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Protecting customers with insurance since 2001

German Shepherd

The eager to please, intelligent and loyal dog, perfect for an active family lifestyle.

German Shepherd dog sitting on grassGerman Shepherd dog sitting on grassGerman Shepherd dog sitting on grass

At a glance

Over 2 hours of exercise a day

Life expectancy of 10 to 12 years

Large, between 22kg and 40kg

Intelligent, loyal, obedient

Silhouette showing a German Shepherd can be between 57 and 65cm tall

Over 2 hours of exercise a day

Life expectancy of 10 to 12 years

Large, between 22kg and 40kg

Intelligent, loyal, obedient

Silhouette showing a German Shepherd can be between 57 and 65cm tall

German Shepherd – the loyal family dog

Always keen to make an impression and follow their owners' orders, German Shepherds have gone from working dog to loyal family companions. They tend to be good with children and other dogs, providing they've had plenty of exposure to both as puppies and are well trained. If you lead an active lifestyle and enjoy the great outdoors, a German Shepherd could be the four-legged friend you've been looking for.

Buying or rehoming a German Shepherd

Getting a new dog, whether you buy or adopt, is a huge commitment and there’s lots of preparation you need to do to be ready. Some things to consider are:

  • Prepping your home
  • Figuring out what to feed them, and buying the food
  • Buying the essentials, such as leads and collars
  • Prepping your family, especially any young children
  • Securing your garden
  • Understanding grooming routines and techniques
  • Knowing how much exercise they’ll need
  • Considering pet insurance

Did you know?

German Shepherds were working dogs in the First World War.

Top 5 health conditions in German Shepherds

We’ve put together the most common claimed for conditions for German Shepherds, based on MORE THAN pet insurance customer claims

Condition
Number of claims
Average paid out
270
£942
154
£186
109
£1,428
105
£804
94
£1,099
Condition
Number of claims
270
Average paid out
£942
Condition
154
Average paid out
£186
Condition
109
Average paid out
£1,428
Condition
105
Average paid out
£804
Condition
94
Average paid out
£1,099
Based on MORE THAN data 1 January 2021 to 1 March 2023. Average cost paid out includes excess.

Common health issues and problems in German Shepherds

Most German Shepherds are healthy dogs, with a usual lifespan of over 10 years. Some health conditions in German Shepherds can be down to their genetic history, and commonalities within the breed.

Click on the hotspots to find out more about the most common health issues affecting German Shepherds, as provided by our in-house vet team (October 2022).

German Shepherd silhouette
Elbow dysplasia
Degenerative myelopathy
Hip dysplasia
Anal furunculosis (perianal fistula)
Luke Mallion, our in house vet, seated.
A green Quote, speech mark.
"German Shepherds have a strong reputation for being loyal guardians, the protectors of the family. Therefore, it's important to ensure they're trained and socialised appropriately, so this doesn't turn into aggressive behaviour."
Luke Mangion, MORE THAN Vet

Are you looking for insurance for your German Shepherd?

German Shepherd looking out from under blanket
German Shepherd drinking from bowl
Side profile of a German Shepherd dog
German Shepherd looking out from under blanket
German Shepherd drinking from bowl
German Shepherd looking out from under blanket
German Shepherd drinking from bowl
Side profile of a German Shepherd dog

Ready to insure your German Shepherd?