German Shepherd

Good to know

• Bred to herd and guard: developed in Germany as herding dogs, today they excel at police, military, search-and-rescue and service work.
• Needs a job: highly intelligent and energetic, they need daily exercise plus training or tasks to keep them from getting bored or destructive.
• Constant shedders: the double coat sheds all year and heavily a couple of times a year, so plan on frequent brushing.
• Loyal but aloof: deeply devoted to their family and naturally reserved with strangers, so early, broad socialization is important.

Getting out with a German Shepherd

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Common health considerations

Inherited conditions to ask your vet about

• Hip/elbow dysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• EPI
• Bloat

Common issues

• Joint issues
• Digestive problems

Bloat (GDV) risk: high. A swollen belly with retching but nothing coming up is an emergency: go to a vet straight away.

Not every German Shepherd will have these. Good breeders screen for inherited conditions, and your vet can advise on testing and check-ups.

Explore more breeds in the Herding group