Dog breed · Herding
German Shepherd
Loyal, confident, protective
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 22–40 kg (49–88 lb)
- Height
- 55–65 cm (22–26 in)
- Life span
- 9–13 years
- Origin
- Germany
The coat
Medium · Saddle / black and tan
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are German Shepherds right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Quick to learn
Be ready for
- Happier with space and a garden
- Needs a lot of exercise every day
- Sheds a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult German Shepherds weigh 22–40 kg (49–88 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the German Shepherd
German Shepherds are working dogs through and through: intelligent, trainable and happiest with a job. They are used by police, armed forces and search-and-rescue teams worldwide.
In a family home they are loyal and protective, but they need firm, kind training and lots of mental stimulation. Without it they can become anxious, reactive or noisy.
Health to know about
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
- Allergies and skin problems
Care in short
- Two hours of activity a day, including training games
- Early and ongoing socialisation with people and dogs
- Brush several times a week
- Feed two or three smaller meals to reduce the risk of bloat
Kit for a German Shepherd
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Best for heavy shedders
Deshedding tool with ejector
4.7Reaches the undercoat that causes most of the hair on the sofa.
- Several blade widths
- Use weekly, gently
Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for busy minds
Treat-dispensing puzzle toy
4.5Turns part of a meal into a ten-minute job for clever, energetic dogs.
- Adjustable difficulty
- Easy to wash
Similar breeds
| Trait | German Shepherd |  Australian ShepherdCompare |
 Border CollieCompare |
 Bernese Mountain DogCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) | 16–32 kg (35–71 lb) | 12–20 kg (26–44 lb) | 35–55 kg (77–121 lb) |
| Energy | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Shedding | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Trainability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a German Shepherd get?
Adults usually weigh 22–40 kg (49–88 lb) and stand 55–65 cm (22–26 in) tall.
How long do German Shepherds live?
Typically 9–13 years.
Are German Shepherds good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do German Shepherds shed?
Heavily, all year round.
What health problems are German Shepherds prone to?
Hip and elbow dysplasia; Degenerative myelopathy; Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus); Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency; Allergies and skin problems.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts