German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. They are brilliant, trainable, and with the best abilities. Their quality of working as a watchdog often shows their role in safety purposes, including bomb detection and forensics. The service dog excels in rescuing and providing therapy. Apart from being a part of the Herding Group, they are infused with high-energy bursts of exercise. Their confidence, loyalty, bravery, and ability make them serve as a working dog in the military and police.
Praised for their high intelligence and commitment German Shepherds are faithful family pets since they are quite obedient, making training more enjoyable. When you are thinking of adopting one, you must know everything about this breed. In the article, we have mentioned its breed, temperament, history, parenting, and more. Let’s start your journey as a German Shepherd parent with pawnpets.
German Shepherd Image
German Shepherd Videos
German Shepherd Height
Male: 24-26 Inches
Female: 22-24 Inches
German Shepherd Weight
Male: 65-90 pounds
Female: 50-70 pounds
Life Expectancy
Male :12-14 years
Female : 12-14 years
German Shepherd Traits, Personality & Characteristics
Talking about German shepherd traits, personalities & characteristics are protective, loyal companions. Bred with a strong work ethic, they rank among the most popular dog breeds in the United States—No. 4 in 2022. They love “their people” but can be cautious around strangers or newcomers who thrive on the care and attention of their family.
- Family
- Social
- Physical
- Personality
History & Origin Of German Shepherd
The ancestors of German shepherd dogs acted as both servants and companions to humans for hundreds of years. Breed’s popularity led to cross-breeding, which included the development of king shepherds, a mix between German shepherds and Shiloh shepherds. Capt. Max von Stephanitz first introduced them in 1899 in Germany. Interest in this breed started rising in the 1900s, they were also recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908.
“German” was discarded during World Wars I and II, and the breed was known as the shepherd dog or the Alsatian (a designation still widely used in Europe today).
Soldiers returning from World War I brought German Shepherd dogs to the United States. Movie performers Rin Tin Tin and Strong heart helped bring attention to the breed. These dogs were the preferred military breed by World War II. They are among the most well-liked dogs in America today. On the American Kennel Club’s list of the Top 50 Breeds in 1999, they were ranked third.
German Shepherd Temperament
The German Shepherd Temperaments are described as loyal, determined, intelligent courageous, alert, bold, and protective. When they are paired with active members they are super energetic. Their lend of intelligence and devotion is appreciated. This breed is not inherently aggressive, but they seem to be stubborn, reserved, and aloof.
If well trained from the early stage then they are familiar with children, GSDs are good companions and protectors. When you provide proper training and exercise from their puppyhood then they could easily live with cats and other pets. If you are adopting a mature German Shepherd you should be a little careful with children and pets before they get comfortable.
German Shepherds are the top guard dogs, naturally protective, and keep a watching eye on family and home. This most powerful dog is used in the Army and for safety purposes.
Feeding & Diet For German Shepherd
If we talk about how to feed a German Shepherd? Then you should feed your pet twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. The daily allotment of food should be split into these two meals. Allow 2 hours of minimum break before your dog exercises after a meal.
You should also feed your pet high-quality food for better growth and exercise, and follow these important tips:
1. Protein-Rich Diet
A German Shepherd is a high-energy breed, they need a high-protein diet for an energetic lifestyle. Provide them with a diet with at least 18-25% Protein for adult pets and more for growing puppies.
2. Avoid Fillers & Additives
They have sensitive digestive systems, so avid feeding them with foods that contain fillers such as Wheat and Soy, as they are hard to digest and lead to allergies.
3. Essential Fatty Acids
Need a diet with essential fatty acids to keep their thick double coats healthy and shiny. Provide them with food that contains Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids.
4. Consider Their Age
Choose an appropriate diet according to your German Shepherd’s age, as puppies need more protein and fat for growth, while adult and senior dogs may require lower levels for weight maintenance.
5. Home-cooked Food
Preparing home-cooked meals may be time-consuming and nutritionally incomplete, consider adding food toppers or supplements to compensate for the lack of nutrients.
Health Issues & Care For German Shepherds
German shepherds are not low-maintenance dogs. On account of their lively character and ability to work, they require rigorous training and exercise throughout their lives. In terms of health, they are worthy of extra care since this breed tends to experience many diseases such as :
- Elbow Dysplasia – A disease most often involved in front limb lameness.
- Hip Dysplasia – An abnormal formation of the hip socket leads to the protrusion of the thigh bone.
- Hygroma Elbow – A fluid-filled swelling over the elbow joint.
- Degenerative Myelopathy – This is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord in old dogs.
- Gastric Dilatation – It is often experienced after large meals that fill up the dog’s stomach followed by gas rotating the stomach.
- Von Willebrand Disease – Causes insufficient clotting of blood that leads to inappropriate bleeding.
- Degenerative Spinal Stenosis – A painful disease affecting the spinal cord.
Not all German Shepherds develop these dog health issues, but it’s vital to become aware of them if you’re considering getting this breed. ( vaccination)
Health Care of a German Shepherd
When you bring your puppy home, schedule their first visit to the veterinarian and discuss appropriate health care, nutrition, and supplements, not to mention exercise. We Pawnpets can provide you with complete help for your pet’s vaccination and vet checkups. Your puppy can also be evaluated for proper bone and spinal structure as a part of this very first visit.
German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice within the year during the Spring and Fall season. With a soft undercoat and harsher topcoats, these dogs would do best on regular brushing once a week to remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin. Occasional bathing is also recommended, along with regular monthly nail trimming, and teeth cleaning to uphold the hygiene and health of your German Shepherd Dog!
| Pro Tip: Enrolling your GSD in pet insurance could save you money by reimbursing you up to 100% of vet costs paid out of pocket. |
German Shepherd With Children And Other Pets
A well-trained German Shepherd from its puppyhood can be a good companion for kids and other pets. They have protective and caring instincts toward their youngsters in the family. However not always but sometimes this breed can be harmful to other dogs and pets, a proper guidance and training should be provided from before. You can take the help of professional trainers to seek guidance while training your dog to be a family pet.
How to Train & Training Feasibility for German Shepherd Breed
These watchdogs are highly trainable as they are intelligent, quick learners, and always active. However, you should start the training from their early puppyhood. They are the best-suited pets for owners who offer them gentle, positive, and consistent training methods.
Some Key tips while training your Dog:
- Early socialization and puppy training classes are important, and ongoing obedience training will help ensure that the pup will mature to be a versatile and well-behaved adult.
- The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and an outstanding worker. Consistency and positive, reward-based training will pay off well.
- He is attached to people around him, so he’s happiest when he lives with his family.
- He should be raised in the house and exposed to the family’s activities.
- The German Shepherd Dog Club of America has comprehensive training advice for owners on the club’s website.
How to Take Care of German Shepherds & Top Parenting Tips
Your pet requires frequent care, training, grooming, and attention. They reward you with loyalty and love, well situated for families. Let’s know some essential tips regarding how to take care of your loyal friend:
Exercise
German Shepherds are energetic, and regular exercise is thus significant. A daily walk is not sufficient. Being a jogger, then it could be an excellent running companion for your dog. Your dog must run, play, and explore to keep it from getting frustrated, bored, or filled with pent-up energy. A bored dog may bark, dig, or chew.
Grooming
Have coarse, often wiry, medium-length hair with thick undercoats. Their coats should be brushed every few days to combat their relatively high shedding rate, which can be lessened by routine grooming. Still, you should be prepared to have dog hair on your clothing and furniture—you’ll need to vacuum frequently. Luckily, a German shepherd’s coat also resists dirt and debris, so you won’t need to bathe your dog more than once a month. Too frequent bathing will strip out the oils that keep their coats healthy.
Training
Most gentle companions and family protectors with proper training and socialization. They’re just the right breed for an active household, and given the intelligence and protective nature of the breed, there’s no reason why the family dog can’t make a perfect pet for a home with children if the dog is well trained.
Nutrition
Provide high-quality food to your pet for better growth. A little change in their food can cause digestive upset, so provide them complete and proper diet. Their diet should contain vitamins, minerals, a small quantity of yogurt, cooked vegetables like carrot , fish like Salmon, blueberries or eggs. You can teat them with a small piece of biscuit.
Parenting Tips for German Shepherd
Before parenting your pet you should go through some important tips such as:
- They need a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. Take them to long walks, hikes, runs, and play with them.
- Socialize them with other pets and people easily.
- They need to be leashed as they have a high prey drive.
- Create a fenced yard for your German Shepherd.
- Brush their teeth at least twice a week to keep their teeth healthy.
- Schedule: Create a schedule for your puppy, including daily walks, play sessions, and taking them outside to go to the bathroom.
- Weight: Make sure your puppy maintains a healthy weight.
German Shepherd Dog Price in India
The average price of a German Shepherd Price in India is ₹10,000 to ₹30,000. Puppies that have KCI-registered parents will cost ₹30,000 to ₹40,000. Whereas, a champion line German Shepherd can cost you about ₹40,000 to ₹65,000.
| City | German Shepherd price in India |
| Delhi | INR 35,000 – 40,000 |
| Mumbai | INR 35,000 – 40,000 |
| Surat | INR 30,000 – 35,000 |
| Bangalore | INR 30,000 – 35,000 |
| Pune | INR 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Kolhapur | INR 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Hyderabad | INR 35,000 – 50,000 |
| Himachal Pradesh | INR 30,000 – 35,000 |
| Visakhapatnam | INR 38,000 – 40,000 |
| Srinagar | INR 37,000 – 68,000 |
| Vadodara | INR 35,000 – 65,000 |
| Chandigarh | INR 40,000 – 70,000 |
| Chennai | INR 40,000 – 70,000 |
German Shepherd Puppy Image Gallery
GSD puppies have muscular stature. They have thick, double-coated, and medium-length fur, which is light and dark brown. These puppies are playful and full of energy in nature. The puppy’s temperament is intelligent, loving, energetic, and loyal. They enjoy the company of their family and other members. Hip dysplasia and Bloating are some common diseases in German Shepherd puppies.
Quick Facts!
- Particularly smarter and more clever than other breeds. German Shepherd was ranked third in intelligence by the American Kennel Club.
- They are reputed as dangerous and aggressive dogs. But the American Veterinary Medical Association has claimed is wrong.
- This breed is mostly used by police and the military. They are mostly intelligent, and obedient. Also, they are easy to train and follow orders in dangerous situations.
- There are at least two German Shepherds on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, despite the common belief that it is exclusively for two-legged celebrities. One of the first German Shepherds to appear on screen, Strong heart, is the older of the two stars. Rin Tin Tin is also on the Walk of Fame and is regarded as one of the most well-known German shepherds ever to appear on television.
Where & How To Adopt German Shepherd Puppy?
Want to connect with others who love the breed as much as you do? We have numerous opportunities to become involved in the local community through AKC Breed Clubs in each state, and over 450 AKC Rescue Network groups nationwide. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America was established in 1913 and is the AKC Parent Club for the breed. Individuals who wish to take on a rescued German Shepherd can peruse the directory of partnered rescues on the American German Shepherd Rescue Association’s website. At pawNpets, we will help at every step while adopting your beloved pet.
Also Read: Why are Carrots Good for Dogs? | Himalaya Dog Shampoo: Control Tick & Flea on Your Pet | Understanding Dogs Gum Chart Colors and What They Mean
FAQs
Is a German Shepherd a good pet?
German shepherds are gentle companions and protect families when you provide them with proper training and socialization.
Is German Shepherd dangerous?
As they are service and guard dogs many believe that they are dangerous and aggressive. This breed can be very vocal and protective. They are known to be aggressive by nature but in fact, they are loving and gentle dogs who crave companionship.
Which German Shepherd breed is best?
The most popular German Shepherd breed is The West-German Working Line. They are medium-sized dogs, have short hair, and are easy to maintain.
Is German Shepherd banned in India?
No, they are not banned in India.
Is German Shepherd a guard dog?
German Shepherds are one of the top breeds when it comes to guards. Naturally protective and keep a watchful eye on home and family.
