German Shepherd
德國牧羊犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The German Shepherd Dog is a large, athletic herding breed prized for loyalty, courage and trainability, which is why it dominates police, service and search-and-rescue work. It is calm indoors but needs a lot of exercise and mental work, is naturally protective of home and family, and sheds year-round.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 56–66cm |
| Weight | 23–41kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14years |
| Breed group | AKC: herding FCI: 1 |
| Role | Herding |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 4/ 5 |
| Exercise | 90–180min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 5/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord condition of older dogs, is reported in the breed; a DNA test identifies risk. Ask your vet if an older dog shows hind-leg weakness.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Behaviour
Loyal, protective and quick to learn
The CKC describes a well-bred German Shepherd as stable, sensible, intelligent, quick to learn, loyal and protective of home and property. Because the breed's popularity has attracted careless breeding, the CKC advises being extremely selective when choosing a puppy.
Built to trot all day
Both clubs stress that the breed was bred to trot all day and needs lots of outdoor exercise; the AKC adds that an under-exercised German Shepherd becomes frustrated and prone to unwanted behaviour, and that early socialisation plus ongoing obedience training are vital.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 5/5 (very high) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 5/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — German Shepherd Dog
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — German Shepherd Dog (Herding Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — German Shepherd Dog
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — German Shepherd Dog (standard no. 166, group 1)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club's buying guide suggests contacting the regional German Shepherd club in your area as one of the best routes to a well-bred puppy, and using its breeder-interview guidelines to recognise unethical breeders before committing.”
— German Shepherd Dog Club of America — Choosing a Puppy via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]German Shepherd Dog — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]German Shepherd Dog — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]German Shepherd Dog — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]German Shepherd Dog — FCI standard no. 166 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Choosing a Puppy — The German Shepherd Dog Club of America — German Shepherd Dog Club of America — Choosing a Puppy (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.