German Shepherd breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About German Shepherds
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the German Shepherd breed
German Shepherds are a versatile and highly intelligent breed that originated in Germany. They were initially developed for herding livestock but have since become popular as working dogs in various roles, including search and rescue, police and military work, and as loyal family companions. They are often seen in movies and TV shows due to their trainability, intelligence, and ability to learn complex tasks. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a strong and muscular build.
Weight, height & life expectancy
German Shepherds have a medium-to-large size, with males typically standing between 60-65cm in height and weighing between 30-40kg. Females are slightly smaller, standing at around 55-6cm and weighing between 22-32 kg.
On average, they have a life expectancy of 9-13 years.
What is the temperament of a German Shepherd like?
German Shepherds are renowned for their loyalty, courage, and versatility. They are known to form strong bonds with their families and can be fiercely protective. They are generally good with children and can be gentle and patient with them when properly socialised from a young age.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, making them well-suited for various activities and tasks. They thrive when given mental stimulation and purposeful work. However, their intelligence also means they require consistent training, socialisation, and mental exercise to prevent behavioural issues. As a working breed, German Shepherds have a high energy level and require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Our German Shepherd Community
“Henry is full of energy and character. Henry is a super enthusiastic dog who will keep you entertained and occupied with his head tilts and asking for belly rubs. He loves to play a fetch anytime of the day.”
Henry’s owner, Bristi from Dorset
“Zeus is a loving, fun, and intelligent dog who is great with other dogs, and children and has a fantastic temperament. He is always excited to meet new people and loves playing fetch and going for walks.”
Zeus’ owner, James from Lancashire
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
German Shepherds are an active breed that benefits from regular exercise. On average, they require at least 1.5-2 hours of exercise each day to meet their physical and mental needs. This can include activities such as long walks, jogging, playing fetch, and engaging in interactive games or training sessions.
For German Shepherd puppies, it's important to be mindful of their growing bodies. While they still require exercise, their exercise sessions should be shorter and less intense compared to adult dogs. Puppies should engage in several short play and training sessions throughout the day. As they grow, gradually increase the duration and intensity of their exercise, allowing them to develop strong muscles and coordination.
It's worth noting that German Shepherds are prone to joint and bone issues, such as hip dysplasia, so it's important to avoid excessive impact and strenuous exercise until they have fully developed. Consult with your vet for specific exercise recommendations based on your German Shepherd's age, health, and individual needs.
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Do German Shepherds need a lot of grooming?
German Shepherds have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from mats and tangles. They typically shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding occurring during seasonal transitions. To maintain their coat, German Shepherds should be brushed at least once a week using a slicker brush or undercoat rake. This helps remove loose hair and prevents matting. During shedding seasons, daily brushing may be necessary to keep up with the increased hair loss.
Additionally, German Shepherds should receive regular dental care, including teeth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste, to maintain good oral hygiene.
Are German Shepherds easy to train?
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. They have a strong work ethic and are eager to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train. With proper guidance, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play, German Shepherds can excel in obedience training, agility, tracking, and other advanced tasks. However, it's important to note that training a German Shepherd requires knowledge, experience, and a firm but fair approach. They respond best to confident owners who provide clear boundaries and expectations.
Early socialisation is crucial for German Shepherds to develop good manners and become well-rounded dogs. Exposing them to various environments, people, animals, and situations from a young age helps them become more confident, adaptable, and friendly. With the right training and socialisation, German Shepherds can become obedient, loyal, and well-behaved companions.
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What do German Shepherds eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and well-being of German Shepherds. They require high-quality large breed dog food that meets their specific nutritional needs. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day with portion sizes based on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust the portion sizes as needed to prevent obesity.
For German Shepherd puppies, it's important to provide them with a specially formulated puppy food that supports their growth and development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old when this can be reduced to twice daily. As German Shepherds mature into adults, they can transition to an adult dog food formula at between 12 and 18 months old, depending on the dog, food brand etc.
Are German Shepherds healthy?
Overall, German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions that potential owners should be aware of. Some common health concerns in German Shepherds include:
Bones and joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Neurological
Degenerative Myelopathy - a disease that causes nerves in the lower spine to not work properly
Epilepsy - A condition of the brain that causes dogs to have fits
Gastrointestinal
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately
Hormonal
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) - This condition occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient digestive enzymes, leading to poor nutrient absorption and weight loss
Pituitary Dwarfism - a growth hormone deficiency which affects a dog’s growth and can shorten their life expectancy
Skin
Anal furunculosis - painful, open sores around a dog’s bottom
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation.
This list is by no means comprehensive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your dog or if you want to discuss further if a German Shepherd is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, but they require structure to thrive. Start obedience training and socialisation early, exposing them to various people, pets, and environments. Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviours and build a strong bond.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
