A German Shepherd lying on grass.

A German Shepherd lying on grass.

Jakub Hałun, 20110425 German Shepherd Dog 8505.jpg, Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20110425_German_Shepherd_Dog_8505.jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. No source-file edits; display resizing/cropping only.

Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image source

Breed or variety record

German Shepherd

dog breed

Part of Dog

Explore the German Shepherd in The Ark Is Earth's educational archive.

Summary

The German Shepherd was developed in Germany from regional herding dogs and organized as a working breed at the end of the nineteenth century. Shepherds valued a dog that could move livestock and respond to direction over distance. Its intelligence, confidence, and courage suit training-intensive work such as search, assistance, and police service. With routine exercise, socialization, and a purposeful job, it can also be a close family companion.

Quick facts

  • Size: Males are typically 24–26 inches tall and 65–90 pounds; females are 22–24 inches and 50–70 pounds.
  • Coat: The dense double coat comes in several patterns; black and tan, sable, and solid black are familiar colours.
  • Lifespan: The AKC lists a typical life expectancy of 12–14 years.
  • Working style: Alert, intelligent, and responsive, this breed thrives with regular training and meaningful activity.

Sources

Species context

Dog (Canis lupus familiaris)