Loyal, intelligent, and protective — a working dog that thrives with a job to do.
Origin
Germany
Size
Large
Weight
22–40 kg
Lifespan
9–13 years
Apartment-friendly
Not ideal
Energy
Grooming needs
Trainability
Affection
German Shepherds are among the most versatile working breeds, used in police work, search and rescue, and assistance roles. They are intelligent, loyal, and deeply attached to their families.
That intelligence and drive mean they need mental and physical work every day. Under-exercised or under-socialised shepherds can become anxious, reactive, or destructive.
With children: Good with well-socialised families; supervise with small children because of size and herding instinct.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home — unlocks with a short ad.
💛 Temperament
Confident, alert, and protective. Often reserved with strangers but very devoted to family. Socialisation from puppyhood is essential.
🎾 Exercise
Two hours of mixed activity a day for most adults: walks, runs, and structured activities like obedience, tracking, or agility.
🪮 Grooming
A double coat that sheds constantly and heavily twice a year — the breed is sometimes nicknamed the "German Shedder". Brush several times a week.
🎓 Training
Highly trainable and responsive to consistent, reward-based methods. They enjoy learning complex tasks and benefit from ongoing training throughout life.
🥣 Feeding
A quality diet appropriate for large, active breeds. Splitting food into two meals and avoiding vigorous exercise right after eating may reduce bloat risk.
Health watch-list
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Common in the breed; choose puppies from screened parents.
Degenerative myelopathy
A progressive spinal cord disease in older dogs; a DNA test identifies risk.
Bloat (GDV)
A life-threatening twisting of the stomach in deep-chested dogs. Know the signs — restlessness, retching without vomiting, a swollen belly — and seek emergency care.
Digestive sensitivities
Some shepherds have sensitive stomachs or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
The ideal home
Experienced, active owners who can provide training, structure, and plenty of time together.
Fun fact
The breed was standardised in the late 1890s by Max von Stephanitz, who wanted the ideal herding dog.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is
general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet,
and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.
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