German Shepherd
Versatile, highly trainable working dog with a strong protective instinct.
Origin & history
Developed in Germany in the late 19th century from regional herding dogs to create a uniform, versatile working breed. It quickly became famous worldwide as a service, guide, and rescue dog.
Care
Needs daily exercise, mental work, and consistent training. Brush the coat twice a week, more during shedding season.
Ideal environment
Needs space, ideally a house with a garden; an apartment without enough exercise is not suitable. Handles the Swiss climate well.
Feeding
High-quality, protein-rich food matched to age and activity level. For large breeds, watch for controlled growth as a puppy to protect the joints.
Health
Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Choose a breeder with HD/ED certification.