The Canine Field Guide
LoyalConfidentCourageous

Herding Group — Origin: Germany

German Shepherd

A large-sized herding-group dog known for being loyal and confident.

Size
Large
Weight
2240 kg
Lifespan
913 yrs
Strength
4
Stamina
5
Trainability
8
Friendliness
7

At a mid-life age of 11 years, this breed is roughly

71.3 human years old

See the full dog-years calculator

What it eats

  • Large-breed formula kibble with joint support
  • Two meals a day to avoid bloat
  • Glucosamine supplement as they age

What it does

  • Daily walks and yard play
  • Fetch in short bursts
  • Casual obedience games

Habitat

Needs a house with a fenced yard and room to stretch out; less suited to cramped apartments.

Daily exercise needs

Bred with a courageous streak, this breed keeps its condition with moderate daily exertion.

Moderate exertion~80 min/day

Field note

Hailing from Germany, the German Shepherd has been recognized as part of the Herding group for generations of purposeful breeding.

More from the Herding group