The German Shepherd Dog:

Breed Characteristics

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is also known as an Alsatian. Males generally range between 24 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 70 to 90 pounds. Females generally range from 22 to 24 inches and weigh 60 to 80 pounds. Some shepherds may be a bit smaller, and some may be as large as 30 inches and weigh up to 140 pounds.

The German Shepherd Dog is a large, active dog with a double coat. The undercoat is soft and wooly, while the outer coat consists of longer, harsher guard hairs. GSDs can be coated normally or can be long coated or open coated. Long hairs have about the same coat as a Belgian Tervuren. Open coats have no undercoat and usually have softer guard hairs. The outer coat sheds year round while the undercoat "blows" (lose and replace the undercoat) in the spring and fall. Daily brushing and raking will reduce shedding.

German Shepherds are very intellegent, responsive dogs. They were originally developed for service as a herding and general purpose working animal. The desire to "work" or do something is genetic, and is stronger in GSDs than other dogs. Shepherds have the ability to think for themselves and, therefore, will assume the leadership role if not trained in obedience and given firm rules that are not to be broken. German Shepherds take to training quite well and excel as guide dogs, assistance dogs for the physically challenged, search and rescue dogs, police patrol dogs, narcotics dogs, agility dogs, etc.

Many GSDs end up in shelters precisely because they are working animals. Without proper guidance and training, GSDs can be rambunctious, destructive of property, obnoxious and exhausting to live with. A bored shepherd will often find his own excitement and stimulation, which might not be what you want him to do, including digging, barking, herding small children, "creating" toys out of household furniture or the children's toys, etc.

Most, if not all, German Shepherds need training and a structured lifestyle to thrive in the home and to become a canine good citizen. This is not an 8 week obedience class; this is something you have to work on for all of the dog's life. If you don't want to commit to this level of mental and physical stimulation for your dog, please check out other more suitable breeds.

Training will enhance the bond between you and your dog. Dogs who have a solid obedience education are a joy to live with-they respond well to household routines, have good manners in the presence of people and other dogs, and they fully enjoy the company of the owner who took the time to provide training, intellectual stimulation, and a high quality life. See some of our toy or treat recommendations.

Because they are territorial and protective, GSDs are natural guard dogs. They instinctively protect their home and family from danger. Because they bark when they hear anyone or anything, they need to be supervised in densely populated areas to avoid disturbing neighbors. Games of retrieval are a good way to distract them and give them exercise when in a fenced in yard.

German Shepherds are energetic dogs and need routine exercise. At minimum, a brisk half hour walk about twice a day is needed unless they are given a lot of interactive playtime with their owners on a daily basis.

German Shepherds need to be socialized well and early in lots of different physical environments. They are naturally aloof with strangers, and some can be a bit suspicious if not exposed to people outside the family at an early age. Some GSDs are overly aggressive, and some very shy. Although it can be genetic, this is usually due to poor training. A stable German Shepherd is a true best friend-extremely loyal, intelligent, affectionate, protective and responsive.