German Shepherd: History, Appearance, Cost, Care, & Facts
German Shepherds (GSDs) – A popular dog breed known for its wolf-like appearance, strength, and fierceness! This medium to large dog breed is intelligent, smart, and extremely loyal. These canines will never leave their owners’ side in any condition. Originally, they were bred to herd and protect sheep and flocks. German Shepherds are also used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, and guide dogs.
Do you want to know more about this brave and majestic breed? If yes, keep reading! Today, in this post, We will be sharing everything about the German Shepherd breed. From its origin and physical appearance to its temperament and health issues, I’ve covered every single detail that you need to know before getting a German Shepherd puppy.
Table of Contents
Overview of German Shepherd
Breed Name / Group: German Shepherd / Herding
Origin: Germany
Height: 22 to 26 inches (male), 20 to 24 inches (female)
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds (male), 35 to 75 pounds (female)
Lifespan: 9 to 13 years
Coat: Double coat with a thick undercoat
Coat Colors: Intelligent, loyal, protective, and obedient
Temperament: Active, playful, and friendly
Needs for Grooming: Moderate
Hypoallergenic: No
History
- This breed originated in Germany in the 19th century, and the purpose was only to get a dog who could herd and protect the livestock.
- Later, the breed was modified by Captain Max von Stephanitz by cross-breeding various traditional German herding dogs to finally get the versatile and working dog that we all know today!
- So, around the 20th century, GSDs were brought to America for the first time, and immediately, they became lovable family pets.
Appearance
- German Shepherds have a lean and muscular body, and they can actually run pretty fast.
- This is a medium to large-sized breed with a broad head, upright ears, and a bushy tail.
- Commonly, these canines have brown eyes, but there are also a few German Shepherds with amber eyes, blue hazel eyes, and even green eyes.
- On average, male GSDs are about 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 20 to 24 inches in height.
FUN FACT
How fast can a German Shepherd run? You’ll be surprised to know that this breed can run up to 30 miles per hour! (So, I highly not recommend not bothering any German Shepherds because you obviously can’t run faster than them.)
How much does a German Shepherd weight?
Here is the size chart for the German Shepherd:
| Age | Male Weight Range | Female Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 5.5 – 9 lbs / 2.5 – 4 kg | 4.5 – 8 lbs / 2 – 3.5 kg |
| 2 months | 16 – 20 lbs / 6 – 9 kg | 11 – 17 lbs / 5 – 7.5 kg |
| 3 months | 22 – 30 lbs / 10 – 14 kg | 17 – 26 lbs / 8 – 12 kg |
| 4 months | 35 – 40 lbs / 16 – 18 kg | 31 – 35 lbs / 14 – 16 kg |
| 5 months | 40 – 49 lbs / 18 – 22 kg | 35 – 44 lbs / 16 – 20 kg |
| 6 months | 49 – 57 lbs / 22 – 26 kg | 44 – 49 lbs / 20 – 22 kg |
| 7 months | 57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg | 49 – 53 lbs / 22 – 24 kg |
| 8 months | 62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg | 53 – 57 lbs / 24 – 26 kg |
| 9 months | 64 – 71 lbs / 29 – 32 kg | 55 – 60 lbs / 25 – 27 kg |
| 10 months | 66 – 73 lbs / 30 – 33 kg | 57 – 62 lbs / 26 – 28 kg |
| 11 months | 66 – 75 lbs / 30 – 34 kg | 60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg |
| 1 year | 71 – 75 lbs / 32 – 34 kg | 60 – 64 lbs / 27 – 29 kg |
| 1 ½ years | 71 – 79 lbs / 32 – 36 kg | 60 – 66 lbs / 27 – 30 kg |
| 2 years | 71 – 84 lbs / 32 – 38 kg | 62 – 66 lbs / 28 – 30 kg |
| 3 years | 79 – 88 lbs / 36 – 40 kg | 66 – 70 lbs / 28 – 32 kg |
Coat and Color
This breed has a medium-length, double coat, which is also not that fluffy. Today, German Shepherds are available in several different coat colors, including:
- Black
- Tan
- Black & Tan (Most common)
- Black & Gold
- Gray
- White (Rare)
- Silver
- Dark Sable
- Gold Sable
- Liver
- Panda
You might have seen a black German Shepherd, but finding a sable German Shepherd is extremely rare!
Characteristics and Temperament
The German Shepherd breed is renowned for its exceptional characteristics and temperament.
- This is why this breed is one of the most preferable choices for family dogs.
- These canines are loyal, protective, courageous, and always on alert.
- They have a well-balanced personality, but still, they need training to control their aggressive behavior.
- Also, they get overly protective around strangers, so early socialization is highly recommended.
- A German Shepherd dog is gentle and behaves well with kids and other pets.
Health and Nutrition
- As we already told you, German Shepherds are medium to large dog breeds, so they need a good diet.
- As a pet owner, it’s vital to know their nutritional needs.
- You should give them a high-quality diet that suits their age and requirements.
- Usually, GSDs needs food that is high in protein but moderate in calories. These things will help them in their growth and in maintaining their mass and weight.
- You can give your German Shepherd puppies two meals per day; however, don’t overfeed them.
- Never give your puppy human food, such as onions, garlic, and grapes, because they have ingredients that are harmful to dogs.
NOTE
You can also consult a vet, as they can prepare a well-balanced diet according to your pup’s age, activity level, and overall health.
Are German Shepherds a healthy breed?
Yes, GSD is considered a healthy breed, but like every other dog breed, these canines are also prone to particular health problems, such as:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloating
- Flea allergies
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Degenerative spinal stenosis
- Von Willebrand disease
Regular veterinary checkups and examinations are recommended to keep your pet healthy and identify any potential health problems early.
Exercise and Training
How to train a German Shepherd?
- Here is some good news for the people who are planning to adopt a German Shepherd: these canines are pretty smart, obedient, and easy to train.
- Yes, these dogs can follow commands and instructions.
- GSD are active dog breeds; hence, they require regular exercise and training to keep their mind and body stimulated and healthy.
- Try to give them daily walks, playtime, and physical activities to keep them occupied and happy.
- You can also try various training methods and techniques, as these canines are quick to learn new things.
FUN FACT
German Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. They rank third in intelligence, behind only Poodles and Border Collies.
Grooming Needs
- This breed has a medium-length, thick double coat (dense upper coat and soft undercoat) that sheds moderately.
- So, overall, grooming is easy as compared to other similar dog breeds.
- German Shepherds shed twice a year during spring and fall.
- They need to brush at least twice a week to remove loose hair and minimize shedding.
- Apart from brushing, things like nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning are required to maintain their overall health.
Are German Shepherds hypoallergenic?
No, German Shepherds are not considered hypoallergenic dog breeds. These canines have thick double coats, which are moderately shed in a year. If dog fur can trigger your allergies, it is not recommended to get this breed.
Life span
On average, the German Shepherd lifespan around 10-12 years.
Price
So, how much is a German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd price can vary depending on various factors, such as the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s pedigree, and location. Therefore, based on these factors, a purebred German Shepherd can cost as low as $500 or as high as $10,000. Also, do remember that this is only the initial investment; there are other expenses like food, grooming, and healthcare.
Search this on Google: ‘German Shepherd puppies for sale near me’ to get the local rescue centers where you can buy or adopt a pup at a much more affordable price.
FAQs
Is a German Shepherd a good pet?
Yes, German Shepherds are excellent family pets. They’re loyal, obedient, and protective dogs. However, proper training, early socialization, and regular exercise sessions are required.
Is German Shepherd a friendly dog?
Yes, German Shepherds are friendly dogs. They’re good with children, elders, and other pets. However, these dogs may behave aggressively around strangers if they feel threatened.
Is German Shepherd expensive?
The average price of a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder is between $500 and $2,000. However, they can be as expensive as $10,000, depending on factors like breed, age, and location.
Final Words
German Shepherds are intelligent, courageous, and protective dogs. These canines are good with children and other pets, making them excellent family pets. So, whether you’re searching for a loyal family companion or a protective guardian, German Shepherd dogs are a great option to consider. However, they do need regular exercise, training, and lots of love. If you can give all these things to your pup, then this is the right breed for you!
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