German Shepherd Dog
Generally considered dogkind’s finest all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. Loyal, confident, courageous, and steady, the German Shepherd is truly a dog lover’s delight.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
| Height | 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Courageous / Confident / Smart [1] |
| AKC group | Herding Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 4 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
As a very active and athletic breed, the German Shepherd requires lots of exercise for his physical and mental well-being. A dog who is not exercised enough will become frustrated and likely to develop undesirable behaviors. With a puppy, you can start with short daily walks, as well as play sessions in a safely fenced area. [1]
Grooming
The German Shepherd Dog has a medium-length, double coat consisting of a dense, harsh, and close-lying outer coat with a softer undercoat. The breed is easy to maintain, usually requiring just a quick brushing every few days or so to help remove loose hairs, but they do shed more profusely once or twice a year. During these periods, more frequent brushing will help control the amount of hair that ends up around the house and on the furniture. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Most German Shepherds are healthy dogs. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and elbow and hip dysplasia. German Shepherd Dogs can experience bloat, a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen, and owners should educate themselves about its symptoms and what to do should bloat occur. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Temperament Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
| Full professional grooming, per visit | $40–$150 | [6] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the German Shepherd Dog in 1908. [1]
- It ranked No. 4 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 2 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “GSD, Alsatian (U.K.).” [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smartest Breeds of Dogs, Best Guard Dogs” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Anyone who hates vacuuming: AKC rates shedding 4/5
Common questions
How long do German Shepherd Dogs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a German Shepherd Dog get?
AKC breed information lists height 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female) and weight 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a German Shepherd Dog?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the German Shepherd Dog, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.