Home
Family life with a shepherd
Shepherds want to be part of the household. Left on the edge of it, they find their own entertainment.
Exercise and company
Plan on daily exercise, training and time with the family. A bored shepherd tends to bark, dig and chew, and a lonely one can grow anxious. Most do best indoors with their people, plus a secure yard or reliable outings.
Children
A well-bred, socialized shepherd can be a gentle family dog. Its size and herding instinct still call for supervision with young children, and children need clear rules about how to treat the dog.
Other pets
Usually fine if raised together, with variation by line and drive. Introduce new animals slowly.
Grooming and shedding
German Shepherds shed heavily. Brushing a few times a week helps, and a good vacuum is part of the lifestyle.
Size and space
Adults typically stand 22 to 26 inches and weigh 49 to 88 pounds, with averages of about 10 to 11 years reported in published studies. They fit in a house or a large apartment when well exercised.
See whether that all suits you in is a German Shepherd right for you.
Quick answers
Do German Shepherds need a yard?
Not strictly, but they need daily exercise and activity.
Can a shepherd stay home alone?
Short periods are fine, but long absences invite problems.
Leaning toward a German Shepherd?
Send a request and K9PN will route it to an independent professional who works with shepherds in your region.