Breed Description: This strong, courageous dog is one of the most popular breeds in the world. It possesses one of the keenest noses and highest degrees of intelligence in the dog world, making it suitable in almost any working capacity: herding, police work, guard dog or guide dog. The German Shepherd also makes a loving and faithful companion.
Group: Herding Group.
Purpose of Breed: Herding sheep
Country of Origin: Germany
Average Size: Ranges from 22-26 inches and 60-90 pounds depending on sex.
Color(s): Although their color may vary, German Shepherds are most commonly black, gray, and tan, many times with a black or dark-colored saddle.
Coat Type: Double coats of medium length hair. The outer coat consists of dense, straight hair that lays flat against the body. The hair length is somewhat shorter on the head and legs than on the rest of the body.
Grooming: Daily brushing is required to keep this breed's coat in top condition, however bathing is needed usually only a few times per year. This breed requires standard care for eyes, ears, pads, and nails.
Exercise Needs: German Shepherds are a large, highly intelligent breed that needs frequent exercise and mental stimulation to maintain optimal health. They adapt well to indoor living, but need daily exercise and a house with a fenced yard.
Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent and territorial, and makes a faithful and devoted companion. If properly trained and handled, the German Shepherd fits well within a family circle as a loyal and obedient companion. Initially suspicious of strangers, the multi-talented German Shepherd makes an excellent watchdog. This breed bonds deeply and does not like to be separated from his owner.
Common Ailments: Susceptible to bloat, skin disease, congenital heart problems, and hip dysplasia.
Life Expectancy: Averages 10-12 years.
Trivia: The famous dog "Rin Tin Tin" was a German Shepherd.
More Information: German Shepherd Dog Club of America
This is my 2 year old German Shepherd "Wim", holding down the couch. It's proof that a large dog can fit on the back of a sofa. He started doing this as a pup and never outgrew it!
This is my beloved pet, Koda. He is a two year old, male German Shepherd born in Hawaii. I adopted him from a rescue when he was little over a year old.
Nala is a four year old German Shepard. We got her two years ago from my husband's boss who was going to transfer overseas.
Hunter is 3 years old and is a German Shepherd. I got him in August of 2003 from Hidden Springs German Shepherds out of Eugene Oregon
Mia is a 10 year old German Shepherd. We adopted her when she was 7 weeks old. Her mom and siblings were living in an awful state.
Oona is 11 1/2 years old. She German Shepherd. My husband surprised me with Oona when she was only 8 weeks old. She used to love for my husband to sing to her and to keep us company sitting on the couch (naughty I know!)
Sunny is a 7 year old German Shepard. We got her from a pet store. She likes to play with our kids. She is so the best pet ever!
Cerebus is a 6 year old pure bred German Shepard. My family adopted Cerebus from our local animal shelter two years ago, in the month of June.
Diesel is a 13 week old German Shepherd. We got him from a friend when he was 5 weeks old. He likes to chase our cat and play with our other dog, Asia.
Zues is 2 years and 8 months old. He is a full bred German Shepard. Zues was a birthday gift for me from a friend. He loves to run in the backyard and go for walks. He is the nicest, most calm German Shepard I have ever known.
Scarlet is three and a half year old sable coloured, long haired German Shepherd, and Delilah is an eleven years old black and tan, long haired German Shepherd.
I bought Maile from a well renowned breeder in Washington, specializing in working dogs.
