German Shepherd
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Find German Shepherd BreedersGet to Know German Shepherds
- Versatile Working Dog: German Shepherds are one of the most versatile working dogs, excelling in roles such as police work, search and rescue, military service, and as guide dogs for the blind. Their intelligence and trainability make them ideal for these demanding jobs.
- Loyal and Protective: German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protective instincts. They form strong bonds with their families and are often considered one of the best guard dog breeds due to their natural protective nature.
- Intelligent and Trainable: German Shepherds are highly intelligent and rank among the top breeds for obedience training. They are quick learners and can be trained to perform a wide variety of tasks.
- Strong and Athletic: German Shepherds are large, strong, and athletic dogs with a powerful build. They require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health, making them ideal companions for active individuals.
- Double Coat: German Shepherds have a thick double coat that provides protection in various weather conditions. However, this also means they shed year-round, with heavier shedding periods in the spring and fall.
Breed History
The German Shepherd is one of the most recognizable and respected dog breeds in the world. Originating in Germany in the late 19th century, the breed was developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who sought to create the ideal working dog. Using local herding dogs as the foundation, he emphasized traits like intelligence, trainability, and physical prowess. Originally bred for herding and guarding livestock, the German Shepherd quickly became a versatile working breed, excelling in police work, search and rescue, military service, and as guide dogs for the visually impaired. Their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability have made them a favorite for both working roles and as family companions.
Personality and Behaviour
- Loyal and Protective: German Shepherds are deeply devoted to their families and are known for their protective instincts. They are naturally wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs and guardians. Their loyalty to their owners is unparalleled, and they thrive on building strong bonds with their family.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, German Shepherds are quick learners and excel in obedience and advanced training. They are highly versatile and can master a variety of tasks, from agility and tracking to service work and scent detection. Their eagerness to please makes them ideal for experienced handlers.
- Energetic and Hardworking: As a working breed, German Shepherds are highly energetic and thrive when given a purpose or job to do. They require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior. Activities such as advanced obedience training, agility, and interactive play are ideal outlets for their energy.
Care
- Exercise: German Shepherds are highly active dogs that need a significant amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. At least 1-2 hours of daily exercise, including long walks, jogging, or play sessions, is recommended. They also enjoy mentally stimulating activities like puzzle toys, obedience training, or advanced tasks that challenge their intelligence. Without proper exercise, they can become bored and develop behavioral issues.
- Grooming: The German Shepherd has a double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat and a straight, weather-resistant outer coat. Regular brushing is essential to manage their heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Weekly brushing is sufficient most of the year, but during shedding seasons, daily brushing may be necessary. Bathing should be done only as needed to avoid stripping the coat of natural oils. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their grooming routine.
- Training and Socialization: Early training and socialization are critical for German Shepherds to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults. They are highly trainable and respond best to positive reinforcement techniques. Consistency and clear leadership are key when working with this breed. Socializing them with people, other animals, and a variety of environments from a young age helps prevent fearfulness or overprotectiveness.
German Shepherd Summary
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Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
German Shepherd Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. SV Evaluation. |
| Elbow Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation. SV Evaluation. |
| Temperament Test | GSDCA Temperament test. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional but recommended) Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Advanced Cardiac Exam. Basic Cardiac Exam. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | OFA evaluation from an approved Laboratory - recommend yearly testing. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | Eye Examination - recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter. |
| Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) | DNA based DM test results from an approved Lab. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a German Shepherd Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a German Shepherd is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About German Shepherd
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available German Shepherd puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for German Shepherd, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a German Shepherd is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
