The 60-second version of the German Shepherd: what they're like, what they need, and whether one would suit your home. When you're ready for the deep dive, our full guide has costs, health, food and more.
German Shepherd at a glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 22–40 kg |
| Lifespan | 9–13 years |
| Daily exercise | 1.5–2 hours |
| Brushing | 2–3 times weekly |
| Shedding | Very heavy |
| With children | Good, once trained |
Living with a German Shepherd in Australia
German Shepherds combine loyalty, brains and versatility like no other breed — family guardian, hiking buddy and eager student in one. They need experienced handling, early socialisation and daily mental work. In return you get a dog that will learn anything and defend everything it loves.
Health watch-outs
A powerful breed with a few costly vulnerabilities:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — insist on scored parents; keep puppies lean and off stairs.
- Degenerative myelopathy — a spinal condition of older Shepherds; DNA testing exists.
- Bloat (GDV) — deep-chested breeds can twist their stomachs; learn the signs, feed two smaller meals.
Budget at a glance
- Puppy price: typically $2,000–$4,000 from a registered breeder — much lower offers are often scams.
- Insurance: around $60–$100/month — see our German Shepherd insurance guide.
- Training classes aren’t optional with this breed — budget for a good course in year one.
Is a German Shepherd right for you?
Great fit if you… ✅
- Experienced owners wanting loyalty plus brains
- Homes committed to training and socialisation
- Active households with space to move
Think twice if… ⚠️
- Hips and elbows need watching — insure early
- A bored Shepherd is a destructive, anxious Shepherd
Food, insurance & the full guide
🍖 Best food: Large-breed joint-support formula with glucosamine
🛡️ Insurance: German Shepherd insurance guide — hips & bloat
📖 Full German Shepherd breed guide →
Read the full German Shepherd guide → Take the 60-second breed quiz 🏡