German Shepherd
Herding Group
Height at Shoulders
Females 22-24 in, Males 24-26 in
Weight
Females 50-70 lbs, Males 65-90 lbs
Life Expectancy
7-10 yrs
History
The German Shepherd originated in Germany in the late 1800's when a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, sought to develop the perfect breed of herding dog. Using German herding dogs that were already established, he produced the German Shepherd, who, although initially bred for herding, is seen as one of the most versatile working breeds. In addition to herding, German Shepherds have found work over the years as police dogs, military dogs, guide dogs, and more.
Breed Characteristics
While not all German Shepherds share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.
Intelligence
Affection Towards Family
Friendliness Towards Strangers
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
Energy Level
Sensitivity
Noise Level
Prey Drive
Shedding
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★★★
Intelligence
★★★★★
Affection Towards Family
★★★★★
Friendliness Towards Strangers
★★★★☆
Friendliness Towards Other Dogs
★★☆☆☆
Exercise Needs
★★★★★
Energy Level
★★★★★
Sensitivity
★★★★★
Noise Level
★★★★☆
Prey Drive
★★★★☆
Shedding
★★★★★
Common Traits
Highly intelligent and are happiest with a job to perform, such as military, police, search-and-rescue, and guide dogs
Make great guard dogs as they have a strong protective instinct and are initially suspicious of strangers but will take cues from family members as to who is trustworthy
Can become destructive if bored, underexercised, or left alone for long periods of time (they also are prone to separation anxiety)
Highly intelligent and are happiest with a job to perform; German Shepherds commonly find work as military, police, search-and-rescue, and guide dogs
German Shepherds bred in Germany tend to be more energetic with better working abilities than dogs bred in the United States
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