German Shepherd
Courageous, confident, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd is the world's premier working dog. They are fiercely loyal to their families and excel in police, military, and service roles.
largeHerdingGermanycourageousintelligentloyalconfidentprotective
Quick Stats
Weight
22–40 kg (49–88 lbs)
Height
55–65 cm (22–26 in)
Lifespan
9–13 years
Coat Type
medium
AKC Popularity
#4
Good For
Families, Active Lifestyles, Houses with Yards, Guard Dog
Breed Ratings
Personality
Intelligence
5/5
Trainability
5/5
Playfulness
4/5
Energy Level
5/5
Social
Good with Kids
4/5
Good with Dogs
3/5
Good with Strangers
2/5
Lifestyle
Apartment Friendly
2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Watchdog Ability
5/5
Barking Level
4/5
Care
Shedding
5/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
Health Robustness
3/5
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price
$1,000–$3,000
Monthly Food
$65
Annual Vet
$600
Annual Grooming
$200
Est. First Year Total
~$3,580
Est. Annual Total
~$1,580
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Common Health Issues
hip dysplasiaelbow dysplasiadegenerative myelopathybloat
Health robustness rating: 3/5. German Shepherds have average health. Regular vet visits and a healthy diet help prevent common issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a German Shepherd cost?
A German Shepherd puppy typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The estimated first-year cost including food, vet visits, and grooming is around $3,580, with ongoing annual costs of approximately $1,580.
How long do German Shepherds live?
German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Common health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat.
Are German Shepherds good with kids?
German Shepherds score 4/5 for being good with children. They are generally excellent family dogs and get along well with children of all ages.
Do German Shepherds shed a lot?
German Shepherds have a shedding level of 5/5. They are heavy shedders and require regular brushing to manage loose fur.
Are German Shepherds good for apartments?
German Shepherds score 2/5 for apartment friendliness. They are better suited to homes with yards and ample space to move around.