When trying to figure out what dog breed to adopt, many people consider the distinguished German Shepherd. Any time that you are weighing the pros and cons of a dog breed, it’s worth it to review the history of the breed.
The History of German Shepherds
As the name implies, German Shepherds were bred to be herding dogs. The modern breed owes its establishment to a German cavalry captain named Max von Stephanitz, who was looking for a dog in the late 1800s. He attended a dog show and noticed an exceptional canine that he couldn’t take his eyes off of. Captain Stephanitz believed that dogs should earn their place and be able to work within rules and boundaries. He purchased the dog and went on to train him as a herding canine. His success led him to breed “Horand von Grafrath,” and today’s German Shepherd was literally born.
Common German Shepherd Needs
As with other pure breeds, German Shepherds have very specific needs related to their personality, size, shape and instincts. When your family and lifestyle meet these needs, it makes for a long and satisfying relationship. But when any of these needs are not met, just like people, a German Shepherd may not live up to their potential, become depressed or simply not fit in well with your household. Therefore, it’s important to be realistic about whether your family can meet the following common needs of a German Shepherd.
Exercise
German Shepherds aren’t the kind of dog to lounge around the house all day, napping. If you compared a German Shepherd to a human, they would be the type to have a favorite sport, a gym membership or a hobby of jogging or running marathons for charity. A German shepherd will be happiest when they can exercise several times a day (not just an hour-long walk around the block). They enjoy fetching, playing tug of war, and even searching for hidden items in the yard. In short, a German Shepherd is happiest living in a house with access to the outdoors, rather than an apartment.
Grooming
German Shepherds typically have thick coats that grow even thicker in the colder months. This means that they need regular brushing to prevent matting. On the plus side, German Shepherds don’t require as much bathing as some other breeds. The thickness of their coats successfully keeps out dirt and debris from reaching in toward their skin.
Training
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and they respond well to training. In fact, it could be said that, like a child eager to learn, a German Shepherd craves knowledge. The best German Shepherd owners understand that this dog breed feels a sense of pride and accomplishment as they learn more and more. And commonplace dog tricks are child’s play for a German Shepherd. They are capable of much more advanced learning, which is why they are the dog of choice for police K-9 units. German Shepherds make excellent search and rescue dogs, make excellent household protectors and more. If you do decide to adopt a German Shepherd, be sure to challenge them with new skills and training their entire life. They will thrive with new opportunities to learn.
Tips for Living Happily Alongside a German Shepherd
If you like what you’ve learned so far and want to move ahead with adopting a German Shepherd, here are some tips for happily living with this breed.
Spend Quality Time
German Shepherds are capable of developing deep and lasting bonds with their human family, but you have to put in the work. This isn’t a breed that will follow you around with a wagging tail just because you’ve got Jiminy’s treats in your pocket. You and your German Shepherd will need to bond through shared experiences, just like your human best friend. So be ready to go on adventures together and invite your German Shepherd to join your family on excursions.
Space
Crating is a popular habit for dog owners these days. But German Shepherds don’t respond well to being kept captive when you aren’t around. In fact, this goes against their instincts to protect your property when you aren’t home. In addition, crating this breed prevents them from being active for hours at a time. A crated German Shepherd won’t be a happy German Shepherd. Instead, take the time to properly train your German Shepherd to follow the rules in your home about access to furniture, certain rooms, etc.
Health
Allergies are unfortunately just as common in dogs as they are in humans. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to developing allergies, and the German Shepherd is one of these. Learn more about German Shepherd Allergies in our post: How To Help Your German Shepherd With Allergies
Finally, you should know that German Shepherds as a breed are prone to hip dysplasia. This is a common inherited condition that could mean hefty vet bills as your German Shepherd ages. For this breed, pet health insurance is highly recommended.
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Frequently Asked Questions About German Shepherd Dogs
1. What are the typical personality traits of a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are known for being highly intelligent, loyal, confident, and protective. They form strong bonds with their families and are often eager to learn and please their owners.
2. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
This breed is very active and requires at least 1–2 hours of daily exercise — including physical activity and mental stimulation — to stay healthy, balanced, and well-behaved.
3. Are German Shepherds good with families and children?
With proper socialization and training, German Shepherds can be loving and protective family companions. They are generally good with children when supervised and introduced appropriately, though their size and energy warrant mindful interactions.
4. How trainable are German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are extremely trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to work. They excel in obedience training, agility, and service roles — and consistent, positive reinforcement training is key to helping them thrive.
5. What health issues are common in German Shepherds?
German Shepherds can be prone to certain genetic conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and some eye disorders. Choosing a reputable breeder who screens for these conditions can help reduce risks.
6. Are German Shepherds good watchdogs or guard dogs?
Yes — German Shepherds have a strong protective instinct and natural guarding ability. They are often used as police, military, and protection dogs, thanks to their alertness, courage, and loyalty.
7. What kind of space and lifestyle suits a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds do best in active households with plenty of space for exercise and play. They aren’t ideal for sedentary lifestyles or small indoor spaces without outdoor activity time.
8. Do German Shepherds require special grooming?
German Shepherds have a double coat that benefits from regular brushing to manage shedding and keep skin and fur healthy. Bathing is needed less often unless they get particularly dirty.
9. How can socialization help a German Shepherd?
Early and ongoing socialization helps German Shepherds learn how to interact confidently with people, other animals, and new environments. This can reduce fearfulness, over-protectiveness, or excessive guarding behaviors.
10. Are German Shepherds suitable for first-time dog owners?
German Shepherds can be rewarding companions, but they do require time, consistent training, exercise, and mental engagement — so prospective owners should honestly assess whether they can meet these needs before bringing one home.
