Breed: German Shepherd
Average Size: Usually 22 to 26 in at the withers and weigh between 49 and 88 lb.
Appearance: German Shepherds can be a variety of colors. The most common colors are the tan/black and red/black varieties. Both varieties have black masks. Other variations include the sable, all-black, all-white, liver and blue varieties. Their foreheads are domed. They have a long square-cut muzzle and a black nose. The eyes are medium-sized and brown. The ears are large and stand erect but they often are pulled back during movement. They have a long neck, which is raised when excited. They have a bushy tail.
Lifespan: Average 10 to 12 years old
Habitat: They like to be active so a larger space is appropriate with a place for them to run or be walked.
Food: Any human-grade commercial food is good. Just be sure not to overfeed and cause obesity
Temperament: German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and very intelligent. They have a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well. They can however become over-protective of their family and territory if not socialized properly. German Shepherds are highly obedient and not easily distracted. They have a reputation for aggression which has even had them banned in some areas. German Shepherds are responsible for more random bitings than any other breed, and have a known tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs in the US
Special Traits: Shepherds were bred for their intelligence and are considered the third most intelligent dog. Along with their strength, this trait makes the breed perfect for jobs such as police, guard, and rescue dogs. They are able to quickly learn tasks and interpret instructions better than other large breeds.
Other Important Info: German Shepherds have a double coat. The outer coat is shed all year round and is close and dense. Then they have a thick undercoat. The coat can be either medium or long hair. The long-hair gene is recessive making is less common. They face some health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia which can cause pain and a arthritis. With their large and open nature of their ears, Shepherds also are prone to ear infections. They are prone to bloat like all large bodied dogs.
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