Old German Shepherd
Loyal, intelligent, and steady, this breed thrives as both a capable working dog and a devoted companion. Renowned for their balanced nature and impressive endurance.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
60–65 cm (male)
55–60 cm (female)
WEIGHT
30–40 kg (male)
25–35 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–13 years
Old German Shepherd: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Old German Shepherd isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Old German Shepherd's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Old German Shepherd is known for its calm, loyal nature and strong protective instincts, forming close bonds with family while remaining reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Learns commands and tasks very quickly
Needs daily exercise and mental activity
Enjoys games, but not overly excitable
Adjusts well to routine or environment changes
Strengths
- Highly loyal to family members
- Strong protective instincts and natural guardians
- Excellent working and herding abilities
- Adaptable to various environments and tasks
- High intelligence and trainability
Challenges
- Needs significant daily physical exercise
- Can be wary of unfamiliar people
- Thick coat requires regular grooming
- Prone to hip and joint issues
- May develop separation anxiety if left alone
Protect your Old German Shepherd
Old German Shepherd are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Old German Shepherds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is highly intelligent and quick to learn, responding well to consistent, positive training methods. Their ability to understand commands and tasks makes them suitable for various working roles.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
90–120 minutes daily
recommended per day
Old German Shepherds have high energy levels and require regular physical exercise along with mental stimulation. Daily walks, play sessions, and engaging activities help prevent boredom and maintain their overall health.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Old German Shepherds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Old German Shepherd would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Requires experienced handling and consistent training
Apartment Living
Needs space and regular exercise, not suited to confined spaces
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical activity
Kids
Tolerant but may be too energetic for very young children without supervision
Multiple Pets
Can adapt to other pets with proper socialization and training
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods, may develop behavioral issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Old German Shepherds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old German Shepherd
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
