German Shepherd: character, size and care

German Shepherd: does it suit you?

11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.

Question 1 of 11

How much experience do you have with dogs?

It would be my first dogI've had a dog beforeI'm experienced, including with demanding dogs

Fits your answerA small compromiseDoesn't fit your answer

Is it a good dog for first-time owners? Not as a first dog. It rates 2 out of 5 for first-time owners. More on this

German Shepherd: origin and history

In the late 1800s a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, made it his mission to develop the ideal German herding dog.[2] The breed standard was set at the first general meeting of the founding club, the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), in Frankfurt am Main on 20 September 1899, following suggestions by A. Meyer and Max von Stephanitz.[1] Methodical breeding began that year, after the society’s foundation.[1]

In Britain around the time of the First World War the breed was called the Alsatian, a name many British dog lovers still prefer.[2] Its standard requires the instinctive behaviour, resilience and self-assurance to work as a companion, guard, protection, service and herding dog.[1] The FCI gives Germany as its country of origin and classifies it in Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, except Swiss Cattledogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs), with working trial.[1]

German Shepherd: questions and answers

Is it a good dog for first-time owners?

Not as a first dog. It rates 2 out of 5 for first-time owners. These dogs learn quickly and like working with you (5 out of 5 for trainability). The biggest hurdle is the need for more than 2 hours of exercise a day. The guarding instinct needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling. If it would be your first dog, plan for a puppy class and a trainer who knows the breed.

How long can it be left alone?

2 to 3 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. These dogs are very attached to their people and often struggle on their own (2 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.

How much exercise does it need?

More than 2 hours a day, spread over several walks. Walks alone are not enough: these dogs also need work for the head, such as search games, fetch or a dog sport like agility. Until the dog is fully grown, keep walks short and avoid jumping to protect the growing joints.

How long does it live?

9–13 years is the typical life expectancy. That is shorter than the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). As with most large breeds, life is shorter than for small dogs. Breed-typical health risks: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), ear infections.

How big does it get?

55–65 cm at the withers and 22–40 kg. Size class: large.

Is it a good family dog?

Yes. It rates 4 out of 5 with children. Its size and energy can knock over small children, so supervise play. The dog protects its family, so visitors and your children's friends need a calm introduction. With other dogs it rates 3 out of 5, with cats 2 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.

Does it shed a lot?

Yes, a lot: 5 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round. Brush once or twice a week.

Male or female?

60–65 cm at the withers for males and 55–60 cm for females, according to the breed standard. Weight: 30–40 kg for males and 22–32 kg for females. Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.

German Shepherd or Dobermann?

Biggest difference: shedding (very high vs. low).

	German Shepherd	Dobermann
Size	Large	Large
Weight	22–40 kg	32–45 kg
Life expectancy	9–13 years	10–13 years
Coat	Medium length	Short
Shedding	Very high	Low
Grooming needs	Low	Very low
Apartment-friendly	Very low	Low
Affection	Moderate	High

Dobermann: full profile

Who it suits

A good fit if you…

love being outdoors and have 2 hours or more a day for exercise
have children
want an easy-care coat
want a watchful dog
want to do dog sports such as agility or obedience

German Shepherd: the downsides

Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:

Needs more than 2 hours of exercise a day: Every day, in any weather, for 9–13 years. Without enough exercise and things to do, the dog gets restless and may start chewing or barking.
Struggles when left alone: 2 to 3 hours at most. If you work away from home, plan for a dog sitter or daycare from the start.
Not a first dog: 2 out of 5 for first-time owners. The breed needs consistent training from someone who has handled dogs before.
Strong guarding instinct: 5 out of 5 as a watchdog. The dog is wary of strangers and needs early socialisation and calm, consistent handling.
Sheds heavily: 5 out of 5 for shedding. Expect hair on clothes, sofa and car all year round.
Needs space: 1 out of 5 for apartment living. The dog does best in a house with a garden or with fields on the doorstep.
Chases cats: 2 out of 5 with cats. Living with a cat works best if they grow up together, and even then not always.
Breed-typical health risks: Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), ear infections. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.

German Shepherd: puppy price and monthly costs

From £800 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Waggel). From £116 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.

Country	Puppy from a breeder	Running costs per month
United Kingdom	from £800 [3]	from £116 [4]
United States	$2,000 – $4,000 [5]	$116 [6]
Canada	no data	CA$367 [7]
Australia	A$1,300–3,000 [8]	A$210 [9]
New Zealand	no data	NZ$100 [10]

Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.

Health

Breed-typical health risks

Hip dysplasia [16]: A malformed hip joint. Both parents should be X-ray screened.
Elbow dysplasia [16]: A malformed elbow joint that can cause lameness.
Bloat (gastric torsion) [17]: A life-threatening emergency in large, deep-chested dogs. Rest after meals.
Ear infections [18]: Floppy ears trap moisture. Check them regularly.

Health tests for the parent dogs

7 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.

No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): hip X-ray (HD) and elbow X-ray (ED).
No health test is required for breeding in Canada (German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada Inc.); the table shows what is recommended.
Required for breeding in Australia (Dogs Australia): hip X-ray (HD) and elbow X-ray (ED).
Required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand): hip X-ray (HD), elbow X-ray (ED), and DNA tests (DM, PD).

Test	United Kingdom [16]	United States [19]	Canada [20]	Australia [21]	New Zealand [22]
Hip X-ray (HD)Hip dysplasia	Recommended	Required	not in the rules	Required	Required
Elbow X-ray (ED)Elbow dysplasia	Recommended	Required	not in the rules	Required	Required
Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist	Recommended	Recommended	not in the rules	not in the rules	not in the rules
Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist	not in the rules	Recommended	not in the rules	not in the rules	not in the rules
Thyroid testAutoimmune thyroiditis	not in the rules	Recommended	not in the rules	not in the rules	not in the rules
DNA test: DMDegenerative myelopathy	Recommended	Recommended	not in the rules	not in the rules	Required
DNA test: PDPituitary dwarfism	not in the rules	not in the rules	not in the rules	not in the rules	Required

● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.

United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.

United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.

Canada: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.

Australia and New Zealand: ● means a litter is only registered if the parents have the test.

What to ask the breeder

Certificates for both parents: hip X-ray (HD) and elbow X-ray (ED). A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
DNA results of both parents for DM and PD, or proof that both are clear by descent.
To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [23] [24] [25] [22]
8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [26] [27] [28]
Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [29] [30] [31] [32]

Similar breeds

Sources

FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 166: German Shepherd (2010)
American Kennel Club: German Shepherd Dog Dog Breed Information
Waggel (UK pet insurer): German Shepherd Breed Guide: Temperament, Training, Health.
PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
PetMD: German Shepherd Dog Breed Health, Care, and Training (2026)
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
Canstar: Popular pups: Australia’s top 10 dog breeds (2026)
Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
The Royal Kennel Club: German Shepherd Dog – Breeds A to Z
Animals (MDPI): Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus in Dogs: Analysis of 130 Cases in a Single Institution (2025)
Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (O'Neill D.G. et al., VetCompass): Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK (2017)
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): CHIC Program Requirements: German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada Inc.: Code of Ethics (2025)
Dogs Australia (Australian National Kennel Council Ltd): Regulations Part 6: The Register and Registration (Section 8 Breeding, incl. breed-specific Litter Registration Limitations 8.8-8.18) (2026)
Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?

Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.

Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.

How we rate breeds

German Shepherd