German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd dog is predisposed to a number of problems including gastrointestinal diseases, a specific stomach condition (gastric dilation volvulus), a disease of the spinal cord and epilepsy. As with many other breeds, they can also suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia (joint conditions that can be painful and lead to mobility problems). Hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

The breed club monitor the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend. Breed Clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website.

Two hours or more exercise with plenty of variety in route and location should meet the adult GSD’s needs. Puppies require careful exercise to avoid damaging still developing joints. Lots of training and puzzle solving games will keep that sharp mind engaged productively. A bored or lonely German Shepherd is likely to be reactive, vocal and destructive!

This is a big dog who takes a long time to physically mature and so is not suited to flats accessed by stairs or homes without access to a secure garden. Town or country will be fine, but plenty of space to walk, train and run freely is advisable. They will guard and so a busy urban environment can be too stimulating for them.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. The German Shepherd dog can be prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

Grooming should be done several times a week, with a vigorous brushing to remove any dead or loose hairs. If it is a longhaired German Shepherd dog, combing will also be necessary. No trimming is required and bathing should only be done as needed. This is a shedding dog but the more you groom them, the less they will shed.

Early and consistent socialisation is vital to ensure the GSD grows up confident and happy in a variety of situations with people, other animals, livestock and children. This is a breed that needs to be sourced form a breeder who understands the importance of early habituation and socialisation with this potentially reactive breed.

Easy to train if you employ kind reward-based training methods. Patience is needed as the GSD is slow to mature and often suffers from looking like an adult physically long before their brain has matured! A well-trained GSD is capable of most jobs, sports or activities – in fact one of the first non-herding and non-military uses for the GSD was as Guide Dogs for the Blind.

A German Shepherd Dog from a breeder who focuses on temperament and health makes an excellent family pet if you have the time to dedicate to training, exercise and vacuuming up shed hair. Possibly a little too boisterous and large for homes with tiny children or frail older family members.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.