German Shepherd

Everything you need to know about German Shepherds

Life Expectancytypically 10+ years
SheddingMedium length with heavy shedding
SizeLarge

German Shepherds are a restricted breed in Ireland, this includes strains and crosses of them. 

In accordance with the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, while in a public place, restricted breeds must be:

  • Wearing a muzzle
  • Kept on a short strong lead (under 2m)
  • With someone over the age of 16, who is capable of controlling them
  • Wearing a collar with the name and address of their owner

German Shepherds are sometimes referred to as Alsatians but their correct breed name is German Shepherd. German Shepherds can have a short, dense coat or a long coat with wavy hair in places. Standard German Shepherd colours include black, tan and white.

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including German Shepherds, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.

Thinking about giving a German Shepherd a forever home? Here are some German Shepherd facts that might help you decide.

Caring for German Shepherds

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a German Shepherd.

Smiling Yellow Dog Cartoon

Health issues

Before you give any type of German Shepherd a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.

To find out more about potential health issue...

How much food does a German Shepherd need?

The amount of food a German Shepherd needs depends on their:

  • age
  • size
  • activity levels
  • fitness
  • weight.

You can use the information on dog food packets as a guide, ...

How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?

German Shepherds are typically high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and p...

How much grooming does a German Shepherd need?

German Shepherds have thick coats so they shed a lot. You'll typically need to brush your short or long-haired German Shepherd a few times a week. German Shepherds may also need professional grooming.

To help yo...

What size crate do you need for a German Shepherd?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

  • sit and stand up at their full height
  • turn around without touching the sides
  • lie down fully stretched out
  • comfortabl...

German Shepherd behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about German Shepherds or German Shepherd mixes, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.

Yellow Dog Cartoon Running

Are German Shepherds easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s treats, toys or lots of praise, training with ...

What’s the temperament of a German Shepherd?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to ...

Are German Shepherds good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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