Regarding the popularity of all existing dog breeds, the German Shepherd occupies an unchallenged leading place all over the world. The German Shepherd has been bred systematically since 1899.

The idea of the founder of the German Shepherd Association, Max von Stephanitz, to develop a capable, secure and even-tempered dog has turned into an international formula for success on four paws.

Country of origin

Germany

FCI-Standard-Nr. 166/23.03.2010/D

Breed standard German Shepherd

Diffusion

Worldwide with majority in the mother country of the breed. Over 78 member countries across all continents are organized in the world union of the associations for German Shepherds (WUSV).

Breed Group

FCI-classifikation

Group 1 - Guard dogs and herd dogs

Section 1 - Herd dogs with working trial

Stud book entries

About 10,000 per year. 

In total, over 2 million stud book entries. 

Currently, 250,000 German Shepherds live in Germany.

Colour

Black with red-brown, brown, yellow to light yellow marks. Black and grey unicoloured.

Current usage

Sport and family dog, service and guard dog, rescue and therapy dog, guide dog, herd dog.

Training

Absolutely necessary. Consistence, patience and understanding are basic requisites. Very adaptable working dog breed.

Character

Secure and self-confident, robust, natural, attentive, very resistant physically and psychically.

Compatibility

Good and secure social behaviour, gets along very well with humans and animals in the family environment after corresponding socialisation.

Feeding and Care

Feeding corresponding to activity and work with high quality food. Regular grooming, deworming and vaccination.

Activity

Active dog that needs regular exercise (walks, swimming, cycling, jogging, dog sports) in order to be balanced.

Health

HD combatted through breeding evaluation and checks by the SV. Life expectancy ten to twelve years.

Size and weight

Male dogs: 60 to 65 centimetres, 30 to 40 kilograms.

Female dogs: 55 to 60 centimetres, 22 to 32 kilograms.