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Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

German Shepherd Dog Breed

German Shepherd Size Variations: The German Shepherd only comes in the standard size
German Shepherd Colors: Black German Shepherd, Black and Tan German Shepherd, Sable German Shepherd, White German Shepherd
German Shepherd Height: 22-26 inches at the shoulder
German Shepherd Weight: 48-88 pounds with males weighing substantially more
German Shepherd Exercise Needs: Demanding
German Shepherd Grooming Needs: Moderate
German Shepherd Life Expectancy (Lifespan): 12-14 years
Are German Shepherds Child-Friendly? Yes, with supervision.
German Shepherd Training:  Moderate
Breed Group:  Herding

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

German Shepherd History

The German Shepherd dog breed originated in United States of America. The German Shepherd is a descendant of a variety of different German herding and farm dogs. In 1891, a group of dog fanciers joined together with the hopes of fostering and promoting some of the various dog breeds of Germany. Called the Phylax Society, and lasting a mere 4 years, they are often credited for having helped to develop the German Shepherd dog that we know today.

Capt. Max von Stephanitz also plays a major role in the development and preservation of the German Shepherd dog. Long an admirer of the German sheepdog breeds, von Stephanitz was attending a dog show with his friend, when he came upon a dog that possessed all of the traits that he desired in a dog - strength, intelligence, and incredible versatility. So impressed with this animal (originally named Hektor Linksrhein, though his name would later be changed to Horand v Grafeth), that he promptly purchased the dog and quickly formed the Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde (SV), a society for the German Shepherd dog. By the turn of the twentieth century, the SV had become the largest dog breed club in the world.

Von Stephanitz was very dedicated to the German Shepherd breed and, noting that with the turn of the century came changing times, he began to look to the future. Knowing that there would not always be a place for this magnificent dog in the countryside, he focused on placing his sheepdog to work in various government jobs. During the first World War, the German Shepherd would be employed as a sentry dog, guard animal, rescue dog, and as a deliverer of messages. When the United States servicemen saw this noble dog in action, many were impressed and the German Shepherd dog would soon make his way to US soil. By 1919, the American Kennel Club would recognize and register this unique breed of German sheepdog and von Stephanitz's dream would be fulfilled.

German Shepherd Appearance

A very proud and noble breed, both in attitude and appearance, the German Shepherd form boasts strength, speed and agility. They are best described as being "10-to-8 1/2" in length-to-height, meaning that they are slightly longer than they are tall. This adds to their sleek and streamlined look, coupled with the dog's uniquely tapered topline and sloping hips. Designed to cover a great deal of ground, this different build allows the dog to maintain his smooth flowing gait for long periods of time, as well as giving him powerful forward thrust, thereby granting him great sprinting and jumping ability.

The German Shepherd comes in a wide variety of colors, though the black-and-tan, sable, and solid black are the most common. When talking color, it's important to note that the American Kennel Club does not recognize white German Shepherds and, in fact, considers this color a disqualification. First bred as a herding animal, white German Shepherd puppies would have been rejected, due to the fact that a white dog would blend in with the sheep that it was herding, making work much more difficult for his handler. In addition to this, a white dog would stand out far too easily, and be easy prey for various predators. While work is being done to get the white German Shepherd recognized as its own breed, it is important that you be informed and wary of those selling "registered white German Shepherds."

German Shepherd Temperament

A very dedicated and determined worker, the German Shepherd dog possesses a get-up-and-go attitude towards most everything that he does. Very athletic, he loves to be on the move and active. In addition to his athletic side, the German Shepherd can also be very devoted, particularly to his main care-taker. Quite often, they can show favoritism and will become one-person dogs, turning a cold shoulder to anyone else who tries to befriend them. Nevertheless, most German Shepherds do very well in a family environment and, while they may favor one particular person, they are generally protective of their entire "pack" of humans. Towards others, one can often expect an aloof mannerism - the German Shepherd does not give his friendship to just anyone - his respect is earned.

German Shepherd Exercise Needs

The German Shepherd is a natural athlete and, for this reason, they need room to move. While they can adapt to living in an apartment, anyone who considers getting one had best realize that they will have to be going out for frequent walks, as well as regular trips to the local dog parks. Ideally, this is a dog that needs a fenced-in yard and a lot of room to run.

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

German Shepherd Grooming Requirements

While not as bothersome as some of the longer-coated dogs, the German Shepherd is still prone to heavy shedding, particularly during warm weather. Ideally, you will want to brush him a couple times per week, more if he is shedding profusely. Bathing should be done once a month or as needed, dependent upon your dog. Aside from this, keeping his nails trimmed and teeth cleaned should be all you need to maintain a happy (and gorgeous) German Shepherd dog.

German Shepherd Training

This is a surprisingly keen breed of dog and one that can adapt to nearly any task set before him. Trained for detection, assistance, guard duty, and a host of other jobs, he is an extremely quick and willing learner. However, with this quick wit can also come a game of "who's smarter" and it's important not to let your German Shepherd get the upper hand. For best results, start him in obedience as early as possible, be consistent, and be sure to reward your dog for positive behavior.

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

German Shepherd Health Information

As with many pedigreed breeds of dogs, there are a variety of hereditary conditions that may affect your pet, as well as other various health issues that are more common amongst the German Shepherd dogs. These are not limited to, but may include the following:

Hip dysplasia
Bloat
Anal furunculosis
Epilepsy
Pancreatic insufficiency

Is the German Shepherd Dog Breed Right For You?

With a beauty and nobility unmatched, many are captivated by the beauty and strength of the German Shepherd breed. Others are moved by his wolfish appearance and seek him out as a domestic alternative to his wild cousins, and some choose German Shepherd puppies for their versatility and loyalty. Whatever the reason for considering getting a German Shepherd puppy, it's important to realize that this breed can be a lot of work. Requiring a great deal of exercise and brushing, they are not the ideal dog for someone with a very busy lifestyle, and it's important to note their tendency to bond with a single person.

A German Shepherd can make a wonderful family pet, however. The key to this is to always supervise your German Shepherd when small children are about, and be sure to introduce him to other pets and family members gradually. Taking the extra time and effort with this breed will ensure that you have a lasting friend for many years to come.

Finding A Responsible German Shepherd Breeder

Now that you have decided that the German Shepherd is the right breed for you, it's time to start the process of finding a responsible German Shepherd breeder from which to buy a healthy, well-socialized puppy. Not all breeders are alike; there are good breeders - and bad breeders. Don't be in a hurry to buy the first German Shepherd puppy you find at the cheapest price available! To buy a puppy from a responsible German Shepherd breeder, you may need to pay more and wait longer. The additional money and waiting time will be well worth it. Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper ad, pet store or "backyard breeder", and you'll likely also purchase a great deal of additional expense and heartache, since you will likely end up falling in love with a puppy with health and behavioral problems that will likely need special care, plenty of veterinary visits, regular medication - or even euthanasia. But do your homework and find a responsible, caring German Shepherd breeder who home-raises their puppies with love, screens their breeding dogs for health problems, offers a health guarantee and post sale support, and who genuinely loves the German Shepherd breed and is in it for the love of the breed, rather than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of getting a healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family companion that will provide you and your family with many years of joy, laughter and companionship.

Further information about choosing a responsible breeder...

Here are a few breeder directory sites that we recommend. These sites attempt to screen advertisers to ensure that the breeders listed are responsible and sell healthy, home-raised German Shepherd puppies to carefully screened buyers. There are many, many sites now online that advertise dog breeders - many are a Mecca for puppy mills and backyard breeders. We recommend that you steer clear of these resources in favor of sites that are more selective in the breeders whom they allow to advertise.

We Highly Recommend:

• German Shepherd Puppies For Sale
• German Shepherd Breeders Showcase
• German Shepherd Puppy Finder on Pet Net
  
  

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

German Shepherd Names

Choosing a name for your German Shepherd puppy can be a daunting task! There are so many names to choose from that it can take a lot of thought and research to find just the right name for your German Shepherd. Usually, it's best to get to know your puppy for a few days or weeks. Often your puppy's personality will help you decide on just the right name to choose. Does he have a sense of humor? A serious side? A goofy way of cocking his head to one side? A strange love of cantaloupe? By observing your new German Shepherd puppy over the first days or weeks, you should at least have a clue about what type of name you want to give. There are a ton of dog names and pet names web sites on the internet. Some are wonderful information resources, while others, unfortunately, are just "garbage" sites set up with the sole purpose of cashing in on visitor hits for this popular subject.

We recommend the following sites to assist you in choosing a name for your new German Shepherd puppy. These sites offer inventive, unique, original and creative pet names suggestions that have helped thousands of new puppy owners in selecting just the right name for their new baby!

German Shepherd Dog Names

• Dog Names
• Choosing A Name For Your Dog Or Puppy
• Unique Pet Names
  
  

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

German Shepherd Pictures

German Shepherds are a very photogenic dog breed. By looking at German Shepherd pictures, you can usually gain more insight into what these dogs and puppies are like as a breed, and this can help you decide if you really want to become an German Shepherd owner. The following sites below offer pictures of German Shepherd dogs, German Shepherd puppy photos, funny German Shepherd photos and more. Enjoy!

• German Shepherd Dog Pictures
  
  

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

Additional German Shepherd Information Resources

There are a wealth of resources online that can help you learn more about the German Shepherd dog breed. We've compiled a list of German Shepherd information sites to assist you in quickly locating quality information about the German Shepherd dog breed, while avoiding the "garbage" sites that are nothing more than poor attempts to capitalize on the popularity of dog breeds in general. If you know of an German Shepherd information site that offers unique, quality information and photos of the German Shepherd breed, please contact us with the URL and a brief description so that our editors can consider it for inclusion in our list below.

• Wikipedia - German Shepherds

Breed Brief - History - Appearance - Temperament - Exercise - Grooming
Training - Health - Is Breed Right For Me? - Breeders/Puppies For Sale
 Dog Names - Pictures - Further Info - Clubs/Rescues

German Shepherd Clubs and Rescues

German Shepherd clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn even more about the German Shepherd dog breed, help you locate a responsible German Shepherd breeder, or help you find an German Shepherd dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a loving, forever home. We've compiled the following list of German Shepherd clubs and German Shepherd rescues web sites for your convenience:

German Shepherd Clubs - German Shepherd Rescues