German Shepherd - Dog Breed Information

Information about German Shepherds

German Shepherd breed information
Should I get a German Shepherd?
German Shepherd personality
Taking care of a German Shepherd
Commonly claimed health conditions for a German Shepherd
The cost of insuring a German Shepherd
Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?
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German Shepherds are easily recognisable thanks to their wolf-like appearance and radar-like ears. These dogs are often associated with guarding and protection tasks as guard dogs, police dogs, or service dogs, but they were originally bred as herding dogs, as their name suggests. Australia saw its first German Shepherds arrive around 1925. German Shepherds are usually one of the most loved and gentle pet animals for active households, with the right training and socialisation.

Want to learn more about this breed? Read our guide below to see if German Shepherds are the pet for you.

German Shepherd breed information

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the German Shepherd:

How long do German Shepherds live?

German Shepherds usually live for up to 9-13 years.

How big do German Shepherds get?

A male German Shepherd stands at 60 to 65cm in height and weigh between 30 and 40kg. Female German Shepherds stand between 55 and 60cm in height and weigh between 22 and 32kg.

Do German Shepherds shed?

German Shepherds shed all year round. Most of their fur will fall off naturally, so make sure you’re prepared to tidy up after them.

Should I get a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds make great additions to the family, but they generally require a lot of love, care, and training.

When threatened, German Shepherds can be strong and protective, which can make them good watchdogs. Whilst German Shepherds, as adults and puppies, are usually child-friendly and playful, they should not be left alone with young children due to their large size and energetic nature.

German Shepherd personality

The German Shepherd doesn't usually make friends right away, but once they do develop relationships, they can be very loyal and protective. It's important to put in the time and effort to get to know your German Shepherd. They also need mental stimulation as they are extremely intelligent dogs.

German Shepherds are generally enthusiastic about learning and respond very well to training, especially voice commands with varied intonations.

Taking care of a German Shepherd

Grooming

A German Shepherd’s coat can be a mixture of black, fawn and gold, however, the final colour of its coat is only revealed after the puppy's coat has shed and the full adult coat has grown. Since they shed all year round, you can help them maintain their coat with regular brushing.

Exercise

German Shepherd puppies and adolescents should exercise moderately: a few walks, a game of fetch, or playing with another dog will keep them fit and healthy. An adult German Shepherd’s exercise needs will depend on their energy level. Daily walks and the occasional run in a safe and enclosed environment will help this dog breed stay happy and healthy.

Diet

When choosing food for your German Shepherd, select food appropriate to your dog’s age (puppy, adult, senior) and life stage. To help avoid them becoming overweight, ensure that you follow the recommended feeding guides on the food appropriate to your pet's size. A joint supplement can make a good addition, as German Shepherds can develop arthritis.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a German Shepherd

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^{^} that a German Shepherd can experience.

Conditions	Symptoms can include^~	Highest cost for a single treatment^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies)	Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell	$7,744
Arthritis	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s) Stiffness on rising Reluctance to jump, use stairs Swelling on legs	$6,269
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies)	Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears Head shaking Odour or discharge from the ears Ears may be red or warm to the touch	$7,606
Gastrointestinal tract condition	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation Blood or mucus in stool/vomit Increased frequency/urgency passing stool Weight loss Loss of appetite and interest in food May seem more tired than usual	$7,882
Traumatic accidents (including bite injuries, wounds, and broken bones)	Wounds, scratches, pus, bleeding, swelling, heat, pain Limping, changes to movement Behaviour changes Broken claws Pain/tenderness	$9,968

The cost of insuring a German Shepherd

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your German Shepherd, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.

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Important Information

text

^{^} Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

^~ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

^>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text: ^#Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text: * Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text: ^‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

German Shepherd dog breed information