I got curious about what people ask most about German Shepherds online, and then I wondered if you’d be curious about the same thing. If you’re still reading, we’re definitely on the same wavelength!
After digging through search data, here are the ten most popular German Shepherd questions, along with straightforward answers for each one.
10. Are German Shepherds Active or More Relaxed Dogs?
German Shepherds are definitely on the active side compared to most dog breeds. Their herding background tells the whole story – these dogs were originally bred to patrol boundaries between grazing areas and restricted zones all day long, seven days a week.
This continental herding style required constant movement, patrolling back and forth for hours on end. German Shepherds are natural distance athletes who need substantial daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
9. Do German Shepherds Get Along With Other Animals?
This question has several layers to it. German Shepherds raised around farm animals often do fine with them, though you’ll need extensive training if you don’t want constant herding behavior.
When it comes to other dogs, German Shepherds tend to be more reactive than average. Their breed standard actually describes them as “aloof with strangers,” and this attitude typically extends to unfamiliar dogs as well.
Regarding smaller animals, German Shepherds have strong prey drives. Success requires patience, early socialization, gradual introductions, safety precautions, and consistent training.
8. Do German Shepherds Make Good Family Dogs?
German Shepherds can be fantastic family companions, but only if that family does their homework first. You need to understand dog training principles, pack dynamics, and most importantly, how to choose the right individual dog or puppy.
Every German Shepherd is different, and even littermates can have completely different temperaments. Research proper puppy selection techniques, and always insist on seeing health clearances (OFA, PennHip, or European hip ratings) for both parents.
7. What Health Problems Do German Shepherds Face?
Hip issues are well-known in German Shepherds, particularly those from American breeding lines. Regardless of whether you choose American, working, or European show lines, both parents must have negative hip dysplasia testing.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a progressive spinal disease. The good news is that DM can be tested for genetically, so responsible breeders can avoid producing affected puppies.
6. Are German Shepherds Effective Guard Dogs?
German Shepherds excel as guard dogs for several reasons. They’re naturally wary of strangers and don’t appreciate unfamiliar people on their territory. Their impressive size, tendency to bark, and quick alert responses make them incredibly effective at deterring unwanted visitors from both your property and home.
5. How Easy Are German Shepherds to Train?
German Shepherds rank among the easiest dogs in the world to train. They absolutely love forming strong bonds with their handlers, and if you’re comfortable with reward-based training methods using minimal corrections, you’ll find them incredibly responsive.
Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training sessions productive and enjoyable for both dog and owner.
4. What’s the Typical German Shepherd Lifespan?
Most sources list German Shepherd lifespans between 9-14 years, depending on various factors.
Want to maximize your dog’s longevity? Keep them at a healthy weight and provide regular exercise. Despite what some people claim about “120 pounds of pure muscle,” any male German Shepherd over the 90-pound maximum is significantly overweight. If a vet told you otherwise, find a new veterinarian immediately.
Purchasing from health-tested parents also dramatically improves life expectancy. Rescue dogs are more of a gamble, but proper weight management and exercise will extend any dog’s life regardless of their background.
3. Do German Shepherds Shed Heavily?
Yes, absolutely. German Shepherds shed extensively – not quite as much as Huskies, but they’re definitely close competitors!
Quality nutrition and proper grooming tools aren’t optional unless you plan on paying professional groomers regularly. You’ll also need an excellent vacuum cleaner.
Pro tip: “Pet-specific” vacuums are often marketing gimmicks. Most companies sell identical non-pet versions of their pet-marketed models for less money!
2. How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds Need?
Time-wise, plan for 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily. Distance-wise, 1-3 miles of walking, jogging, or running works well for most German Shepherds. More is generally better, but build up gradually.
Don’t adopt an out-of-shape adult German Shepherd and immediately take them on your daily half-marathon. They can eventually reach that level, but they need time to develop the necessary cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength.
1. How Big Do German Shepherds Actually Get?
German Shepherds are considered medium to large dogs. According to breed standards, males should be 60-65 cm tall at the withers, while females should be 55-60 cm. Their body length should exceed their height by about 10-17%.
Weight ranges are 30-40 kg for males and 22-32 kg for females. Converting to pounds, that’s roughly 48-70 pounds for females and 66-88 pounds for males. US standards allow slightly higher weights – up to 75 pounds for females and 90 pounds for males.
Dogs that are an inch or two taller can carry proportionally more weight, but any male over 100 pounds is either extremely oversized due to poor breeding or simply overweight. The same applies to females over 80 pounds.
Americans often think bigger is better, but in German Shepherds, oversized dogs typically come from poor breeding practices, have shorter lifespans, and experience more joint problems than properly-sized dogs. Stick with reputable breeders producing standard-sized dogs from health-tested parents.
Beware of “Old Fashioned” German Shepherds
This marketing term often refers to oversized dogs, sometimes mixed with breeds like Great Pyrenees. Historically, German Shepherds from 1899-1950s were actually smaller than today’s dogs, not larger.
Avoid anyone advertising “Old Fashioned” German Shepherds completely. If 60-90 pounds isn’t enough dog for you, German Shepherds aren’t the right breed. Consider mastiff-type breeds like Rottweilers or Cane Corsos instead – they’re impressive dogs actually built to be massive!