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
Check out these photos.
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!)
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
I went to Erie Pennsylvania and bought Tiger from breeders. Abbie we bought from breeders in West Virginia. They like to play outside in the yard and they like to play fetch.
I bought Maile from a well renowned breeder in Washington, specializing in working dogs.
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.
"What are we waiting for " Kafka loves to ride in the car, and we leave the back window open, even in cold weather as she loves to stick her head out the window!
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.
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!
We got him a month ago. He had been very mistreated and the lady who had found him really did not want a big dog so my boyfriend said we would take him. Duke has greatly improved and is really starting to thrive.
Sandy, 7 years old, is a Poodle/Chihuahua mix and Milo, 2 years old, is a pure bred German Shepherd.
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.
I got her in 2010 as a rescue. She likes to ride in the car. Here she is waiting for a ride in the car, like she is saying "What are you waiting for?"
I bred and kept her. She's beautiful and also the only survivor of a litter of 8 who all passed from a deadly virus. She's our miracle pup.
These sweeties were on a kill list at a Memphis TN shelter. Both had health issues and had little chance of adoption. They were transported to Ohio for us by a Lab Rescue. BB has been cured of the mange she was suffering from, and Uno is currently midway through treatment for heart worm.
I adopted him when I married my husband, but my husband got him when he was a pup. He adopted him from a farm right after he finished basic training.
Angel is 19 month old King German Shepard that we got when she was 2 months old. She likes to bike with me, run, swim, run, ball, dog park, beach and go on a treadmill. She tracks different scents well. She is loved so much, just like a family member.
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Delilah and Scarlett, are both German Shepherds. One is 9 years old and the other is 18 months.
