
- The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin (TV Series 1954-1959)
- Dr. Dolittle (1998)
- K-9 (1989)
- K911 (1999)
- Police Dog (1955)
- The Call of the Wild (1972)
- For the Love of Rusty (1947)
There are, of course, dozens of movies that feature German Shepherds. You can find many of these on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Others can be found on iTunes, Vudu, Google play and other apps.
German Shepherd Documentaries
German Shepherds in the movies can be fun! However, if you want to learn a little more about the breed, check out one of the German Shepherd documentaries available on streaming media and around the web.
These documentaries include:
- Black & Gold Documentary
- German Shepherd – Dogs 101 (Animal Planet)
- Dogs Decoded
- War Dog: A Soldier’s Best Friend (HBO)
- Pedigree Dogs Exposed (BBC)
A quick search around the web will return plenty of other results for German Shepherd documentaries. Some are documentaries about German Shepherds, while others simply include German Shepherds alongside other breeds. Either way, watching documentaries is a good way to learn more about the breed.
Summary
Choosing a dog is a big decision! After all, the pup you choose is likely to become a lifelong friend. German Shepherds are among the most popular breeds of dog around the world, and for good reason! They’re super smart, very trainable and extremely loyal dogs.
German Shepherds do require a bit of care, as they’re prone to health concerns. They’re also very active dogs, so be sure you have room for your pup to run! But don’t let yourself be dissuaded from adopting a German Shepherd because of their reputation! A German Shepherd is very protective, sweet and loyal once he finds his family!
