German Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Group

Herding

Weight

35-40 kg

Height

60-64 cm

Lifespan

8-12 years

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About the German Shepherd Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

An icon among dog breeds, the German Shepherd is unmistakable with its noble, wolfish look and intelligent stare but just how easy is this dog to train? How much care does it need? How suitable is it for a first-time pet parent?

Our German Shepherd breed guide has all the information you might need to decide if this is the perfect pooch to join your family.

What is the history & origin of the German Shepherd Dog?

German Shepherds were originally bred sometime in the late 1800s, in Germany. A large, working dog, it proved the ideal candidate for herding and protecting sheep. Dogs with similar capabilities could be found all around Europe and it was for this reason that a focused attempt was made to standardise the many new breeds of working dogs.

The Phylax Society was formed in 1891 with just this intention. However, conflicts over whether dogs should be bred for appearance or workability alone caused the society to fracture after three short years. One ex-member of the society was Max von Stephanitz, a veterinary student.

In 1899, von Stephanitz met a dog named Hektor Linksrhein while attending a dog show and, impressed with the dog’s strength and intelligence, he purchased him. He also renamed the dog Horand von Grafrath, and then von Stephanitz founded the Society for the German Shepherd dog. This made Horand the first official German Shepherd and the focal point of further breeding.

Following the end of World War I, the American Kennel Club changed the name of the breed to Alsatian Wolf Dog, fearing the allusion to Germany would cause the breed to be negatively received. This was changed back in 1977.

What is a German Shepherd Dog Breed?

German Shepherds are a breed of large herding dogs. They stand tall and noble, with a wolfish build and watchful eyes. Their most common colouration is an iconic black and tan, although sable, black and white German Shepherds are not unheard of, as well as various mixes of these colours.

Intelligent dogs, their willingness to learn commands and impressive strength and stamina made them ideal working dogs for herding and protecting sheep and other animals. However, they are an incredibly versatile breed and over the years they have proven themselves excellent search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and guard dogs.

Learn more about: German Shepherd Colours

Who is a German Shepherd Dog Best For?

In their heart, a German Shepherd dog is a working animal and they are well suited to many professions. They possess keen senses as well as a powerful form and strong stamina which make them well suited to police work. Above all they are known to be loyal and obedient – it’s no wonder they remain one of the most popular dog breeds.

The German Shepherd dog breed makes for a gentle family pet and an excellent companion for young children provided it is properly trained. It is advisable to adopt a German Shepherd puppy, so that it is used to family life from an early age. German Shepherds are known to chase and argue with other animals, so they are not always suitable for multi-pet households.

German Shepherd Dog Grooming & Shedding

German Shepherds have a double coat of medium length, relatively coarse hair and a thick undercoat. Their coat is resistant to most dirt and debris, so bathing your pooch is really only necessary once a month – unless they roll in something nasty – or you risk stripping away natural protective oils.

They do, however, shed, and quite a lot. They need regular brushing every few days but they will shed heavily twice each year, doubling the grooming effort. If your shepherd dog is accustomed to sitting on the furniture then be prepared to invest in a decent vacuum cleaner to cope with the dog hair – you’re going to need it!

Learn more about: German Shepherd Grooming Tips & Styles

Do German Shepherd Dogs bark a lot?

They bark, and because of their size and deep voice, it sounds a little aggressive. And yes, your shepherd is probably going to bark at strangers. Depending on how well-socialised your pup is, it might just be saying ‘Hi, new friend!’ or it might be warning them to ‘stay off my lawn!’ Either way, it probably won’t sound friendly.

Even with proper training, it is common for German Shepherds to ‘talk’ more than any other large breed of dog. The worst thing you can do is shout at your dog, which will only add to its stress. If your dog is prone to barking, try teaching it the quiet command with positive reinforcement.

What is the average weight & height of a German Shepherd Dog?

An adult German Shepherd dog reaches an average height of 64 cm (male) or 58 cm (female). The average shepherd dog’s weight should be 35 – 40 kg (male) or 25 – 32 kg (female).

Learn more about: German Shepherd Size & Weight Chart

Are German Shepherd Dogs easy to train?

Most German Shepherds are hard-working and eager to please. This makes them relatively easy to train if you start early and put in the effort. This breed of dog is extremely smart but training methods go a long way to getting the best out of your canine chum! If you are a new pet parent, consider joining a professional training group.

Consistent obedience training and a little hard work on your part when the pooch is still a pup will return tenfold when you have not just a well behaved dog but also a loyal, dependable companion for years to come.

Learn more about: German Shepherd Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do German Shepherd Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

One word you can use to describe a German Shepherd is loyal. This dog is never happier than when with family. A German Shepherd is likely to become fiercely bonded to its human(s) and protective of them.

Although a loyal friend to its trusted human family, it is not overly fond of strangers. Many German Shepherds tend not to socialise well with other dogs either, making future trips to the dog park a bit of an ordeal. We recommend socialising your German Shepherd with people and other dogs from a young age, just to make sure you wind up with a well-mannered pooch!

Learn more about: German Shepherd Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the German Shepherd Dog have any common health issues?

AKC registered litters and indeeAKC-registeredble breeders should maintain the high standards of a healthy breed. However, the years of inbreeding means there are a few common ailments typical to German Shepherds, including elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and gastric dilatation-volvulus.

Just like any breed of dog, a German Shepherd should receive regular veterinary check-ups. Poor health or untreated pain can result in bad behaviour or worse, an unhappy pooch!

Learn more about: Common German Shepherd Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd Dog?

If properly cared for and fed a nutritious diet, a German Shepherd’s lifespan should range from 8 to 12 years.

How much does a German Shepherd Dog need to be fed?

A German Shepherd dog should be fed two proper meals a day. This breed often has a voracious appetite, so if you leave one large portion it is quite likely to wolf it all down in one go. Two slightly smaller meals will make sure the food consumption is spread out. The precise portion of food will depend on your dog’s age and lifestyle.

It is never okay to allow your dog to become overweight but since German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip issues, maintaining a healthy body weight is doubly important.

Learn more about: What to Feed a German Shepherd? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a German Shepherd Dog in Australia?

Puppies tend to cost anywhere between $750 and $1200, but prices can be even higher depending on the ‘quality’ of the pup’s ancestry. If this is your first time buying a pedigree German Shepherd dog, it is recommended that you speak to a respected breed club for advice on just how much you should pay.

Learn more about: German Shepherd Prices In Australia

German Shepherd Dog FAQs

Is a German Shepherd ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Yes, because they are super smart, loyal, and easy to train. But no, if you are adopting a pooch to easily fit into your current lifestyle. These dogs require a lot of commitment, exercise, and attention.

Do German Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, as they don’t like to be left alone. Every dog is different, so whilst some will fear being left alone all day, others will stress being without their favourite person even if the house is still full. Canines are pack animals and those who bond tightly to their human ‘pack’ are very likely to experience separation anxiety.

Because they are highly intelligent, they detect even small household changes which can trigger separation anxiety.

Will a German Shepherd need professional grooming?

German Shepherds have beautiful, double coats which benefit from regular grooming. However, they don’t need to be trimmed so you can easily learn to groom your canine chum yourself. Set aside some time, save a little money, and it will be a much more comfortable experience for your loyal Shepherd dog too.