German Shepherds each have their own personalities, ranging from gentle and patient, to energetic and boisterous. Their ability to be loving towards their family makes them a popular breed. Whether you already have a German Shepherd or are considering bringing one into your home, this handy guide will teach you everything you need to know about this intelligent breed of dog.
German Shepherd fun facts
German Shepherds are instantly recognisable, with a proud demeanour and high intelligence. Here are some facts about German Shepherds that you may not know:
- They have their own stars on the Walk of Fame [1]
- They are a relatively new breed, only being around the late 19th century [2]
- They played an important role in World War I & II, including working as rescue dogs, bringing injured soldiers back from the front line [2]
- Some are trained to detect Covid-19 through smell [3]
What should you feed your German Shepherd?
Learn about the best food for them
History and origin of the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd, also known as the GSD, originated in Germany in the late 1800s. Because of their intelligence and ability to be trained, they were used for herding and guarding sheep.
The German Shepherd has since become a popular family dog, as well as being employed in police and military roles, due to their strength and obedience.
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Get Your Personalised PlanLifespan of a German Shepherd
“How long do German Shepherds live?” is one of the most asked questions. The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. They are considered to be puppies until they reach maturity around the age of 2 and become senior dogs around the age of 7.
Temperament and personality of a German Shepherd
Every German Shepherd is unique and will vary in temperament and personality, but there are some common characteristics you can expect from owning one:
- Intelligence: Owners must show who is in charge from early on, as your German Shepherd will try to become the boss. They also need regular mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive
- Trainability: The German Shepherd’s intelligence makes them easy to train and they thrive in an active environment. That’s why they are used as police or guard dogs. They can’t be left on their own for long and are suited to owners who have the time and energy to train them
- Energetic: German Shepherds are energetic, athletic dogs who benefit from living with an owner who is happy to go on long walks and spend time playing lots of games with them
- Fearless: German Shepherds build a strong bond with their family and have an instinct to protect them by alerting them to an intruder. German Shepherds can have a reputation as being aggressive, but they will learn this behaviour if they aren’t socialised or trained properly from a young age or if they have been mistreated, and this has made them wary of people
- Loyal: In a German Shepherd, you have a friend for life
German Shepherd behaviour
German Shepherds are known for being intelligent, fearless, and confident. They are often devoted to their families but can also have strong guarding instincts. As such, they sometimes take a while to make new dog friends, tending to stand their ground if they feel uncomfortable.
Throughout their lives, they may display different types of behaviour. Being able to keep them mentally and physically active enough is one of the best ways to prevent them from developing destructive habits.
Behaviour stages
German Shepherd puppies are just the cutest, so enjoy this stage. As they grow you’ll see their behaviour and personality develop. Here are some stages to really note [15]:
| Age bracket | Behaviour development |
|---|---|
| 3 to 4 weeks | Puppy is learning to get along and play with their siblings and human guardians |
| 5 to 8 weeks | Greeting siblings and human guardians Fear reactions can develop and your pup may start to be wary of new things, places, and people |
| 8 to 12 weeks | Becoming more active. May start to resource guard their favourite possession Training should begin |
| 4 to 6 months | Puppies are playful and full of energy. Their social skills are developing They may start to test the boundaries to see who is in chargeSocialisation and training is key at this age |
| 6 months to 2 years | Some dogs may go through a second fear reaction. At this stage they can appear to forget their training Continuous socialisation, training, and exposure to new experiences is needed |
| 2 to 3 years | Your pup is now a confident active adult Continuous training and experiencing new things will keep your dog healthy and mentally stimulated |
| 9 to 12 years | Your adult dog is now a senior and they will be slowing down Exercise needs to be adjusted to suit your dog’s age and ability |
Behaviour problems
German Shepherds need a firm but loving owner, as this breed can develop behavioural problems if they don’t receive the appropriate training when they’re a puppy. Behavioural problems that can develop include [14]
Food guarding
A behaviour that goes back to living in the wild where another dog could easily take food, so it must be protected. Handling food and treats while your dog is looking can help to prevent this.
Resource guarding
A similar behaviour to food guarding, resource guarding occurs when a dog guards something that is valuable to them. This behaviour is quite common in herding dogs, and a dog may growl, lunge, snarl, and stiffen their body to stop you from taking their possession. Handling their toys, bed, blanket, or whatever it is they love can show them it’s OK to share.
Play biting
Another behaviour that is common in herding dog puppies, but it’s no fun when razor sharp teeth are nibbling your feet or hands. We’re often asked, ‘How to stop my puppy biting?’ They need to be trained to bite something more appropriate, like a toy or a chew, and give a command like ‘Don’t bite’. Or you can distract their biting needs by playing a game.
Destructive chewing
German Shepherds love chewing. Reasons for this vary from it being a natural instinct, a health issue, through to boredom. Identifying the cause of the chewing can help work out a way to prevent it. But, a starting point is removing anything you don’t want chewed out of the way and giving them appropriate things to chew on. Also, make sure your dog’s mental and physical needs are met through exercise, nutritious food, play time, and grooming.
Digging
Digging can be a sign of boredom, but it is also fun, so your dog may be doing it for fun. However, you probably don’t want your garden dug up, so when your pup or adult dog starts digging, distract them with a fun game. Or, if you’re happy for them to dig, give them their own sandbox to dig in.
Jumping
A jumping puppy can be cute, but don’t forget they’ll soon grow into a big powerful adult. To prevent this behaviour, don’t pet your pup if they jump up. Give a command like ‘Down’, while not looking at them. Give lots of praise when all their paws are on the ground.
Separation anxiety
The close bond they create with their family can lead to German Shepherds developing separation anxiety. Establishing a routine from a young age can help prevent this. Get your puppy used to being left for a short time (1 minute to start and build up). Give lots of praise when you re-enter the room.
German Shepherd training
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and bred to work, so they need constant training. A bored German Shepherd can become destructive. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train.
Socialisation training should begin between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks so your German Shepherd learns that strangers aren’t a threat. At this time, also get your puppy used to daily life; take them on different walks so they are used to different sights and sounds, start a grooming regime, and maybe introduce crate training, if you want to use one.
From 3 months old, start introducing basic obedience training with simple commands like sit, down, and stay. Recall training is also a must. Teaching your puppy to control their impulses can prevent behavioural problems. The key to this is getting your puppy to focus on you by sitting still, before getting what they want, whether it’s food, a toy to play with, or to go for a walk.
German Shepherds aren’t classed as adults until they reach 2 or 3 years old. Constant and consistent training is important during this time so they develop into calm adults. Even once they are adults, German Shepherds thrive on having a ‘job to do’ as it enriches their lives.
The typical size, height, and weight of a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large dogs, but what size can you expect your dog to get? Here, we detail the average height and weight of male and female German Shepherds.
German Shepherd height ranges by age and sex
This table explains the height range of male and female German Shepherds up to 12 months.
| Height of male | Height of female | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (months) | cm | in | cm | in |
| 1 | 10-15 | 4-6 | 7-15 | 3-6 |
| 2 | 17-22 | 7-9 | 15-22 | 6-9 |
| 3 | 22-27 | 9-11 | 20-25 | 8-10 |
| 4 | 27-35 | 11-14 | 25-30 | 10-12 |
| 5 | 35-40 | 14-16 | 30-35 | 12-14 |
| 6 | 40-45 | 16-18 | 38-43 | 15-17 |
| 7 | 48-50 | 19-20 | 43-48 | 17-19 |
| 8 | 50-55 | 20-22 | 45-50 | 18-20 |
| 9 | 53-58 | 21-23 | 48-53 | 19-21 |
| 10 | 55-60 | 22-24 | 48-53 | 19-21 |
| 11 | 55-60 | 22-24 | 50-55 | 20-22 |
| 12 | 55-60 | 22-24 | 50-55 | 20-22 |
Source: Pawlicy Advisor
German Shepherd weight ranges by age and sex
This table explains the weight range of male and female German Shepherds up to 12 months.
| Weight of male | Weight of female | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age (months) | oz | kg | oz | kg |
| 1 | 88-141 | 2.5-4 | 70-123 | 2-3.5 |
| 2 | 246-317 | 7-9 | 141-246 | 4-7 |
| 3 | 317-458 | 9-13 | 246-388 | 7-11 |
| 4 | 529-634 | 15-18 | 388-529 | 11-15 |
| 5 | 634-776 | 18-22 | 529-670 | 15-19 |
| 6 | 776-881 | 22-25 | 670-881 | 19-22 |
| 7 | 881-987 | 25-28 | 776-846 | 22-24 |
| 8 | 987-1022 | 28-29 | 846-881 | 24-25 |
| 9 | 1022-1128 | 29-32 | 846-952 | 24-27 |
| 10 | 1022-1164 | 29-33 | 881-987 | 25-28 |
| 11 | 1128-1199 | 32-34 | 952-1022 | 27-29 |
| 12 | 1128-1234 | 32-35 | 952-1022 | 27-29 |
Source: Pawlicy Advisor
What is the size of a full grown German Shepherd?
Male and female German Shepherds have a slight height and weight difference. Both reach their full size at around 2.5 to 3 years. A fully grown male German Shepherd can grow to 24-26 inches in height and weigh on average, 32 to 35 kilos. While a female can be 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh on average 29 to 31 kilos [5].
When does a German Shepherd stop growing?
Being a large breed, German Shepherds stop growing when they are around 18 months of age. Some females will continue to put on weight until they are about 2 years old, and 2.5 years old for males.
Are there different German Shepherd sizes?
German Shepherds are a large breed of dog, so you’ll need to consider space and exercise requirements if you plan on getting one. You may see Miniature German Shepherds or Mini GSD dogs being advertised. These aren’t pure breeds but are the result of breeding a German Shepherd with a smaller breed of dog.
External characteristics of a German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a distinctive dog with a robust build, pointy ears, and a long tail. But are all German Shepherds the same? Let’s find out.
What does a German Shepherd look like?
A German Shepherd is a muscular and strong breed, bred to be a working dog. Males can stand 24 or 26 inches high and weigh 32 to 35+ kilos. Females are slightly smaller, standing 20 to 22 inches tall and weighing 27 to 29+ kilos. The head of a German Shepherd is wedge-shaped, with pointy ears.
German Shepherds’ front legs are straight, while their back legs slope. This is believed to be a breeding characteristic that improves the dogs’ balance and agility [9].
German Shepherd colours
German Shepherds tend to be black and tan or black and red. The most common colour combination is called ‘Sabble’, consisting of brown, black, red, and silver strands of hair with a layer of black hair over this [10].
The American Kennel Club recognises 11 colours of German Shepherds [11]:
- Black
- Black and cream
- Black and red
- Black and silver
- Black and tan
- Blue
- Bi-Colour
- Grey
- Liver
- Sable
- White
Types of German Shepherds
A German Shepherd can be put into one of two categories:
- Working line
- Show line
Working line German Shepherd
A Working Line German Shepherd is a strong dog suited for working. This category of German Shepherds may work as guard dogs or police or military dogs. This category is better suited to experienced German Shepherd owners as this category thrives from lots of activities and training.
Within this category, there are 3 subcategories:
- East German Working Line: Developed in the 1960s in West Germany and deemed to be the closest ancestor of the original German Shepherd
- West German Working Line: Developed in the 1960’s in East Germany
- Czech German Shepherd: First bred in 1955 at a kennel operated by Border Control. A storing and athletic breed, they make great working dogs and also family dogs [12]
Show Line German Shepherd
A Show Line German Shepherd tends to be calmer and more suited to family-life than their counterparts, the Working Line German Shepherd. Because of this, they make great companions and are suited to people who are new to owning a German Shepherd.
Within this category, there are 2 subcategories:
- American/Canadian Show Line: Also known as ALC, they were bred to take part in American dog shows
- West German Show Line (European Show line): Also a show dog, however they are more energetic than the American/Canadian Show Line German Shepherd
Exercise needs of a German Shepherd
A healthy adult German Shepherd should get at least 90 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. The amount of exercise should be tailored to fit their health. For example, a more energetic dog should get more exercise and an older, less mobile one will need to get less.
Splitting this exercise between at least 2 different walks is a great way to make sure German Shepherds are able to lead active lifestyles that support their health. This should include a combination of different high-energy exercises, such as walking, running and playing.
For German Shepherd puppies, as a rule of thumb, you should take them out for five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day until they are fully grown. It is important not to over-exercise puppies, as this can lead to joint and mobility problems in later life. As they grow older, their stamina will increase.
Grooming needs of a German Shepherd
The German Shepherd has a dense outer coat and soft undercoat, insulating them to keep them warm in winter and cool in summer.
To keep your German Shepherd’s coat and skin healthy, regular grooming is essential. Ideally, a German Shepherd should be brushed at least once every couple of days, as this will help to remove any loose hair and combat shedding. Top tips include buying a good quality dog brush, getting puppies used to grooming from a young age and brushing them outside to reduce mess.
It is not necessary to regularly bathe them, unless they have rolled in something that you need to get off their coat. You should also not shave a German Shepherd, as their coat keeps them at a good temperature all year round. As for nail care, German Shepherds typically need their nails trimmed once per month, however, this can vary depending on the surfaces they walk on and how much this wears their nails down.
German Shepherd cross breeds
The loyal nature of these dogs makes them a popular choice for cross breeding. Here some German Shepherd cross breeds you can find:
- Golden Shepherd: Golden Retriever and German Shepherd
- Shepherd Husky: Husky and German Shepherd
- Sheprador: Labrador and German Shepherd
- German Shepherd Rottie: Rottweiler and German Shepherd
The price of a German Shepherd in the UK
If you think a German Shepherd is the right dog for you, you’ll want to know how much one will cost. While every breeder can decide what they want to charge for their German Shepherd puppies, you can expect to pay between £600 to £2000 in the UK [4].
German Shepherd rescue centres in the UK
Bringing a puppy into your home is so much fun, but if you don’t want a puppy or if you’re looking to give love to a German Shepherd who didn’t have the best start in life, a rescue dog is the perfect option. Here some rescue centres that have German Shepherds:
Wondering about their health?
Discover German Shepherd health issues
References
- 8 interesting facts about the German Shepherd, The Daily Wag: https://wagwalking.com/daily/8-fun-facts-german-shepherd
- 13 Jolly facts about German Shepherds, The Fact Site:https://www.thefactsite.com/german-shepherd-facts/
- 22 facts about German Shepherds, Petpedia: https://petpedia.co/facts-about-german-shepherds/
- German Shepherd, UKPets: https://www.ukpets.com/dog-breeds/german-shepherd
- German Shepherd Growth & Weight Chart, Pawlicy Advisor: https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/german-shepherd-growth-and-weight-chart/
- German Shepherd, pdsa: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/german-shepherd#:~:text=Your%20German%20Shepherd%20will%20need%20a%20minimum%20of%20two%20hours,you%20can%20do%20together%20online.
- How often do I need to groom a German Shepherd, I Love Dogs: https://iheartdogs.com/how-often-do-you-need-to-groom-a-german-shepherd/
- Do German Shepherds bond with one person, GSD Colony: https://gsdcolony.com/blogs/news/do-german-shepherds-bond-with-one-person
- How to make German Shepherd back legs stronger, GSD Colony: https://gsdcolony.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-german-shepherd-back-legs-stronger#:~:text=German%20Shepherds%20have%20sloping%20back,attention%20to%20their%20leg%20strength.
- Different types of German Shepherds colours and coats, Canine Extreme: https://canineextreme.com/article/different-types-of-german-shepherd-colors-and-coats/#:~:text=Sable%3A%20The%20sable%20color%20represents,layer%20of%20black%20over%20them.
- German Shepherd Dog, American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/
- Different types of German Shepherds, GSD Colony: https://gsdcolony.com/blogs/news/different-types-of-german-shepherds
- Embrace these traits or don’t get a German Shepherd, German Shepherd Shop: https://germanshepherdshop.com/blogs/list/embrace-these-traits-or-don-t-get-a-german-shepherd-dog
- 7 common German Shepherd dogs problems solved, German Shepherd Shop: https://germanshepherdshop.com/blogs/list/7-common-german-shepherd-problems-solved
- The development stages and growth chart of German Shepherds, German Shepherd Shop: https://germanshepherdshop.com/blogs/list/the-development-stages-and-growth-chart-of-german-shepherds
- Average litter sizes: How many dogs are born in a litter, American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/average-litter-size/#:~:text=German%20Shepherd%20Dog%20Litter%20Size&text=German%20Shepherd%20Dogs%20can%20have,larger%20litters%20are%20often%20expected.
- How long are dogs pregnant, American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/how-long-are-dogs-pregnant/
FAQs
Is a German Shepherd a good family dog?
German Shepherds can be gentle companions and protectors. Proper training and socialisation are important to ensure they are calm and friendly additions to a family.
Are German Shepherds friendly or aggressive?
German Shepherds are used as guard dogs, so due to no fault of the breed, they have a reputation as being aggressive. In fact, they are highly affectionate with their family, but they can be wary of strangers.
Socialisation with people, other animals, and different environments, and consistent training is key. The good news is that their high intelligence means they are easy to train.
Are German Shepherds hard to take care of? Are they high maintenance dogs?
German Shepherds aren’t high maintenance, but they are very active and intelligent, so they need lots of exercise and enrichment activities to prevent them from getting bored. German Shepherds may be best suited to an experienced dog owner who enjoys an active lifestyle and who is around at home during the day.
What's the difference between a German Shepherd and an Alsatian?
The answer is there is no difference; they are the same breed. Alsatian is a common name for the German Shepherd in the UK, leading many people to think they are different breeds.
Can German Shepherds be left alone?
German Shepherds are very loyal to their family and can become attached to individuals, which can cause them to suffer from separation anxiety. Training them to get used to being left alone from an early age can help prevent this. However, like all breeds, German Shepherds shouldn’t be left alone for long periods.
Do German Shepherds bark a lot?
German Shepherds were originally trained to herd and guard, so they can be prone to barking when people exit or enter the house or if someone walks past. However, each dog is an individual, so some may not bark. With training, they can be taught not to bark unnecessarily.
Do German Shepherds like to cuddle?
German Shepherds are hugely affectionate to their family, i.e., their pack, and one way of showing their love is cuddling. If you’re sitting on the sofa, you can expect your German Shepherd to snuggle up beside you (or even sit on you).
Do German Shepherds need to walk a lot?
As working dogs German Shepherds have lots of energy. As a minimum they require 2 hours of exercise a day, which can be through walks, time off the lead, playing, and training. It’s advised to spread their exercise out during the day instead of doing it in one go [6].
Is a German Shepherd a lazy dog?
No. In fact they are the opposite. German Shepherds are energetic, active dogs that love to play. If you find that your dog has become unusually inactive or lazy, it is worth checking they do not have any health issues causing them to be reluctant to move.
How long does a German Shepherd live?
The average German Shepherd lifespan is between 9 to 13 years. This number can vary depending on various individual factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and diet.
Do German Shepherds smell?
German Shepherds are not known for being unusually smelly in comparison to other breeds. An unusually bad scent could be a sign of inadequate grooming, a skin infection, or dirty bedding. The Pet Health & Happiness Survey 2022 survey revealed that when feeding a raw Bella+Duke diet, 18% of owners noticed an improvement in their pet’s body odour.
Are German Shepherds hypoallergenic?
No. German Shepherds are not hypoallergenic, meaning their dander or fur is likely to irritate those with pet allergies.
What does GSD stand for?
GSD is short for ‘German Shepherd Dog’ which is the translation of the breed’s original German name; Deutscher Schäferhund.
Do German Shepherds only pick one person?
German Shepherds typically form a close relationship with their main caregiver, the person who trains and spends the most time with them. This bond starts to develop from an early age, 8 -16 weeks [8]. This is why they make great companions, but it can also cause issues, particularly not listening and responding to commands from other family members.
To help prevent your German Shepherd from becoming fixated on one person, involve all those involved in their care from the moment they come into your home. And, make sure there is consistency in training and the reward of good behaviour, so your dog doesn’t get mixed signals.
Why does my German Shepherd follow me everywhere?
German Shepherds don’t understand the concept of personal space. They will follow you everywhere, even into the bathroom! They do this because of the strong bond they have with you, and their natural instinct to protect their family.
Can German Shepherds stay outside all day?
German Shepherds are versatile dogs and their double coat means they are insulated against the cold. However, this doesn’t mean they should be outside all day in the cold. Also, their close bond to their family, means they struggle being left alone for long periods.
What happens if you don't walk your German Shepherd?
Missing a walk occasionally is OK as long as your German Shepherd has some other form of exercise. However, regularly missing walks can lead to behavioural problems as these active dogs need exercise and stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored and frustrated.
How often do I need to bathe my German Shepherd?
German Shepherds should be bathed every couple of months, as bathing them too often removes the natural oils which can cause skin issues [7]. If your dog is under vet care, follow their advice for bathing.
What are the pros and cons of German Shepherds?
Welcoming any dog breed into your family will bring years of fun, companionship, and love, but it’s important to know if a German Shepherd is the right breed for you. Hopefully, this breakdown of pros and cons, will help you decide:
What is the best age to adopt a German Shepherd?
There is no definite answer to when is the best age to adopt a German Shepherd (GDS). Getting a puppy German Shepherd gives you time to socialise and train your dog so they fit with your lifestyle. If you can’t or don’t want a puppy, it’s important to get to know the temperament of the dog before bringing them home to ensure they are the right fit for you.
How to make a German Shepherd's back legs stronger?
German Shepherds have sloped back (hind) legs, which are believed to have been developed through selective breeding to improve the breed’s agility and balance. However, this makes the breed susceptible to certain issues, such as Hip Dysplasia and Degenerative Myelopathy.
Focusing on strengthening their back legs may help prevent the onset of these issues. Consider exercises that target the back legs, like hill walking or leg lifts. Feeding a balanced and complete diet that contains high-quality protein is important for joint and muscle health and maintaining a healthy weight.
How to stop a German Shepherd puppy from biting?
One of the ways puppies explore the world around them is with their mouths. They will continue to do this until you train them not to. One tip to stop your puppy biting is to silently move away from them when they start nibbling you. You can also give them something more appropriate to bite, like a toy.
How many puppies can a German Shepherd have?
German Shepherds can have a litter size that ranges from 1 to 15 puppies. The largest recorded is 17, but on average it’s 8 puppies [16].
How long is a German Shepherd pregnant for?
The average pregnancy period for dogs, including German Shepherds, is around 63 from conception. This may vary by several days [17].
How to stop a German Shepherd from barking?
You can train your German Shepherd not to bark excessively. One technique is to give a command like “Quiet” when your dog starts barking. This should get their attention, and they should look at you. Once they stop, give lots of praise. This is just one way to stop your dog barking, it’s important to find the right one for your dog.
