German Shepherds are a breed of dog that has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility, German Shepherds have been used for a variety of purposes, including as police dogs, guide dogs, and even military dogs.

In this article, we will be focusing on the physical characteristics of German Shepherds, discussing everything from their coats to their size and weight.

Coat

One of the most distinguishing physical characteristics of German Shepherds is their coat. German Shepherds have a double coat, which means they have both an outer and an inner coat. The outer coat is thick and durable, while the inner coat is soft and provides insulation. The coat of a German Shepherd can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, and sable. One thing to note is that white Shepherds are not technically a separate breed, but rather a variation of the German Shepherd breed.

Size and Weight

German Shepherds are a large breed of dog, with adult males typically weighing between 65 and 90 pounds, and females weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. They stand between 22 and 26 inches at the shoulder. German Shepherds are a well-proportioned breed, with a long and lean body and a bushy tail.

Ears

Another defining physical characteristic of German Shepherds is their ears. German Shepherds are known for their distinctive, upright ears, which are large and pointed. German Shepherd puppies are actually born with floppy ears, which will stand up on their own as they mature.

Bite

German Shepherds have a very powerful bite, with a bite force of over 200 psi. This makes them excellent guard dogs and police dogs, as they are able to hold onto a suspect or intruder until their handler arrives.

Temperament

While we are focusing on the physical characteristics of German Shepherds in this article, it is worth noting that they are also known for their intelligent, loyal, and protective temperament. They are often used as working dogs because of their trainability and willingness to learn.

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is another breed of dog that is often compared to the German Shepherd. Like the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is a working breed and is often used as a police or military dog. However, while the two breeds have some similarities in terms of their physical characteristics, there are some key differences. Belgian Malinois are typically smaller and lighter than German Shepherds, with a more slender build. They also have shorter hair and smaller ears than German Shepherds.

Shepherd Mix

A Shepherd mix is a dog that is a combination of a German Shepherd and another breed of dog. Shepherd mixes can inherit a variety of physical characteristics from their parent breeds, including their coat, size, and weight.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a breed of dog that is often confused with the German Shepherd. However, while the two breeds share some physical characteristics, there are some key differences. Australian Shepherds are typically smaller than German Shepherds, with a more compact build. They also have a longer coats than German Shepherds, and their ears are usually floppy.