
A loyal and dedicated companion always ready to learn something new
Vital stats
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Size: | Large |
Coat: | Double coat, groom weekly |
Exercise | 2+ hours a day for adult dogs |
Life span: | 10+ years |
Breed group: | Working/ Herding |
Temperament: | Loyal, intelligent, energetic |
German Shepherd temperament & personality

- Reserved but friendly.
- Generally enjoy the company of their family and can struggle with separation anxiety.
- German Shepherds are not naturally aggressive but their protective instinct means they can be hesitant when first meeting strangers.
- Tend to be gentle with children and other animals, but behavioural problems such as aggression may arise if the dog is left alone for too long or doesn’t get enough exercise.
- A key German Shepherd trait is their loud bark but their tendency to be vocal can be reduced with proper socialisation.
German Shepherd training & exercise

Training tips
- German Shepherd puppy training is best started when the dog is 8 weeks old. If not given structured training from early on, GSD puppies will quickly make their own rules.
- Because the breed’s loyal nature can make GSDs defensive around strangers, it’s important to prioritise socialisation. Puppies should be introduced to new people, places and experiences early.
- It’s also much easier to teach German Shepherds to walk on the lead politely while they are still small!
- German Shepherds are keen to please and can be sensitive to your reactions. It’s therefore best to focus on praising good behaviour and either ignoring “bad” behaviour or giving them a “No” before moving on.
Exercise
- A combination of stamina, intelligence, athleticism and enthusiasm means that adult German Shepherds need at least two hours of exercise per day, as well as plenty of mental stimulation.
- Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, GSDs are prone to burning off excess energy through destructive or unwanted behaviours like chewing, chasing, pulling on the lead and barking.
Game ideas
- Try playing games that involve seeking objects, tracking and retrieving.
- GSDs are very owner-focused, and generally very good at and willing to engage in obedience training.
Common German Shepherd health conditions

German Shepherd grooming

German Shepherds have a thick coat to protect them from the elements, so they do shed and need regular grooming.
- Double coat, with a coarse outer coat and a thick, smooth undercoat. These can be medium in length or long and woolly.
- German shepherds shed all year round, especially in spring and autumn. Weekly grooming will help keep their coat healthy and shedding under control.
- Regular bathing is not recommended because this strips the coat of its natural, protective oils.
Find more of our dog grooming tips to help your dog stay in the best condition.
German Shepherd nutrition

Your German Shepherd’s nutrition plan needs to include enough energy for a large, active dog and help them maintain a healthy weight.
- It is important to feed a formulation suitable for a large breed of dog, starting in puppyhood and continuing throughout your German Shepherd’s life. This is to ensure the correct balance of calcium and energy during growth and adulthood. In fact, too much calcium is more likely to cause developmental bone and joint issues than too little, so feeding a veterinary-recommended ‘large breed’ formulation is important.
- German Shepherds can be prone to gastrointestinal issues so sticking to a feeding schedule is important.
What to know before you buy or rehome a German Shepherd

Considering buying or rehoming a German Shepherd? Before you find a puppy or adopt a GSD, here are a few important things to remember.
- German Shepherds are loving, loyal and extremely active in body and mind. They need to be well-socialised 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.
- It’s important to get your GSD puppy from a reputable German Shepherd breeder so you can meet the puppy’s mum and check she has the temperament you’re looking for. ‘Lucy’s Law’ dictates that new puppies or kittens must be bought directly from a breeder or adopted from rescue. Third party sellers are now illegal.
- Like all dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from a range of health conditions, and hip and elbow dysplasia are particularly common in the breed. A reputable GSD breeder will be able to provide proof of genetic testing, like hip and elbow scores, for both parents to help you choose a healthy dog.
German Shepherd frequently asked questions
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German Shepherd insurance considerations
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Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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