German Shepherd Dog
Complete Breed Guide

Overview

Reviewed by

Puppies.com Editorial Team

Breed experts since 2003

Temperament and Behavior

The German Shepherd is a very smart dog, in addition to being unconditionally loyal, obedient, brave, and protective. They’re known for their fearlessness and make great watchdogs, but they rarely show hostility or aggression unless provoked. Once German Shepherds bond with their families, they’ll be devoted to protecting them and keeping them happy.

Coat & Grooming

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). No matter what kind of coat the German Shepherd has, they will shed regularly and need weekly brushing.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. They’re not friendly towards strangers and won’t hesitate to let unwanted visitors know they’re not welcome. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves.

Exercise & Activity

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom.