How to Identify a German Shepherd Dog Breed

Identify the dog’s strengths. German Shepherds are classified as working dogs and have strong proportions. Typically, German Shepherds are about 50-65 cm tall and weigh 35-40 kg. They have narrow and deep chests, forelimbs, muscular and inclined shoulders. Their bodies are a bit long, measuring from shoulder to rump.

• German Shepherd puppies usually weigh 3-4 kg in the first month and will grow rapidly throughout the year. At about 6 months old they will weigh about 22-26 kg.

Ears erect. German Shepherds have a very distinct set of erect ears. The base of the ear is long and the whole ear is forward, forming a triangle. When they are young, their ears will be slightly bent, but when they are adults, they will be erect. ^[5]

Fluffy tail. The German Shepherd has a long, ruffled tail that is often lowered when the dog is resting. When they are in a state of alertness or movement, the tail will curl up and raise. ^[6]

Loyalty. German Shepherds can be quite aloof and reserved when meeting new people. However, once dogs form a bond with their owners, they will be extremely loyal. German Shepherds are usually friendly and loyal to their family, but will defend themselves if threatened. ^[7]

Energy level. German Shepherds are energetic dogs and need exercise every day. If left alone for a long time, they will get bored and break down. For example, they will start barking, gnawing, or digging. Make sure your shepherd dog gets at least 1 hour of exercise every day. ^[8]

Can train. This breed is very intelligent and trainable. They love to have jobs or tasks to do and you can train them to do many things. For example, German Shepherds are often used as work dogs, search and rescue, drug and security dogs, as well as aid and assistance to the visually impaired. ^[9]

• Bring your shepherd dog to the training class so they can obey and complete the tasks. This is very interesting and stimulating for a dog.

Ownership. This breed does the job of herding sheep and keeping the herd safe. Their sense of ownership makes them suitable for household protection. A pet will guard when they know what is in their possession and what is not. This ability helps German Shepherds distinguish between family and enemies. This breed has a natural protective instinct and is often employed as police dogs.

• The German Shepherd will have a pleasant attitude towards your children and may behave more aloof with strangers and other strange children.

Ask the dog owner. If you notice a dog that looks like a German Shepherd and are curious about the correct answer, approach the owner and ask questions. For example, you might ask, “Is this a German Shepherd? It looks so cute.” Or “What breed is your dog? I’m planning to have a baby.”

• Most owners will happily answer you about their dog.

Talk to a veterinarian. If you are unsure about your dog’s breed or breed, ask your veterinarian to confirm. Veterinarians can easily identify a dog’s breed by physical appearance.

Ask the breeder. If you buy a dog from a breeder, ask them about their parents and lineage to make sure it’s a purebred dog. A certified breeder will be able to provide sufficient documentation that both parents are German Shepherds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

• Be sure to purchase your dog from an AKC licensed breeder. This helps you buy purebred dogs.

Download the breed identification app. There are many apps available to help you identify different dog breeds. To use the app, simply upload a picture of your dog and the app will identify them. ^[10]

• For example, try a Microsoft app called Fetch! Please.
• These apps are not 100% accurate but German Shepherds have very distinctive characteristics.

Buy a DNA test kit online. You can Google it to find a “dog DNA test kit”. These kits cost about $80 to $100 and can be ordered online. ^[11]

Read and follow the instructions. Once you have received the test kit, open the box and carefully read the instructions. The guide will provide the steps to take a DNA sample and how to send it to the lab. ^[12]

• Each kit is designed to take only a single dog’s DNA sample.

Take a sample of the dog’s cheek. The specimen will have two swabs. Both are used to collect samples from a dog. Open your dog’s mouth and rub the gauze on their inner cheek. The procedure is the same on both swabs. ^[13]

Send test samples. Place two swabs in the plastic bag in the test kit. Then put them in an envelope or a prepaid mailbox. Once sealed, send them to a lab for testing. ^[14]