German Shepherd

It’s not unusual to see a German Shepherd who’s a K9 cop, helping police with their duties (whether in real life or on television). But behind the scenes, the German Shepherd is a mushy pup who loves their family with all their heart.

With their poised ears and dark eyes, the German Shepherd has an aura of authority and nobility.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears German Shepherds are born with soft, floppy ears, but at around 5 months old, their ears naturally become pointier. The ears open toward the front and are particularly alert when the German Shepherd stands at attention.
2. Eyes Their eyes are dark and almond-shaped with an intelligent and eager expression.
3. Nose They typically have a predominantly black, square nose and a long, straight muzzle.
4. Coat Length Most German Shepherds have a medium-length double coat. The outer coat is typically dense and straight, but some may be slightly wavy.
5. Coat Color German Shepherd colors vary wildly and include black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, and even black with a few areas of brown or tan. They can also be sable, gray, blue, or a liver color, though these aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
6. Tail They have a long, bushy tail with a slight hook like a saber.

The German Shepherd has an unwavering loyalty. (There’s a reason they make some of the best police dogs!)

Socializing your pup is essential, and so is training. It’s your job to teach your German Shepherd puppy that most things in this world are nothing to fear (and won’t hurt their loved ones, either).

Early supervised interactions with kids, babies, and other animals are also important if you want your German Shepherd to be well-behaved around guests. Teach children how to interact appropriately with dogs, too. With the proper education, this easy-to-train pup can be a great family dog.

German Shepherds are born talkers. They will bark when they’re bored, and they’ll bark to alert you if something isn’t quite right. But training and exercise can help curb a chatty pup.

They’re also incredibly smart dogs that are at their best when they have a job to do, whether it’s working as a police or military dog, doing tracking or search and rescue, serving as a guide dog, or simply at home practicing scent work or solving puzzles for a treat.

With their family, German Shepherds will let their silly side show as they flip their toys in the air and roll around on their backs.

German Shepherd dogs need regular g r ooming , plenty of exercise , and consistent training. But these pups are quick studies, and all your efforts will be rewarded with a loyal best friend.

Grooming

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A German Shepherd’s grooming needs are rigorous. They have a dense double coat that protects them from sun exposure and keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Bathing: Bathing too frequently can strip their coat of its natural oils, so limit bathtime to every three to four months (or when they get really dirty). Brushing: Brush every day with a pin brush to keep the coat shiny, clean, and healthy, especially in the spring and fall when they shed the most . Dental care: During daily grooming, brush your German Shepherd’s teeth to prevent tartar buildup, and get a pro cleaning once a year. Ear care: Be on the lookout for signs of an ear infection , such as redness or a bad smell. If your pup has issues, your vet may recommend regular at-home ear cleaning . Nail care: About once a month, your pup’s nails will need a trim if they’re not ground down naturally by all that exercise. You’ll know it’s time when you hear them clacking on hard surfaces.

Training

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German Shepherds can be uncertain of strangers, so start training early and always use positive reinforcement (including treats , toys , and praise as rewards). Socialize your pup with other animals and people, and introduce them to new experiences and objects when they’re young. Puppy school is great for both socialization and obedience training , which includes skills like sit , stay , and come , and how to walk nicely on a leash . German Shepherd puppies can be a little mouthy, so you may have to navigate the teething phase for their first six months of life. It may be cute when they’re little, but German Shepherds have strong jaws, so it’s important to teach them not to use their mouth to play. When you’re home, work their sniffing skills with puzzle toys and scent walks . Canine sports like agility, tracking, and herding are excellent ways to train your pup and strengthen your bond . A German Shepherd is happiest when they’re busy, so enriching their environment by giving them something to think about and do will keep them content.

Diet

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A German Shepherd’s diet should include a high-quality dog formula that’s AAFCO-compliant for their stage of life (puppy, adult, or senior). Talk to your veterinarian about the best dog food for your German Shepherd , as well as how much and how often to feed your dog. German Shepherds are prone to upset tummies, and their skin is notoriously sensitive. Pick a food with highly digestible proteins and nutrients that support skin health. Small amounts of cooked vegetables and eggs can also be beneficial to this breed if your vet gives them the thumbs up. Treats are an essential part of positive reinforcement when training, but don’t forget them when counting calories. Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

Exercise

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German Shepherds have a very high energy level, and they need to use it up to be on their best behavior. Spend two to three hours a day focused on their physical and mental needs. This could include scent walks, brisk neighborhood jogs, or a game of fetch . Keep your German Shepherd on a leash when you’re not in a fenced yard. These dogs can run up to 30 miles an hour, and an interesting scent could send them jetting off. Some German Shepherds enjoy a dip in a pool or lake when it’s hot out. Most enjoy the dog park if they’ve been well-socialized. Your German Shepherd will also likely enjoy adventures like hiking , which will allow them to discover exciting new scents. Have plenty of fun challenges planned around the house , too. Hide treats under boxes so your pup has to push them to get the treat, or stash kibble throughout the house.

Environment

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Life in the country, suburbs, or any place with plenty of space to roam and play is ideal for a German Shepherd dog. They can be fine in apartments if they’re given time outdoors for frequent exercise, as well as mentally stimulating activities at home . They might bark, though, which might not be OK with close-by neighbors. Despite their tough guy act, German Shepherds are big softies at heart and get lonely if left alone for long periods . Doggy daycare or a dog walker are good options if you’re gone during the day. These dogs can be great with kids and babies if they’re well-socialized and trained (and the kids, too, must know how to interact with dogs).

The German Shepherd lifespan is 12–14 years. This breed is prone to quite a few health issues, so early awareness is key.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Allergies: German Shepherds are prone to both seasonal and food allergies , which usually cause itching and a rash.
2. Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus : Both bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (a more severe case of bloat) are life-threatening conditions and more common in dogs with deep chests. If your dog is dry heaving or if their abdomen looks distended , see a vet immediately.
3. Cancer: German Shepherds can develop certain cancers, including bone , lung , intestinal, and hemangiosarcoma (malignant tumors that develop in blood-rich areas like the heart or spleen). Treatment includes chemotherapy , radiation, or surgery.
4. Degenerative myelopathy: A neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord, degenerative myelopathy leads to paralysis of the hind legs over time. Early signs include leg weakness and difficulty standing. There is no cure, but physical therapy can help.
5. Dilated cardiomyopathy Dilated cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition where the heart enlarges, possibly resulting in heart failure. Diagnosis is based on an echocardiogram and treatment is often daily medication.
6. Elbow and hip dysplasia: With elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , the joint doesn’t fit properly. According to the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals , about 20% of German Shepherds have hip dysplasia. Treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements , physical therapy, pain meds , or surgery.
7. Epilepsy: German Shepherds are prone to seizures caused by epilepsy , which typically begins between 6 months and 5 years of age. It’s treated with medication.
8. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency In this condition, the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to digest food. While there is no cure, treatment with pancreatic enzyme supplements can be highly effective.
9. Pannus Pannus is a disease that causes abnormal tissue to form in the eyes. It is painful and can lead to blindness, so beware of eyes that become cloudy or red.

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz set out to create the perfect German herding dog, capable of keeping sheep in line and protecting them from wolves. He cross-bred different dogs from northern and central Germany and created the first club devoted to German Shepherds.

When herding became less necessary in the 1900s, von Stephanitz suggested that German Shepherds would make the ultimate K9 or police dog.

In 1908, the German Shepherd became the 60th breed recognized by the AKC, and theGerman Shepherd Dog Club of Americawas founded in 1913. Families in the U.S. fell in love with German Shepherds while watching “The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin” in the 1950s, though that character was based on a famous dog with the same name, born in 1918, who starred in silent films.

German Shepherd puppies generally cost about $1,500 –$3,500 from breeders, butchoose a responsible oneif you go this route.

You can also reach out to a German Shepherd dog rescue to adopt one a dog. Search online for a German Shepherd rescue in your area. Also keep an eye out at your local animal shelter, orsearch Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs.