Since January, we’ve had 44 German Shepherds come into our facility – and it’s only May. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength of character, but they also require special considerations before adoption. Unfortunately, we see a high return rate for these dogs at our shelter. That’s why we’re starting a series to spotlight some of the breeds we see people struggle with the most, beginning with these agile and intelligent dogs. Our goal is to educate the public about the unique needs of each breed and help ensure that these amazing animals find loving, permanent homes.

German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and versatile breed of dog that can make excellent companions for the right owner. Here are some things potential adopters should know about these lovely and loyal dogs:

1. Exercise needs: German Shepherds are a high-energy breed and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and training are absolutely necessary to help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. If you live a sedentary lifestyle or don’t have time and space to provide them with room to run and play, a German Shepherd likely isn’t a good fit for you.

2. Trainability: German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. They excel in obedience training, and with proper training and socialization, they can make great family pets. However, they can be stubborn at times, and consistency is key to success.

3. Protective instincts: German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are naturally protective of their family and may become aggressive towards strangers or other dogs if not socialized properly. Proper training and socialization are important to help prevent aggression. There is a plethora of help available for proper socialization techniques so you don’t have to be an expert to adopt a Shepherd, you just have to be willing to learn the best methods and then be consistent.

4. Health issues: German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Potential adopters should research these health issues and ask about the health history of the dog before adoption. This doesn’t mean every German Shepherd will develop these issues, but being knowledgeable about potential issues is critical.

5. Grooming needs: German Shepherds have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding. They also need regular baths, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to keep them clean and healthy. Potential adopters must be willing to put in the effort to maintain proper grooming to keep their Shepherd healthy and happy.

Overall, German Shepherds can make excellent pets for active and dedicated owners who are willing to provide them with the proper care, training, and socialization they need. They are loyal and intelligent dogs that can be highly rewarding to own, but they are not the best fit for everyone. Prospective adopters should research the breed thoroughly and consider their lifestyle and living situation before adopting a German Shepherd. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask us, we’d rather see you well-informed with all the important details than have you adopt an animal that’s not a good fit. Being adopted and then returned to the shelter is traumatic and not fair to anyone involved, so please do your research first and make sure it’s a good fit for you, your family, and your lifestyle.