German Shepherd

Temperament and Personality

Known to be confident, protective and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd is one seriously devoted doggo with an unwavering love for its owners.

Being natural-born leaders, they’re always ready to protect their pack, making them remarkable family pets and brilliant service animals. They’ve also got a wicked case of the smarts, as German Shepherds are used for bomb detection, search and rescue missions, and guiding the blind. You could say they’re the James Bond of the dog world!

They’re not aggressive by nature but their instinct to protect their loved ones can make them hesitant of strangers. However, as with all dogs, early socialisation and consistent training is vital to ensure you raise a well-mannered pooch. In fact, if trained and socialised well, your German Shepherd is more likely to use their intelligence to outsmart any potential threats, as opposed to using confrontation.

It’s not to say that it’s all work and no play though. German Shepherds have a fun side too. They love to run around, play with toys (possibly the indestructible kind!) and go for long walks with their humans.

Best suited to a busy, active household with structure and routine, they need lots to do to keep them stimulated. Without this, they can become bored and destructive, and nobody wants to come home to half a sofa missing! Be sure to invest in – or create your own – challenging games to keep their busy brains occupied and your furnishings in one piece. 

German Shepherd paw-sonality traits

• Intelligent - one of the top 3 most intelligent breeds

• Loyal and protective of their pack

• Quick learners and problem solvers

• Wary of strangers

• Assertive, outgoing and dominant

• Energetic and strong work ethic

• Needs plenty of physical and mental exercise

• Gets restless or destructive if they’re not stimulated

• Need to be socialised from an early age

• Emotionally intelligent and often used as therapy dogs

• Responds well to routine and structure

• Likes to be challenged

• Enjoys fetch, agility or obedience training

• Loves human interaction and attention

German Shepherd pros and cons

Are German Shepherds good family dogs?

Yes! Loyal and dependent with a soft, playful streak, the German Shepherd is a firm family favourite. Their protective instincts mean they make great watchdogs, ideal should anybody come snooping when they shouldn’t be.

They do have high energy levels though and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom kicking in. This is why they suit being in a lively household with owners who are prepared to challenge them, teach them new tricks and offer the same unconditional love.

Are German Shepherds good with children?

Yes, they’re generally good with children. Their large size and connections to the police force might have you thinking these mutts are too macho for children, but German Shepherds are actually known to be gentle and calm when it comes to little ones. Being the loyal protectors that they are, they’ll defend their human siblings with their life.

Are German Shepherds good with other pets?

Yes, German Shepherds are usually fine if they’ve been raised with other pets in the household, and they generally get along well with other dogs, but introducing new animals into the pack will require patience. As they’re so protective of their family and territory, they will need time to sniff and suss the newbie out. Done slowly in a controlled environment, they can learn to live with (and love) another furry friend - there just might be a couple of ‘ruff’ interactions at first! 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a German Shepherd properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a German shepherd need?

The German Shepherd is an active dog that needs lots of walkies to stay fit, trim and happy. The recommended amount is around 2 hours of exercise a day minimum for adult dogs, which can include long walks in the park, playing fetch or engaging in agility training. While they’re a pup, don’t overwork them to prevent joint and mobility issues later in life.

How do you train a German shepherd?

German Shepherds are fast learners and take to training like a dog to a bone, but they need consistent and ongoing training from an early age. A bored German Shepherd is a destructive one, so it’s vital to keep the cogs turning with new tricks, agility, tracking, scent work and other stimulating exercises.

Unleash your German Shepherd’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Turkey & Hemp Meaty Treats. Pique their curiosity with interactive games, toys and puzzles. German Shepherds love a mind-boggling challenge!

2. Teach impulse control. These dogs have razor-sharp instincts, so teach them to wait and think before reacting. Using a tempting treat such as our Baltic Beef Jerky, practice commands like "wait" and "leave it" to help with impulse control.

3. Teach them to ‘heel’. German Shepherds have a high prey drive, so they love to chase squirrels and other small critters at any opportunity. By using commands like "stay close" and "heel”, you can encourage them to focus their attention on you instead. 

4. Socialise from the start. German Shepherds are very protective pooches, so socialisation during their first few months is critical in their development. Introduce them to new people, dogs, household equipment like the vacuum cleaner and outdoor noises like roadworks to help them become calm, confident canines.

5. Give their brains a workout. Mental stimulation is essential for this breed, as they’re smart cookies that like having a job to do. Puzzle toys, games of tug-of-war, and playing hide-and-seek using treats is a good way to keep the mind sharp.

6. Be consistent. German Shepherds are an intelligent breed and learn quickly, so they’ll pick up bad habits just as fast as they can learn good ones. Consistent, ongoing training from a young age is essential.

7. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do German Shepherds need?

The German Shepherd has a beautiful dense double coat that comes in an array of colours, but these locks come at a cost…lots of loose hair! They shed heavily throughout the year, especially during spring and autumn, so you’ll need to keep on top of their coat to keep matts and tangles at bay. 

• Brush their coat at least once a week to stay on top of shedding and prevent matting. Use a slicker brush followed by a pin brush, finishing with an undercoat rake.

• Brush daily during shedding seasons.

• Bathe when needed using a dog-friendly shampoo, but don’t overdo it as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause irritation or allergies to flare up.

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky dog breath. 

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
  
  

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, a German Shepherd’s lifespan is typically 9-13 years, with 10 years being the average. However, due to the excessive breeding over many years to look a certain way, German Shepherds are at high risk of a number of serious health problems.

Common health issues for German Shepherds

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a German Shepherd puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.

• Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow joints.

• Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause paralysis in the back legs. Dogs are usually 8 years old when symptoms begin, but sadly there is no treatment and no supplements will help. 

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this typically affects deep chested breeds. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines. Signs include retching without vomiting, drooling, a distended stomach, and general abdominal pain. Urgent veterinary care is needed.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Entropion. This is where the eyelid folds inward, causing the fur and eyelashes to rub against the cornea. It’s very painful and uncomfortable, and can lead to corneal ulcers. Surgery is the only way to correct this condition. 

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

• Gastrointestinal problems. This includes diarrhoea, constipation and inflammatory bowel disease.

Food and Nutrition

Feeding your German Shepherd a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay thick and healthy to improving their joints and mobility, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

Due to the potential health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, too much calcium in their diet can actually cause developmental bone and joint issues. To get the balance of vitamins and minerals right, consider specially developed joint care dog food. Also, supplements containing Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Collagen (such as our Mobile Bones) provide extra protection against wear and tear – perfect for hard working German Shepherds. 

How much should a German Shepherd eat in a day?

The amount you feed your German Shepherd will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

As these big boys and girls are prone to bloating, they should generally be fed twice a day as opposed to one big meal. You could also consider a slow feeder bowl to ensure they don’t guzzle it down too quickly.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Regular exercise

This will help maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, and keep your pup's joints flexible. 

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your German Shepherd's nutritional needs, such as Pooch & Mutt. Also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as salmon oil and joint tablets to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Monitor weight

If you’ve ever thought ‘how much should a German Shepherd weigh’, the answer is around 30-40kg, depending on if they’re male or female. Make sure they don’t keep reaching for the treat jar though, as they need to stay trim to reduce the risk of joint issues and digestive problems. 

Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated. 

Stimulate their mind

Keep these brainy dogs engaged with challenging puzzle toys, obedience training and scent tracking to reduce stress and prevent the destruction of pillows, sofas and shoes! 

Check their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Look after their skin

German Shepherd’s are prone to allergies and food intolerances, so consider feeding them a dog food designed with allergies in mind. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the German Shepherd’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a German Shepherd is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a German Shepherd?

Buying a German Shepherd puppy can cost anywhere between £250-£2,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a German Shepherd can be up to £150, depending on food and insurance levels.

Setup costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), dog bed, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these good boys and girls can put away a fair bit, and they need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £40-100 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As German Shepherds are prone to so many illnesses, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the German Shepherd even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most iconic dogs in the world! 

• German Shepherds played a crucial role in World War I as messengers, sentry dogs, and even Red Cross dogs. In World War II, they were used for patrolling and mine detection, proving that nothing scares these heroic hounds. 

• Ever wondered what the bite force of a German Shepherd is? These dogs have a bite force ranging between 238-291 pounds per square inch (PSI). This can cause serious damage but it’s nothing compared to the Kangal, a Turkish breed with a bite force of around 743 PSI.

• When the German Shepherd breed was being standardised, the first two dogs used were called Horand and Beowulf. Beowulf is often considered to be the ancestor to which most modern German Shepherds can trace their lineage back to.

• Ever wondered how fast a German Shepherd is? On average, a healthy adult dog can run at speeds of 30-15 miles per hour!

• Two German Shepherds have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Strongheart was one of the first German Shepherds to appear on film, and Rin Tin Tin gained worldwide fame for appearing in numerous films and TV series after being rescued from a World War I battlefield. 

• Ever wondered how many puppies a German Shepherd can have? While it can range between one and 15 puppies, the average is around eight pups per litter following a 63 day pregnancy, meaning momma will have her paws full! 

History and Origin

The German Shepherd (also known in the UK as the Alsation) is one of the most iconic breeds in the world, but you might be surprised to know they’ve only been around since the late 1800s. 

A cavalry officer named Max von Stephanitz loved the strength, agility and loyalty of various different German herding dogs he encountered on his travels across the country. Wanting to create the ultimate dog to herd sheep and protect his land, he set about cross-breeding these dogs until the German Shepherd we all know and love was born. They would act as a sort of fence, running the boundaries of the land to ensure livestock didn’t stray. If there was a rogue sheep, the German Shepherd would silently guide it back to the flock - which is funny considering they’re known for their powerful bark!

In 1899, Stephanitz founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (Society for the German Shepherd Dog) to standardise the breed, and the rest, they say, is history. Over time, these pooches have proved themselves to be one of the most faithful, courageous and dedicated dog breeds, taking their jobs very seriously.

While they had to hang up their hats working as herders due to the decline of this canine occupation, they quickly moved onto pastures new. Working as police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs, they are admired for their heroic tendencies all over the world. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a German Shepherd. 

1. Research the German Shepherd breed. You may love the idea of a protective hound with a strong work ethic, but make sure you can definitely handle their high energy and intense exercise needs before moving forward!

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her pups and to check the environment.. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on German Shepherds and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a German Shepherd, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. German Shepherds in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.