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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+15
Dogs
# The German Shepherd Dog: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Germany
A large working dog loyal, vigilant and remarkably versatile.
Size LargeLife expectancy 10–13 yearsBudget ≈ €150/monthPuppy €600 – €1,500
[Find a breeder 259](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=german-shepherd-dog)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Excellent
Strengths and weaknesses
- Great intelligence: He understands quickly, memorizes well and enjoys structured activities with his human.
- Work versatility: He can excel in an active family life, in dog sports, in tracking, in guarding or as a service dog.
- Loyalty: The German Shepherd often forms a strong bond with his household and remains very involved on a daily basis.
- Natural vigilance: His reserve around strangers and his sense of observation make him a good alert dog when he is well-balanced.
- Need for activity: Without sufficient physical and mental exertion, it can become difficult to manage.
- Difficulty with solitude: Long, repeated absences are often poorly tolerated by this breed, which is very invested in the relationship.
- Heavy shedding: Its double coat requires regular maintenance and leads to a marked loss of hair.
- Very variable selection: Depending on the lines, health, morphology, temperament and working ability can differ greatly.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active families: It is suitable for present, dynamic households ready to devote time to it every day.
- Committed owners: It thrives best with consistent, ongoing training that channels its sensitivity and abilities.
- Dog activity enthusiasts: It enjoys obedience, tracking, scent work and many dog sports.
- Utility or service projects: The breed is well suited to people looking for a versatile dog capable of working seriously.
Not recommended for
- People who are often absent: It does not cope well with a daily life lacking in interaction and activity.
- Sedentary households: Its balance becomes more difficult if its physical and mental needs are neglected.
- Beginners with little availability: Poorly supervised, this large intelligent and powerful dog can quickly develop bad habits.
- People looking for a discreet dog: Its presence, its need for activity, its vigilance and its shedding do not suit all lifestyles.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
60 cmGerman Shepherd Dog
- Height at the withers
- 55–65 cm
- Weight
- 22–40 kg
- Coat
- Short or long, double with dense undercoat
- FCI group
- 1
- Origin
- Germany
- Grooming
- High-maintenance coat
## Photos and videos
See the German Shepherd Dog in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The German Shepherd is a German breed established from 1899 by Max Frédéric Émile von Stephanitz, who methodically selected herding dogs from central and southern Germany to obtain a working dog, hardy and well-balanced. Conceived first for driving and guarding flocks, it then established itself in many fields of work thanks to its intelligence, docility and versatility. Recognized by the FCI under number 166 and attached to group 1, it obtained its international recognition in 1955 and remains today one of the major service breeds best known in the world.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The German Shepherd is a large athletic dog, slightly elongated, solidly built without heaviness, with dry musculature and a muscular back that slopes slightly. Its head is long and well proportioned, its muzzle is powerful, its ears are erect, its almond-shaped eyes are preferably dark, and its tail reaches at least the hock. The breed exists in short-haired and long-haired varieties, always with a fine and dense undercoat; the short coat is straight, harsh and lying close, while the long coat is more supple and often has fringes. The accepted coats range mainly from black and tan to black and gray, with reddish-brown, brown, yellow to light gray shades; small white spots on the chest may be tolerated but remain little desired, and the white coat is not accepted in the German Shepherd.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The German Shepherd is a very intelligent dog, loyal, affectionate with its own and naturally vigilant. It often shows itself patient and protective with the children of its family, while keeping a clear reserve towards strangers without unwelcome aggressiveness when it is well selected and properly socialized. Courageous, sensitive, docile and willing, it appreciates having a mission, a clear framework and a strong relationship with its human.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable Protective
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the German Shepherd needs real physical and mental exertion, with about 1 to 2 hours of activity per day depending on age, lineage and level of training. The garden alone is not enough: it needs active outings, structured exercises, scent work, guided games or dog sports to remain stable. It tolerates prolonged solitude and boredom poorly, which can lead to vocalizations, destruction, hypervigilance or controlling behaviors.
Training
## Training and socialization
His education must start early, with calm, firmness, consistency and a lot of regularity. The German Shepherd learns quickly and likes to work, but his sensitivity, power and vigilance require serious socialization and a coherent framework from the youngest age. He often goes through a long adolescence, with psychological maturity that may only be fully reached around 3 years, hence the importance of remaining patient, fair and consistent. Recall, self-control, leash walking and managing encounters must be worked on without brutality.
Budget
## Price and budget for the German Shepherd Dog
The price of a German Shepherd varies mainly according to the quality of health selection, the type of bloodline, the reputation of the breeding kennel and the dog's intended purpose, companionship or show. Puppies from tested parents, well socialized and raised in a serious setting often cost more, but in principle offer better guarantees regarding health and balance. Adoption from a shelter remains more economical, while requiring a good assessment of the dog's profile.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The German Shepherd is an overall robust and hardy breed, but its health depends greatly on the quality of selection and on moderation of its growth. Like many large dogs, it has joint, digestive, neurological and ocular predispositions that deserve careful monitoring. A highly digestible diet, a stable weight, progressive exercise and transparent breeding regarding screenings clearly improve the breed’s prognosis.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The German Shepherd needs a complete, digestible diet rich in good-quality proteins to support its musculature, recovery and often high activity. The breed may have digestive sensitivity, which makes the choice of food particularly important. The ration must always be adapted to age, size, sterilization, activity and body condition.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/german-shepherd-dog/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The breed’s original name is Deutscher Schäferhund, and it has also been called Alsatian Shepherd, Alsatian Shepherd Dog or Alsatian Wolfdog depending on the countries and the periods. The German Shepherd has made history among service dogs in the police, the army, tracking, rescue, medical service and the assistance of visually impaired people. Its versatility explains that there are today bloodlines more work-oriented and others more companion- or show-oriented, which can strongly influence temperament and energy level.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the German Shepherd Dog
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the German Shepherd a good family dog?
Yes—when properly socialized, sufficiently exercised, and correctly trained, the German Shepherd can be an excellent family dog, close to its humans, patient with the children in its household, and protective without unwanted aggression.
### Can it live in an apartment?
It’s possible in some cases, but it’s not the easiest setting for it. It needs real daily outings, mental stimulation, and an available household; a yard helps, but never replaces shared activities.
### Does it tolerate being alone well?
Not really. The German Shepherd often copes poorly with long and repetitive absences, especially if it lacks activity or structure. It is better suited to humans who are present and involved.
### Does the German Shepherd shed a lot?
Yes, the breed sheds noticeably all year round, with two seasonal shedding periods that are often very pronounced. Regular brushing is necessary, sometimes daily during peak shedding.
### How much activity does it need?
You generally need to allow 1 to 2 hours of physical and mental activity per day, with active outings, obedience work, tracking, structured play, or other dog sports depending on the dog’s profile.
## Find a German Shepherd Dog breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most German Shepherd Dog breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[German Shepherd Dog breeders in Occitanie39](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/occitanie) [German Shepherd Dog breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine36](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/nouvelle-aquitaine) [German Shepherd Dog breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes33](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [German Shepherd Dog breeders in Hauts-de-France24](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/hauts-de-france) [German Shepherd Dog breeders in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur20](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/provence-alpes-cote-dazur) [German Shepherd Dog breeders in Pays de la Loire18](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/pays-de-la-loire) [German Shepherd Dog breeders in Grand Est18](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/grand-est) [German Shepherd Dog breeders in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté16](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/bourgogne-franche-comte)
### German Shepherd Dog breeders by country
[769 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/italy) [259 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog) [237 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/germany) [83 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/denmark) [59 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/netherlands) [59 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/united-kingdom) [34 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/spain) [32 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/austria) [24 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/finland) [8 breeders of German Shepherd Dog in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog/croatia)
[All breeders of German Shepherd Dog in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog)
## Ready to welcome a German Shepherd Dog?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-german-shepherd-dog)
## Compare German Shepherd Dog with other breeds
- [German Shepherd Dog vs. Belgian Malinois](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/german-shepherd-dog-vs-belgian-malinois)
- [Australian Shepherd vs. German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/australian-shepherd-vs-german-shepherd-dog)
- [Labrador Retriever vs. German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/labrador-retriever-vs-german-shepherd-dog)
- [White Swiss Shepherd Dog vs. German Shepherd Dog](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/white-swiss-shepherd-dog-vs-german-shepherd-dog)
## Discover other breeds
[White Swiss Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/white-swiss-shepherd-dog)
[Dutch Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dutch-shepherd)
[Belgian Malinois
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/belgian-malinois)
[Bohemian Shepherd
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/bohemian-shepherd)
[Saarloos Wolfdog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/saarloos-wolfdog)
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