Breed Info
THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
No one breed of dog is for everyone, but there is one breed that could be for just about anyone. It's known for its beauty and its brains, its strength and its gentleness. It's a helper to the disabled, a guardian of homes, a companion to children, a protector of livestock, and a partner in crime fighting. There is little this dog cannot do, and almost nothing it's not willing to try. It's the multi-purpose, multi-tasking, ever popular, hard-working German Shepherd Dog.
www.akc.com: AKC Featured Breed 2003
A Quick Glance at the German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is a large, active dog with a dense double coat. This double coat sheds year round, and produces even greater volumes of fur when the dogs “blow coat” in the spring and fall. Some shed more than others, especially when not groomed on a regular basis. For some owners, this is not a trivial point.
The breed was developed for service as a herding and general purpose working animal. The desire to “work” or do something is genetic and is stronger in some GSDs than in others. Most adult GSDs are loyal, loving, protective and intelligent. Without proper training, GSDs can also be rambunctious, destructive of property, and exhausting to live with. It is up to you to guide your dog to suit your lifestyle and that of your family. Most, if not all, GSDs need training and a structured lifestyle to thrive in the home and become a canine good citizen.
You should consider the following recommendations as your basic commitment
to your new GSD:
- Take an obedience course to assure that you are the dog’s leader.
- Be prepared to socialize your dog by exposing it to as many people, dogs and situations as possible to develop its confidence.
- Vigorously exercise the adult GSD at least 20 minutes daily.
- Brush the coat often; every other day or weekly is recommended.
- Trim nails, clean ears, and brush teeth as needed.
If a change of residence is required, make sure that your GSD is welcome at the new address. Realize that a GSD is a very social animal and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Before a problem gets out of hand be willing to call a trainer, a behaviorist, or a member of the local rescue group for help.
CREDITS…The preceding section was excerpted, with some modifications, from a brochure written and produced as a service to the public and the venerable German Shepherd Dog breed by an eclectic group of individual GSD owners, breeders, and trainers. The full brochure is available for reproduction and distribution free of charge by emailing TGSD-L-REQUEST@IS.DAL.CA. If you received a copy we invite you to print it in your newsletters, add it to your Web pages, forward it to others, or cross-post as long as you leave these CREDITS attached.
German Shepherd Dog FAQs
Do German Shepherd Dogs make good family pets?
YES! German Shepherd Dogs are very loyal family companions. They are very willing to please and will do anything for their family. They are extremely well behaved with children, although a new dog must be supervised with new children to make sure the dog likes the company of a child. This breed is naturally loyal, intelligent and protective. It makes a great family member when taught what is accepted and what is expected of him.
What traits does the German Shepherd Dog exhibit?
The German Shepherd Dog is naturally loyal, intelligent and protective. They take their work and role in the family very seriously. The German Shepherd Dog has an excellent nose, making it good for search and rescue work and tracking. They are calm and have a steady temperament when socialized and trained properly. The German Shepherd Dog thrives on regular exercise, mental stimulation and a well balanced diet. The German Shepherd Dog is an absolute pleasure to own when well trained, but in the hands of a novice, unconcerned or uncommitted owner, their intelligence and drive can become difficult to manage.
How big do German Shepherd Dogs get?
LARGE! The full adult size of a German Shepherd Dog depends on the genetic background of its parents. The AKC Standard states that adult males should range between 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder blade, and females from 22 to 24 inches. Males and females within the standard may weigh anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds. Some German Shepherd Dogs may be a bit smaller; and some may be as large as 30 inches tall and weigh as much as 140 pounds.
What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd Dog?
Most German Shepherd Dogs will live to be 10 to 13 years of age. 11 to 12 years is probably a very reasonable expectation. A German Shepherd Dog becomes “middle-aged” between 5 to 7 years old, and is generally considered “geriatric” at about 10. Their food intake, exercise and nutrition needs may change over this period of time. They may begin to develop stiffness in their joints (much like people do as they get older). Healthy teeth are important as bacteria from decaying teeth can affect the health of the dog. Don’t be fooled by the age of a GSD, they never really “slow down!”
Do German Shepherd Dogs shed a lot?
YES!! The German Shepherd Dog is a “double-coated” dog with an undercoat and guard hairs. The guard hairs will be shed all year. The undercoat is “blown” twice a year. The German Shepherd Dog can also be known as the “German Shedder” and shed constantly. It is said they shed twice a year for 6 months at a time!
Are German Shepherd Dogs smart and easy to train?
Yes and Yes again! Most German Shepherd Dogs are eager and willing to learn and enjoy training sessions (don’t overdo with a young pup – they just don’t have the attention span and get bored very fast). If you start to teach a German Shepherd puppy its order in the “pack” while they are young, problems with training will be minimized. However, German Shepherd Dogs tend to have more dominant personalities than some breeds and can be stubborn, so some care in training is recommended. Obedience Classes are extremely beneficial. A German Shepherd Dog that thinks it’s the Alpha member of the pack can be a big handful. Proper training classes, regular exercise and routine will ensure that your German Shepherd Dog is happy and knows its role in the family. Remember although a German Shepherd Dog must respect its owner, respect is NOT achieved through heavy-handedness. Respect is only achieved when its owner treats the dog with equal respect.
What about long-coated and white German Shepherd Dogs?
Long-coated and white German Shepherd Dogs are no different than regular coated and colored German Shepherd Dogs. Their temperament and loyalty are all the same. The only difference is their coat type and color. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover!!
Why do German Shepherd Dogs have a reputation of being vicious?
In the 1950s, German Shepherd Dogs became the most popular dog in the AKC registry. As a result, much breeding was done without regard to pedigree history or temperament and in-breeding caused many problems. Behavior and mental problems began to develop in the breed. Unknowing buyers & breeders bought the dogs and had many behavior problems, including biting and aggression. Breeders are now particularly careful about what dogs they breed and such. Now that the demand for the German Shepherd Dog is not nearly what it was in the fifties, the breed is no longer threatened with mental/behavior problems (not to mention hip dysplasia is not as common among GSDs anymore). The dogs’ use in police work has also had a hand in the GSD’s reputation as being vicious; but that comes from lack of knowledge about police work and the German Shepherd Dog.
Is there a club for German Shepherd Dogs in my area?
Yes. You can get a packet of information on German Shepherd Dogs, information about the United States National Club and information on a local club (if applicable) by writing to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. You can also contact the United Schutzhund Club of
Without question, the German Shepherd Dog’s temperament and intelligence has earned it an international fan club. Its affable, easy-going nature gives way to a strong protective instinct when provoked. People close to the breed frequently claim that German Shepherd Dogs know right from wrong and that a well-trained GSD is the best roommate you could ask for.
Characterized by a direct and fearless expression, the German Shepherd Dog never appears hostile, but instead appears self-confident, with a certain aloofness, the German Shepherd Dog must be approachable, quietly standing his ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without making them himself.
The traits of keen intelligence and trainability have made the German Shepherd Dog arguable the most versatile breed in history. In addition to their traditional roles as police and herding dogs, the breed has encountered success in many areas including watchdog, leader of the blind, tracking, rescue, scent identification, agility, obedience, guardian, and of course companion. He is poised and calm, but when the occasion presents itself, he can be alert and startling. The German Shepherd Dog can be considered the Swiss Army Knife of dog breeds - always ready to put one tool away and pull out another one in the blink of an eye!
www.germanshepherds.com “Description of the Breed”
Is a German Shepherd Dog the right dog for you and your family?
The German Shepherd Dog aka GSD, is a wonderful breed, but it is a “high maintenance” animal not suited for everyone. If you are unfamiliar with the German Shepherd Dog breed, please take the time to educate yourself about the breed before adopting one into your family. Believe us, in the end you will be grateful that you did your homework!
- German Shepherd Dogs require a serious commitment. Many of the dogs that come to rescue organizations have no training. It is important that the new family put LOTS of time and effort into training their rescue dog. This helps the dog become a well-behaved family member and know its place in the family.
- The GSD has a high energy level. The very energy that allows these dogs to be police, search and rescue, guide and herding dogs is often the reason these dogs are so often surrendered. If you’re looking for a couch potato, you will want to consider a different breed.
- German Shepherd Dogs are highly intelligent. If they are not given a job to do, they will often come up with one of their own; which you and your family might not agree with. A bored GSD is a big troublemaker!
- Like any dog, the German Shepherd Dog is a social animal and needs to be part of a family. The loyalty that endears this breed to many requires that it not be banished to the backyard, the garage or crated for hours on end.
- German Shepherd Dogs are large dogs. The number one reason given by people surrendering their German Shepherd Dog is because they are moving. Usually apartments do not welcome these dogs. If you don’t know where you will be in a few years down the road, it is not the right time to adopt a German Shepherd Dog or any large dog for that matter.
- If you don’t like dog hair, the German Shepherd Dog is DEFINITELY NOT THE DOG FOR YOU! These dogs shed non-stop. Most books say they shed only twice a year, what they don’t tell you is they shed twice a year for 6 months at a time!
- German Shepherd Dogs can be vocal, often whining and barking to communicate. If left alone for prolonged periods of time they may become problem barkers. Not too many neighbors are very understanding about a whiny, lonely GSD.
- German Shepherd Dogs need human interaction. If you work long hours and are rarely home, the German Shepherd Dog is not a dog for you.
- A German Shepherd Dog must respect its owner. This is not accomplished by heavy-handedness; it is only achieved when its owner treats the dog with equal respect. If you feel a dog can’t learn unless handled roughly, then a GSD is definitely not recommended.
- These dogs originated as herding dogs; this was their first and foremost job. It is a heritage that they carry and will carry forever. Keep this in mind if you have small children or small animals in your home or around your neighborhood; your GSD might think it is time for a nice game of “herd the kids!”
Want some more information about the GSD?
Feel free to contact MVGSDR for help on any questions or information you might want to know about the German Shepherd Dog.
This information has been graciously donated for use to Mississippi Valley German Shepherd Dog Rescue by German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Northern Illinois, Inc. and is only to be used solely by them.
Questions please call (574) 233-5197.
