German Shepherd Dog Breed

Thinking of getting a German Shepherd Dog and want to know if a German Shepherd is suitable for your household?

Use the German Shepherd information on this website to learn more about adaptability, health issues, life span of German Shepherd and more.


German Shepherd Breed Facts

German Shepherd Facts

  • Name: German Shepherd
  • Other Names: Alsatian (UK), Alsatian wolf dog (UK), Berger Allemand, Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund
  • Origin: Germany
  • Breed Group: Herding (AKC:1908, UKC)
  • Breed Type: Purebred


German Shepherd Dog Facts

German Shepherd Information

The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs, well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog should be evaluated as an all-around working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s ability to work.

The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault.

What to do if you lose your German Shepherd

If your German Shepherd Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. Report your missing pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. Report the lost pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups Here.

3. Telephone the local vets to see if someone has brought in your lost pet.

4. Telephone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.

5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Pounds.

What to do if you find a lost German Shepherd

If you find a German Shepherd Dog or any other pet and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:

1. List the found pet details at Pet Reunite website here.

2. List the missing pet on the Local Facebook Lost Pets Groups.

3. Call the Local Authority to collect the lost animal.

4. Take the animal to the local Animal Pound assigned to your suburb.

5. Take the animal to the local Vet Clinic who can scan the animal’s microchip and contact the registered pet owner.

Laws Regarding Missing Pets

1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.

2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone else’s property.

3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.

4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.

5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.