German Shepherd Dog Breed 101

The hugely-popular German shepherd dog is an intelligent, trainable dog that enjoys keeping busy. As a result, they require regular exercise to avoid being naughty or hyperactive.

German Shepherd (GSD) Characteristics

● Height: 22 to 26 inches
● Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
● Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
● AKC Group: Herding
● Exercise Needs: High
● Energy Level: High
● Mental Stimulation Needs: High
● Trainability Level: High
● Watchdog capability: High
● Affection Level: High
● Shedding: High
● Coat Colors: Black, black & cream, black & red, black & silver, black & tan, blue, gray, liver, sable, white and bi-color
● Coat Type: Medium length double coat
● Coat grooming: Moderate

German shepherd dogs should be socialized and trained from an early age to avoid them becoming overly protective and aggressive.

Male German shepherd dogs can reach a height of 25 inches and a weight of 95 pounds (41 kilograms); females tend to be shorter and weigh less.

German Shepherd Dog Appearance

German Shepherds are well-built medium-sized dogs. The broad skull narrows gracefully to a pointed snout. The ears are huge and prominent, and they stand out. The back should be flat and muscular, while the tail should be bushy and curving downward.

Coat color can range from black to tan to gray to black and tan, even white. The hair should be coarse and medium-length; however, long-haired versions can be pretty standard.

German Shepherd Personality

Temperament

A well-balanced German Shepherd is straightforward and brave without being antagonistic or aggressive; to be self-assured, detached, and poised while eager and vigilant.

Even though the GSD is picky about who they associate with, they are fiercely devoted once they choose to include you in their group. German Shepherds are incredibly smart and trainable, loyal, watchful, and even a little silly at times.

German Shepherds will let you know if anyone comes to the door, and once they have assured themselves there's no danger to the family, they will allow them inside.

German Shepherds And Family

Provided they have a solid amount of training and socialization, the German Shepherd is an excellent companion for children. They have been compared to a babysitter and a police officer; they are both soft-natured and protective at the same time.

They may be trustworthy among their own family's children, but still, they are large enough to injure a child accidentally. If you have a GSD and children under the age of 8, you need to exercise extra caution.

German Shepherd Energy

Most German Shepherds fall anywhere between high and very high energy levels. The fact is, they are working dogs and need a lot of exercise every day. A bored GSD will resort to destructive chewing and even obsessive barking if they are left alone and are not given the exercise outlet they want; not just physical exercise, they also require a massive amount of mental stimulation. The more opportunities you provide them for different types of activity, the better.

German Shepherd Grooming

Most thick, double-coated dogs shed a lot, and the German Shepherd is no exception; they shed a massive amount. If you have an aversion to cleaning hairs off clothes and furniture, you might be better getting a pet vacuum cleaner; at least you can get the hairs up quickly that way. Brushing your dog regularly can also help collect dead hair before it falls, but quite honestly, if you get a GSD, prepare yourself for plenty of dog hair around your home.

If you suffer from allergies, particularly pet allergies, it's advisable to look for an alternative choice of family companion.

German Shepherd Trainability

German Shepherd Dogs are renowned as incredibly intelligent and easy to train, and they need owners that treat them with respect. As a result, training a German Shepherd is not an option but rather a necessity. German Shepherds are versatile dogs, capable of succeeding at whatever task he is taught—but only if they receive the appropriate training.

Search and rescue bombs, and drug detection, arson, and the search for human remains are just a few of the many jobs German Shepherds undertake. Owners can also train the dogs as personal guardians, therapy dogs, or service dogs to help the disabled or airport security.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully the above information will give you a good idea if the German Shepherd Dog is the best dog breed for your family. As with all dog breeds not every dog is suitable for every family. It’s up to you to decide if this is the future companion for your family.

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