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German Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about German Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank2
Reviews19
User Ratings
Compare the German Shepherd With Other Dogs
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German Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginGermany flagGermany
Other Names
What other names does the German Shepherd have?
Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The German Shepherd is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed.

We have compiled a list of German Shepherd Mixes.

Overview

 

Photo Gallery of the German Shepherd Breed

German Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is a German Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do German Shepherd get?

What is the average size of a German Shepherd?

Large
Weight
How much does the German Shepherd weigh? How much should a German Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of a German Shepherd? How much does a full-grown German Shepherd weight?
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a German Shepherd?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the German Shepherd? German Shepherd height:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a German Shepherd?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

German Shepherd Price and Availability

Price
How much does the German Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a German Shepherd in the United States? How much money is a German Shepherd?

Where to buy a German Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the German Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a German Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the German Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a German Shepherd? How many German Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the German Shepherd? Is the German Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The German Shepherd is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are German Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a German Shepherd?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is German Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the German Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do German Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the German Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the German Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

German Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the German Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
CuriousAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentObedientLoyalWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? German Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a German Shepherd a good family dog?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Alsatian wolf dog need? German Shepherd social needs:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the German Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does German Shepherd roam?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does German Shepherd have high prey drive?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that German Shepherd dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do German Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Alsatian wolf dog bark?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is German Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a German Shepherd in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a German Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave a German Shepherd alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

German Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the German Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a German Shepherd? How much bite force does a German Shepherd have? How strong is a German Shepherd bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force German Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a German Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This German Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. German Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The German Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the German Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a German Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do German Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Alsatian wolf dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a German Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the German Shepherd do?
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but German Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

German Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do German Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the German Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the German Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of German Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the German Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the German Shepherd see the vet?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do German Shepherd dogs live? How old can a German Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd? How many years can the oldest German Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a German Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of a German Shepherd?

9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

German Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the German Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the German Shepherd?
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? How much exercise do German Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do German Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the German Shepherd breed need?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a German Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a German Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for German Shepherd? How much food should I feed my German Shepherd?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? German Shepherd risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the German Shepherd weight regularly.

German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the German Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fuzzy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper German Shepherd coats?
BlackTan Red Silver
Grooming
How to groom the German Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my German Shepherd to the groomer?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your German Shepherd, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do German Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Alsatian wolf dog? Do German Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the German Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give a German Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my German Shepherd every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the German Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
No
German Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the German Shepherd drool?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the German Shepherd could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the German Shepherd.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

German Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do German Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are German Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? German Shepherd temperament with other people:
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are German Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? German Shepherd temperament with children:
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do German Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the German Shepherd breed live with a cat?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is German Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do German Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the German Shepherd is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is German Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is German Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are German Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do German Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do German Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Alsatian wolf dog temperament with senior people? Are German Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can German Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

German Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can German Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a German Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

German Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can German Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

German Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can German Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The German Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can German Shepherd be a boat dog?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can German Shepherd be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

German Shepherd is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where German Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs. A combat dog is a specially trained dog that is used in warfare to help protect military personnel and assets. Combat dogs are often deployed in areas where there is potential for contact with the enemy, such as during raids or search operations. Combat dogs are typically assigned to either infantry or special operations units. They are used for a variety of tasks including area security, sentry duty, trackers, and explosive detection. In addition to their combat roles, combat dogs also play an important role in troop morale by providing companionship and emotional support.

German Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a German Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the German Shepherd breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female German Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the German Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the German Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a German Shepherd have? How many puppies can a German Shepherd give birth to?
6-10 puppies

German Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is German Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Is German Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the German Shepherd breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubGerman Shepherd Dog Club Of America

German Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Trainability: German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Drooling Tendency: The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Adaptability: German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: German Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Mouthiness: German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
  • Dog Friendly: German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

German Shepherd History

Origins

Attempts to standardize breeds were made throughout Europe during the 1850s. The dogs were developed to retain characteristics that helped them herd sheep and guard flocks from predators. Shepherds in Germany picked and bred dogs that they believed possessed the skills needed for herding sheep, such as intellect, speed, strength, and excellent senses of scent. The end result was dogs that could do such things, but different significantly, both in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. Moreover, the Phylax Society was founded in 1891 with the goal of producing standardized dog breeds in Germany to overcome these discrepancies. The society disbanded after only three years due to internal disagreements about which features in dogs the society should promote. Some believed dogs should be bred primarily for working, while others believed that they should be bred for both working and appearance objectives. Despite failing to achieve their goal, the Phylax Society had motivated others to standardize dog breeds on their own.

One of these ex-members of the society was Max von Stephanitz, a former cavalry commander and former student of the Berlin Veterinary College. He believed strongly that dogs should be bred for working. Von Stephanitz was at a dog show in 1899 in western Germany when he saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of careful breeding, and he was all Von Stephanitz imagined a working dog should be. He was so impressed by the dog’s power and also charmed with the animal’s intelligence, loyalty, and beauty that he purchased him right away. He changed the breed’s name to Horan von Grafrath and founded the Society for the German Shepherd Dog. Horand was the first German Shepherd Dog to be recognized as such, and he was also the first dog to be added to the society’s breed registry. Von Stephanitz inbred heavily on Horand and also Luchs, his brother, to consolidate the bloodline. Horand’s best son, Hektor von Schwaben, the second German Sieger, was mated with his half-sister as well as through daughters of his own sons, Beowulf, Heinz von Starkenber, and Pilot III.

 

The breed as a working dog

Working canines such as German Shepherds are extremely popular. They are used for several types of jobs. They are well recognized for their police duties, where they are used to hunt criminals, patrol difficult areas, and detect and detain suspects. The military has also used tens of thousands of German Shepherds. They are usually trained for scout duty and are employed to alert soldiers to the existence of attackers, booby traps, and other dangers. Military forces have also trained German Shepherds to parachute from aircraft.

Moreover, the breed is one of the most extensively employed dogs in a wide variety of scent-work roles. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching, narcotics detection, explosive detection, accelerant detection, and mine detection among others. They are well-suited for these lines of work as they have an excellent sense of smell and the ability to work through distractions.

At one time, the German Shepherd Dog was the breed chosen almost exclusively to be used as a guide dog for the visually impaired. In recent years, the Labradors and Golden Retrievers have been more widely used for this work, although there are still German Shepherds being trained.

Of course, the German Shepherds are still used for herding and tending sheep grazing in meadows next to gardens and crop fields. They are expected to look out for sheep that are trespassing and causing damage to the crops. Utility dog trials, also known as Herdengebrauchshund herding utility dog trials, are held in Germany and other countries to assess these qualities.

 

In popular culture

German Shepherds have appeared in a variety of media outlets. Strongheart the German Shepherd was one of the first canine movie stars and he was followed by Rin Tin Tin, who is now acclaimed as being the most famous German Shepherd. On the Hollywood Walk of Fame, both have stars. German Shepherds were also used in a popular Canadian series called The Littlest Hobo, a Disney movie called the 101 Dalmatians, and in 2007 in a Hollywood movie called I am Legend.

 

Recognition/popularity

There were 54 dogs registered when the UK Kennel Club first accepted registrations for the breed in 1919, and by 1926 the number had risen to almost 8000. The breed first gained international recognition at the decline of World War I after returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed, and animal actors such as Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Moreover, in 1913 the German Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed by Benjamin Throop and Anne Tracy, with 26 other members. The first German Shepherd Dog to be registered in the United States was Queen of Switzerland, but her children suffered from deformities as a result of improper breeding, leading to the breed’s decrease in popularity in the late 1920s.

However, popularity increased after the German Shepherd, Sieger Pfeffer von Bern, was named Grand Champion in American Kennel Club dog shows in 1937 and 1938, only to plummet again after World War II ended owing to anti-German prejudice. Their popularity grew steadily until 1993 when they replaced the Golden Retriever as the third most popular breed in the United States. Furthermore, the breed became the second most popular in the U.S. in 2009.

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German Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Luka

    Oct 3, 2023, 8:57:11 PM:

    I Love These Friendly Fluffballs!

  • Connor drew

    Aug 24, 2023, 8:47:00 AM:

    Connor 209-405-5979

  • German shepherd lover

    Aug 18, 2023, 7:09:22 PM:

    Amazing with kids sweet adorable super smart and protective

  • Peppa

    Aug 18, 2023, 6:57:17 PM:

    Smart but mean to strangers

  • Berry

    Aug 18, 2023, 6:55:25 PM:

    Its not good at hunting or a strong bite

  • Benjamin

    Aug 18, 2023, 6:52:48 PM:

    It's so bad and mean and the bite force sucks

  • Aaron

    Nov 8, 2022, 8:27:22 PM:

    I own a german shepard full bred and they are handful.I love my more than anything she is 10 months old and her name is Maxine or max for short.

  • nia

    Jan 26, 2022, 6:12:58 AM:

    i have all the purebred breeds and I would say German Shepherds are perfect for any family who wants a guard dog

  • Aidan

    Sep 22, 2021, 12:56:17 PM:

    I absolutely love German Shepards. They are the best!!!

  • Kan

    Jun 1, 2021, 7:21:59 AM:

    Pro

  • Bob

    May 31, 2021, 8:17:49 AM:

    L have nothing to say but this is definitely the best

  • Han

    May 31, 2021, 8:16:32 AM:

    That’s cool German shepherd

  • Jack

    May 31, 2021, 8:15:01 AM:

    They are ligit the best they very good guard dog L give you definitely 5 stars

  • kaka

    May 30, 2021, 5:53:31 AM:

    HI kid l like your German shepherd facts its cool and lm about to get a German shepherd if l get scoloship

  • Aidan

    Apr 21, 2021, 4:54:33 PM:

    These dogs are AMAZING!!!!

  • 馬と犬

    Dec 11, 2020, 8:28:02 PM:

    let me tell you this "kamikazewarrior" german shepherds are sweet loveable dogs who would die for their loved one so Sara is right and if you have nothing nice to say about them then don't say it and Dogell should get five stars!

  • kamikazewarrior

    Aug 20, 2020, 3:17:00 PM:

    good guard dog.But it is overprotective of it's owner.Behaves aggresively with strangers.Not a good buy for first timers.

  • Sara

    Feb 12, 2020, 8:34:15 PM:

    Good guard dog and human friendly. Easy to train.