German Shepherd
The ultimate working partner.
The German Shepherd is a large, athletic herding dog prized for intelligence, loyalty and versatility. It bonds deeply with its family and needs a confident owner who can give it a job.
Great points
- Brilliant and highly trainable
- Loyal and protective of its family
- Versatile worker, from herding to police K9
- Confident and courageous
Things to consider
- Sheds constantly, year round
- Needs heavy physical and mental work
- Can be wary or over-protective without socialising
- Prone to several joint and back problems
The story
Standardised by cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz in 1899 as the ideal herding and working dog, the German Shepherd's brains and trainability made it the backbone of police, military and service work the world over.
Training
Few breeds learn faster. German Shepherds need early socialisation, clear leadership and a steady stream of training, scent work or agility to stay balanced and happy.
Grooming
Nicknamed the German shedder. Brush three or four times a week, and daily during the big seasonal blow-outs, to manage the thick double coat.
Food & diet
Around 3 to 4 cups of large-breed food a day in two meals. Control the growth rate of puppies to protect developing joints.
Exercise
Very high. Plan vigorous daily exercise plus real mental challenges such as obedience, tracking or agility.
Health to watch
Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and bloat. Feed from ground level and avoid hard exercise right after meals.
Fun fact. German Shepherds can learn a new command in as few as five repetitions and obey it most of the time.
