German Shepherd Guide: Essentials to Keep Them Happy

German Shepherd: The Canine All-Stars - Protecting, Serving, and Winning Hearts

Germany's Livestock Custodians, Sentinel Soldiers, and Guardian Angels.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd: The Canine All-Stars - Protecting, Serving, and Winning Hearts

Germany's Livestock Custodians, Sentinel Soldiers, and Guardian Angels.

German Shepherd
Coat:
Straight or wavy
Shedding:
High
Coat colours:
Black & Tan
Black
Solid White
Weight:
30-40kgs (male)
25-35kgs (female)
Height:
61-66cm (male)
56-61cm (female)
Size:
Large
Life expectancy:
10-12 years
Coat: Straight or wavy
Shedding: High
Size: Large
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Coat colours:
Black & Tan
Black
Solid White
Weight:
30-40kgs (male)
25-35kgs (female)
Height:
61-66cm (male)
56-61cm (female)

Adaptability

Temperatures should be moderate for German Shepherds

Hot weather tolerance:
up to 28℃
Cold weather tolerance:
up to 8℃
Adaptability-image

Adaptability

Temperatures should be moderate for German Shepherds

Adaptability-image
Hot weather tolerance:
up to 28℃
Cold weather tolerance:
up to 8℃

Traits

These attributes have been rated by dog trainers, expert vets and pet behaviourists. Remember that all dogs are individuals with their own personalities.

4/5
4rate
Friendliness
4/5
4rate
Good with
other dogs
4/5
4rate
Good with kids
4/5
4rate
Barking
tendencies
4/5
4rate
Playfulness
5/5
5rate
Energy level
4/5
4rate
Playfulness
4/5
4rate
Barking
tendencies
pet-banner
pet-banner

German Shepherd Diet

Consider following tips when choosing food for your German Shepherds.

German Shepherd diet-image

1. Choose a protein-rich diet

German Shepherds have a high energy level and require a high protein diet to support their active lifestyle. Look for a diet with at least 18-25% protein for adult German Shepherds and even more for growing puppies.

2. Avoid fillers & additives

German Shepherds have a sensitive stomach and should avoid food that includes fillers such as wheat and soy that are difficult to digest and may cause allergies.

3. Add Essential Fatty Acids

German Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires a diet which includes essential fatty acids to keep them healthy and shiny. Look for food that contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

4. Consider their age

Choose an appropriate diet according to your German Shepherd's age, as puppies need more protein and fat for growth, while adult and senior dogs may require lower levels for weight maintenance.

1. Choose a protein-rich diet

German Shepherds have a high energy level and require a high protein diet to support their active lifestyle. Look for a diet with at least 18-25% protein for adult German Shepherds and even more for growing puppies.

2. Avoid fillers & additives

German Shepherds have a sensitive stomach and should avoid food that includes fillers such as wheat and soy that are difficult to digest and may cause allergies.

3. Add Essential Fatty Acids

German Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires a diet which includes essential fatty acids to keep them healthy and shiny. Look for food that contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

4. Consider their age

Choose an appropriate diet according to your German Shepherd's age, as puppies need more protein and fat for growth, while adult and senior dogs may require lower levels for weight maintenance.

Home-cooked food
must contain:

Home-cooked food

Preparing home-cooked meals may be time consuming and nutritionally incomplete, consider adding food toppers or supplements to make up for the lack of nutrients.

Preparing home-cooked meals may be time consuming and nutritionally incomplete, consider adding food toppers or supplements to make up for the lack of nutrients.

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German Shepherd Training

German Shepherds thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. Here are some activities to keep them happy and healthy.

German Shepherd-training-img

1. Physical training and exercises

German Shepherds require regular physical exercise. Include activities such as running, playing fetch, swimming, agility training, or hiking in their training regime.

2. Interactive play

German Shepherds require mental stimulation to keep their minds active. Activities such as scent-retention games and puzzle toys are great options to keep them stimulated.

1. Physical training and exercises

German Shepherds require regular physical exercise. Include activities such as running, playing fetch, swimming, agility training, or hiking in their training regime.

2. Interactive play

German Shepherds require mental stimulation to keep their minds active. Activities such as scent-retention games and puzzle toys are great options to keep them stimulated.

Train and teach new tricks

German Shepherds excel in training, and using training treats enhances their obedience and behaviour when teaching basic commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ ‘come,’ ‘heel,’ and ‘down.’

Need help with training?

help with training
training-tips

German Shepherds are deeply loyal to their families and develop strong bonds with their owners. Engage in activities they love: play, walks, training, and relaxation to strengthen loyalty and affection

training-tips

German Shepherds are deeply loyal to their families and develop strong bonds with their owners. Engage in activities they love: play, walks, training, and relaxation to strengthen loyalty and affection

German Shepherd Grooming

German Shepherd Grooming

German Shepherds have relatively low grooming needs despite having dense and medium-length coats. Here are some essential tips to ensure they shine.

German Shepherd Grooming

German Shepherd Grooming

German Shepherds have relatively low grooming needs despite having dense and medium-length coats. Here are some essential tips to ensure they shine.

1. Brush and bath

German Shepherds should be regularly brushed to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Occasional bathing is sufficient to keep them clean and fresh.

2. Keep their ears clean

German Shepherds have ears prone to infections, so it's important to check their ears regularly and to clean them when required with a cotton ball and a mild ear-cleaning solution.

3. Nail and paw care

To avoid discomfort and injury it's important to trim their nails regularly to keep them at a healthy length.

4. Dental care

Brushing their teeth at least twice a week with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush will help remove plaque and tartar build-up and keep their teeth and gums healthy.

1. Brush and bath

German Shepherds should be regularly brushed to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Occasional bathing is sufficient to keep them clean and fresh.

2. Keep their ears clean

German Shepherds have ears prone to infections, so it's important to check their ears regularly and to clean them when required with a cotton ball and a mild ear-cleaning solution.

3. Nail and paw care

To avoid discomfort and injury it's important to trim their nails regularly to keep them at a healthy length.

4.Dental care

Brushing their teeth at least twice a week with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush will help remove plaque and tartar build-up and keep their teeth and gums healthy.

German Shepherd Common
health concerns

German Shepherds are intelligent and athletic, but they can be susceptible to breed-specific health conditions. Let's explore some common issues.

Allergies

Allergies

German Shepherds can suffer from skin and food allergies that cause itching, redness, and hair loss.

Bloating

Bloating/GDV

German Shepherds are also prone to bloating, which occurs when the stomach becomes filled with gas and twists on itself.

Ear Infections

Ear Infections

Ear infections may occur due to their floppy ears that trap moisture and bacteria.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

A condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness, may occur in this breed.

German Shepherd Common health concerns

German Shepherds are intelligent and athletic, but they can be susceptible to breed-specific health conditions. Let's explore some common issues.

Allergies

Allergies

German Shepherds can suffer from skin and food allergies that cause itching, redness, and hair loss.

Bloating

Bloating/GDV

German Shepherds are also prone to bloating, which occurs when the stomach becomes filled with gas and twists on itself.

Ear Infections

Ear Infections

Ear infections may occur due to their floppy ears that trap moisture and bacteria.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

A condition that affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness, may occur in this breed.

German Shepherd-health-image
German Shepherd-health-image

Does your German Shepherd have a health issue? Provide them a veterinary prescription diet along with prescribed medicines.

Does your German Shepherd have a health issue? Provide them a veterinary prescription diet along with prescribed medicines.

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Frequently asked questions

Are German Shepherds good pets for first-time owners?

German Shepherds can be suitable for first-time owners committed to providing the necessary training, socialisation, and exercise. However, they require consistent leadership and a dedicated owner to meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs.

Are German Shepherds aggressive?

German Shepherds, like any breed, can show aggression if not properly trained, socialised, or treated. Early socialisation, positive reinforcement training, and responsible ownership play crucial roles in shaping a German Shepherd's behaviour and temperament.

How to train German Shepherds?

Training German Shepherds involves positive reinforcement techniques, consistency, and patience. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come, gradually progressing to more advanced training. Enrolling in obedience classes or working with a professional trainer can be beneficial.

Can German Shepherds live in hot climates?

While German Shepherds can adapt to various climates, they are more suited to moderate or cooler environments. In hot climates, it's important to provide them with plenty of shade, fresh water, and avoid exposing them to excessive heat to prevent overheating.

Can I feed my German Shepherd human food?

While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's generally recommended to avoid feeding your German Shepherd a predominantly human diet. Human food may not provide the necessary nutrients and can cause digestive issues. Consult your veterinarian for specific guidelines.