How to Identify a German Shepherd Breed

German Shepherds are primarily bred as working dogs due to their remarkable intelligence, quick reflexes, obedience, agility, and courage. They also make excellent companions for experienced owners. To identify a German Shepherd, focus on its coat and other physical characteristics. You may also consult an expert or perform a DNA test to confirm the breed.

Evaluate the coat. German Shepherds may have three types of coats: double-layered, fluffy, and long. The standard coat is double-layered, dense, straight, and short, closely fitting the body. Long-haired versions are also common in German Shepherds kept as family pets.

• German Shepherds shed year-round and require regular grooming.

Observe the black and tan coat color. The most common color combination for the German Shepherd breed is black and tan; however, there are also all-black variants. Typically, the tan fur covers most of the body, while the black fur is concentrated on the face and stretches along the back, forming a saddle-like shape.

Identify other coat color variations. In rare cases, German Shepherds may have white, blue-black, or red-brown coats. These colors are not recognized as standard for the breed but occasionally appear. In fact, white German Shepherds are considered a distinct breed in some regions, known as the American White Shepherd.

• German Shepherds with tan and black coats and white spots are sometimes referred to as Panda Shepherds. The white fur typically covers about 35% of the dog's body.

Determine the dog's strengths. German Shepherds are classified as working dogs and have a strong, well-balanced physique. Typically, they stand around 50-65 cm tall and weigh 35-40 kg. They have a narrow, deep chest, muscular front legs, and sloped shoulders. Their bodies are slightly elongated, measured from shoulder to hindquarters.

• German Shepherd puppies usually weigh 3-4 kg in their first month and grow rapidly over the next year. At 6 months old, they typically weigh 22-26 kg.

Upright ears. German Shepherds are known for their distinctive upright ears. The base of the ears is long, and the ears point forward, forming a triangular shape. When they are young, the ears may droop slightly, but as they mature, they stand erect.

The bushy tail. German Shepherds have long, bushy tails that usually droop when they are resting. However, when they are alert or in motion, the tail curls upward and lifts.

Loyalty. German Shepherds can be somewhat reserved and cautious when meeting new people. However, once they form a bond with their owner, they become extremely loyal. They are usually friendly and devoted to their family but will stand their ground if they sense a threat.

Energy levels. German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that require daily exercise. If left alone for extended periods, they can become bored and depressed. This can lead to behaviors like excessive barking, chewing on objects, or digging. Ensure your German Shepherd gets at least an hour of physical activity each day.

Trainability. This breed is very intelligent and easily trainable. They enjoy having a job or task to do and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks. For example, German Shepherds are often used as working dogs in roles such as search and rescue, narcotics detection, security, and assisting people with visual impairments.

• Consider enrolling your German Shepherd in a training class to help them learn commands and complete tasks. It’s both fun and stimulating for the dog.

Sense of Ownership. This breed is used for herding and protecting flocks. Their strong sense of ownership makes them ideal for guarding families. A pet will guard when it recognizes what belongs to it and what does not. This instinct helps German Shepherds distinguish between family members and intruders. They have a natural protective instinct and are often employed as police dogs.

• German Shepherds will be friendly towards your child, but they may act more reserved with strangers and unfamiliar children.

Ask the dog's owner. If you notice a dog that resembles a German Shepherd and are curious about its breed, approach the owner and ask. For example, you could ask, 'Is this a German Shepherd? It looks so adorable!' or 'What breed is your dog? I'm thinking of getting one.'

• Most owners will happily share information about their dogs.

Consult a veterinarian. If you're unsure about your dog’s breed or lineage, consult a veterinarian for clarification. Vets can easily determine a dog’s breed based on its physical characteristics.

Ask the breeder. If you bought your dog from a breeder, inquire about the dog's parents and lineage to confirm it is a purebred. A certified breeder will be able to provide full documentation proving that the dog's parents are recognized German Shepherds by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

• Make sure to purchase from an AKC-licensed breeder to guarantee you are getting a purebred dog.

Download a dog breed identification app. Many apps are available to help you identify different dog breeds. To use an app, simply upload a photo of your dog, and it will tell you the breed.

• For instance, you can try the Microsoft app called Fetch!.
• Although these apps aren't 100% accurate, German Shepherds have distinct features that are easy to spot.

Purchase a DNA test kit for dogs online. You can search Google for a "dog DNA test kit". These kits typically cost between $80 and $100 and are available for purchase online.

Read and follow the instructions carefully. Once you receive the DNA test kit, open the box and read the instructions thoroughly. The guide will outline the steps for collecting the DNA sample and how to send it to the lab.

• Each kit is designed for taking a sample from one dog only.

Collect a cheek swab from your dog. The test kit will include two swabs. Both swabs are used to collect DNA from a single dog. Open your dog's mouth and gently rub the swab inside their cheek. The process is the same for both swabs.

Send the test sample. Place the two swabs into the plastic bag provided in the test kit. Then, put them in an envelope or prepaid mailer. Once sealed, send them to the laboratory for testing.

Review the results. About three weeks after sending your sample, you will receive the results. Your dog's DNA will be compared to approximately 200 different breeds. If your dog is a German Shepherd, the DNA test will easily confirm this.

• The results will also tell you whether your dog is a mixed breed with some German Shepherd lineage.

• Although German Shepherds are commonly used as guard dogs, they may be restricted in some areas. Make sure to check if they are allowed in your area before adopting one.