German Shepherd dog breed photo
Dog BreedPurebredPastoral / Herding Dogs

German Shepherd

4.1 (21 reviews)Germany#2
Written by
Fact-checked based on scientific data
5 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Large breed belonging to the Pastoral / Herding Dogs group, known for typical breed characteristics.
  • High-energy breed best suited for active owners who can provide plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Easy to train and a good choice for first-time owners; responds well to positive reinforcement.
  • Heavy shedder that requires frequent grooming and regular coat maintenance.

Quick Facts

Group

Pastoral / Herding Dogs

Size

Large

Life Span

9-13 years

Popularity

#2

Puppy Price

$800-$2000

Energy Level

High

Shedding Level

Frequent

Trainability

Easy to Train

Common Names & Aliases

Alsatian wolf dogBerger AllemandDeutscher SchäferhundSchäferhundAlsatian
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⚖️German Shepherd Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Training Difficulty:Highly trainable, great for first-time owners

  • Affection Level:Exceptionally devoted and affectionate

  • Lifestyle Adaptability:Exceptionally adaptable, thrives anywhere

  • Child Compatibility:Exceptionally child-friendly, perfect family pet

Disadvantages

  • Allergy Friendliness:Not hypoallergenic, may trigger allergies

  • Shedding Level:Very heavy shedding, high maintenance

  • Energy Rating:Very high energy, needs constant activity

  • Dog Friendly:May be selective with other dogs

  • Activity Requirement / Exercise Need:High exercise needs, requires active lifestyle

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Price and Availability

Price Range

$800-$2000

If you choose to purchase the German Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders' sites and puppy finder places. If you have a German Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the German Shepherd gets to a happy place.

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Availability

5/5

Availability

Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

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History

Origins Attempts to standardize breeds were made throughout Europe during the 1850s. The dogs were developed to retain characteristics that helped them herd sheep and guard flocks from predators. Shepherds in Germany picked and bred dogs that they believed possessed the skills needed for herding she

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Recognition

Classifications

AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.

This breed is recognized by the following organizations:

American Kennel Club
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Australian National Kennel Council
Canadian Kennel Club
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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Frequently Asked Questions

The German Shepherd is not hypoallergenic, so it may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

The German Shepherd needs moderate grooming with regular brushing and occasional professional care.

The German Shepherd sheds excessively throughout the year, requiring daily grooming and cleanup.

The German Shepherd is extremely energetic and needs constant activity throughout the day, ideal for very active owners who enjoy outdoor adventures.

highly trainable and eager to please, making the German Shepherd ideal for first-time dog owners who want a responsive companion.

The German Shepherd is exceptionally patient and protective with children of all ages.

The German Shepherd is moderately tolerant of other dogs but may be selective about companions.

The German Shepherd requires high levels of daily exercise, including long walks, runs, or active play.

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⭐Rate The German Shepherd Breed

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German Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions

mixer

2024-06-17

amazing dog breed my fave! definitely 5 stars

dog fan

2024-06-12

I hate when people say their bite force is not strong the reason you get a dog is to be for a companion not a killer but anyways this dog is super strong and cute literally used as police dogs but so easy to train and so cute

Luka

2023-10-03

I Love These Friendly Fluffballs!

Connor drew

2023-08-24

Connor 209-405-5979

German shepherd lover

2023-08-18

Amazing with kids sweet adorable super smart and protective

Peppa

2023-08-18

Smart but mean to strangers

Berry

2023-08-18

Its not good at hunting or a strong bite

Benjamin

2023-08-18

It's so bad and mean and the bite force sucks

Aaron

2022-11-08

I own a german shepard full bred and they are handful.I love my more than anything she is 10 months old and her name is Maxine or max for short.

nia

2022-01-26

i have all the purebred breeds and I would say German Shepherds are perfect for any family who wants a guard dog

Aidan

2021-09-22

I absolutely love German Shepards. They are the best!!!

Kan

2021-06-01

Pro

Bob

2021-05-31

L have nothing to say but this is definitely the best

Han

2021-05-31

That's cool German shepherd

Jack

2021-05-31

They are ligit the best they very good guard dog L give you definitely 5 stars

kaka

2021-05-30

HI kid l like your German shepherd facts its cool and lm about to get a German shepherd if l get scoloship

Aidan

2021-04-21

These dogs are AMAZING!!!!

ÚŽČŃüĘšŐČ

2020-12-11

let me tell you this "kamikazewarrior" german shepherds are sweet loveable dogs who would die for their loved one so Sara is right and if you have nothing nice to say about them then don't say it and Dogell should get five stars!

Pászti Jácint

2020-09-22

Nagyon j├│l tan├şthat├│ fajta. Rendk├şv├╝l jellemz┼Ĺek r├í a mozg├ísszervi megbeteged├ęsek, 7-8 ├ęves kort├│l egyre nagyobb es├ęllyel!

kamikazewarrior

2020-08-20

good guard dog.But it is overprotective of it's owner.Behaves aggresively with strangers.Not a good buy for first timers.

Sara

2020-02-12

Good guard dog and human friendly. Easy to train.

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