German Shepherd Dog German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog

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Intelligent Loyal Courageous Confident

About the German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog — created by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1899 — was meticulously developed to be the ultimate herding and working dog, combining intelligence, strength, and versatility in one powerful package. Standing 22–26 inches tall and weighing 50–90 pounds, this noble breed has a dense double coat most commonly seen in black and tan, though sable, all-black, and bi-color variations also occur. German Shepherds are the world's leading police, military, and service dog breed — a testament to their extraordinary trainability and work ethic.

Temperament & Personality

German Shepherds are confident, courageous, and deeply loyal — forming an unbreakable bond with their handler or family. They are naturally protective and will position themselves between their family and any perceived threat without hesitation. With proper socialization, they are excellent with children in their household — patient and watchful — though their herding instinct may lead them to nip at the heels of running kids.

Pros

  • Among the top 3 most intelligent breeds — capable of learning complex tasks and commands
  • Versatile working ability — excels in protection, search and rescue, detection, and service roles
  • Loyal and naturally protective — an outstanding family guardian without excessive aggression
  • Athletic and eager to participate in virtually any outdoor activity with their owner

Cons

  • High incidence of hip and elbow dysplasia — especially in poorly bred lines
  • Sheds profusely year-round with intense seasonal "coat blows" twice yearly
  • Prone to degenerative myelopathy — a progressive spinal cord disease with no cure
  • Requires significant daily exercise and mental stimulation — at least 90 minutes — or develops neurotic behaviors

Find a loyal and capable German Shepherd Dog ready to join your family — start your search on Puplister.

German Shepherd Dog Quick Facts

Size
50–90 lbs, 22–26 in
Lifespan
9–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available German Shepherd Dogs

Mars
Baby
Mars
S

German Shepherd Dog

Magnificent Mutts Rescue · Hillside, IL
Hunny
Adult
Hunny
L

German Shepherd Dog

San Jose Animal Care Center · San Jose, CA
Harrison
Young

German Shepherd Dog

Hesperia Animal Shelter · Hesperia, CA
Linus
Young
Linus
L

German Shepherd Dog

Contra Costa Animal Services · Martinez, CA
Zoe
Young
Zoe
M

German Shepherd Dog

Albuquerque Animal Services · Albuquerque, NM
Hartford
Adult

Akita / German Shepherd Dog

Hesperia Animal Shelter · Hesperia, CA
Albany
Baby
Albany
S

German Shepherd Dog

Maricopa County Animal Care And Control West Valley Animal Care Center · Phoenix, AZ
Wilfred
Baby

German Shepherd Dog

San Bernardino City Animal Control · San Bernardino, CA
Eclair
Adult
Eclair
M

Siberian Husky / German Shepherd Dog

Northern California Sled Dog Rescue · Walnut Creek, CA
Shadow
Adult
Shadow
L

German Shepherd Dog

Miami-Dade Animal Services · Miami, FL
Paloma
Young
Paloma
L

German Shepherd Dog

Prince Georges County Animal Management Division · Forestville, MD
Mac
Young
Mac
L

Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog

Stanislaus County Animal Services · Modesto, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a German Shepherd Dog?
The German Shepherd Dog is known for being intelligent, loyal, courageous and confident.
How many German Shepherd Dogs are available for adoption?
There are currently 246 German Shepherd Dogs available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a German Shepherd Dog from Puplister?
To adopt a German Shepherd Dog, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.