Learn about a dog breed > Dog breeds > German_Shepherd Puppy Breed Information
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| Name: |
German_Shepherd |
| Average Maximum Height: |
22-24in |
| Average Maximum Weight: |
75-90lb |
| Colors: |
Solid black, gray, tan, gold. White is recognized |
| Coat: |
Medium length, straight, hard and close lying with dense undercoat. |
| Grooming Required: |
Daily brushing and bathing occasionally. Long walks needed daily. |
| Good with Children: |
Yes |
| Good with Pets: |
Yes |
| Best Kept: |
Outdoors |
Activity Level
(1 low; 10 high): |
5 |
| Trainability: |
High |
| Originates From: |
Germany |
| Original Use: |
sheep herding, military work dog |
| Current Use: |
companion, herding, work dog |
| Other Names: |
Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund |
| Life Expectancy: |
12-13 Years |
| AKC Recognition: |
Yes |
| Year Recognized: |
1908 |
| Class: |
Herding |
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Quick Links |
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German_Shepherd puppies for sale
German_Shepherd breeders
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Common Traits |
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Not many but potential to hip dysplasia, skin disease, bloat, congenital heart disease, Von Willebrand's disease, nervous conditions, and panosteitis |
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History |
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The breed was originated by Captain Max von Stephanitz in the late 19th century and early 20th century. His goal was to breed an all-purpose working dog. The first registered GSD was Horand v. Grafrath. Von Stephanitz admired the landrace herding dogs of his native German Empire, and believed they had the potential to be all-purpose working dogs. Additionally, he was aware of the declining need for herding dogs and believed that the working abilities of the breed would decline unless it was put to other uses. Von Stephanitz created the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, or SV as the official governing body for the breed.
The SV then created the schutzhund trial as a breed test for the German Shepherd Dog, and prohibited the breeding of any dog which could not pass the trial. The schutzhund trial, along with the SV's conviction that "German Shepherd breeding is working dog breeding, or it is not German Shepherd breeding" led to a rapid development of the breed's abilities.
After World War I, British and American soldiers, impressed by the abilities of the dog, brought home examples to breed. The breed instantly became popular, both as a family pet and as a working dog. |
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Miscellaneous |
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Litter Size 5-10
German Shepherds often compete and excel in obedience trials and Schutzhund competitions. German Shepherds are also often trained as police dogs, due to their trainability, size, work drive and look which commands respect, but is not too scary.
The proper English name for the breed is German Shepherd Dog (a literal translation from the German "Deutscher Schäferhund") but they are usually informally referred to as GSDs or simply German Shepherds. In addition, the sobriquet police dog is used in many countries where the GSD is the predominant or exclusive breed used in the canine police force.
Alsatian is also commonly used in the United Kingdom and countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. After World War I, a few dogs were taken to England and the United States. At that time, the English owners renamed the dog as the "Alsatian Shepherd", as it was feared that the breed's original name could be an impediment due the anti-German feelings still present after the War. Only in 1930 did the British Kennel Club authorise the breed to be known again as German Shepherd.
Well-bred GSDs have powerful jaws and strong teeth, can develop a strong sense of loyalty and obedience, and can be trained to attack and release on command. Poorly bred GSDs such as those from puppy mills can be fearful, overly aggressive, or both. GSDs (like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and Dobermanns), are often perceived as inherently dangerous, and are the target of Breed Specific Legislation in several countries. If a GSD is violent or aggressive, it is often due to the combination of poor breeding (bad nerves) and the owner's lack of control or training. |
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German_Shepherd Puppy Breed Information
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