German Shepherd Dog

AKC & CKC Herding Group

Is This the Right Breed for You?

✔ Excellent Match For

✔ Experienced dog owners who understand working breed needs
✔ Active individuals/families who can provide daily mental and physical exercise
✔ Those seeking a versatile working partner for protection, sport, or service work
✔ Homes wanting a loyal guardian who bonds deeply with their family

• Highly trainable: exceptional intelligence makes them excel in obedience, protection, and dog sports.

• Loyal protector: naturally protective instincts combined with proper training create excellent guardians.

• Versatile worker: excels in police/military work, search and rescue, therapy, and service roles.

✖ Consider Carefully If

✖ You're a first-time dog owner without working breed experience
✖ You have limited time for daily training, exercise, and mental stimulation
✖ You prefer a low-energy dog or have a sedentary lifestyle
✖ You want an "easy" dog that doesn't require consistent structure and leadership

• High energy needs: requires substantial daily exercise (1-2+ hours) plus mental challenges.

• Protective instincts: requires proper socialization and training to prevent over-protectiveness.

• Health considerations: prone to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat.

Owner Suitability

The German Shepherd Dog is a brilliant working breed that thrives with experienced handlers who provide clear leadership, consistent training, and ample mental/physical challenges. They're not casual pets—they're partners who demand engagement. Properly trained and socialized, they're among the most capable and loyal companions available.

Stats:

Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 lbs
Coat: Double coat with thick undercoat
Colors: Black & tan, sable, solid black, bi-color
Lifespan: 12-14 years

Origin & History

German Shepherd Dogs were developed in late 19th century Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who envisioned the ultimate working dog—intelligent, versatile, and physically capable. Drawing from various herding dogs across Germany, he created a breed that excelled at herding (hence "Shepherd") but soon proved valuable for much more.

Their exceptional trainability made them ideal for military and police work. During World War I, they served as messenger dogs, guards, and ambulance dogs, earning international recognition. Allied soldiers were so impressed that many brought German Shepherds home after the war.

Von Stephanitz founded the world's first German Shepherd breed club in 1899, emphasizing working ability above all. "A German Shepherd is a working dog first," he declared, shaping them into one of history's most versatile working breeds.

Today, German Shepherds serve in police/military roles, search and rescue, guide dog programs, explosive detection, and as devoted family protectors—maintaining their status as one of the world's most respected breeds.

Traits:	3	4	5
Energy: Requires 90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily.			✓
Ease Of Training: Extremely intelligent and eager to work.			✓
Grooming: Heavy shedding; daily brushing during seasonal blows.	✓
Family Dog: Devoted to family but may be reserved with strangers.			✓
Watchdog: Excellent natural protector with strong guarding instincts.			✓
Beginner Friendly: Best for experienced owners.	✓
Prey Drive: High - strong chase instinct that needs management.		✓
Barking: Will bark to alert but can be trained.	✓
Good with other dogs: Good, if well-trained & properly socialized.	✓

Health Considerations

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Common joint issues in the breed
Degenerative Myelopathy: Progressive spinal cord disease
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI): Digestive disorder
Bloat (GDV): Life-threatening stomach torsion
Allergies: Skin and food allergies common
Panosteitis: "Growing pains" in young dogs
Heart Conditions: Including cardiomyopathy

Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.

Glossary of general canine health conditions.