German Shepherd
Highly intelligent, loyal and versatile — and a serious commitment. German Shepherds need experienced handling, thorough socialisation and daily mental work.
Key facts
Lifespan
9–13 years
Height
55–65 cm
Weight
22–40 kg
Exercise
~120 mins/day
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
High
Training
Easy to train
First-time owners
Experience helps
About the German Shepherd
Bred as a herding and later police and military dog, the German Shepherd is at its best with a job. They are naturally aloof with strangers and protective of their family, which makes early socialisation essential rather than optional. Conformation varies enormously between working and show lines; steeply sloping toplines have been widely criticised on welfare grounds.
Living with a German Shepherd
House with a secure garden; not a breed to leave alone for long days.
- Good with children
- Good with other pets— depends on the individual
- Suitable for first-time owners
Health
Conditions this breed is commonly predisposed to. This is general information, not veterinary advice — speak to a vet about any specific animal.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Ask the breeder for
- BVA/KC hip and elbow scores
- DNA test for degenerative myelopathy
- Haemophilia A screening in some lines
Buying a German Shepherd
Look for parents with a level topline and sound movement, and ask about temperament testing. A well-bred GSD should be confident and stable, never nervous or sharp.
Read the full safe-buying guideGerman Shepherds for sale
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All dogs for saleGerman Shepherd FAQs
How long do German Shepherds live?
A German Shepherd typically lives 9–13 years.
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
Around 120 minutes of daily exercise for a healthy adult, plus mental stimulation. Puppies need considerably less until their joints have matured.
Are German Shepherds good for first-time owners?
German Shepherds are better suited to owners with previous experience, because of their training, exercise or handling needs.
What health tests should a German Shepherd breeder have done?
BVA/KC hip and elbow scores. DNA test for degenerative myelopathy. Haemophilia A screening in some lines.
Breed information is general guidance compiled by the PetHome team. Every animal is an individual — meet it, and its mother, before you commit. This is not veterinary advice.