Photo: Erick Drumss Hernández · CC BY-SA 4.0 dog breed · 927 on Animalso
German Shepherd: German Working Dog Breed
- Animal
- Dog
- Origin
- Germany
- Height
- 55 cm
- Weight
- 22 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 years
The German Shepherd is a medium-to-large working dog from Germany. It is described as intelligent and obedient, and is also known as the Alsatian in Britain. Recorded figures list a height of 55, a weight of 22, and a life expectancy of 10 years.
What it is
The German Shepherd is a working dog breed that began in Germany. It is medium to large in size and is described as intelligent and obedient.
It is also known as the Alsatian in Britain. See more dog breeds from Germany.
Getting to know the breed
A new owner is choosing a German working dog with recorded figures for height, weight, and life expectancy.
The breed is part of the wider dog breed group.
Strengths
Its working-dog background gives the breed a clear purpose.
The description of the German Shepherd highlights intelligence and obedience.
Its German origin is well established.
Things to consider
This is not a small breed; it is recorded as medium to large.
The listed life expectancy is 10 years.
Its working-dog identity may not suit someone looking for a breed developed for a different role.
Pricing
No purchase or adoption price is provided for the German Shepherd here.
Who should look elsewhere
Look beyond the German Shepherd if you want a small dog or a breed from another country.
Those seeking a different working background can compare other dog breeds.
Verdict
Choose the German Shepherd if a German working dog with a medium-to-large build fits your plans.
Consider another breed when those traits, or the recorded lifespan, do not match what you want.
What stands out
- Bred as a working dog
- Described as intelligent and obedient
- Originates in Germany
- Known as the Alsatian in Britain
Worth knowing
- Not suited to people seeking a small dog
- Working-dog background may not fit every owner
- May not suit those seeking a breed from another country
Suits
- People seeking a German working dog
- Owners comfortable with a medium-to-large breed
- Readers comparing breeds by origin
Think twice if
- You want a small dog
- You are seeking a breed developed for a different role
- You prefer a breed from another country
In short
The German Shepherd suits readers seeking a German working dog rather than a small breed or one developed for another purpose. Its profile is straightforward: medium to large, described as intelligent and obedient, with a recorded height of 55, weight of 22, and life expectancy of 10 years. The Alsatian name used in Britain is useful when comparing breed references. If those basic characteristics align with your choice, this breed belongs on your shortlist; otherwise, review other dog breeds by origin and type.
Questions
Where does the German Shepherd come from?
The German Shepherd originated in Germany.
What was the German Shepherd bred to do?
It is identified as a working dog breed.
How large is a German Shepherd?
It is recorded as medium to large, with a height of 55 and a weight of 22.
How long does a German Shepherd live?
The recorded life expectancy is 10 years.
What is another name for the German Shepherd?
In Britain, the breed is also known as the Alsatian.
What is the German Shepherd like?
The breed description characterizes it as intelligent and obedient.
More dog breeds from Germany
Photo credits9 photographs on this page
- German Shepherd — Erick Drumss Hernández · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
- Affenpinscher — Ingunn Axelsen · CC BY 3.0 · file page
- dachshund — Ellen Levy Finch · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- Deutsche Bracke — Rumo · CC BY-SA 2.0 · file page
- Dobermann — Fran Hogan · CC BY 2.5 · file page
- Eurasier — Ekta · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- German Longhaired Pointer — Ottilie Stüwe · Public domain · file page
- German Pinscher — Wikimedia Commons contributor · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
- German Shorthaired Pointer — Bonnie van den Born · CC BY-SA 3.0 · file page
Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.