The German Shepherd is one of the canine population’s most superb working dogs, excelling originally as a herder and guardian of sheep – hence the name – and latterly in the military and police.
Canine intelligence is arguably an arbitrary value to measure, but as far as instinct, adaptability and working obedience are concerned, the German Shepherd ranks very highly. According to canine researcher Stanley Coren who wrote The Intelligence of Dogs, the breed is the third most intelligent breed of all, behind only the Border Collie and poodle. They are certainly trainable, being popular in assisting the army and police, but also on security patrols, search and rescue missions, as service dogs, agility experts and in other competitive sports.
German Shepherds originated in Germany around the turn of the 19th century. Their role working alongside shepherds meant that their traits such as intelligence, speed, strength, loyalty and sense of smell were highly rated – which amounts to a fantastic all-round pastoral dog. They’ve had a few names in the course of the breed’s development, such as Alsatian Wolf dog, but their characteristics essentially remain the same. A highly active, intelligent and trainable dog with a willingness to learn and a sense of purpose.
While staunchly loyal to their family, they have a reputation for being aloof with strangers and highly protective. They will be put their life on the line for the sake of their loved ones! With such a strong spirit, they should be well trained and socialised from a young age. Their natural trainability should make this a rewarding process.
The German Shepherd comes in a variety of colours, such as this dark sable
(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)
German Shepherd: fact file
Kennel Club breed group: pastoral
Size: large
Daily exercise: more than two hours per day
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Coat: short or long; shedding
Colours: bi-colour, black, black/gold, black/tan, dark sable, gold sable, grey, grey sable or sable
Lifespan: more than 10 years
Bark: yes. They were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep, and can be quite vocal and territorial about their own patch.
Distinctive features: erect and alert ears. This is a well-balanced, muscular dog with a lively expression and a bushy, sabre-shaped tail.
Temperament: loyal, confident, courageous. Aloof with strangers.
Things to consider: the German Shepherd is a large dog, and will therefore be most comfortable sleeping in one of the best dog beds designed specifically for large breeds.
When they are young, consider feeding them a food designed for large breed puppies as they have different nutritional requirements to smaller dogs.
Training: start their training early to ensure they grow into an adaptable and well-mannered adult dog. This breeds loves to work, to learn and obey commands. They bond strongly with their handlers, and consistent, positive training – use training treats for encouragement – should result in an extraordinarily biddable and loyal companion.
German Shepherd Dog Training This book is the first of three volumes that guide you through training your German Shepherd throughout their lifetime.
Complete Guide To German Shepherds Using interviews with 12 top German Shepherd breeders, this book has created an in-depth look at what it really takes to successfully live with, raise, and train a German Shepherd.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
