The German Shepherd is the dog most people picture when they hear "police dog," and it was No. 4 on the American Kennel Club's 2025 list of the most popular breeds in the US. It's also a large, loud, shedding, high-energy working dog that wants a job and a person. If you're thinking about bringing one home, this guide covers what life with one is really like, from the first brushing session to the senior years.

German Shepherd at a glance

  • Size: Large
  • Height: Males 24-26 in, females 22-24 in (Purina). The FCI breed standard gives 60-65 cm for males and 55-60 cm for females. PDSA's UK average is 58-63 cm.
  • Weight: Males 65-90 lb, females 50-70 lb (Purina). The FCI standard lists 30-40 kg for males and 22-32 kg for females, while PDSA's average is 35-43 kg.
  • Lifespan: Sources disagree. Purina says 7-10 years, PDSA says "over 10 years," and a UK veterinary records study from the Royal Veterinary College found a median of 10.3 years.
  • Energy: High. Westminster Kennel Club rates it 5 out of 5 (Purina calls it medium), and PDSA recommends at least 2 hours of exercise a day.
  • Shedding: Heavy, with one or two bigger sheds a year
  • Grooming effort: Moderate. Brush a few times a week, more during a shed.
  • Trainability: High, with consistency and clear house rules
  • Barking: Likely to be vocal, especially when people pass by or come and go
  • Good with kids: Often, with supervision. They don't always know their own strength.
  • Good with cats and other dogs: Usually fine with animals they grew up with. Later introductions need care.
  • Alone time: Low tolerance. They thrive on company.
  • Apartment living: Not a good match for most. PDSA says they suit people with plenty of time and space.
  • Heat and cold: Not rated by our sources. Both coat types have an undercoat, so talk to your vet about exercise on hot days.

Where the German Shepherd comes from

The breed is younger than most people think. Its founding club, the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV), was set up in Frankfurt on September 20, 1899, at the suggestion of A. Meyer and Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer. Breeding started that same year with herding dogs from central and southern Germany. The goal was a dog that could work hard and think on its feet.

That working brief still runs the show. The FCI breed standard describes the German Shepherd as a working, herding and service dog, and the job list grew fast: herding, guarding, police and military work, and guiding people who are blind or deaf. In 1928 a German Shepherd named Buddy was trained as the first guide dog in the US.

Film helped, too. Rin-Tin-Tin starred in 26 Warner Bros. films in the 1920s and 1930s, and the breed's popularity in America took off with him. Anti-German feeling during and after the two world wars hurt the breed for a while, but it never really went away.

What does that mean for your living room? A dog bred to watch a flock all day will watch your front door all day. A dog bred to take instructions will look to you for them, and get creative when nobody gives any.

German Shepherd temperament and personality

The breed standard asks for a dog that's well balanced, with strong nerves, self-assured and good-natured, "attentive and willing to please." Real dogs vary, and sources agree on a few patterns.

With family. German Shepherds are loyal and very attached. Purina calls the breed a "one-man" dog that bonds hardest with its main caretaker and doesn't hand out affection to everyone. In practice that often means a shadow who follows one person from room to room.

With strangers. PDSA describes a strong guarding instinct, and notes that some German Shepherds are nervous around strangers. Expect a dog that notices everyone who walks past the yard gate and tells you about it. Early, thorough socialization is what helps prevent guarding from tipping into aggression.

With other animals. Most do well with pets they grew up with. A German Shepherd that wasn't raised around cats or small pets may chase them, and PDSA notes that some get bossy with other dogs as they get older.

Quirks owners talk about. The noise. Barking at passers-by, at the doorbell, at the garbage truck. The hair, which gets everywhere. And the watching: many German Shepherds keep a constant eye on their people.

Are German Shepherds aggressive? Not by nature, but they are protective. In the Royal Veterinary College's study of German Shepherds seen by UK vets, aggression was one of the more common problems recorded, next to ear infections, arthritis, diarrhea and weight gain. That's a strong argument for socialization and good training from day one, and for choosing a well-bred or carefully assessed dog.

Are German Shepherds good with kids?

Short answer: many are, with supervision. PDSA says some German Shepherds make good family pets for children of all ages, but they should always be supervised, partly because they may not realize their own strength. A 35 kg dog that's thrilled to see a toddler can knock that toddler flat without meaning any harm.

Purina adds that puppies should meet children during their early socialization window. If you're adopting an adult dog into a home with kids, ask the rescue how the dog has done with children before. Good rescues will tell you what they know.

Daily life: exercise, training and space

Exercise. PDSA's minimum is 2 hours a day, ideally split across the day instead of one long outing. Think a brisk morning walk, a midday game, and an evening walk with some sniffing time. Purina points out the breed needs mental work as much as physical work.

Mental work. This is the part people skip. Westminster Kennel Club lists the sports German Shepherds excel at: herding, obedience, agility, tracking and working dog sports. Purina adds dock diving. You don't need to compete. A 10-minute scent game in the yard or a short training session before dinner gives that busy brain something to chew on.

Training. PDSA calls German Shepherds easy to train with consistency and clear household rules. They're smart and they learn fast, which cuts both ways: they learn bad habits fast too. Set the rules early (who's allowed on the sofa, how to greet visitors) and keep them the same for everyone in the house.

Space and time. PDSA says the breed suits very active households and experienced owners with plenty of time and space. Honestly, a German Shepherd in a small apartment with an owner who works long days is a tough match.

Alone time. German Shepherds thrive on company. PDSA's guidance is to keep alone time to a minimum, and that no dog should be left alone for more than 4 hours.

Coat and grooming

The FCI standard recognizes two coat types, both with an undercoat: the standard double coat, with harsh, close-lying outer hair, and the long double coat, with longer, softer outer hair. Colors include black with reddish-brown, brown, or yellow to light gray markings, solid black, and gray with darker shading. The FCI standard doesn't allow white.

Shedding. Heavy. Purina says German Shepherds shed more heavily once or twice a year, and those weeks call for extra brushing. If you dislike dog hair, or anyone in the house is allergic to dogs, PDSA says this isn't the breed for you.

Brushing. A few times a week (PDSA), and more often during a heavy shed.

Bathing. Only when your vet advises it, since the skin can be sensitive (PDSA). Some owners use a professional groomer simply because bathing a dog this size at home is a workout.

Ears and nails. Ear infections (otitis externa) were among the most common problems in the RVC study, so check those big upright ears during brushing sessions and ask your vet if you see redness, smell or head shaking. Keep nails trimmed as you would for any dog.

Food and weight

Feed a complete, balanced food split into two meals a day, and keep treats under 10% of daily calories (PDSA). Purina recommends a large-breed food for joint health and body condition, and a large-breed puppy food during the first year.

Being overweight was one of the most common issues in the RVC study, so it's worth watching. Extra weight is hard on joints in a breed already prone to hip and elbow problems. Your vet can tell you your dog's ideal weight and how much to feed.

Splitting meals matters for another reason too. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons lists eating one large meal a day and eating fast as risk factors for bloat (see below).

German Shepherd health problems

This section is for awareness only. Talk to your vet about anything that worries you.

PDSA lists these conditions as ones the breed is prone to:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy (DM, also called CDRM), which affects the back legs
  • Anal furunculosis
  • Inherited eye diseases, including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Pituitary dwarfism
  • Hemophilia A and B

PDSA also notes that the UK Kennel Club places the breed in its "Category Three" because of its build, mainly the back legs and hips.

Degenerative myelopathy. According to the University of Missouri's veterinary health center, DM is a fatal spinal cord disease of older dogs, usually starting around 9 years of age. Early signs are wobbliness and weakness in the back legs; owners often notice the dog scuffing its toes. It doesn't appear to be painful, and there's no cure, though physical rehab can help keep muscles strong. A DNA test for the SOD1 gene mutation linked to DM exists. It shows risk, not a diagnosis: not every dog with two copies of the mutation develops the disease.

Bloat (GDV). The American College of Veterinary Surgeons describes gastric dilatation-volvulus as a fast, life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and can twist. Deep-chested and large dogs are at higher risk, and Purina flags it for German Shepherds. Watch for restlessness, drooling, a swelling belly and retching without bringing anything up. That's a go-to-the-vet-now situation. Some vets recommend a preventive surgery called gastropexy for at-risk breeds, which can be done during spay or neuter; ask yours.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Tufts University's Your Dog explains that German Shepherds are predisposed, and in the breed it's usually inherited. The pancreas stops making the enzymes that digest food, so the classic sign is a dog losing weight while eating hungrily, often with large, greasy stools. A blood test confirms it, and treatment includes enzymes added to every meal.

Health screenings to look for. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America's Health Award of Merit asks for OFA hip and elbow evaluations, OFA heart and thyroid tests, a temperament test, and a published DM DNA result. The AKC's list of recommended tests for the breed is hip evaluation, elbow evaluation and a temperament test. In the UK, PDSA suggests looking for a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, who must complete extra health tests. Before you buy a puppy, ask to see the parents' results.

What German Shepherds die of. In the RVC study, the most common causes of death were musculoskeletal disorders (16.3%) and being unable to stand (14.9%). That lines up with everything above: hips, elbows, spine.

Puppy, adult and senior years

Puppy. Socialization is the big job. Purina says puppies should meet children during the early socialization window, and PDSA stresses early, thorough socialization to head off guarding problems later. Feed a large-breed puppy food (Purina).

Adult. This is when the breed's energy and guarding instinct are at full strength. Expect the full 2 hours of exercise plus mental work. Some dogs become bossier with other dogs as they age (PDSA), so keep up the training.

Senior. Watch the back legs. Osteoarthritis was common in the RVC study, and DM usually shows up around age 9. Toe-scuffing, wobbliness or trouble getting up are all reasons to book a vet visit.

How much does a German Shepherd cost?

Costs vary a lot by country, and we could only find reliable figures from these two sources:

  • UK (PDSA): At least £105 a month after buying and setting up, and more than £17,000 over the dog's lifetime.
  • US (ASPCA, 2021 figures for dogs in general, not large breeds specifically): about $1,391 a year in ongoing costs, including $516 for insurance, and about $3,221 for the first year, including spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping, a crate and a training class.

The ASPCA numbers are for dogs of all sizes, so expect a German Shepherd to land at or above them. We couldn't find a reliable Europe-wide figure in euros.

Adopt or buy? PDSA says adopting from a rescue is often cheaper, and some rescues ask for a rehoming donation instead of a fixed fee. Some also neuter before rehoming, which saves you that bill. A health-tested puppy from a good breeder costs more up front. Be wary of unusually cheap puppies: PDSA warns they may come from puppy farms.

Myths and lesser-known facts

"They're all one size and one coat." There are two coat types in the breed standard, the standard double coat and the long double coat.

"White German Shepherds are just a rare color." The FCI breed standard doesn't allow white in the German Shepherd.

"They're naturally aggressive." They're protective and alert, with a strong guarding instinct. PDSA says early socialization and training are what keep that instinct in check.

"A guard dog is happy living in the yard." German Shepherds thrive on company and shouldn't be left alone for long (PDSA). This is a people dog.

The guide-dog first. Buddy, a German Shepherd, became the first guide dog in the US in 1928.

The movie star. Rin-Tin-Tin made 26 films for Warner Bros.

Is a German Shepherd right for you?

Pros

  • Loyal and deeply attached to its people
  • Smart and quick to learn with consistent training
  • A natural watchdog
  • Up for almost any activity: hiking, tracking, agility, obedience

Cons

  • Needs 2+ hours of exercise and daily mental work
  • Heavy shedding, with big seasonal sheds
  • Often vocal
  • Can be wary of strangers and bossy with other dogs without good socialization
  • Prone to several hip, elbow and spine conditions
  • Doesn't like being left alone

A good match: active, experienced owners who are home a lot, enjoy training and don't mind hair on everything.

Probably not a good match: first-time owners short on time, people in small apartments who work long days, anyone with a dog allergy, and homes with cats or small pets when the dog hasn't lived with them before.

Getting a German Shepherd responsibly

Start with rescue. PDSA notes there are breed-specific German Shepherd rescues, and plenty of German Shepherds and Shepherd mixes wait in general shelters too. You can also check shelters and rescues near you on the Paw Alert map.

When you adopt, ask about the dog's history, health and behavior. PDSA says good rescue centers should tell you about any known problems.

If you buy a puppy, ask the breeder:

  • Have both parents had hip and elbow screening? Can I see the results?
  • Do you DNA-test for degenerative myelopathy?
  • Have the parents had heart, thyroid or temperament assessments?
  • How do you socialize the puppies, and with what (children, visitors, household noise)?
  • Can I meet the mother?

Red flags:

  • No health results, or vague answers about them
  • A price that seems too good to be true (PDSA warns cheap puppies may come from puppy farms)
  • Pressure to decide fast or pay before you've seen the puppy

Frequently asked questions

Do German Shepherds shed a lot?

Yes. They shed heavily all year and have one or two bigger sheds a year, when you'll want to brush more often. Plan on brushing a few times a week either way.

Are German Shepherds good with kids?

Many are, and PDSA says some make good family pets for children of all ages. Always supervise them together, because a German Shepherd may not realize its own strength.

How long do German Shepherds live?

Sources disagree. Purina gives 7-10 years, PDSA says over 10, and a UK veterinary records study found a median of 10.3 years.

Can German Shepherds be left alone?

Not for long. They thrive on company, and PDSA advises that no dog should be left alone for more than 4 hours.

How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?

PDSA recommends at least 2 hours a day, split across the day. Add training or scent games for their brains, too.

How much does a German Shepherd cost per month?

PDSA puts the UK minimum at £105 a month after the initial costs, and more than £17,000 over a lifetime. In the US, the ASPCA's 2021 estimate for an average dog is about $1,391 a year, and a big dog will cost more.

Are German Shepherds aggressive?

They're protective, with a strong guarding instinct, and some are wary of strangers. Early socialization and consistent training help prevent that from turning into aggression.

What health tests should German Shepherd parents have?

The breed's US club asks for hip and elbow evaluations, heart and thyroid tests, a temperament test and a DM DNA test. Ask the breeder to show you the results.

Sources