The German Shepherd is the second most popular dog breed chosen by dog lovers in the US and one of the most popular world wide. American German Shepherd can be the perfect pet for certain kinds of families. If you are prepared to provide an abundance of attention, training and exercise you can have a loyal, sweet, protective, amazing canine family member. It is important to choose the right kind of bloodlines so you will end up with a pet that is loving, intelligent and affectionate once they are trained.
As you might imagine, the German Shepherd originated in Germany and the breed was originally used as a herding dog. Most German Shepherds make good guard dogs because they tend to be more wary of strangers than some breeds. However this trait also requires guidance. Thankfully the breed is very smart and trainable, as well as loyal, and often becomes an incredibly beloved family dog.
The original German line of Shepherd dogs became two separate lines, one raised in America and the other remaining in Germany. They became the European and American versions of the breed that currently exist. There is sometimes confusion about the two lines, but while some minor/subtle differences did occur, American and European Shepherds are basically the same breed.
The American German Shepherd has a few things that set it apart from it’s European counterpart: It is slightly bigger overall, generally is lighter in color, has a little bit more elegant look (including a more refined head and angled torso), and a graceful walk that performs well in the show ring.
Height: 24-26 inches (male) ——- 22-24 inches (female)
Weight: 65-90 pounds (male) ——- 50-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Personality: Affectionate/loving With Family, Obedient, Independent, Watchful, Brave. They do well with other dogs, can be trained to do well with other pets (should be supervised closely), good with young children. Some bloodlines can be aloof with all but their owners, while others react to everyone they meet like they have always known them.