German Shepherd
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- Dog Breed Group
- Herding Dogs
- Origin of Breed
- Germany for herding sheep
- Life Expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Color
- Black and tan, bicolor, golden sable, gray sable, or solid black. Eyes are dark and nose is black.
- Coat
- Weatherproof double coat, with thick undercoat and dense outercoat.
- Exercise Needs
- Does best with 4 daily exercise periods totaling 2 hours.
- Temperament
- Very high energy level. Ultimate versatile working dog. Highly intelligent, fearless and self-confident. Very willing to learn a
- Good with Children
- Extremely bonded to family. Good with children and other animals.
- Grooming Needs
- High shedder; Brush daily
- Average Size - Male (in)
- 24 - 26
- Average Size - Female (in)
- 22 - 24
- Average Weight - Male (lbs)
- 75 - 95
- Average Weight - Female (lbs)
- 75 - 95
- Health Issues
- Poorly bred German Shepherds can be overly nervous, fearful, timid, or aggressive with other dogs.v
- Living Conditions
- Thrives in suburbs or country.
Breed Description
The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile, well muscled dog, alert and full of life. He is extremely intelligent and makes a wonderful companion, show or obedience dog. The German Shepherd is exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, search, rescue dog. He is one breed that becomes truly bonded to his family and may suffer from separation anxiety when apart from his people. Dates back to as early as the 7th Century A.D. The German Shepherds roots are in the mountain sheepdog of Germany. About 1880 the German army modified this breed for work as a military dog.