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Germany•herding
German Shepherd
commonGood with KidsGood with Pets
Confident, courageous, and smart. German Shepherds are working dogs known for their loyalty and versatility.
Weight22.5-41 kg49.5-90.5 lbs
Height56-66 cm22-26"
Lifespan9-13 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
ConfidentCourageousSmartLoyalProtective
Height
56-66 cm22-26"
Weight
22.5-41 kg49.5-90.5 lbs
Lifespan
9-13 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Large - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Strongly bonds with family
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
German56-66 cm22-26"Compatibility
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Colors & patterns
German Shepherd comes in 4 recognized colors
Black and Tan
Saddleback
Black·Tan
Sable
Solid Black
Black and Red
Saddleback
Black·Red
Exercise
Activity requirements for German Shepherd
high energy60-90 min/day
The German Shepherd is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
2+ hours daily of physical and mental stimulation
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for German Shepherd
Moderate Carefur coat
German Shepherds need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for German Shepherd
Eager to Please
The German Shepherd is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for German Shepherd
Large Breed2 meals$48-120/month
Large breeds need careful nutrition management, especially during growth. Controlled growth and joint support are key priorities.
Feeding Tips
Large Breed Formula
Use foods specifically formulated for large breeds, especially during puppyhood for controlled growth.
Joint Support
Look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health throughout life.
Don't Overfeed puppies
Rapid growth stresses developing joints. Large breed puppies should grow slowly and steadily.
Consider Bowl Placement
Some large dogs benefit from elevated food bowls for comfortable eating posture.
Important Considerations
- Rapid puppy growth increases risk of joint problems
- Higher risk of bloat - avoid exercise right after eating
- Prone to obesity in less active individuals
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in German Shepherd
3
High Risk
1
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for German Shepherd
Monthly costs
Food
$48-120
Insurance
$48-113
Supplies
$17-35
Monthly total
$113-268
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$492-828/yr
Parasite prevention
$432/yr
Annual total
$924-1,260/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for German Shepherd's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about German Shepherd
Have more questions? Research thoroughly before committing to any breed
Sources
7 references for German Shepherd
German Shepherd Dog Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs
Veterinary·VCA Animal Hospitals
Canine Health Information Center - German Shepherd Dog
Health·OFA-CHIC
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research