German Shepherd personality and temperament: 

There is a popular mental image of the German Shepherd being aloof and stoic, and that’s true to an extent. German Shepherds are constantly assessing the situation and watching out for any threats to their owners and family members. It’s normal for them to be reserved when meeting strangers. 

However, they aren’t aggressive dogs by nature, and once you’ve earned a German Shepherd’s trust, they are loyal to the end. German Shepherds are affectionate and easygoing with their chosen humans, exposing a gentle side that is not often seen when they’re performing their duties as an all-around working dog. 

While they’re excellent guardians and protectors, they need a lot of companionship and attention from their owners. Their incredibly high intelligence means they get bored easily and will often want more mental stimulation, whether in the form of work or play. 

Captain Max von Stephanitz wanted a dog that could work all day without fail, and this intent shows in the energy levels of the modern German Shepherd. They have nearly boundless stamina and will keep working so long as they’re needed. 

As a result, they need multiple hours of exercise per day. At least 90 minutes of walking is a must, and most German Shepherds will still be ready for lots of play even after their walk is done. Lots of mentally challenging toys and games will be necessary to keep a German Shepherd from getting bored. 

German Shepherds that get the right amount of exercise and play are generally more receptive to training and more easygoing, so a daily exercise regimen is a must.  

The German Shepherd has a thick double coat that protects it from the elements. The top coat is water-resistant, while the undercoat is dense and warm. 

Like many other double-coated breeds, German Shepherds will blow coat a couple of times per year, resulting in a flurry of fur that will likely get on almost everything. Brushing your German Shepherd regularly will help to minimize the amount of shedding that happens.

German Shepherds don’t need baths too often, as even though they shed heavily, they generally do not smell and their fur tends to stay clean. Bathing your dog too often also strips the skin of its natural oils, which may result in skin problems. A bath every couple of months is good enough for most German Shepherds, unless they get exceptionally dirty from rolling in mud or soil. 

Like any other breed, tooth brushing should be done regularly, preferably daily, to ensure the health of the dog’s teeth and gums. Nail trimming can be done around once a month.

The German Shepherd’s high intelligence makes it well-suited to be trained for almost any role. Early training and socialization are vital to ensure that a German Shepherd grows up to be easygoing and well-behaved.

German Shepherds are quick to learn most tasks and tricks, and are capable of being trained to perform complex tasks in conjunction with their handlers. Patient and focused training will reward any German Shepherd owner with a dog that will follow commands promptly.

Positive reinforcement will go a long way toward motivating a German Shepherd during training. Their high intelligence and need for activity may make it a challenge for first-time dog owners to keep up with a German Shepherd. 

German Shepherds have an average lifespan for dogs of their size, living for 10 to 14 years. German Shepherds may be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia – a malformation of the hip joint that may cause pain and lameness in one or both of the rear legs
• Elbow dysplasia – similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the elbow joint that may cause pain and lameness in the front legs
• Degenerative Myelopathy – a progressive disease of the spinal cord that may cause paralysis of the rear legs
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus – also known as GDV or “bloat”, this is a serious condition that may occur when a dog eats too quickly and participates in exercise

German Shepherds are large, muscular dogs bred for long hours of hard work. Their heights range from 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder for male German Shepherds, while females are slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches. Males can weigh between 60 and 90 pounds, while females stay between 55 to 70 pounds. 

Due to their size and energy levels, German Shepherds typically need a lot of space, both to lounge around and to play. Because they are adaptable, German Shepherds will be able to live in almost any size home. However, the owner will need to find sufficient outdoor space for walks, training, and playtime to let their German Shepherd thrive. 

Because German Shepherds develop such a deep bond with their owners, they prefer to sleep nearby rather than outdoors. However, It is possible to train a German Shepherd to sleep on their own if you start at a young age.