The German Shepherd is a popular breed of dog for many reasons. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective. Owning a German Shepherd doesn’t come without its own set of challenges though.
Whether you’re looking to buy or adopt your first German Shepherd, it’s important that you know the questions to ask and be aware of what you might need in order to properly take care of your new best friend.
We have compiled a list of FAQs to guide you through the process of getting your first German Shepherd by answering the most asked questions based on Google search results as well as social media groups.
By getting the right answer, you can be sure that your new pet will be well cared for no matter what situation they are in. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
PART I – FAQs on German Shepherd Dog
Is a German Shepherd a good first dog?
German Shepherds are easy to train, obedient, affectionate, loyal, and gentle with kids and other pets, making them an excellent choice as the first dog for families and even single owners alike.
Read more:
Are German Shepherds Good for First-Time Owners?
Can a German Shepherd Have Two/Multiple Owners?
Are German Shepherds good family dogs?
The German Shepherds Dog is the second most popular dog breed in the United States. They can be very good companions and family protectors. This intelligent, loyal and affectionate breed can make it a good choice for families with children as long as the dog is properly trained and socialized at an early age.
Read more:
The White German Shepherd – the Ancestor of All GSDs
The Black German Shepherd: 9 Facts You Didn’t Know
How much is a German Shepherd?
As of 2022, buying a German Shepherd puppy 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 Does A Purebred German Shepherd Cost?
How Much Does A White German Shepherd Cost?
Do German Shepherds shed?
German Shepherds are equipped with double-coats to handle both cold and hot climates. They also earned their name as “German Shedders” because they literally shed 365 days a year. On top of that, for twice a year, a German Shepherd will “blow” his inner coat all at once – to prepare for a seasonal change.
Read more:
How to Deal with German Shepherd Shedding? (Other Than Vacuuming)
How Cold Can German Shepherds Tolerate?
How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Hot Weather?
How to train a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are very intelligent and they learn fast. This makes training very easy. Start training from the first day you bring your GSD puppy home (usually at 8 weeks). Praise and reward work best for motivating your German Shepherd puppy. She will quickly learn what she needs to do to please you.
A puppy (8-10 weeks old) is still a young child at this age. She has a limited attention span and may get distracted easily. It is suggested that you train your puppy the same trick several times a day, repeating 8-10 times in each session, preferably 5-10 minutes each time (even shorter sessions puppies). After all, consistency, patience, praises, and lots of love are the key to success.
Read more:
German Shepherd Puppy Training Guide for Beginners
- Part 1: Crate Training
- Part 2: Potty Training
- Part 3: Leash Training
- Part 4: 7 Common Commands
- Part 5: Socialization
- Part 6: Stop Biting
- Part 7: Stop Jumping
10 Books Every German Shepherd Owner Must Read
How long do German Shepherds live?
The average lifespan of German Shepherds is 9-13 years. There are lots of ways German Shepherd Dog owners can add years to their dog’s life through a high-quality diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care.
Read more:
How to Extend Your German Shepherd Life Span? [5 Tips You Must Know]
When do German Shepherds stop growing?
A male German Shepherd will be fully grown at about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds are fully grown around two years old. At 18 months, your German Shepherd should have reached his full height, but it can take longer to reach his final weight.
Read more:
German Shepherd Weight Chart: Is My Dog Overweight or Underweight?
How big do German Shepherds get?
The average size for an adult male GSD is around 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 85-100 pounds. A fully grown female GSD is about 20 to 22 inches tall and weighs from 60 to 75 pounds.
This size can also vary depending on the type of German shepherd (working line vs show line). For example, if you get a working line German shepherd, you can expect it to be larger than its show line counterpart.
Read more:
German Shepherd Weight Chart: Is My Dog Overweight or Underweight?
How much do German Shepherds weigh?
The average weight for an adult male GSD is between 85 to 100 pounds. A fully grown female GSD weighs from 60 to 75 pounds.
Read more:
German Shepherd Weight Chart: Is My Dog Overweight or Underweight?
Is the German Shepherd an aggressive breed?
German Shepherds are some of the best guard dogs in the world. They are hard-wired to be protective of their owners and family. Therefore, they are naturally aloof to strangers.
Considered their size and sometimes loud barks, they may be misinterpreted as aggressive or unwelcoming towards strangers. But this is simply their instincts of being cautious and protective.
Read more:
PART II – FAQs on German Shepherd Puppies
How much is a German Shepherd puppy?
As of 2022, a 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.
Read more:
How Much Does A Purebred German Shepherd Cost?
How Much Does A White German Shepherd Cost?
How do you pick a German Shepherd puppy from a litter?
You should choose a puppy based on its personality that matches yours. Puppy Personality Matching involves having owners complete an Owner Questionnaire or Quiz like the free one here. Breeders use the results to ascertain what temperament puppy would suit their owners best.
Read our complete guide below to learn everything you need to know when choosing a GSD puppy:
How to train a german shepherd puppy?
A puppy (8-10 weeks old) is still a young child at this age. She has a limited attention span and may get distracted easily. It is suggested that you train your puppy the same trick several times a day, repeating 8-10 times in each session, preferably 5-10 minutes each time (even shorter sessions puppies).
After all, consistency, patience, praises, and lots of love are the key to success.
Read more:
German Shepherd Puppy Training Guide for Beginners
- Part 1: Crate Training
- Part 2: Potty Training
- Part 3: Leash Training
- Part 4: 7 Common Commands
- Part 5: Socialization
- Part 6: Stop Biting
- Part 7: Stop Jumping
10 Books Every German Shepherd Owner Must Read
How many puppies can a German Shepherd have?
German Shepherd Dogs have an average of 8 puppies per litter. The litter can be as many as 15 puppies. A German Shepherd can have puppies twice a year. In females, breeding GSDs should begin no earlier than 2 years old.
How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy?
When first bringing home a German Shepherd puppy, you should follow the guidelines provided by the breeder or by your veterinarian. For example, you could start feeding your 8-12 week old puppy a total of around 4 cups a day of high-quality kibble. And gradually you can transition to 2 cups a day once your pup reached 6 months old.
Read more:
German Shepherd Weight Chart: Is My Dog Overweight or Underweight?
How to potty train a German Shepherd puppy?
Potty training should start right after a puppy comes home. The early she learns, the less accident will happen in the house. A puppy will usually need at least 1-2 months to be fully potty trained. Some may even take longer.
Learn more:
German Shepherd Puppy Training for Beginners – PART 2: Potty Training
How to stop German Shepherd puppy from biting/nipping?
Biting and nipping are extremely common for German Shepherd puppies. Even non-first-time dog owners will find it frustrating when it comes to dealing with the nipping of German Shepherds. Redirection with toys and treats is one of the solutions.
Learn more:
German Shepherd Puppy Training Guide for Beginners – PART 6: Stop Biting
When do German Shepherd puppies ears stand up?
A German Shepherd’s ears stand up on their own anytime between 8 weeks and 5 months old, or about 20 weeks of age. Until they are completely up, they flop around, go up and down. That’s perfectly normal.
You can help your puppy to strengthen her ear muscle by whistling and making funny noises that perk up her ears. Some people suggest adding calcium to your puppy’s diet with yogurt.
When should I bring my puppy for the first vet visit?
You should bring your new puppy to see a veterinarian no later than 2 days after coming home. Some breeders require this within 48 hours as included in their sales contract. It is very important for your vet to examine your puppy to look for signs of disease. If that’s the case, you have the right to return the puppy to the breeder.
When should I bring my puppy for doggy daycare?
A puppy should be at least 12 weeks of age and have all of their first round of vaccinations before going to a kennel or daycare. Early socialization is a must for German Shepherds. The daycare environment offers plenty of different socialization options, including new people, new dogs, and new sights, smells, and sounds.
