German Shepherd
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You are here: Dogs > Dog Breeds > German Shepherd

German Shepherd Information

  • German Shepherd Training
  • | Temperament
  • | Health
  • | Origin
  • | Maintenance
  • | Ideal Environment
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German Shepherd

Thank you for using our site to find German Shepherd information. Feel free to add any information about the German Shepherd breed we may have missed. If you have any specific questions about the German Shepherd, feel free to ask them below. We've found that most breeders are more than happy to reply and answer your questions. We love your photos and reviews! We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your German Shepherd check out our dog training reviews.
German Shepherd

General Description

(Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund) The German Shepherd is a strong, agile dog with a well-muscled build and an overall appearance that denotes liveliness, nobility, and quality. The breed’s well-balanced body is just longer than it is tall, and its outline consists of smooth curves as opposed to angles. They are substantial, fit, and solid, but they are not bulky or cumbersome. Their neck is well-muscled, sturdy, and clean-cut, and its length is in direct proportion to the size of the dog’s head. They have a straight, strong back that is short by comparison, and their high-set withers slope gently into their level topline. The chest of this breed is well-filled, deep, and capacious, and the well-sprung ribs are long and carried down to the sternum. Their abdomen is firm and moderately tucked up into the loin. They have long, obliquely angled shoulder blades that lie flat, and their upper arms are well-muscled. The thickly padded feet are short, compact, and feature a set of well-arched toes and dark nails. Thighs of this breed are broad and strong, and their croup is gradually sloping. The head of the German Shepherd is chiseled, clean-cut, and noble, and its size is in proportion to the size of the dog’s body. Males of this breed have distinctly masculine facial features, while females have distinctly feminine facial features. Their medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes are obliquely set and dark in color. They have moderately pointed ears that are erect and set parallel to one another. The breed’s forehead is somewhat arched, and their skull slopes downward into their long, wedge-shaped muzzle. Their stop is abrupt and pronounced, and their nose is black in color. They have strong, well developed jaws and their complete set of teeth close in a scissors bite. The ideal coat of the German Shepherd is a medium-length double coat. This double coat consists of a dense, straight, harsh outer layer that is close-fitting. The head, legs, and paws of this breed are covered with short hair, while the hair about the neck is longer and thicker. Coat colors of this German Shepherd vary greatly, but rich, strong colors are preferred.
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Character

The German Shepherd has outstanding abilities as a working dog. They are fearless, eager, and alert, and they are very obedient. They are confident, serious, and possess strong learning abilities. The breed is known for its courage and loyalty. They love to be close to their family, but they are sometimes leery of strangers. Because of their strong protective instincts, the German Shepherd should be properly trained and extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding. Aggressive behavior within this breed is due to a combination of poor breeding and training. German Shepherds are almost always good with other pets, and they are excellent with children. It is important for potential owners of this breed to buy specimens from a reputable breeder.

They need firm training because of aggresive tendancys.

They are very defensive when it comes to their owner. You can trust them to be very loyal. It is important to train them correctly from birth.

As with all other dogs, as a puppy you should expose then to other dogs and strangers. Because of their size they need to be well trained.

German Shepherds are actually quite affectionate and love kids.

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Size

22 – 26 inches

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Weight

77 – 85 pounds

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General Health

Like many other large dog breeds, the German Shepherd is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Potential owners of this breed should ensure that both parents have had their hips certified. Other health concerns include blood disorders, digestive problems, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), dwarfism, chronic eczema, and flea allergies. The German Shepherd typically lives for about 13 years.

they need a cool habitat

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History

The German Shepherd was developed through crosses of long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired shepherd dogs from Wurttemberg, Thuringia, and Bavaria. In April of 1899, a dedicated breeder by the name of Captain Max von Stephanitz registered the first Deutsche Schaferhunde, or German Shepherd Dog. The short-haired variety of German Shepherd was first show in Berlin in 1889.

This is the old style origin.

A German shepherd is one of German nationality that tends sheep. His or her dog may be a German Shepers Dog. That's the translation of the German breed name. Alsatian still bugs historians of the breed as this was a made up name used by the (?) English.Most folks will shorten the name to GSD ofr use the incorrect german shepherd when speaking to other fanciers. GREAT BREED OF HUND!

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Maintenance

The German Shepherd sheds lightly throughout the year and heavily during shedding season. The breed’s coat should be brushed daily in order to remove dead and loose hair. To avoid the depletion of natural skin oils, the German Shepherd should only be bathed once or twice per year.

They shed alot!

Including raw meat and bone in diet helps reduce shedding drastically.

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Ideal Environment

The German Shepherd is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a comparatively inactive breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least a large-sized yard. German Shepherds enjoy strenuous activity, and they need plenty of exercise on a daily basis.

They are very active, intelligent ,loyal and protective dogs.

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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site.

Find your new German Shepherd

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German Shepherd
Marysville, CA
Breeder of quality, imported German Shepherds since 1980. Show and Working Line German Shepherds for families, Schutzhund...
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German Shepherd
St. Louis, MO
My wife and I are fostering a very affectionate and well behaved male hound/shepard mix. He is quite the gentleman and has...
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Discuss the German Shepherd breed on our Forum!

Ask a QuestionGerman Shepherd Q&A

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My 8 week old male gsp drinks tons of water and someone said limit it. I take it away two hours before bed, but during the day he can drink tons. Is this normal? If i'm suppose to limit it, then how much is too much or not enough?
Drinking excessively is frequently a sign of infection or another underlying medical condition. You should have your vet check him thoroughly. Sometimes the type of food you are providing can also trigger this response but when my shepherds drink excessively, it usually signals a medical problem.
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Why is there a decline in docile temperament for German Shepherds around the country? I have heard it pertains to some issues in breeding that causes them to be fearful and to bite, is that true in your opinion?
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My partner can suffer from allergies. i believe GSD can shed excessively, would it not be recommended to buy this breed? do short haired GSD shed less?
No, short haired GSD do not shed less than the long haired one's.
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How long after birth should puppies start to walk
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Upload a PhotoGerman Shepherd Photos

German Shepherd, 3 months, Black with tanGerman Shepherd, 2, Black & TanGerman Shepherd, 8 months, Black and redGerman Shepherd, 8 months, Black and redGerman Shepherd, 3 months, black tanGerman Shepherd, 2months, black and tanGerman Shepherd, 2 months, black turnGerman Shepherd, 3months, black and tanGerman Shepherd, 4, black and brownGerman Shepherd, 4, black and gold.German Shepherd, 7 yr old, BlackGerman Shepherd, 10 yrs old,   Red Sable
German Shepherd, 18 months old, Black & RedGerman Shepherd, 4, Black & TanGerman Shepherd, 2months, blackGerman Shepherd, 18mos, Blk&RdGerman Shepherd, 3 years, brownGerman Shepherd, 2 years, BrownGerman Shepherd, 2 years, BrownGerman Shepherd, 1 year, BrownGerman Shepherd, 3 years, BrownGerman Shepherd, 3 years, BrownGerman Shepherd, 2 years, BrownGerman Shepherd, 2 years, Brown
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Write a ReviewGerman Shepherd Reviews

Rating: 
Breed rating

german shepherd

I have a 2 yr. old black german shepherd and wouldn't trade him for the world. These dogs are so easy to train. They have great confidence and loyalty.

Pros: Best dog ever. Smart, great temperment and good w/ people.

Cons: none


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Sam, our best friend

Our german shepherd is a healthy 7 year old at about 100 pounds. Training and more training is the key to success with these big kids. Exersize is critical to keep them in good shape and happy. Not the dog for a small apartment unless there is a big park next door.

Pros: Very loving, loyal, and protective

Cons: Strong prey drive, will try to chase anything smaller


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My dog Max

Max is my 6 year old German Shepherd.We love him very much.When I'm alone playing in the yard with Max,and when sombody on the other side of walks around,Max goes crazy! Barking and barking and keeps going until the person leaves.He also protects me from the dreaded bumble bees,bees,butterflies,and anything that flies.

Pros: Silly,playfull,sometimes protective.

Cons:


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Falcor The Wonder Dog

Falcor is a pure breed turned 11 in Sept. 2008. Named after the Luck Dragon from the movie "The Never Ending Story." I've never known a dog to be so loyal, intelligent obedient and desirous to please. I speak to him in simple sentences and he understands exactly what I want him to do. He's always extremely eager to learn something new. It only takes 3 tries and he gets it. An opportunity to go on a run is his most favorite event. He has many play stuffed animals, and knows each one by their descriptive name. He also knows the difference between his stuffed animals and mine. He won't touch anything of mine out of respect for his human. But I must first declare it as "MINE." He is great with old people in a board/care facility. The key to making a GS a successful obedient pet is training, training and more training reinforcement. Otherwise, you have just another dog.

Pros: Aw shucks, just see the above.

Cons: When I'm not around, not even my best friend, who he knows, can go into my house.


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my best friend(my dog)

my dog is my bestfriend and he listens to me and likes playing with me when he gets older he is gonna be huge so i will have a good life with him now that hes small and i will teach him how to gaurd th house....even thouth hes already gaurding the house now ...he will be better...my dog means alot to me and its gonna be that way

Pros: the fun times we have

Cons: my dog cant come in my house but sometimes we let him in and he plays with my sister and i and sometimes with my bestfriend


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My boss

I couldnt ask for a better breed.. bosco my 2yr old keeps me active and off the couch u can find us together hiking, playing in the snow, boating swiming in the lakes.. i always feel safe when he is with me and know that ppl respect this breed as they should becuase they have such a great love for thier owners making them both great companions and protectors

Pros: active, intelligent loyal, brave, loving , silly all around great

Cons: they could live till at least 100 yr!


love sheps

i`ve trained over 25 for police hurts every time i see them leave but i do it all over again

Pros: best friend ever

Cons: 14 years of love he gave me then he left to a better place


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GSD

German Shepherds are great dogs. They are smart and easy to train, owning to the fact they they just want to please you. There are a lot of health problems that come along with this breed. Another concern is the high demand for them in the US, which had lead to serious overbreeding and inbreeding, compounding health problems. When looking at the GSD, seriously consider looking at a Belgian Malinois.

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my 3 month old shepard mix

i have a shepard mix. however she looks alot like some of the dogs i have seen on this site. and her temperment is of a shepard as well but i am racking my brain trying to figure out what she is mixed if she is really a mix.

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My girl.....

I have a 2 year old german shepherd, dark, with red in her coat. She is the most wonderful dog. She knows her basic and advanced obedience, she knows some commands in French, German and english. She also does well with just hand signals. She loves to work, and catches on very fast.

Pros: Very easy to train

Cons: Shedding


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Momma's Girl

As a dog trainer, I chose a GSD because they are the smartest breed. I never thought I could love a dog the way I love my little girl. She is a happy-go-lucky 19 mo old that only wants to please. I met her when I was consulting at the local humane society. I often help out on tough behavioral cases to make dogs more adoptable. I walked past her cage 3 times and on the 3rd pass she had come to the front and licked my had through the gate. I didn't even notice there was a dog in there prior to her coming forward. That was it...I was stuck. She had been afraid of everyone there until I came. They gave her to me a couple days later. She has such an amazing personality and a very expressive face. I love her.

Pros: Loyalty, compassion, devotion, intelligence, protective nature (when honed).

Cons: The protective nature must be trained well to sense when it is appropriate. The GSD is smart enough to know the difference between work and home.


Best of Friends GS Cross

I have had dogs all my life, including a doberman, a standard poodle and 2 GS crosses. When I had to put down my last dog (GS cross) I cried for 2 weeks. He didn't do any tricks but he just knew what he had to do . He was a protector only when we needed protection, a friend to everybody body he got to know. My toddler fell asleep on him more than once and could walk behind him holding onto his leash. I was never worried when Huck was with us because I knew that he would give his life to protect us, but was never aggressive with strangers unless it was his last option. I have never been so at ease with a dog and since losing Huck I have adopted another GS cross who shares many quirks and traits. If you love German Shepherds, consider adopting one of the many GS crosses that are in the pound. They can be truly amazing animals.

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Titan

Titan 1 in aug of 09, 88 pds at 11 months. My best friend i live in the city and i dont need to leash him out side. Great with people, he lets you know that he is there and that it is his house, but he listens when i tell him to chill. Great with my 3 and 2 yr olds he loves them so much. He is a good mix of playful pet and loving guardian.

Pros: obedient, brilliant, loving guardian,

Cons:

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German Shepherd Information

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