German Shepherds - Everything You Need To Know About Them 2024

German shepherds are known for being the police and military’s preferred choice of dogs, as well as their unwavering loyalty and intelligence. As a result they are extremely popular and one of the most sought after dog breeds in the world. But where can you find one for yourself? How long do huskies live? How can you train your German Shepherd? Is owning a German Shepherd even worth it?

So without further ado, let’s get a deeper look into this beautiful and unique dog breed.

Description

The German Shepherd is a large, muscular dog breed that is one of the most popular in the world. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and loyalty. German Shepherds have a double coat, with short, straight, dense fur on the outer layer and soft underfur underneath.

Their coat colors come in various shades of black and tan, ranging from light tan to a deeper reddish tan. They have a domed forehead, long square-cut muzzle, and erect ears. Their bushy tail hangs low when relaxed.

German Shepherds are a medium to large-sized breed, standing 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 50-90 pounds.

Males tend to be larger than females. They have a graceful, smooth gait and swiftness. Their expression is keen and alert, portraying confidence.

Lifespan

With their history as rugged working dogs, German Shepherds are generally a healthy, hardy breed. The average lifespan for a German Shepherd is 10-14 years. With proper care, exercise, training, and a nutritious diet, they can live even longer, up to 16 years of age. Some factors that influence their lifespan include genetic health, size, diet, exercise routine, and preventative veterinary care.

Larger German Shepherds bred for police or military work generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones bred to be family pets and companions.

All in all, providing excellent nutrition, maintaining a healthy lean weight, regular vigorous exercise, mental stimulation through training, routine vet checkups, vaccinations, heartworm and flea/tick prevention, and high-quality veterinary care can all help extend your German Shepherd’s life.

Cost of Owning a German Shepherd

The cost of purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder typically ranges from $500 to $1,500. Puppies bred from top shows or working bloodlines with champion pedigrees can cost upwards of $5,000 or more. On average, you can pay around $800-$1,200 for a well-bred puppy. Adult German Shepherds adopted from rescues or shelters usually cost between $50-$400.

However, the initial purchase or adoption fee is just the beginning. Owning any dog is a long-term financial commitment. Here are some average estimated lifetime costs of owning a German Shepherd:

High-quality dog food and treats: $500-$1,000 annually
Medical expenses like vet visits, vaccinations, flea/tick/heartworm prevention: $460-$875 annually
Supplies such as a leash, collar, crate, and toys: $350 initially, $120 annually
Obedience or specialty training costs: $110-$400 for group classes
Grooming: $240-$400 annually

Total first-year costs of owning a German Shepherd can range from $2,000-$4,500, with annual costs averaging $1,200-$2,500. Be prepared for potentially high medical bills if any health issues arise. To avoid any unexpected, eye watering vet bills we would highly recommend getting pet health insurance to be on the safe side.

All in all, German Shepherds’ large size makes them more expensive to care for than smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers.

Where to Get a German Shepherd Puppy or Dog

If you’re looking to add an intelligent, loyal German Shepherd to your family, here are a few options:

Responsible breeders – Finding a reputable breeder is ideal if your goal is to get a German Shepherd puppy. Expect to be put on a waiting list, as quality breeders often have high demand. Reputable breeders screen their breeding dogs for health and temperament.
Rescues/shelters – You may be able to adopt an adult or puppy German Shepherd through breed-specific rescues or shelters. This gives an abandoned dog in need a second chance at a forever home.
Classified ads – People sometimes rehome German Shepherd dogs via online ads or newspapers. But handpick breeders carefully to avoid unethical ones or puppy mills.

When acquiring a German Shepherd through a breeder or rehoming, ask to see OFA or PennHIP health clearances and meet the parents if possible. Also, look for signs of a responsible, ethical source. Never buy German Shepherds from pet stores, many of them support puppy mills.

Pros of Owning a German Shepherd

There are many excellent reasons the German Shepherd remains one of the most popular dog breeds:

Extremely intelligent and highly trainable – Eager to learn and responds extremely well to training. They excel at obedience, agility, protection sports, and more.
Strong protective instincts – German Shepherds are naturally watchful, territorial, and protective. They make great guard dogs and watchdogs when properly trained and socialized.
Athleticism and stamina – They love activity and make excellent hiking, running, swimming, or biking companions. Their energy and fitness allow them to succeed in demanding dog sports.
Police, military, and service dog excellence – Their trainability, courage, confidence, focus, and strength make them ideally suited for these working roles. They’re a top choice for K-9 police units, military working dogs, and service dogs.
Loyalty and bond with family – German Shepherds form extremely close attachments and protective bonds with their human family. They aim to be by your side constantly.
Versatility – With their wide combination of traits, they can excel as family pets, show dogs, working dogs, service dogs, or therapy dogs.

Potential Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Dog

Here are a few potential downsides to consider before getting a German Shepherd:

Heavy shedding – Their double coat sheds constantly and heavily year-round. Expect dog hair everywhere without frequent vacuuming and brushing. You may need to consider equipping yourself with a dog hair brush as well as a pet hair lifter to easily clean up any dog hair from your furniture or clothes.
High exercise needs – German Shepherds require over an hour of vigorous daily exercise plus mental stimulation to prevent bad behaviors. Without enough activity, they can become destructive, neurotic, or aggressive.
Expensive upkeep – Their large size makes them costly in regard to food, medications, supplies, and vet bills. They require a significant financial commitment.
Prone to certain health problems – Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and degenerative myelopathy are among the genetic issues the breed is susceptible to. To avoid huge and unexpected vet bills make sure to get your German Shepherd some type of pet insurance.
Time investment – Their exercise, training, grooming, and companionship needs mean you must dedicate ample time to care for them properly.
Potential aggression issues – Poor breeding, lack of training/socialization, or neglect can lead to aggression issues. However, when trained correctly from a young age German Shepherds will be the sweetest dogs and will only show aggression if someone threatens them or their owners.

Training the Intelligent, Driven German Shepherd Dog

Thanks to their eagerness to closely bond with and please their handler or owner, German Shepherds are highly responsive to training. In fact, structured training is a must for these intelligent, energetic dogs to be well-behaved and happy.

Obedience training from a young age is crucial to establish control and focus. Positive reinforcement techniques using food rewards, praise, and play create the best results. Be patient and consistent in training. Use short, engaging daily sessions to hold their strong attention span.

Practicing basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, heel, and leave provide essential direction and control. Equally important is extensive socialization with new people, environments, children, dogs, and other animals, starting in puppyhood. Without it, German Shepherds can become aloof or aggressive towards strangers. If you do not have enough experience on dog training we would highly recommend investing in a dog training course or seeking out professional group classes or private trainers for help.

Advanced specialty training tailored to their high working drive and intelligence allows German Shepherds to reach their full potential. Activities like tracking, protection work, search and rescue, service dog tasks, police K-9 work, agility, or scent detection provide them with satisfying jobs to do. A well-trained German Shepherd is a pleasure to work with and own.

Exercise & Care Needs of the German Shepherd Dog

With their history as a working breed, German Shepherds have substantial exercise requirements to be well-behaved. They need over an hour of vigorous daily exercise, including activities like speed walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, playing active games, or participating in canine sports.

This physical activity helps prevent problem behaviors and satisfies their high energy level. Additionally, German Shepherds thrive when given jobs to do that stimulate their intelligent, active minds. Ongoing obedience training, interactive toys and games, and completing tasks like herding work, search and rescue, or nose work are ideal outlets.

Without adequate exercise and mental stimulation, German Shepherds are prone to destructive, neurotic habits like incessant barking, chewing, digging, or pacing. Their thick double coat requires weekly brushing year-round to control heavy shedding and keep it shiny and healthy.

Trim nails monthly if they don’t wear down naturally. Clean ears weekly to avoid infections. Feed a high-quality dry kibble diet formulated specifically for large breed dogs. Limit treats and keep your German Shepherd slender and fit. Overall, German Shepherds make wonderfully devoted companions when their activity needs are fulfilled.

Ideal Home Environment for the German Shepherd Dog Breed

The ideal living situation for a German Shepherd dog is an active home that can dedicate sufficient time for exercise, training, companionship, and space to roam both outdoors and indoors every day. Their high intelligence requires ongoing mental stimulation through play, training, work, or other tasks.

A large, safely fenced yard provides room to run and play, which is ideal. But German Shepherds can adapt well to apartments or smaller homes, too, if taken on multiple long, brisk walks and given access to a dog park or yard to play. However, their close bond and loyal nature means they should be supported only for a short period.

German Shepherds want to spend their time near their beloved family. While independent outdoors, they stick close to their owner’s side indoors. German Shepherds generally prefer cool climates and do not tolerate heat well. First-time owners should have time to commit to thorough training and exercise. When given adequate activity and training, German Shepherds can thrive in virtually any living situation as loyal family companions.

Common Health Issues in German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherds are at higher risk for certain hereditary health conditions. Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding dogs helps minimize these risks. Some issues to be aware of include:

Hip and elbow dysplasia – Malformed hip and elbow joints that can lead to arthritis, lameness, and pain. Responsible breeders screen for this.
Bloat – A life-threatening twisting of the stomach that requires emergency surgery. Don’t allow vigorous exercise before or after eating.
Degenerative myelopathy – Spinal disease causing progressive hind leg paralysis in older dogs. Genetic testing is available.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – Inability to properly digest food caused by inadequate digestive enzymes. Managed with enzyme supplementation.
Hemophilia – A blood clotting disorder causing excessive bleeding from injuries or surgery.
Allergies – German Shepherds often develop inhalant or food allergies, causing itchy skin, ears, or feet. Managed with dietary adjustments.

Discuss any health concerns with your veterinarian and purchase puppies only from breeders who test for these conditions. With excellent preventative care, most German Shepherds live happily and healthily well into their senior years.

Summary of the Intelligent, Versatile German Shepherd Dog Breed

In summary, the German Shepherd is one of the most iconic, popular, and versatile dog breeds in the world due to their trainability, loyalty, versatility, intelligence, and working capabilities. When raised conscientiously with proper socialization, exercise, training, and attention, German Shepherds make wonderful family companions, working dogs, show dogs, and pets for active owners.

Their natural confidence, courage, focus, and eager nature allow them to excel readily at police work, military roles, search and rescue, service work, therapy roles, dog sports, and more. While German Shepherds do require ample time commitment and activity, they repay it many times over with utter devotion, affection, and their intense desire to be near their beloved people. Thanks to their handsome features, athleticism, and working heritage, the German Shepherd Dog will undoubtedly continue to earn its place as one of the most prominent and admired breeds internationally.

Misconceptions About German Shepherds

Despite their popularity, German Shepherds are often misunderstood. Contrary to stereotypes, they are not inherently aggressive but rather protective of their families. Proper training and socialization are crucial in shaping their behavior.

Conclusion

German Shepherds are truly remarkable dogs known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. With the right care, training, and socialization, they make excellent companions for individuals and families alike.

FAQs about German Shepherds

Are German Shepherds good family pets?

Yes, German Shepherds can make wonderful family pets. They are loyal, protective, and thrive in a loving environment.

How much exercise do German Shepherds need daily?

German Shepherds are energetic dogs that require at least 1-2 hours of exercise daily to stay healthy and happy.

Do German Shepherds shed a lot?

Yes, German Shepherds shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding occurring seasonally.

Are German Shepherds prone to any health problems?

Yes, German Shepherds are prone to certain genetic health conditions, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.

Can German Shepherds be left alone for long periods?

While they are independent dogs, German Shepherds thrive on companionship and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. It’s important to provide them with mental stimulation and exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.