German Shepherds

The German Shepherd Dog is a breed of medium-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world.

German Shepherds can be a variety of colours, the most common of which are the tan/black and red/black varieties. Both varieties have black masks and black body markings which can range from a classic "saddle" to an over-all "blanket." Rarer colour variations include the sable, all-black, all-white, liver, and blue varieties.

German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and described in breed standards as self-assured. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly.

German Shepherd Dog Profile

German Shepherd Dog Breed

German Shepherd Dog Classification:

German Shepherd dogs are working herd dogs.

Other Names: Alsatian, Berger Allemand, Deutscher Schäferhund, GSD, Schäferhund

German Shepherd in Foreign Languages:

Afrikaans: Duitse Herdershond
Czech: nemecký ovcák
Danish: schæferhund
Dutch: Duitse herdershond, Duitse herder
Esperanto: germana safhundo
Estonian: saksa lambakoer
Finnish: saksanpaimenkoira, sheefferi
French: berger allemand, berger alsacien, berger d'Alsace
German: deutscher Schäferhund
Hungarian: német juhászkutya, német juhász
Icelandic: þýskur fjárhundur
Irish: alsáiseach
Italian: pastore tedesco
Norwegian: schäferhund
Persian: jarman šepard
Polish: owczarek niemiecki
Portuguese: pastor alemão
Romanian: ciobanesc german
Russian: neméckaja ovcárka
Roman: nemacki ovcar
Slovak: nemecký ovciak
Slovene: nemški ovcar
Spanish: pastor alemán
Swedish: schäfer
Turkish: Alman Çoban Köpegi

Origins: German Shepherds were initially bred in Germany as herd dogs, they have since been used as guard dogs and police dogs.

Description: German Shepherds are medium to large dogs, that have a long lean, muscular body. German Shepherds have a long, prominent, pointed black nose, with errect triangular ears.

Size: German Shepherds weigh between 55 to 95 lbs, they stand 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

	weight	height
Male	77 to 95 lbs	24 to 26 inches tall
Female	55 to 73 lbs	22 to 24 inches tall

Coat: German Shepherds have thick double coats, the German Shepherd's fur is most commonly tan and they have a black saddle. They can also have white or sable coats.

Disposition: German Shepherds are highly obedient, they are loyal and like having a "master". German Shepherds are eager to learn and want to please, they are instinctively protective.

Type Dog: German Shepherds are herd dogs, and often used as guard dogs or police dogs.

Litter Size: German Shepherds give birth to litters of 5 to 10 puppies.

Behavior: German Shepherds are protective and loyal family dogs, they should be socialized and trained when young. The are intelligent and quick to learn.

Traits: Intelligent, responsive, keen,

Country of Origin: Germany

Life Span: German Shepherds typically live 9 to 10 years.

Club Recognitions: FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC, KC (UK), NZKC, UCK

German Shepherd