German Shepherd
the classic black-and-tan working dog with the sloping back
The German shepherd is a confident, intelligent working breed known for its loyalty and its distinctive black-and-tan saddle. Its erect ears and long muzzle help tell it apart from herding breeds like the Australian shepherd.
How to identify a German Shepherd
- Black-and-tan saddle pattern over a back that slopes toward the hips
- Large, erect ears and a long, bushy tail carried low
- Alert, confident expression with a long muzzle
Commonly confused with
If you're second-guessing the breed, these are the lookalikes people mix up with a German Shepherd most often:
At a glance
- Size
- Large (50–90 lb)
- Coat
- Medium double coat, sheds
- Temperament
- Loyal, confident, watchful
- Origin
- Germany, 1899
- Lifespan
- 9–13 years
Not sure if your dog is a German Shepherd?
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Questions
Look for these signs: black-and-tan saddle pattern over a back that slopes toward the hips; large, erect ears and a long, bushy tail carried low; alert, confident expression with a long muzzle. For a definitive answer, snap a photo and let Pawdigree compare your dog against 200+ dog and 70+ cat breeds.