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German Shepherd
A confident, brilliant working dog — loyal, protective and one of the great all-round service breeds.
How to spot it
A muscular, athletic dog 55–65 cm tall and 22–40 kg, with a long muzzle, erect pointed ears, a bushy tail and the classic black-and-tan saddle (also solid black, sable and other colours). It moves with a smooth, far-reaching trot.
Temperament
Highly intelligent, confident and deeply loyal to its family, and naturally aloof with strangers — which makes it an excellent guard, but means early, thorough socialisation is essential.
Exercise & training
One of the most trainable of all breeds and a mainstay of police, military and search work. It needs a lot of exercise and, just as importantly, a job for its mind — obedience, scent work or agility.
Grooming & care
The dense double coat sheds year-round and blows out heavily twice a year (the "German shedder"); brush two or three times a week. In hot Indian summers give it shade, water and walks in the cooler hours.
Health & lifespan
Around 9–13 years. Watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat and degenerative myelopathy; a reputable breeder screens hips and elbows and avoids the extreme sloping back.
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