German Shepherd Breed description: Character & Co

What are the breed characteristics of the German Shepherd?

The strong and muscular body is medium in size. The build is longer than it is tall (rectangular). Their wedge-shaped head has an elongated snout with its nose bridge being straight and their nose is black in colour. Their pointed ears that stand up straight are directed towards the front. The dark, slightly angled eyes always seem alert. A bushy tail concludes the picture. It is slightly bent in a sickle-shape and is pointed downwards.

Their hindquarters are angled and allow them pull themselves forward from behind. Thereby the rear limbs reach forward across the middle of their body.

Appearance and coat of the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is available in two coat variations. Whether short or long coat, this dog breed is adaptable to all kinds of weather conditions. The dense undercoat protects them against the cold, rain and snow. With the short-coated type the coat is longer on the neck, on the hind legs and on the tail.

The coat is easy to groom. Regular brushing is sufficient. The German Shepherd sheds all year round and of course more so when they change their coat.

Typical for the appearance of the German Shepherd are the black mask and a black saddle, which is combined with either red-brown, brown or yellow fur. Plain coloured specimens such as black also belong to the breed standard. The breeding line of the grey German Shepherds is short-haired an show dark cloudy spots.

What is the average size of the German Shepherd?

The German Shepherd is a medium sized breed. Bitches reach a height of about 55 to 60 centimetres measured at the withers. For males the height at the withers varies between 60 and 65 centimetres. In literature the term "shoulder height" is sometimes used for size specification. Both term confused, they both terms refer to the same thing. The size of a dog is measured at the highest point of their back. 

How much does a German Shepherd dog weigh?

Body weight depends on the sex and size of the dog. As a dog owner, you can orientate yourself by the standard measurements. Male dogs can reach a weight between 30 and 40 kilograms. For bitches this can be a weight of 22 to 35 kilograms.

What is the average lifespan of a German Shepherd?

Opinions differ about the age predictions. Partially you will find information about a final age of 9 to 15 years. Both ages are not within the average range. The life expectancy of this breed of dog is approximately 12 to 13 years.