Herding
Large
German Shepherd
Loyal, courageous, and highly capable
Confident, courageous, and smart. German Shepherds are versatile working dogs and devoted family protectors.
ConfidentCourageousSmartLoyalObedient
Height
22-26 inches
Weight
50-90 lbs
Lifespan
7-10 years
Group
Herding
Breed Statistics
Energy Level
5/5
Shedding
5/5
Grooming
3/5
Kid Friendly
4/5
Trainability
5/5
Allergens
5/5
Compatibility Overview
Apartment Living
Good with Kids
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
First-Time Owner Friendly
Low Shedding
Low Grooming Needs
Tolerates Being Alone
Personality & Temperament
The German Shepherd is intelligent, confident, and deeply loyal to its family. They are highly trainable and thrive when given a clear purpose, whether as a working dog, sport competitor, or devoted companion. They tend to be reserved with strangers but warm quickly once trust is established. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, they can become anxious or destructive. Best suited to experienced, active owners.
Daily Exercise
High (60–90 min)
Recommended daily activity to keep this breed healthy and happy.
Known Health Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
- Perianal Fistulas
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
Want to learn more before deciding?
Our book covers everything you need to know about choosing the right breed for your lifestyle.
