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German Shepherd
German Shepherd
Origin
Germany
Size
Large Breed
Ideal Space
Independent House
Ideal Weather
10º-31ºC
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹5,700
Basic Lifestyle
₹8,550
Premium Lifestyle
Top 5 Traits
Loyal
Playful
Disciplined
Energetic
Intelligent
by Happy Pet Team
German Shepherd Dog Breed Information
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD), also lovingly called Alsatians by the British, is a loyal, versatile and intelligent dog breed. They are originally from Germany and are called “DEUTSCHER SCHÄFERHUND” in German.
They are bred for sheep herding and to protect them from wolves. They are known to have high stamina and are used in military, police forces, in search and rescue operations or even as service dogs.
They are excellent guard dogs and are equally patient with children and people of all ages. Early socialization helps them thrive in all kinds of families.
They became very famous in the United States in the early 1900s and are considered the ideal breed for the K9 dog squad.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
German Shepherd Variants in India
Showline German Shepherd
Working Line German Shepherd
Coat Variants of German Shepherd
Sable Coat
Black Coat
White Coat
Featured
German Shepherd PUPPIES FOR YOU
Telangana
Male, 2 Months old
German Shephard stock coat male
Telangana
Male, 2 Months old
Maxx
Maharashtra
Male, 1 Months old
German Shepherd Male
German Shepherd Nutrition Guide
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500
Calories per day
Puppies: 1600 kcal
Adults: 1200 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Carbohydrates
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Fibre
List of foods
Chicken
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Mutton
Vegetables
Home made meals
Dry Dog Food
- German Shepherd dogs are energetic and dynamic dog breeds. Choose a high-quality dog food for both puppies and adult dogs that meets the AAFCO standards.
- The food for GSD should contain high-quality protein sources like chicken, fresh fish and mutton that provide essential amino acids. Should also provide healthy fats like fish meat, and carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables.
- To boost their immune system, food containing vitamin A, D, E , and B–complex should be provided.
- Calcium and phosphorus are essential for teeth and bone health, while antioxidants like in fruits help to improve overall immunity.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Selecting Good Quality Food for GSDs
- A high-quality dog food depending on the age of the dog (puppy, adult, senior) contains all the essential nutrients.
- Small pieces of kibble and treats can be used for training.
- Along with that, you can feed them yogurt, cooked vegetables, and eggs.
- Give them whole meat like chicken and or fish rather than meat supplements and fillers.
Avoid Feeding These Foods To A GSD
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Alcohol
Fruit seeds
Almonds
Avocados
Garlic
Cherries
Grapes
Lemon
Cinnamon
Milk Products
Coffee / Tea
Sugar
Salt
Onions
Mushrooms
Dairy
- Avoid foods that contain low fibers, artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors that can cause allergic reactions and abdominal problems.
- It is also important to avoid food with high sodium and added sugars as they cause obesity, heart diseases, and diabetes.
- Avoid excess amounts of fats or oils, they can cause pancreatic and other health issues.
- Do not feed your German Shepherd chocolates, onion, garlic, raisins and grapes as these can be fatal to the dogs.
German Shepherd Health Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,250
Common Health Issues
Canine distemper
Blastomycosis
Kennel Cough
Bloat
Ringworm
Rabies
Parvovirus
Well being
Agility Training
Bonding
Exercise
Games
Socialization
Hiking
Energy Level
Very High
Exercise routine
60 - 90 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Increased laziness
Pacing
Decreased play
Excessive Barking
Reluctance to move
Excessive Panting
Common Health Issues Found in German Shepherd
According to the German Shepherd American Club, these are some common health issues that are found in German Shepherd Dogs are -
Cancer - Alsatians can develop cancer at any age, but usually it is found more when they grow older. Common cancer found can be -
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Intestinal cancer
- Bone cancer
- Lung Cancer
Depending on the stage of cancer radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery can be performed.
Elbow and hip dysplasia: These are the degenerative diseases that cause pain in limbs and joints. According to the Orthopedic Foundation of Animals, around 20% of the GSDs suffer hip dysplasia and the symptoms include limping, less range of motion, and arthritis at old age. This can be treated by either anti inflammatory drugs, less physical activity, surgery if needed.
Gastric Dilation Volvulous(GDV): It is a serious condition where the stomach enlarges and fills with gas and twists on itself. This can be life threatening and should be addressed immediately. A vet intervention is needed.
Heart Disease: This includes dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM), heart murmurs, and valvular disease. An early detection is crucial and regular vet check ups will help. The treatment includes medication and a balanced diet like reducing sodium intakes and increasing the amount of amino acids in the diet.
Allergies: Your German Shepherd can have allergies such as itchy skin, skin and ear infections. Sometimes they are allergic to certain food items. So get a thorough vet examination to learn about all the allergies.
Pannus: It is a painful eye condition where it causes blindness in dogs if not addressed at the earliest stage. This is generally found in GSDs that live in high altitude, and live in highly air polluted areas due to more exposure to the UV sunlight. So avoid exposure in the bright sunny days and keep them indoors.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6 - 8 weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus
10-12 Weeks
DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
14 - 16 weeks
DHPP, Rabies
12 - 16 Weeks
Leptospirosis (if recommended)
Anually
DHPP Booster, Rabies
Recommendations to care for senior German Shepherd dogs
- As the German Shepherds age, they can develop conditions like arthritis, slowed metabolism and loss of mobility, hip dysplasia and heart problems.
- Look for the signs of discomfort, decreased appetite, behavioral changes, and reluctance for exercise and move.
- Regular vet check-ups and monitoring the diet can help in pain reduction, and early deduction of any disease at the early stages and get it treated accordingly.
- Ensure they have comfortable living conditions and reduce the amount of exercise as they age.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Grooming Guide For German Shepherds
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
High Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Prevents Bad Breath
Odourless
Quality of life
Prevents infections
- German Shepherds are known to have double coats and they are high shedding dog breeds especially during winters. So brushing them regularly in an interval of a few days is needed. This helps remove loose fur and matting of fur. Applying natural oils also helps prevent shedding and overall fur and skin health.
- Giving your German Shepherd a bath for a few months is a must. Mind you do not give them excessive baths as this can result in loss of natural oils.
Read how often you can bathe your dogs
- Ear cleaning should be done regularly using the vet recommended cleaning liquids. Do not leave for a long time as there are chances that debris and dirt can get accumulated in their ears and cause pain and ear infections.
- Regular nail trimming is required as overgrown nails can cause discomfort in walking. If you do not know how to trim your dog nails, consult a veterinarian or professional groomers.
- Regular grooming sessions can help maintain the overall hygiene and health. This avoids any kind of skin infection, allergies or parasites.
The price of German Shepherd Dogs
Cost of buying
₹ 8,000 - ₹ 25,000
The average price of Korthal Griffons can vary from ₹ 60,000 to ₹ 1,00,000 in India. The cost depends on several factors like breeder, lineage, and health conditions.
Factors should be considered while purchasing a puppy -
- The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
- Ask the GSD breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no in-breeding taking place.
- The cost of GSD puppies depends on many variables like ancestry, the possibility of show quality, and breeder reputation.
Adopt
There is another way to get a Griffon puppy home, i.e. to Adopt
- Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
- Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.
Here are some of the breeds that are similar to German Shepherd Dog -
Pyrenean Shepherd | Belgian Shepherd | Caucasian Shepherd Dog | Central Asian Shepherd Dog | Dutch Shepherd | Kangal Shepherd Dog | Shiloh Shepherd
Prerequisites to pet a German Shepherd
Access to Groomer
Financial Capability
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Space and Environment
Time and Effort
Willingness to train
Lifestyle Compatibility
German Shepherd breeders in India
Harish Kumar
Ram Lakshmi's Kennel
Hosur, Tamil Nadu
R
Raghav
Shikarpur (Bulandshahr), Uttar Pradesh
Devaraj KG
The DJs Pet World
Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Labrador, are you ready to take the next step to get one home?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if GSD dogs are a good fit for your lifestyle.
Find reputable sources: Before buying a German Shepherd puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.
Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.
Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.
Prepare your home: It is your duty to make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment, needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.
Written by
Happy Pet Team
Author
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content. Our contributors include experienced pet parents, dedicated fosters, stray dog community workers, seasoned vets, aquarists specializing in aquatic pet care, and bird caretakers who nurture and cultivate avian well-being. We also collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in pet nutrition, behavior, exercise, and training to provide well-researched, practical guidance for pet owners. From cat lovers and dog trainers to bird enthusiasts and aquarium specialists, our diverse expertise helps every pet thrive. Whether you're looking for expert guidance or just a dose of pet-loving joy, Team Happy Pet is your go-to source for all things pets!
Compare with similar breeds
Greyhound
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Tornjak
Shiloh Shepherd
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I deal with the high shedding level of a German Shepherd?
Brush your German Shepherd regularly. Brushing your German Shepherd at least 2-3 times per week will help to remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. You can use a slicker brush or a furminator to brush your German Shepherd's coat.
Are German Shepherds good family pets?
Yes, German Shepherds are wonderful dogs for families. They are renowned for their intellect, devotion, and guardian instincts.
What are the common health issues in German Shepherds?
Common health issues in German Shepherds include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, degenerative myelopathy, and various skin allergies. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and maintaining an appropriate weight can help mitigate some of these health risks.
Are German Shepherds aggressive?
German Shepherds are not inherently aggressive but can be cautious around strangers and may display protective instincts when they perceive a threat.
What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds typically live 10 to 13 years. Proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary visits, can help them lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Is German shepherd dog expensive?
On average, German Shepherds are moderately expensive, costing ₹8,000–₹25,000 in India, with additional monthly care and maintenance expenses.
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