German Shepherd Dog

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat, in a standard (stock) length and a long length

The standard coat has a dense, straight, harsh outer layer lying close to the body over a thick undercoat. The long-coated variety has a softer, longer outer coat with tufts on the ears and fuller feathering on the legs and 'trousers'. Beneath the coat is a medium-large, athletic body that is a little longer than it is tall, with firm, well-muscled lines, erect ears and a bushy tail carried low.356

Personality what they are like

A self-assured, even-tempered dog with strong nerves and a friendly nature toward its own people. It is watchful and naturally protective, and can be reserved with strangers until it gets to know them. Eager to work, it picks up new tasks quickly and enjoys having a job to do. Raised with children and other pets, it usually settles in well with them.3547

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day. Walks, running, tracking, obedience, agility and other training games suit it well, and mental work matters as much as physical exercise.64

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush several times a week to manage the constant light shedding, and daily during the two heavier seasonal moults. Long-coated dogs need a little more attention behind the ears and on the trousers. Early socialisation and consistent, positive obedience training are recommended.46

Home where they are happiest

Does best in a home with room to move, ideally a house with a large garden. Suits town or country life as long as it gets plenty of daily exercise and company.6

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality dog food suited to large breeds and matched to life stage (puppy, adult, senior), with portions adjusted to activity level.4

Company who they like around

A people-oriented dog that bonds closely with its family and likes to be involved in daily life. It gets on with children and other pets when raised with them, and early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with visitors.45

The story where it all began

In the late 1800s German shepherds kept many regional herding dogs of differing types. Cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz wanted one standardised working breed built on usefulness and brains. In 1899 he bought a dog called Hektor Linksrhein at a show, renamed him Horand von Grafrath and registered him as the first German Shepherd Dog, then founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) the same year. As flock herding declined, the breed was steered toward police and military roles. After the First World War anti-German feeling led the British Kennel Club to list it as the Alsatian Wolf Dog; 'Wolf Dog' was later dropped, the German Shepherd name came back in 1977, and the Alsatian tag stayed in brackets until 2010. The silent-film stars Strongheart and Rin Tin Tin made the breed famous in America in the 1920s, and it went on to become one of the best-known breeds anywhere, valued for police, guide, search-and-rescue and family work.3254

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 166, Group 1 (Sheepdogs and Cattledogs), Section 1 (Sheepdogs), working trial; definitive acceptance 1 Jan 1955; current standard published 11 Aug 20101

UKC

Herding Dog Group; recognised 19245

The Royal Kennel Club

Pastoral Group; short and long coat accepted6

AKC

Recognised breed (Herding Group); ranked 4th most registered breed in 202511

Popularity 4th most registered breed with the AKC (USA)11