All modern dogs are descendants of wolves that have been living in the wilderness for centuries. German Shepherds are one of the breeds that look a lot more like wolves than others. Not only do they share 99.9% of their DNA, they also have some physical similarities. This makes people wonder if German Shepherd can live outside, like their wolf ancestors.
The German Shepherd Dog was not bred to live outside by themselves at all times. This will expose them to potential health and behavioral issues. GSDs will thrive when they are loved, cared for, trained, and socialized by their human family.
In this blog post, we will explore the risk of letting your German Shepherds live outside by themselves and why they are meant to live with their owners or families.
Why do people think German Shepherds can live outside?
The double coat of the German Shepherd makes people think that they are meant to live outside regardless of the weather conditions.
The fact that the German Shepherd is a herding dog also contributes to the idea that they must live outside. Herding dogs always want to be outside because they like lots of energy and love to work.
At the end of the day, German Shepherds were bred to work for and with their humans. They are hard-wired to attach to and live with their human for socialization, bonding, training, and caring needs.
Health risks of letting German Sheperd live outside
Keeping your German shepherd outside will increase the dog’s risk of contracting an illness by a significant degree.
The dog will be exposed to more bugs, it will be farther from medical attention, and it will be further from safety in general.
Regardless of breeds, the longer time they stay outside, the higher the risk of getting fleas, ticks, and parasites. This can lead to diseases like worm infestations and heartworm.
6 obvious reasons why german shepherd should not live outside
German Shepherd dogs are not meant to live outside because they are bred to live with humans and require a lot of love and affection from their families.
There are several issues with leaving your German Shepherd dog outside full time such as:
#1 German shepherds are devoted to their owners
German Shepherds have a tendency of following, nudging, and guarding over their owners. Otherwise, they are either being protective, affectionate, or attention-seeking by following you.
This behavior, also known as “shadowing”, is hard-wired to the GSDs’ demeanor. And this is what makes them such an incredible and desired family dog.
Also read:
Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs?
Why Does My German Shepherd Follow Me Around Everywhere in the House?
Leaving your Shepherd outside full time would deprive them of the important bond with humans that makes them thrive.
#2 Puppies are at higher risk of health problems
Getting a German Shepherd puppy is an exciting and important time for their bonding, wellness, and training. In addition to proper love and attention, there are health risks that you need to keep an eye out for as your puppy grows.
Young dogs are not fully vaccinated and will be more susceptible to getting sick. If your dog is outside all of the time, they are at a greater risk for contracting diseases and you may miss an important symptom that can lead to major health complications and early death.
#3 German Shepherds require tons of attention
German Shepherd dogs were bred for herding and to be loveable family pets. Given that most dog owners do not live on a working farm, your pet will require and crave lots of attention and playtime with you.
Leaving your dog outside full time would deprive them of that family time they so rightly deserve and need.
#4 German Shepherds cannot handle extreme weather
While it’s fair to say that some breeds can be full-time outside working dogs, They just love the outdoors, but their incredibly thick coat can cause overheating in hot weather. On the other hand, they are also susceptible to frostbite and other cold-related injuries.
Your German Shepherd will love outdoor exercise and training but also require a temperature-controlled home to protect them from harsh conditions such as over 100 degrees or below zero.
#5 German Shepherds require lots of training
German Shepherds are prone to behavioral issues being outside full-time. When any breed of dog is left unattended for long periods, you will find that they develop destructive behavior such as excessive barking, digging, and chewing.
A German Shepherd will require lots of time and attention from you to ensure that they become the best version of themselves.
#6 Sleeping outside prevents proper crate training
There are many benefits to crate training. And German Shepherd puppies are no different.
If your dog is a full-time outdoor dog, he will miss out on all the comforts and contentment that a crate-trained puppy will come to know.
What is a German Shepherd’s heat tolerance?
Since a dog’s body temperature is normally between 100 and 103 degrees, this means that temperatures over 100 degrees can quickly cause problems for your dog, even if they are just sitting outside in the sun. (Source: Spruepet.com)
According to Petplan, for a large dog like a German Shepherd, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, can already be potentially life-threatening.
You may also like: 7 Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Hot Weather
What is a German Shepherd’s cold tolerance?
Most German Shepherds, having double-coat, can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F or -1°C. Long-haired GSDs can withstand even colder temperatures.
Considering that almost 75% of people living in the continental US will experience freezing temperatures at some point in the calendar year, it is important to consider if your dog can handle the winter season where you live.
You may also like: How Cold Can German Shepherds Tolerate? (Caring Tips Included)
How long can German Shepherds tolerate below-freezing temperatures?
Now that we have determined that your dog is not meant to be a full-time outdoor dog, the question remains: How cold is too cold for a German Shepherd?
Generally speaking anything just above freezing, which is 4 degrees Celsius or 40 degrees Fahrenheit, is too cold for most dogs.
Most professionals will agree that 15 to 20 minutes outdoors for bathroom breaks during the winter months is the maximum amount of time you want your dog unprotected on the ice and snow.
Other factors to consider when German Shepherds have to stay outside
Other factors will also affect the length of time your German Shepherd can stay outside. This includes their age, weight, overall health and how adapted they are to spending time in the extreme weather.
Just like humans, dogs who are raised in colder temperatures will be more accustomed to spending time outside on chilly days, as opposed to a dog who is used to living in a more moderate climate. The same holds true for hot weather.
Why getting a dog if you want to keep him outside away from you?
Some people may argue they need to keep their dog outside as a guard dog to watch over their house, their yard, their farm, and their livestock. And German Shepherds are by far one of the best breeds to take on this kind of job.
But the bottom line is, your German Shepherd will always want to spend time with you as a good family dog. They will thrive on the bonding and learn all the good manners to become the best dog they can be, if you put the time and patience to train them.
Conclusion
Although German Shepherds are great dogs for both indoor and outdoor living, they are better suited to living inside with their human families. Dogs living outdoor are at risk of being preyed upon by other wild animals like wolves. Any responsible owner should not leave their dog outside unattended.
Eric is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. And he loves Thai food~
