Is a German Shepherd the Right Dog for You?
“German Shepherds are loving, loyal and extremely active in body and mind. They need to be well-socialized as puppies and need lots of training, plus at least two hours of exercise per day. German Shepherds have thick coats that shed all year round and may not be the best choice for people with allergies.”
1. Puppies are hard work
Despite their irresistible cuteness, German Shepherd puppies are hard work. Along with their need for lots of training, they are curious, bold, and into everything that captures their attention. They also love to puppy bite and chew everything that moves, including hands, feet, furniture, personal belongings, and small children. Puppy proofing the house and teaching them what is and is not okay to play bite is not optional when one of these tiny land sharks moves in.
10 things to know about German Shepherds
2. They need their people around
From young pups to seniors, German Shepherds become very bonded with their owners. As puppies, they can’t be left alone for hours on end by themselves. Adult and senior dogs are happiest when their owners are nearby. This breed doesn’t do well spending too much time alone and can develop problems such as anxiety, destructive behaviors, nuisance barking, and worse when not made part of the family or they spend too much time alone. If you work, you might consider day care, a dog walker, a dog sitter, or even another dog to keep them company.
3. They need lots of room to exercise
When breed experts say German Shepherds are active, they aren’t kidding. They need lots of room to run and play so that they can burn off excess energy. They also have a lot of stamina and require plenty of time to get their exercise needs met. It doesn’t matter so much what they do as long as they are provided with the space and time to do it-every day, preferably with you.
4. They get bored easily
To say German shepherds are smart is an understatement. This breed is very clever and will invent things to keep their mind occupied when not given enough time, training, attention, and exercise. A bored shepherd can easily transform into a mischievous shepherd. They need lots of activities to keep their mind engaged as well as their body. The good news is, when you give them time and attention, they love nothing more than to focus on you.
5. They can be expensive to take care of
There is no such thing as a free dog but German Shepherds cost more than other dogs to raise. For starters, the larger the dog, the more expensive it is to feed, spay or neuter. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention costs more for larger dogs. They also tend to require premium foods to keep their sensitive skin and stomachs happy. They can be prone to allergies, breed specific health problems, and certain orthopedic issues that can equal expensive vet bills. When getting a new puppy, pet insurance is something to seriously consider.
6. Prepare to invest in a lot of toys
German Shepherds love to play and are also power chewers. Most can quickly destroy even the toughest toys and chews. When you own a shepherd, gone are the days of a toy lasting for years. The good news is, they love to share their toys with you as long as you’re willing to play with them
7. They shed on everything
German Shepherds shed all year round and twice a year, massively shed. To help keep the fur down, they must be brushed a few days a week and even then, they’ll still leave dog fur on floors, furniture, bedding, and clothes. They are totally worth the work but may not be the breed for people who like things kept spotless.
8. They have a prey drive
German Shepherds were bred to be herding dogs so they have a strong prey drive. Which means, they love to chase things. This drive is fun because it makes them totally into a game of fetch or Frisbee. It also means they may love to chase things, including small animals like squirrels, rabbits, cats, hamsters, etc. Can some dogs get along with other small pets? Absolutely. Are some dogs, especially those with stronger working lines harder to train and may be unsafe with small pets? Absolutely. Talk to your breeder or test the dog before bringing it home whenever possible.
9. Socialization isn’t optional
These dogs are powerful, naturally protective, and extremely devoted to their family. They can also be leery and standoffish with strangers. Teaching them how to be confident, greet people, and to prevent unwanted guarding behavior is one of the most important things they need to learn from a young age.
10. Playful and lively
Despite being fearless, they are also very playful and love nothing more than having fun with their family. They love to play games, learn new things, go for rides in the car, adventure, and spend time hanging out with the people they love.
Size and Life Expectancy
German shepherds are powerful dogs. The AKC breed standard is up to about 90 pounds for a male and 70 pounds for a female. Often, they’re bred to grow even larger, well over 100 pounds.
These power packed pups live for about 12-14 years and for most of those, will be a very active family member that needs lots of time, attention, and love. With German shepherds, this is not optional.
Other Things to Consider
How Will You Take Care of German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are great dogs. They make the best companions and their love and loyalty is off the charts. However, the breed comes with some important responsibilities and may not fit into every lifestyle, such as:
• May not be allowed at some rental houses, apartments, or hotels
• The larger the dog, the more veterinary care, medications, food, and flea control costs
• Are power chewers that need lots of durable chews and toys
• Needs plenty of space to exercise in every single day, all year long
• They don’t do well alone for long periods of time
• Needs lots of training to learn to be a good dog and burn energy
• Super smart, needs lots of mental stimulation
• Requires lots of love and companionship with their families
• Sheds, year-round, 24/7, all the time
• Needs lots of socialization so they don’t become over protective
• Loves to go places, on new adventures, and be with their family
• Loves to play
• Gets restless, anxious, and destructive when they don’t get their physical and mental needs met or they don’t get the time and attention they need
If you haven’t already done your research, please check out this informative article by the AKC about German Shepherds before proceeding.