German Shepherd: Your Complete Guide

German shepherd dogs are a popular breed and for good reason – they’re friendly, alert, protective, and loyal to a fault. They’re also pretty easy to groom, with a grooming session every month or so being enough to keep their coat in pristine condition. However, there are traits and needs that these dogs have which make them difficult for people new to dog ownership.

In this article, we’ll examine the breed’s overall characteristics, discuss its origins, common coat types and colors, temperament and how it behaves with others (people and animals), how to care for it, and lots more.

If you’ve been wondering whether you’ll be able to care for a German shepherd dog in your apartment, if it sheds a lot, if it’ll get along with your cat and hamster, or if it’s even the right dog for you, we’ll discuss all of that in detail in this article.

Quick Look at the German Shepherd

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of German Shepherds?

The German shepherd’s history is rooted in the rolling hills of late 19th-century Germany. They have an interesting history behind them. A German Captain named Max von Stephanitz, who was impressed by the intelligence and agility of other regional sheepdogs, wanted to make a standardized working dog.

In 1899, he purchased a particularly outstanding herding dog named Horand von Grafrath, which is considered by most as the breed’s foundation stud. Horand was bred with other exceptional herders in an effort from von Stephanitz to create the ultimate working dog for shepherds.

These dogs were not just about their brawn; German shepherds were (and still are) some of the most easily trainable dogs out there. Von Stephanitz wanted a dog that could not only herd sheep well but also think for itself and respond to commands, and the German shepherd did both of these things flawlessly.

This is also why you’ll find German shepherds on not just farms, but more increasingly in areas such as police work, search and rescue, and military service.

During World War I, due to anti-German sentiment, people stopped calling these dogs “German” shepherds. Instead, they were referred to as Alsatians by the US Kennel Club, which referred to them as Alsatians until 1917. The name didn’t stick; eventually, everyone returned back to calling them German shepherds.

What Do German Shepherds Look Like?

German shepherds are athletic looking dogs. They’re usually medium to large at 22-26 inches tall and consist almost entirely of muscle. This makes them look not only a touch intimidating, but also pretty cool.

These dogs have double coats, which consist of a dense outer coat that’s layered on top of a soft, thick undercoat that keeps them warm. Generally, these dogs have short-medium length coats, but some may have long lengths.

German shepherds are generally colored black and tan. However, this isn’t the only color you’ll find them in. They can also be solid black, blue, and even white, though these colors are rare. The coat usually has a blanket pattern on it that consists mostly of black.

What Size Is a German Shepherd?

German shepherds have little variation in their size. Most of it comes from their sex. Males are generally 24-26 inches tall and weigh 65-90 pounds. Females, on the other hand, tend to be 22-24 inches tall and weigh between 50-70 pounds.

What Is a German Shepherd’s Coat Type and Length?

Since German shepherds have a double coat, they have two different types of coats that each serve their own purpose. The outer coat, which can be thought of as the guard hair, is usually straight, coarse, and pretty dense. You’ll know it if you touch it – this coat protects the dogs from the elements and generally keeps them safe.

The inner (or under) coat is the soft, fluffy type that makes sure German shepherds stay warm and comfortable. This coat is also the one that sheds the most, usually in spring and fall.

What Is a German Shepherd’s Temperament?

German shepherds are as well-rounded as dogs get. They’re extremely loyal to their owners, and this loyalty is always complemented with the bonds they make with their families. Often kept as watchdogs, it’s also this loyalty and determination that makes them fiercely protective.

The only downside here is that they may also be defensive towards your friends, who are still strangers to the dog, so you need to socialize them as puppies. If they learn it when they’re young, they’ll be better at knowing which strangers are friends and which don’t have the best of intentions.

German shepherds are also some of the smartest dogs out there. They’re eager to please their owners, and they’re sharp, which means they’ll learn everything you tell them and love it the whole time they’re doing it. Considered highly trainable and loyal, they’re best suited for work in law enforcement, farms, search and rescue, or anything that you’d want them to do in your house.

One thing that often catches new owners off-guard, though, is that this combination of high intelligence and a strong work ethic means a super high energy dog that needs a lot of mental stimulation.

Without proper outlets for their physical and mental abilities, they’ll become bored and frustrated. If this happens, expect them to display destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. Their temperament requires that you provide them with regular exercise, playtime, and training sessions.

Are German Shepherds Good With Kids?

German shepherds are wonderful companions for families with children, but remember that they’re very high-energy. They need a lot of playtime and may be a bit restless, which could be dangerous if your children are small and the dog doesn’t know how to be gentle around them.

The same is true in the opposite sense. Your children will need to know how to behave around the dog so they don’t make it anxious or end up getting injured if the dog reacts negatively.

German shepherds are inherently very loyal and protective which means they’ll love children in the house just as much as you if not more. They can also be incredibly patient and tolerant with playful antics, making them fantastic playmates for older kids who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs.

However, very young children require special care around any dog, regardless of breed. As we said earlier, a German shepherd’s size and strength can be overwhelming for a toddler, and even unintentional roughhousing could lead to injuries. If young children are around the dog, make sure that they’re also accompanied by careful supervision.

Are German Shepherds Good With Other Animals?

German shepherds have always been dogs that have a high prey drive. Every dog is different – the German shepherd you get might not have such a high tendency to chase small animals, but generally, this is how they behave around other animals.

Cats

With proper introduction and supervision, your German shepherd will coexist peacefully with cats, especially if raised together from a young age. If it hasn’t been socialized, its herding instincts might make it want to chase cats. A confident, assertive cat might stand its ground, but a smaller or more timid feline could feel stressed at best and get seriously injured at worst.

Dogs

German shepherds don’t get along too well with other dogs. Early socialization and training will make all the difference here, though. Their size and protective nature makes them behave in a dominant manner with smaller dogs, and their herding instinct might lead to unwanted chasing. Supervised playdates with compatible dogs can help in this part, but we’d recommend most German shepherds to be kept in single-dog households.

Prey Animals

Due to their strong prey drive, German shepherds are not safe for small animals like guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, or birds. These smaller pets can trigger the dog’s hunting instincts and could potentially lead to harm.

Wild Animals

German shepherds have a natural urge to chase, especially when encountering squirrels, rabbits, or other small animals. It’s what they’ve been trained and bred to do. If this is a major problem, you can combat it with leash training and strong recall commands when outdoors. That said, you’re still unlikely to take the hunting spirit completely out of the German shepherd and should plan your trips accordingly.

Are German Shepherds Aggressive?

German shepherds are aloof dogs; they’ll chase wild animals and prey, but they’re not inherently aggressive, and these facts are not indicators of the contrary. You may have some unwanted behaviors as a result of their protectiveness and strong instincts, but generally speaking, you won’t find an aggressive German shepherd unless it has a good reason to be. Any dog can exhibit aggression under the right circumstances.

German shepherds naturally form strong bonds with their families and homes. This protectiveness can manifest as territorial behavior, though, including barking or growling at strangers approaching their property. As mentioned above, you’ll need training and early socialization to make sure your dog knows the difference between friends and suspicious strangers.

Food aggression is another one of those things that can occur in any breed, and German shepherds are no exception. You might see them growling, snapping, or lunging when someone approaches them while they’re eating, something that can be prevented with positive reinforcement methods. If a dog is fearful of anyone approaching its food, it is likely anxious and needs a more accepting, respectful environment to live in.

Do German Shepherds Bark?

German shepherds are vocal dogs. We gave this breed four bones on our scale because they’re known for their loud and booming barks, and they do it often. These dogs have always been bred to be alert watchdogs and protectors, and barking is their natural way to communicate potential threats or unusual activity. Their barks can reach volumes of 106 decibels, which is louder than a moving truck.

This is certainly part of what makes them excellent watchdogs and helpful to law enforcement, but their tendency to bark might not be ideal if you live in an apartment with strict noise restrictions.

Apartment living also comes with a bit of a double whammy since living in close quarters can also limit their exercise needs, which can contribute to boredom-induced barking. If you live in an apartment and are set on a German shepherd, keep in mind that you’ll need to invest a lot of time into consistent training if you want them to be quieter.

Are German Shepherds Affectionate?

German shepherds are some of the most affectionate dogs you’ll ever see, especially around their families. While they might not be the kind of dog to curl up on your lap all day (their size makes that a bit impractical), they enjoy cuddling, petting, and spending quality time with their loved ones.

They tend to make really strong bonds with their inner circle and will definitely extend it towards new friends that are properly introduced.

Are German Shepherds Intelligent?

This should come as no surprise, but German shepherds are widely known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there. Their eagerness to please and extremely good memory makes for a dog that learns new commands quickly and retains them for a long while. German shepherds are also very curious by nature.

You’ll see this in the way they’re constantly alert and ever-so-interested in their surroundings. Once again, this is why they’re such good watchdogs, but this inquisitiveness can also manifest as mischievousness if they are understimulated.

As it goes with any intelligent breed of dog, make sure to keep it engaged with training, games, and puzzle toys to make the best of their curiosity and channel it appropriately.

Are German Shepherds Energetic?

German shepherds have a kind of limitless energy in them. They’ve been bred for herding and working tasks, so they’ve got incredible stamina to match and need a lot of physical and mental exercise to be their best selves. Most German shepherds will need at least two good walks a day, each lasting 30-60 minutes.

That’s just the baseline. Ideally, they’ll benefit from as much additional playtime and activities as you can give them, as long as it challenges their minds and bodies. This could include fetch, agility training, jogging alongside you on a bike path, or games where you have them solve dog-friendly puzzles.

Are German Shepherds Easy to Train?

Yes, they absolutely are. German shepherds are one of, if not the most, trainable dog breeds since they’re highly intelligent, love pleasing their owners, and have excellent memory. Complex tricks, obedience commands, and even agility training are activities they can thrive in.

Are German Shepherds Good Watchdogs?

German shepherds are often kept as watchdogs quite commonly. The breed is alert, protective, loyal, and louder than an alarm clock at seven in the morning. As intelligent dogs, they’ll call out anything that they deem to be suspicious. Training and socialization will help make sure they don’t chew your innocent mailman out for the morning paper.

Are German Shepherds Good Service Dogs?

Law enforcement isn’t the only place these dogs do well. Service work is another area where German shepherds are exceedingly helpful. Things like mobility assistance, such as balance support or bracing are common tasks they assist with. They’re particularly good at these things  because of their strength, intelligence, and trainability.

For tasks like psychiatric service or emotional support, other breeds might be a better fit. As affectionate and loyal as these dogs are, their alertness and restlessness could mirror or amplify their handler’s emotional state. However, German shepherds can still be fantastic therapy dogs since their confident and social nature can provide comfort and emotional support.

How to Care for a German Shepherd?

Caring for a German shepherd can be physically draining, but it’s not terribly difficult. Apart from their high exercise needs, these dogs are incredibly easy to groom, don’t have much potential for weight gain or other health issues, and aren’t known to drool.

Do You Need to Groom a German Shepherd?

The recommended period is between 1 and 2 months for each grooming session, and you won’t need to take the dog to a professional groomer. Make sure that each of these sessions is detailed and that you’re accounting for any seasonal shedding that might be occurring.

Do German Shepherds Shed?

Yes. A lot. It happens mostly during spring and fall, but they tend to shed a large amount of fur during these periods. They’re also not hypoallergenic, so people with allergies will need a lot of protection, especially during these periods.

What Health Problems Do German Shepherds Have?

The most common health issue that this breed develops is hip and elbow dysplasia. This causes difficulty and pain in walking, and is best prevented through managing the dog’s weight.

Another common health issue includes degenerative myelopathy, which is hereditary in German shepherd dogs and causes mobility problems. This disorder is difficult to prevent since the cause is unknown, but it can be managed through treatment if diagnosed.

How Long Do German Shepherds Live?

German shepherds live around 9-13 years.

What Should a German Shepherd Eat?

German shepherds, as a large, active breed, need to be on a high-quality diet rich in protein (20-25% for adults) and fat to support their muscle mass and high energy.

The exact amount they should eat depends on the specific dog, but you should generally consider foods like chicken, salmon, lamb, etc.

Is a German Shepherd the Right Dog for Me?

German shepherds may seem like low-maintenance dogs when you look at their grooming needs, but these also come with a lot of training, exercise, and socialization needs. For new dog owners, these can all easily become overwhelming.

If you’re someone who is experienced in dog ownership, a German shepherd is perfect for you. However, as a novice owner, you’ll have to keep in mind that these dogs are a challenge to care for and plan accordingly.