The German Shepherd temperament is generally intelligent, protective and energetic.
They are known for taking well to training. But their loyalty and bonds with owners can lead to aggression if not trained and socialized properly.
In this article you’ll find out all you need to know about the German Shepherd temperament! But first a short introduction about the breed itself.
The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd originated in Germany. Their name was changed soon before World War II. Before the war, this breed was commonly called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe.
There are still parts of Europe that still refer to the German Shepherd as the Alsatian. However, most of the world calls it the modern German Shepherd name.
The life expectancy of the German Shepherd is around nine to thirteen years.
Males grow to around twenty-four inches tall at the shoulder. But females are bit shorter, standing at twenty-two inches tall at the shoulders.
As for weight, males weigh around eighty pounds, and females weigh around sixty pounds.
German Shepherds are known for their physical strength and intelligence. This combination makes them incredible animals. They have strong muscles and are confident, alert dogs.
For more information about this breed and their temperament, read below!
The Typical German Shepherd Temperament
The German Shepherd is a moderately active dog and is described as self-assured. The breed is willing to learn with an eagerness to have a purpose.
They have a strong commitment to their owners. They feel the need to please their owner, making them trainable and versatile dogs.
German Shepherd temperament is protective. However, with proper training and patience, they make great workers.
A common trait of the German Shepherd temperament is their high energy level. For your German Shepherd to be happy, they will need daily mental and physical activities.
Are German Shepherds Easy To Train?
When it comes to owning a German Shepherd, you may be wondering if they are easy to train? The short answer is yes, but it takes some patience and a little bit of work.
First, to combat boredom in your German Shepherd, you will need to do mental exercises with them. Such as training them to sit, fetch, or do tricks.
These mental exercises are excellent for your German Shepherd. This is because they reduce destructive behavior. They can also be a lot of fun for both you and your dog.
German Shepherds are generally an intelligent breed and, like many other dog breeds, love working with their owners. The German Shepherd thrives in advanced agility work and on agility courses.
They also do very well with basic games like playing frisbee, fetching toys, and playing with a ball.
The German Shepherd is capable of being trained to do almost any task you put before them.
This is because they are smart, bold, alert, and single-minded when necessary. While they are highly trainable, they need to be socialized and trained at a young age.
Lastly, a well-trained German Shepherd will require a consistent, and kind handler.
Are German Shepherds friendly?
The German Shepherd is a dignified dog that can be aloof, and somewhat antisocial.
However, a huge part of this breed’s personality is their unconditional love and loyalty.
They adapt well in a family setting and typically get along well with children.
Early socialization and training are important when it comes to German Shepherd temperament. This reduces the chance of them being antisocial, or cautious around other animals or the unfamiliar.
However, despite early socialization or training, this breed is naturally standoffish. Generation upon generation of training and breeding has created a natural guard dog in this breed.
This doesn’t mean that the German Shepherd is aggressive or unwelcoming towards strangers. It simply means that they are cautious of them and like to stay distant before deciding to trust.
Some owners say there is no bond like a German Shepherd’s bond with their family. The German Shepherd’s protective and sometimes hard nature is replaced with cuddly love within the home.
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Are German Shepherds Aggressive?
German Shepherds are well known for being great guard dogs. They like to guard herds and are strong fighters. They can also show some signs of aggression if not trained properly.
However, if you train them well in its initial days, you will not have to face aggression problems that might harm you or your dog.
You may find a few common aggressive behaviors in your German Shepherds such as mood swings and bad temperament. If you can identify these tendencies, you will be better equipped to handle them before problems arise.
Causes of Aggression
On most occasions, the German Shepherd will not react badly without reason. They may become aggressive if they are bored, upset, or threatened. Or if they are not getting enough exercise.
They will need to be taken out for exercise daily.
Additionally, German Shepherds can be overly possessive when it comes to their family and owners. So, when they see something unfamiliar or unexpected, they see it as a threat that could cause harm.
This is another reason why a German Shepherd may become aggressive. Furthermore, this is a very common trait in loyal dogs that don’t want to see their family in danger.
In conclusion, the German Shepherd temperament does have tendencies towards aggression. However, with the proper training and discipline, these aggressive tendencies can be avoided.
Do German Shepherds like other dogs?
Most German Shepherds are fine with other dogs if they are introduced when they are young. Sometimes, they can be unsure or aggressive towards other dogs, but proper training can avoid any of these problems you may find in a German Shepherd.
Early socialization is the key. They do not become friends with other dogs if they see them as a threat.
Expose your German Shepherd to other people, family, and pets. This need to be done in a positive way. If done well, they will grow up to be loyal, obedient, and loving dogs.
Below is a good way to get your German Shepherd on the right path for socialization.
The best way to ensure that your German Shepherd gets along with other dogs is to introduce them to another dog in neutral setting.
Once they are introduced, take them for a walk together so they can get acclaimed with each other’s company. It is a good idea to keep them a few feet apart on the first walk.
If you are still in a neutral territory after their walk, have the two dogs smell each other before letting them play. If you find that they are getting along well, let them play for a few minutes.
It is very important to let playtime end on a happy note.
Natural Instincts
German Shepherds are commonly described as self-assured, excellent guard dogs and easy to train. But they also carry some natural characteristics such as being highly intelligent, alert, watchful, obedient, and confident.
These great characteristics make them all around good dogs for family or work.
One important characteristic the German Shepherd has is its work ethic. They are eager to please and perform any given task. They enjoy working making them excellent work dogs.
The German Shepherd is deeply kind and is good at showing compassion for humans. Some are even trained to be therapy dogs for the blind or those with disabilities.
Also, the German Shepherd has a natural protective instinct that does not waver. This means that the German Shepherd is willing to protect his owner and put his life in danger to save others.
This selflessness due to his desire to guard loved ones and is a trait that runs strong in the breed.
Since German Shepherds are sometimes inclined to bark at friends that visit until they become more comfortable with guests, it is a good idea to get them used to friends, family, and other pets for them to adapt to a healthy social routine.
Are German Shepherds Good Family Pets?
The German Shepherd temperament is calm and caring. They are considered a good house dog.
Their intelligence, respect, energy, loyalty, love, and alertness make them good family pets.
Like most dogs, they do have a few health issues with arthritis and other joint issues in their later years of life. When buying a puppy always make sure their parents have had all the relevant health checks for the breed, to reduce chances of common genetic problems.
In conclusion, the German Shepherd would make a wonderful family pet. They are dedicated to love and protect their family while being a playful and active companion.
Do you own a German Shepherd? We’d love to know more about your furry friend! Feel free to leave any tips or comments below!
References and Resources
- Dr. John C. Wright, 1980, “The development of social structure during the primary socialization period in German shepherds” Developmental Psychobiology.
- E. H. van der Waaij, 2008, “Genetic analysis of results of a Swedish behavior test on German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers” Journal of Animal Science.
- Erling Strandberg, 2005, “Direct genetic, maternal and litter effects on behavior in German shepherd dogs in Sweden” Livestock Production Science.
- Kenneth A. Gershman, 1994, “Which Dogs Bite? A Case-Control Study of Risk Factors” Pediatrics.
- Gail K. Smith, 2001, “Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Megha Gaur says
Hi,
My husband and I have a 5 months old male GSD pup, we have him since he was 7 weeks old. He is super intelligent, adorable, protective, jealous and possessive of me. He has a mild temperament in general, has episodes of barking sometimes but the thing that’s troubling is his possessive behaviour. He can not stand to see me and my husband together in the kitchen without his presence. He can not bear when husband kisses me, he gets aggressive and starts humping/ holds my leg for attention. Not sure how to correct this particular behaviour. Any advice?
Terry Tumey says
Proud Owner of a German Shepard now 15 months old. Wanted him for my 6 year old Grandson & Grand Daughter age 10 years old and afraid of dogs. My wife and I had a German Shepard many years ago and was one of the Most Intelligent,Trainable and very Protective of Wife I have ever had the Pleasure of having as he was family! After getting the GS puppy found out my son-in-law was afraid of Large dogs and he bought a Pug – Pekingese mix Grown 2 year old female dog that when taken to Vets for Shot Updates found the dog not 2 years old but 9 years + old. They decided to keep the dog who the Boy can’t play with for him being to rough and may hurt the dog. Hindsight for me is I should have questioned more in-depth before purchasing the German Shepard Puppy. But being retired and Viet Nam Veteran and my Wife Love of this Dog is the best thing that could have ever happened for Us! This dog has all the qualities of the first German Shepard but with a few more abilities. at 1year & 5 months old he is 26+ inches Tall and weighs around 90-100 lbs and very healthy not fat. Very Intelligent, Easy to Teach Commands, Mild Temperament, Guard dog, Loves Kids, my Wife including me! We debated keeping him as we haven’t had a dog in years Best Thing we have done in many years! Odd thing the first German Shepard we had was a mix that looked like Rin Tin Tin on the 70’s TV Show, this German Shepard is from Rin Tin Tin blood Line just kinda odd!
Denise Enrico says
We purchased a German Shepard at 8 weeks and he bites so hard and he is now 14 weeks. We have tried everything to get him to stop but it’s getting worse. He starts training tomorrow and I hope it helps. I love him but am at my wits end. Any suggestions?
Pippa Mattinson says
Hi Denise, It’s incredible how hard puppies can bite, isn’t it. Take a look at this article, I hope it helps! Best wishes to you and your puppy.
Ruth says
I jus got a 4 month old German shepherd n rottie mix, he’s very loving n follows me everywhere I go, even to the kitchen, lol, I got him for a emotional support dog for my depression n anxiety, do they make good or great emotional support dogs n how do they?
Victoria Addington says
After seeing black German Shepherd puppies for sale on the internet, I am enticed to purchase one for my girlfriend. I like what you said that this breed is considered excellent guard dogs and they are also easy to train. With that said, I guess she’ll like it so I’ll consider getting one for her.
Cathy says
I never had a dog before we got our first German Shepherd, but my husband had. He said that our GS was the best natured dog he had ever had. We got him because our young daughter was scared of dogs, even little puppies. He really was part of the family and the first being who taught me unconditional love. I could growl at him but he still loved us all anyway. He was devoted to me, but when I chased our children around, he would deliberately run in front of me to stop me from catching them. But our second GS was bred from a ‘champion’ and was decidedly nervous. Though she was never a problem to us, she treated other dogs as a threat and I wouldn’t trust her not to bite other people, although she never actually did. I definitely agree – if you have a big dog like a GS, you need to train them young and socialise them and they will be a lifelong loyal friend.
Michelle says
We’ve had German Shepherds for many years and our daughter was raised around them. They are the best and I can’t imagine life without one. There’s no love like the love of a GSD. I love our GSD Gunner and also write this in loving memory of the German Shepherds we lost Niko and Ava. GSDS are family, lovable and loyal. 🐾❤
Debra Summers says
My GSD is 12 years old now. My Luckygirl has Hip Dysplasia.
She is fairly happy and some days she wants to play. She still eats very good and sleeps well. She is the best.