The time has come to add another family member to the house, and all eyes point at a purebred German Shepherd. This breed might seem like a lot of work, but they are loyal, loving, family dogs, perfect to add to any house.
Purebred German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. Expect to invest time and effort in training, socialization and exercise. They require consistent, firm and positive training. They make great family pets but require a strong leader.
Owning a purebred German Shepherd is a lot of work. But if you would ask 1 million owners, you’ll probably get the same answer – “it’s the best dog you can ever own”. Continue reading to learn what to expect when owning one.
German Shepherd Dog Breed Information
The German Shepherd is a magnificent and versatile breed that has captured the hearts of many with its intelligence, loyalty, and striking good looks.
Versatile Working Dog: Uses and Protective Nature
Originally bred for herding sheep, German Shepherds are now often used as working dogs in a variety of fields, including search and rescue, police work, and as service dogs for people with disabilities. They are also known for their protective nature and can make excellent guard dogs.
The German Shepherd’s breed standard
The German Shepherd’s breed standard, as recognized by the AKC, calls for a strong, agile, and well-muscled dog that exudes strength and nobility. Its body should be well proportioned, with a strong and level back, and a deep chest.
The breed’s most striking feature is its striking and expressive face, with its intelligent and alert eyes, and its sharp and expressive ears. The German Shepherd’s coat should be thick and dense, with a weather-resistant outer coat and a soft undercoat. The breed comes in a variety of colors such as black and tan, black and sable.
They have a strong, muscular build, a thick, double coat that can be either short or long-haired, a wedge-shaped head, and a long bushy tail. German Shepherds can learn fast and are highly trainable.
How much is a purebred German Shepherd worth?
A purebred German Shepherd puppy bought from reputable breeders can cost from $1,800 to $3,000, depending on the age, color, location, and the breeder’s costs on health screening and vaccinations. Adopting a German Shepherd could be less than $150 from animal shelters or around $150 to $500 from rescue organizations.
Read more: How Much Is A German Shepherd Puppy? (Plus Annual Expenses)
How can you tell if a German Shepherd is purebred?
To determine whether a German Shepherd is purebred, you can use DNA test kits, observe their physical characteristics like erected ears and double coats, look for behavioral traits, check the registration certificate, consult an expert like a vet, or even use dog scanning apps.
Related: How to Tell if My German Shepherd Is Purebred? 7 Fool-Proof Methods You Can Use
In general, here are some characteristics to look for:
Appearance and size
A purebred German Shepherd is between 24-26 inches in height for males and 22-24 inches for females. Males weigh between 65-90 pounds, and females follow behind at a weight of 50-70 pounds.
Coat and grooming
The standard coat color for the German Shepherd Dog is black and tan. Other varieties of colors include black and sable.
They have a double coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and dirt, especially during shedding season. They also need regular trimming around the ears and paws to keep them clean and prevent matting.
Temperament
The German Shepherd’s temperament is one of its most remarkable characteristics. These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. They are quick learners and excel in obedience and agility training. They are also protective of their family and make great watchdogs.
However, it is important to note that the German Shepherd requires a firm and consistent leader who can provide proper training and socialization from an early age.
German Shepherds are great family dogs if they’re raised with them and can be cautious of strangers, according to Hillspet. They are an intelligent breed that is easily trainable but sometimes stubborn.
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Energy Level
A purebred German Shepherd will have a high energy level. They need a lot of physical and mental activity to stay happy throughout the day. They’re always eager to go on an adventure with their owners and don’t be surprised to see them run, jump, and play throughout the day.
Health
German Shepherds are known to be healthy dogs, especially when coming from a responsible breeder. They should be screened for issues like elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a purebred German shepherd is nine to thirteen years. Some other factors can go into the lifespan but as long as they are healthy, exercised, and go to the vet, expect a long and happy life.
Trainability
A purebred German Shepherd is a dog that is easy to train because of its intelligence. Early socialization is vital to ensure the dog will grow to be well-mannered. Positive training and reward will give excellent results when training a German Shepherd. With training, they will also bond quickly with their owner.
9 Unique traits of a purebred German Shepherd
A purebred German Shepherd has a few unique traits about them. These attributes are what make a German Shepherd behave like German Shepherd.
Loyalty
German Shepherds are loyal dogs. While they do good in a family setting, they usually latch into their person. That person is their ride-or-die best mate, the person above all else, and a purebred German Shepherd will be extremely loyal to them.
Intelligent
Purebred German Shepherds are working dogs. They are so intelligent; they work for police departments because they can be relied on. Their intelligence makes them easy to train and out into a working field, but they can also get themselves into trouble.
Workaholics
Like an owner, like a dog right, German Shepherds can be workaholics. They have high energy levels, and because of that, they love to move. Whether it’s herding, chasing, fetching, or whatever, a German Shepherd will love to participate until they collapse with exhaustion.
Shedding
Invest in a good vacuum before bringing a German Shepherd home; it will be needed. German Shepherds have a double coat, and they shed a lot. Even with ample grooming and brushing, hair will still be sprinkled all over the house.
Vocal
They like to talk, and there’s nothing more to it. German Shepherds are vocal dogs and not just barking. They will talk to their owners, show their displeasure, or be vocal during dinner. Expect the house to be loud at times.
Sensing Ability
It’s known that dogs have a better sense of smell compared to humans, but German Shepherds have one of the top sensing abilities. They make great police, bomb, and drug-sniffing workers. They are known to track and search with their noses.
Constant companion
Due to their loyalty, a German Shepherd will always be by your side. They are affectionate and dedicated to their owner and even around children. German Shepherds want to spend time with you instead of being alone all day.
Mouthy
German Shepherds can be known to be a mouthy breed, and that’s because of their herding heritage. Mouthiness is natural for a German Shepherd; it chews on anything and even grabs a hand. Training can help curve this behavior.
They’re versatile
They’re working dogs, and it doesn’t matter the work that needs to be done. German Shepherds were developed to be working dogs, and their body is even ideal for it. They love agility, scent, therapy, and service dog work as long as they have the training.
What are the 5 types of German Shepherds?
The German Shepherd breed can exhibit variations in appearance and temperament based on breeding lines and geographical origins. Some people may refer to different German Shepherd lines as “lines,” such as:
- American German Shepherd: A breed that has deviated from the traditional German Shepherd standard, often bred for a slimmer appearance and a more “family friendly” temperament.
- West German Show Line: A breed line that emphasizes the breed standard as defined by the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany (SV), with a strong focus on conformation and appearance.
- West German Working Line: A breed line that emphasizes the breed’s working ability, with a strong focus on temperament, drive, and trainability.
- East German (DDR) Line: A breed line that was developed in East Germany for military and police work, with a focus on obedience, courage, and protectiveness.
- Czech Working Line: A breed line that emphasizes the breed’s working ability, with a focus on high energy, drive, and agility.
Are German Shepherds aggressive?
German Shepherds, like any breed, can display aggressive behavior, but this is not inherent to the breed. Aggression in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including fear, lack of socialization, poor training and management, and underlying health problems.
When properly socialized, trained, and raised, German Shepherds can be the most affectionate, loyal, and confident dogs.
That said, they are often used as service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and police dogs because of their high intelligence, trainability, and protective instincts.
Are German Shepherds good family dogs?
German Shepherds can make incredible family dogs if they are well-socialized early on and caught up with obedience training. They have an excellent temperament around people of all ages and animals of all sizes.
Read more:
- Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs?
- Are German Shepherds Good with Cats?
- Are German Shepherds Good with Small Dogs?
- Can a German Shepherd Kill a Wolf?
- Can a German Shepherd Kill a Coyote?
- Will German Shepherds Kill Chickens?
- Will German Shepherds Dogs Kill Cats?
Is German Shepherd a dog or a wolf?
Today’s German Shepherds are not wolves. While a few of the breed’s ancestors may have had some wolf blood, it was so long ago that your purebred GSD is now 100% dog. However, like all dogs, they are descended from the Gray Wolf and share 99.9% of their DNA with wolves.
Learn more: How Can I Tell if My German Shepherd is Part Wolf?
Where to find a purebred German Shepherd?
A purebred German Shepherd can be purchased from a reputable breeder. The American Kennel Club Market Place or a German Shepherd Rescue are also good resources to look at. If an adult purebred German Shepherd is an option, look at Mission K9 for retired military German Shepherds.
Conclusion
Owning a purebred German Shepherd is a fulfilling experience. Their loyalty, companionship, and overall demeanor will make having one a great addition to the household. While they take a little training, the bond that will form with your German Shepherd is like no other.
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German Shepherd temperament
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