German Shepherd
JUR-mun SHEP-urd
Confident, Courageous, Smart, Loyal. Originally bred for herding sheep; now the world's leading police, military, and service dog.
An adult German Shepherd weighs 65-90 lbs (male) or 50-70 lbs (female), needs 1,020-2,260 calories daily, and lives 7-10 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult German Shepherd needs 1,020 to 2,260 calories per day. An average male (78 lbs / 35.2 kg) needs around 1,720 kcal; a female (60 lbs / 27.2 kg) roughly 1,420 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult German Shepherd. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The German Shepherd typically lives 7-10 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Needs 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. GSDs excel at virtually every canine sport and working discipline. They need a purpose; a bored GSD with too much energy is a challenging dog. Herding instincts run deep in the German Shepherd. Without a job to do, they may try to herd children, other pets, or even passing cars. Channel that drive into structured activities: agility, flyball, advanced obedience, or herding trials if available in your area. Without sufficient exercise, the German Shepherd is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
German Shepherds have a medium-length double coat, dense coat. Origin: Germany.
Hip dysplasia rates are high; the breed has been a poster child for the condition. Look for breeders who OFA- or PennHIP-test their breeding stock. Show lines tend to have more extreme rear angulation (the 'sloped back') which correlates with worse hip/joint health. Working lines tend to be straighter and healthier in structure.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
The German Shepherd responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training. Their eagerness to learn makes them suitable for advanced obedience, trick training, and competitive sports. Start training early and keep sessions varied to maintain their interest.
Tools for German Shepherd owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 1020 to 2260 calories per day for an adult German Shepherd. A 78-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Avoid high-calorie puppy foods designed for small breeds. Large breed puppies need moderate calorie density with controlled calcium and phosphorus. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 65-90 lbs (29.5–40.8 kg). Females run lighter at 50-70 lbs (22.7–31.8 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
If you own a German Shepherd, hip dysplasia is the condition your vet will likely screen for first. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
This breed needs genuine exercise, not just a quick walk around the block. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes daily. Good activities for this breed include agility, herding trials, frisbee. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised German Shepherd will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026