German Shepherd Dog dog
Large breed regular energy Double coat Herding Group 🏆 #2 most popular

German Shepherd Dog

Confident, Courageous, Smart

German Shepherd Dogs can stand as high as 26 inches at the shoulder and, when viewed in outline, presents a picture of smooth, graceful curves rather than angles. The natural gait is a free-and-easy trot, but they can turn it up a notch or two and reach great speeds.There are man…

⚖️ 50–90 lbs (22.68–40.82 kg) 📏 22–26" 🎂 7–10 yr lifespan 🧠 Intelligence #3 (Brightest)

German Shepherd Dog Characteristics

Energy

60%

Shedding

80%

Trainability

100%

Grooming

40%

Friendliness

60%

Coat Type

Double coat

Weekly Brushing

Breed Data

🧠
#3
Intelligence
🎂
9.7yr
Avg lifespan
💰
$17K
Lifetime cost
🍖
$466/yr
Annual food
👨‍👩‍👧
Great
With kids
🩺
8
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: nerves, pancreas, blood (hemophilia), hip joints

Expert Picks for German Shepherd Dogs

⭐ Top Pick Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

dog food

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

★★★★★ 4.8

Best overall large breed food — consistent quality at a fair price…

$54.99 Check price →
KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

★★★★★ 4.7

The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers — nothing else comes close…

$17.99 Check price →
Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed

beds

Big Barker 7" Orthopedic Dog Bed

★★★★★ 4.7

The only dog bed backed by a clinical study — worth every cent for lar…

$239.95 Check price →
FitPaws Balancing Disk for Dogs

health

FitPaws Balancing Disk for Dogs

★★★★★ 4.5

Best canine physical therapy tool — used by certified canine rehabilit…

$29.99 Check price →
Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

★★★★ 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners — 3-month battery is class-leading…

$149.00 Check price →
Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

★★★★★ 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray — supports skin microbiome health between ba…

$14.99 Check price →

German Shepherd Dog Care Tips

✓

Benefits from 30-60 minutes daily exercise — walks, play sessions, or swimming.

✓

Heavy shedder — brush 3-4× per week and deShed weekly to manage coat.

✓

Highly trainable — excels with positive reinforcement; start obedience classes early.

All German Shepherd Dog Guides

🍖 Best food for German Shepherd Dogs → 🎾 Best toys for German Shepherd Dogs → ✍️ German Shepherd Dog names → 🛏️ Best beds for German Shepherd Dogs → ✂️ Grooming guide → 🩺 Health problems → 💊 Best supplements → 🦮 Training guide →