Temperament of the Dog

German Shepherds love to be close to their families and are very loyal and protective of their families. They are very eager and alert. They have a high capacity for learning and love to learn. They are obedient and cheerful and very seldom show any stubbornness because they are eager to please.

German Shepherds should not be left alone for long periods of time. They must be thoroughly socialized and firmly obedience trained from an early age and throughout their lives. A very firm yet loving attitude is necessary with a Shepherd throughout its life. Normally, Shepherds are not barkers but will bark as a warning of perceived danger.

The German Shepherd Dog does not give affection lightly; it is also known as a "one-man" breed for its tendency to display serious loyalty and fidelity, especially to its owner or main caretaker. He is a bold and punishing fighter if he needs to be.

German Shepherds are used for guard work and search and rescue because they are fearless, direct, calm, confident, and intelligent. Aggression and attacks are usually a result of poor breeding or poor adjustment, handling, or training.

If you start young and teach your puppy its order in your "pack" (all members of the family have to be Alpha), problems with training will be minimized. However, German Shepherds tend to have more dominant personalities than some breeds. Classes are extremely helpful. A German Shepherd Dog that thinks it's the Alpha member of the pack can be difficult to handle or have as a family member.

German Shepherds love jobs. They are used as guard dogs, in police work, to sniff out drugs, as guides for the blind and deaf, in search and rescue, and for military work. As a family dog, your German Shepherd will enjoy obedience, agility, flyball, tracking activities, and schutzhund. Alsatians regularly win advanced obedience and field trials.

Research carefully before getting a German Shepherd. Get to know both parents and any other relatives to make sure of the personality. Unfortunately some breeders are offering shy and nervous Alsatians for sale. These dogs should be avoided at all costs as they can be dangerous. Also, assess the diseases in the lineage.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

A German Shepherd can be kept in an apartment, but much prefers living where he has a fenced yard for exercise. He will enjoy a brisk, long walk each day – or, after he is a year old, he can job or go with you when you bike or rollerblade. If he is underexercised, he will become destructive (especially as a youngster). He can be outdoors a large part of the day as long as he has sufficient time with his family.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

A well-bred German Shepherd will do fine in a household with children, especially older children. He will need daily exercise and some activity to keep his mind busy. Children should be taught how to handle the dog and not to hit or yell at him.

If you have a German Shepherd dog or puppy at home and you want to train it into the most loving pet, Sign-up for our Free German Shepherd Training Course.