.jpg)
​
THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG BREED STANDARD INFORMATION
Temperament: Confident, Courageous, Smart
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 2 of 196
Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Group: Herding Group
____________________________________________
​
GENERAL APPEARANCE
​
The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility – difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex.
CHARACTERISTICS
​
The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault.
​
Disqualifications: Viciousness or extreme shyness.
____________________________________________
​
GENERAL APPEARANCE
​
The German Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized, well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles.
The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog should be evaluated as an all-around working dog, and exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dogs ability to work.
​
Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid
CHARACTERISTICS
​
The German Shepherd Dog must be well-balanced (with strong nerves) in terms of character, self-assured, absolutely natural and (except for a stimulated situation) good-natured as well as attentive and willing to please. He must possess instinctive behavior, resilience and self-assurance in order to be suitable as a companion, guard, protection, service and herding dog.
____________________________________________
​
GENERAL APPEARANCE
​
The German Shepherd Dog is medium-size, slightly elongated, powerful and well-muscled, with dry bone and firm overall structure.
​
IABCA USES A STANDARD FROM WHICH EACH JUDGE'S ORINGAL COUNTRY. WE HAVE ADDED HERE THE INFORMATION FROM THE FCI GERMAN SHEPHERD BREED STANDARDS.
We would like to educate on Conformation Terms you'll often see while looking at or talking to some breeders. The terms "old fashioned", "straight back" or "Slope backs" are known as back yard breeder terms and are used by people who are often uneducated about the German Shepherd Dog breed Structure and terminology; you WILL NOT find any reputable breeder that uses those terms to describe their dogs. A dog with proper structure will always have a straight back. The "Slope" that is often talked about with the American Showline dogs comes from proper angulation desired for the most effective ground covering movement with using minimal energy possible combined with the German Shepherds famous 3 point stack. The "Slope" that is also often talked about when it comes to the West German Showline Dogs is not "Slope" the correct term to use is "Roached"; a roached back is not correct for the breed. A dog with roached back has an arch in the vertebrae around the middle of the back or the loin area that comes even or past the wither, the shoulder, of the dog. Also knowing how to stack a German Shepherd properly will make the dog look proper or improper when it comes to body structure. Having improper structure will wear and tear down the dog's body earlier in life as well as cause orthopedic issues. A dog with little to no angulation in the rear is just as bad as a dog who has too much angulation. Proper education and breeding as well as health testing is the key to health and longevity in any breed.
