German Shepherd Dog
Also called Alsatian, GSD.
The sloped back seen in show lines is a conformation trend rather than a breed requirement, and working lines are noticeably straighter. It matters, because the exaggeration is associated with real problems.
- Group
- Herding
- Weight
- 22–40 kg
- Coat
- double
- Ears
- erect
- Muzzle
- long
- Build
- Longer than tall
- Origin
- Germany
What it looks like
Longer than tall, with erect pointed ears, a long wedge muzzle, a bushy low-set tail carried in a slight curve, and a dense double coat usually black-and-tan.
The characters that confirm it
- Large erect ears set high, with a long wedge-shaped muzzle.
- Longer than tall — the outline is rectangular rather than square.
- A bushy tail set low and carried in a gentle sabre curve, never over the back.
- A dense double coat that sheds heavily twice a year and steadily in between.
Temperament
Highly trainable, watchful, and needing real work rather than only exercise. Poorly suited to being under-occupied.
Health
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the well-known ones and both are scored. Degenerative myelopathy has a genetic test. The exaggerated sloping topline in some show lines is associated with gait and joint problems and is not required by the standard.
Confused with
Malinois are square in outline rather than rectangular, lighter-boned, fawn with a black mask, and shorter-coated.
Black-and-tan mixed dogs with erect ears are labelled German Shepherd routinely.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a German Shepherd Dog?
Large erect ears set high, with a long wedge-shaped muzzle. Longer than tall — the outline is rectangular rather than square.
What is a German Shepherd Dog like to live with?
Highly trainable, watchful, and needing real work rather than only exercise. Poorly suited to being under-occupied.
What health problems do German Shepherd Dogs have?
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the well-known ones and both are scored. Degenerative myelopathy has a genetic test. The exaggerated sloping topline in some show lines is associated with gait and joint problems and is not required by the standard.