German Shepherd Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Alsatian

Common Misspellings:  German shepard, German sheperd, German shephard

Learn all about German Shepherd Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the German Shepherd dog breed. You'll find solid information about German Shepherd dog history, German Shepherd life expectancy German Shepherd dog appearance, German Shepherd temperament and personality, German Shepherd health problems, German Shepherd puppy care, training German Shepherd puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible German Shepherd dog breeder.

One of the most beautiful and easily-recognizable breeds in the AKC, the German Shepherd has long captivated us with his noble and wolfish appearance, his loyalty, and his versatility. Able to learn and adapt to almost any new task set before him, he is a master of many trades, some of which include herding, assisting those who are blind or disabled, protection and guard duty, acting in television and movies, and assisting the police force. Whether you meet one in person or see him on the silver screen, the German Shepherd is a noble breed and one that is sure to capture your heart.

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German Shepherd Facts

The German Shepherd Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: Germany

German Shepherd Height: 22-26 inches at the shoulder

German Shepherd Weight: 48-88 pounds with males weighing substantially more

German Shepherd Color Variations: Black German Shepherd, Black and Tan German Shepherd, Sable German Shepherd, White German Shepherd

German Shepherd Size Variations: The German Shepherd only comes in the standard size

German Shepherd Exercise Needs: Demanding

German Shepherd Grooming Demands: Moderate

German Shepherd Trainability: Moderate

German Shepherd Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

Average German Shepherd Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes, with supervision.

Good With Other Pets: Usually

Breed Group: Herding

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German Shepherd Dog History

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.

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German Shepherd Dog 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."

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German Shepherd Grooming

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

German Shepherd Health

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

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Is the German Shepherd 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.

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German Shepherd Prices

Average German Shepherd Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy German Shepherd dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great German Shepherd puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a German Shepherd dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your German Shepherd puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable German Shepherd breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

German Shepherd prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality German Shepherd puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding German Shepherd Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable German Shepherd puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of German Shepherd Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable German Shepherd breeders. We actively screen German Shepherd breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible German Shepherd breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your German Shepherd puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect German Shepherd puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of German Shepherd dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional German Shepherd Resources:

• German Shepherd Wikipedia Profile
• AKC German Shepherd Breed Profile
• German Shepherd Pictures
• German Shepherd Videos

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