There is a reason German shepherds are commonly seen serving the public as K-9 officers or dedicated members of search-and-rescue teams. The stories of their resolute bravery are well-known, from their military service to their rescue efforts at the World Trade Center.
“German shepherds are bred to work and that is still true,” says Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. “They have the endurance and brain to work for hours and love it, one of the many reasons we see them in many working roles such as police K9s.”
The German shepherd dog (GSD) is one of the most loyal, intelligent and courageous dogs in the canine family. As a result, they can also be one of the toughest to bring home as a family companion.
While they can make caring and gentle family pets, they are fundamentally working dogs who need a purpose.
The GSD was originally developed as a working breed for herding, flock protection and farm work.
“It was developed from other German herding breeds, selecting for strength, intelligence, upright ears and a straight, low-carried tail,” says Dr. Jennifer Sperry, D.V.M., a veterinary advisor for Pets Plus Us, a pet insurance company in Canada.
According to the American Kennel Club, a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, took on developing the ideal German herding dog. By crossbreeding dogs of various strains from across Germany, von Stephanitz created the ancestor of today’s German shepherd.
“It is a dog that can work the farm herding sheep as well as work as police dog, guard dog, a disability assistance dog, border patrol dog, explosive detection dog, search-and-rescue dog, military warfare dog and companion animal dog,” says Charlotte Reed, pet care and lifestyle expert and host of The Pet Buzz, a nationally syndicated pet talk radio show.
On average, a male German shepherd can be between 24 and 26 inches tall, while a female German Shepherd can be between 22 and 24 inches tall.
As far as weight, they can grow quite big; males range from 65 to 90 pounds, and females range from 50 to 70 pounds.
According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, the breed is known for being strong, agile, well-muscled and giving the appearance of smooth curves and nobility.
German shepherds have a medium-length, double coat of fur, which is dense, straight and lies close to the body. Due to the double coat, German shepherds shed profusely once or twice a year, need a brushing every few days and an occasional bath.
The head is one of the most distinctive features of a German shepherd, with its noble and chiseled shape. The breed typically carries a composed, curious and eager expression in its almond-shaped brown eyes, awaiting instructions from its human.
German shepherds are naturally protective dogs.
“They are generally great family members and often get along great with kids and other animals,” Ellis says. “They have gained popularity due to their intelligence and how brave and confident they are.”
The German shepherd goes through many growth stages in its lifetime. Both their health and their temperament are affected by a host of factors, including genetics, nutrition, socialization, training and the love and care they receive from their family.
As is the case with most dog breeds, the German shepherd evolves as it ages.
As a puppy, the GSD needs a careful and well-thought out plan for training, exercise and socialization.
“As puppies grow and mature, they must be introduced to a variety of new stimuli and situations,” Reed says. “They are eager to please, and bond strongly with their human family. However, they need guidance and reassurance from their family so that they can learn to navigate the world in a confident manner.”
German shepherds thrive on exercise, training and praise.
“Dogs without the benefit of mental and physical stimulation can become anxious, fearful or destructive,” Reed adds.
During puppyhood, the German shepherd experiences the “fear period,” notes Lorna Winter, co-founder and head of program at Zigzag, a puppy training app for new dog owners.
“This is where puppies learn to interpret hazards—for example, children, loud noises or unfamiliar surfaces or items,” Winter says. “It’s very important to socialize them early so you don’t run into any trouble later.”
Winter adds that while the breed tends to form a strong bond with one person, it takes a village to raise a dog.
“Try your best to get the whole family involved upfront during training,” she says.
Similar to humans, dogs also experience a period of adolescence which can start as early as 5 to 6 months, and last up to 12 to 24 months.
“After around 12 months of age, they should start to calm down as they will be moving toward adulthood,” Winter says. “They will still continue to have some of those zoomie type moments until they are about 2 years old, though not to the extent it was before.”
Winter adds that it’s crucial during adolescence to practice consistency in training, as it will ensure a well-behaved dog in adulthood.
“Well trained adults are confident, energetic and have a strong drive to work,” Sperry says. “Ongoing training and a ‘job’ like agility, obedience trials, regular hiking or protection sports help GSDs to get the physical and mental stimulation they need to relax with their family at home.”