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German shepherds are distinctive, loyal, and intelligent dogs, and these pups can be rewarding to own, as long as you know how to take care of them properly. In New York, a German shepherd can live a happy life, provided you give them enough access to the outdoors and your home is not too small – these are not dogs that can live in a tiny New York City studio apartment.

Fortunately, German shepherds are more resistant to the colder temperatures of this state, and they can tolerate warm weather as well. Your dog will be happy to accompany you on any of the outdoor adventures New York State provides.

When adopting a German shepherd in New York, you will need to work with breed-specific rescues or local shelters to find the right dog for you. Our article gives you details about caring for this breed and the general process of adding a German shepherd to your family.

What Are German Shepherds Like?

Alert, intelligent, and loyal, the German shepherd breed dates back to the 19th century. Originally used for herding livestock, German shepherds quickly grew in popularity due to their highly trainable natures, protective spirit, and observant behavior. These dogs are seen in roles from working in the military to acting as service dogs, and they thrive when they are able to complete tasks and work alongside their owners.

Your German shepherd will be friendly and form a strong bond with those in their family. These dogs require a fair amount of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy, and training is a must for this breed.

Your German shepherd might be somewhat wary of strangers at first, due to their protective natures, and this dog can get bored and destructive if they are left alone for long hours or does not receive the training and socialization that they need.

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What Is a German Shepherd’s Temperament?

German shepherds have a generally well-rounded and pleasant temperament, as long as these dogs are trained and socialized as soon as possible. German shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and determined, and you can expect your dog to be both confident and eager to please. These dogs are fairly easy to train as a result of their temperament.

It’s important to note that your German shepherd will need a good amount of mental and physical stimulation to support their intelligent and active nature. Dogs that do not get their exercise and mental stimulation needs met can develop anxiety or destructive behaviors.

How Active Are German Shepherds?

German shepherds are very active dogs, and they are large, which means that you will need to contribute a fair amount of time to making sure your dog stays healthy and happy. These pups will need three moderate to long walks each day, combined with an hour of playtime. Small New York apartments are not a good choice for German shepherds, as your dog will need ample space indoors and outdoors to stretch their legs and stay healthy.

Take your dog on outdoor adventures often, and make sure that you keep their minds active with daily training sessions, puzzle toys, and other fun games that keep your German shepherd engaged.

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What Size Are German Shepherds?

As a large breed, the German shepherd will stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. Female German shepherds tend to be on the smaller end of this scale, while male German shepherds will usually weigh closer to 65 to 90 pounds on average.

What Are a German Shepherd’s Grooming Needs?

German shepherds don’t have the most intensive grooming needs, and the coat of this breed is short and straight. You will need to brush your dog’s coat a few times a week to remove loose hairs, and you should expect your dog to lose a significant amount of fur twice a year during shedding season. Other than that, this breed is a moderate shedder.

You can take your German shepherd to a professional groomer every two to three months as needed, and you will only need to bathe this dog when they get very stinky or if their coat needs a little sprucing up. Get your German shepherd used to tasks like nail trims and ear cleaning at a young age to make this process easier as your dog grows up.

What Are Common German Shepherd Health Issues?

German shepherds are prone to certain health issues due to their genetics, though this breed is overall healthy and robust. Health issues you should look out for in your German shepherd as they age include:

You can keep an eye on your German shepherd’s behavior and health, taking them to a vet whenever you notice a potential issue. Routine veterinarian visits can also help you catch health issues before they become too serious.

What Is a German Shepherd’s Lifespan?

German shepherds have an average lifespan for larger dogs. You can expect your pup to live between 9 and 13 years; a healthy lifestyle and proper care can ensure your dog lives a happy life for as long as possible.

Are German Shepherds Good With Other Animals or Kids?

German shepherds are usually fine with children, as long as the children are a bit older and know how to interact with this dog properly. As a large dog, it’s easy for the German shepherd to accidentally injure rambunctious young children when the children aren’t sure how to interact with the dog and do not understand dog body language. However, German shepherds are very loyal and protective of their families, and they can be perfect companions for older children and teens.

Your German shepherd is not usually the best choice for a home with many other animals. This breed can warm up to other dogs with proper introductions, and they may even be ok with some cats, but they do have a high prey drive, and they might chase smaller animals in your home, such as hamsters.

Are German Shepherds Good for First-Time Dog Parents?

First-time dog parents in New York considering a German shepherd should be aware that this breed might be somewhat challenging as a first dog. German shepherds are high-energy and intelligent, something that results in the need for lots of training, socialization, and exercise. First-time dog parents going from no pet to a relatively high-maintenance dog might feel overwhelmed with this breed.

However, if you understand exactly what the German shepherd needs to thrive in your home, you have the space to support a German shepherd, and you are committed to the training and exercise this dog needs, you might be able to adopt this breed as your first dog.

How Do You Adopt a German Shepherd in New York?

Adopting a German shepherd in New York can be a straightforward process, but it’s important to note that different rescues and adoption organizations may have varying application procedures. In general, your first step is to find a German shepherd rescue or a local shelter that has a German shepherd available for adoption. You can learn more about the available dogs online, or you may be able to visit the dogs to see if you are a match for each other.

Once you have decided where to adopt from, you will need to fill out an adoption application. Some organizations may require that you complete a home check, meet and greet your chosen dog, and provide identification information before approving your application. Check with the staff at your chosen shelter or rescue to understand any specific and additional adoption requirements.

After you have been approved for adoption, you will pay your adoption fee and pick up your German shepherd. Make sure that you already have all of the items you need to care for your dog at home, such as toys, food and water bowls, beds, and leashes or harnesses, so that you are ready to start living a happy life with your new best friend.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a German Shepherd in New York?

Adopting a German shepherd in New York is often cheaper than purchasing this dog from a breeder. You can expect to pay between $150 and $300 for your German shepherd on average, with the exact price depending on your location, the organization you are adopting from, and the age of your chosen dog.

How Should I Train a German Shepherd?

Training your German shepherd is essential, as these dogs are highly intelligent and thrive when they are given tasks to complete. You should use positive, rewards-based training with your dog, as this is the type of training that has the most success and creates an enjoyable training experience. Utilizing negative aversion training on your German shepherd may result in fear, anxiety, or poor behaviors, as your dog cannot understand why the training process is unenjoyable for them.

We recommend using online dog training courses to get started on training with your dog, and take the time to speak to a professional trainer in your area if you are having trouble with certain behavioral issues in your German shepherd.

Find the Right German Shepherd in New York for You

Finding the right German shepherd in New York for you might seem confusing at first, but this process is fun and enjoyable once you understand it more. We recommend taking the time to learn all you can about this breed to ensure you can help them thrive before looking at German shepherd rescues and animal shelters near you. Take your time with research and preparations for bringing your dog home, and you will be sure to have a loving German shepherd companion in New York in no time.