German Shepherds 101

Herding group

Courage, intelligence and athleticism are the standout qualities of the German Shepherd Dog, a versatile breed popular as a reliable partner in military and law enforcement, as well as a devoted, protective family dog. The German Shepherd is also common in search-and-rescue work and dog sports.

Despite their reputation for seriousness, they can be playful, even silly, with their people. A sense of humor is required for their families, too, along with a powerful vacuum cleaner for a breed lovingly called the “German Shedder.”

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about German Shepherds

Versatile breed with dry sense of humor

GSDs have split into two types, with the arch-backed show-line dogs often criticized for structural issues uncommon in the working line dogs. Both types do best with consistent, clear training and handling.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
22 to 26 inches tall
Group Size Large

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Mature adult German Shepherd

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

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Exocrine pancreatitic insufficiency

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Hip dysplasia

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Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Senior German Shepherd

9+ years

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

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Splenic cancer

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Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

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Hip dysplasia

German Shepherd puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

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Umbilical hernia

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Hip dysplasia

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Trauma

Young adult German Shepherd

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

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Exocrine pancreatitic insufficiency

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Hip dysplasia

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Skin allergies

Mature adult German Shepherd

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

risk-level-bar

Exocrine pancreatitic insufficiency

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

risk-level-bar

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Senior German Shepherd

9+ years

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

risk-level-bar

Splenic cancer

risk-level-bar

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

German Shepherd puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

risk-level-bar

Umbilical hernia

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

risk-level-bar

Trauma

Young adult German Shepherd

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common German Shepherd conditions

risk-level-bar

Exocrine pancreatitic insufficiency

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

2-German shpeherd laying down GettyImages-824150366

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Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd Dog rescued from a bombed-out kennel in World War I, was the first canine celebrity of the modern media age. He was so popular that a late rule change was put in place to prevent him from winning the first Academy Award for Best Actor.

German Shepherd coat care and colors

Ask anyone with a German Shepherd Dog how much they shed and chances are you’ll be told that the breed’s nickname is “German Shedder.” These dogs do shed an astonishing amount, as brushing sometimes ends with a pile of fur larger than many smaller dogs. The only way to fight it is by brushing and combing to get loose fur before it ends up on furniture, rugs, clothes … well, everything, really. Combing down to the skin is essential to prevent matting. German Shepherds are stoic dogs, so they may be more tolerant of nail trims than many other dogs. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.

German Shepherd exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

The German Shepherd needs regular heart-thumping activity. Because of their intelligence and their watchful nature, ideal exercise involves their brains as well their bodies.

Class star

Trainability

Consistency is key to the German Shepherd: If you’re not their leader, they’ll be yours. Training that rewards good manners is a must.

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German Shepherd fun facts

Top girl names for German Shepherds

Top boy names for German Shepherds

Nationwide loves German Shepherds of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like German Shepherds

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