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German shepherd dog

The German shepherd was standardised in the 1890s by Max von Stephanitz, who set out to build the ideal working herding dog from regional German farm stock and ended up creating one of the most versatile working breeds ever bred.

It is a large, powerful dog with a distinctive sloping topline, erect ears and a dense double coat. What defines it is trainability paired with genuine drive: police, military, search and rescue and assistance work all lean on the same combination. That drive is also why the breed suits an experienced owner — a German shepherd without a job usually finds one, and rarely picks well.

Origin
Germany, 1890s
Size
22–40 kg, 55–65 cm at the shoulder
Lifespan
9–13 years
Coat
Dense double coat, medium or long
Temperament
Confident, loyal, highly trainable, naturally watchful
Exercise
2 hours daily, with training built in

Related: German shepherd · Anatolian shepherd dog · Australian shepherd · Bohemian shepherd · Bucovina shepherd dog

3 german shepherd dog photos, newest first

  • Rex, a german shepherd dog

    Rex

    Rex found the one rock above the cloud and stood on it until the sun came up.

    FrostyOtter · 5 days ago

  • Gable II, a german shepherd dog

    Gable II

    Gable II was promoted to detective examining one suspicious biscuit; unfortunately, a miniature umbrella turns inside out.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Gable II, a german shepherd dog

    Gable II

    This is Gable II's chair now. It was mine on Tuesday.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a german shepherd dog

They shed constantly and blow their undercoat twice a year; a slicker brush two or three times weekly is the minimum that keeps it civil.

Mental work is not optional. Obedience, tracking, scentwork or protection sports all channel the drive that otherwise turns into barking, patrolling and destruction. Early, broad socialisation matters more in this breed than most, because natural wariness untrained becomes reactivity.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are the well-known risks and both should be scored in a breeding line. Degenerative myelopathy has a DNA test. Deep-chested dogs are also at risk of bloat, so avoid hard exercise immediately around meals.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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