CanlıDostum⚡ At a glance
- Adult weight: Male 30–40 kg (66–88 lb) · Female 22–32 kg (49–70 lb)
- Life expectancy: 9–12 years
- Activity: Very high · about 2 hours a day
- Best suited to: Experienced, active owners with time for training
Key facts
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Height | Male 60–65 cm (24–26 in) · Female 55–60 cm (22–24 in) |
| Adult weight | Male 30–40 kg (66–88 lb) · Female 22–32 kg (49–70 lb) |
| Life expectancy | 9–12 years |
| Activity needs | Very high · about 2 hours a day |
| Coat | Medium double coat; heavy shedding |
| Best suited to | Experienced, active owners with time for training |
Approximate ranges based on breed standards; individuals vary.
Temperament
German Shepherds are devoted, alert and eager to learn. They can be wary of strangers, so early socialisation and consistent training are essential. They work as police, search-and-rescue and guide dogs.
Daily exercise
About 2 hours of physical and mental activity a day: obedience, scent work and play. Avoid long runs and stairs during growth.
Feeding
Sensitive stomachs are common; change food gradually over 7–10 days.
Example: a neutered adult German Shepherd at an ideal weight of 32 kg (70 lb) needs roughly 1510 kcal a day (RER × 1.6). Work out your own pet's needs with the calorie calculator and check ideal weight with the ideal weight calculator.
Common health problems
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy: progressive hind-leg weakness in old age
- Bloat (GDV): emergency — swollen belly, retching without vomiting
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): weight loss, large fatty stools
- Skin allergies
Care tips
- Brush 2–3 times a week, daily when shedding
- Two meals a day instead of one big meal; no hard exercise right after eating (GDV risk)
- Regular nail and ear checks
- Keep an ideal weight for the joints
Frequently asked questions
Can a German Shepherd live in an apartment?
It is hard. Possible with 2 hours of outdoor activity and mental work daily, but an active life with a garden suits them better.
Are German Shepherds good with children?
A well-socialised German Shepherd is very attached to its family. As a large, strong dog it should be supervised around small children.
What is bloat in German Shepherds?
The stomach fills with gas and twists. It is life-threatening: a swollen belly, restlessness and retching without vomiting mean go to a vet immediately.