German Shepherds are well known for their frequent work as police and military dogs, but you might not associate them with being family-friendly dogs. So, are German Shepherds good family dogs? That all depends on the owner, their training, and the owner’s ability to fulfill the dog’s needs. If you’re interested in a German Shepherd family dog, you must be well informed about the breed and how to ensure your dog will fit well within your family and your lifestyle. Read on to learn more about German Shepherds’ temperament, activity levels, and more so you can decide if this is the right dog for you.
The Best Type of Owner for this Breed
Is a German Shepherd a good family dog? It depends on whether you are the type of owner that can give this wonderful breed what they need. German Shepherds are not low-maintenance dogs. They were bred to be herding dogs and police and military dogs, so they’re truly a working breed. If they don’t have a job or don’t get adequate physical and mental activity, they can get bored. A bored dog can get into trouble trying to entertain themselves. Owners interested in a German Shepherd family dog that also serves as a protection dog need to commit to keeping up with their training, too.
So, are German Shepherds good family dogs? They absolutely can be if:
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- Your family can keep your dog active. Enlist your family members to help take your dog running, play with them, and participate in other activities that allow them to use their working dog energy constructively.
- You can spend time with your dog. A German Shepherd isn’t the kind of dog that can be left home alone for 12 hours a day. They’ll find a way to keep busy, and it’s likely you won’t be thrilled with their choice of activity.
- You can maintain their training. German Shepherds need stimulation, and they’re happiest when they have a job to focus on. Training exercises and practice help keep your dog entertained, but they also reinforce the training you’ll need your dog to use on the job as a protection dog.
If you’re unable to do any of these things, a German Shepherd is probably not the right breed for you.
The Temperament of German Shepherds
Before bringing home a German Shepherd family dog, it’s important to understand their temperament so you can decide if this breed is the right choice for you. Many people want German Shepherds because they are fiercely loyal, and so they make excellent protection dogs. They are indeed brave, confident, and devoted, and they will put their own safety on the line for their people. However, they are also high energy and need consistent activity or a job to be happy. First and foremost, a German Shepherd is a working dog, and without that work, they can become antsy and frustrated.
Are German Shepherds good family dogs to have around small children? As surprising as it may be for such an active, protective dog, German Shepherds are excellent with small children and families. They bond well with their humans and protect them tirelessly. They can be somewhat aloof with other people and dogs, but this is beneficial for a protection dog. Thorough and consistent training is essential with any dog that will be around young children, so you know your dog will respond quickly and reliably to commands.
What Makes the German Shepherd a Good Family Dog?
So, how are German Shepherds good family dogs? This breed is incredibly faithful to their people and thinks of their family as their pack. They are happiest when they’re with their family and can participate in all family activities. German Shepherds love to work and play, so children will find a tireless playmate in these dogs. They’re affectionate with their people and defend them without hesitation.
German Shepherds are also extremely smart and perpetually alert. They take very well to training of all kinds, and particularly to protection training as they are a courageous breed who doesn’t back down when threatened. These dogs will watch carefully over family members, including children, to assess for threats. If a potentially threatening situation arises, German Shepherd family dogs will work hard to protect all members of the family actively, ensuring everyone is safe.
Are German Shepherds Good with Other Dogs?
Is a German Shepherd a good family dog with other dogs? German Shepherds are generally friendly with other dogs, particularly if they’ve grown up with them. It’s helpful if they’re socialized to other animals as puppies to help them learn how to behave calmly and patiently with other dogs and pets. Proper training is important here, too, if you know your German Shepherd will regularly see other dogs. Otherwise, they can get impatient or bossy with other dogs if they’re not accustomed to them.
Is Your Family Right for a German Shepherd?
So when are German Shepherds good family dogs? When your family can provide what your German Shepherd needs. If you want this smart, loyal, steadfast dog by your side, you need to be prepared to give them what they need in return. As a working dog, a German Shepherd has plenty of energy and intelligence, so they need to be kept busy and entertained, too.
Be ready to take your German Shepherd out for a variety of different activities, which could include running, playing, hiking, agility courses, training exercises, swimming, hunting, and more. Your dog will require consistent training and socialization to ensure they’re well-prepared for a variety of situations. Protection dogs will need additional special training.
Potential Challenges of Owning a German Shepherd
When is a German Shepherd a good family dog, and when is it not the right match for you? If you’re unable to spend a lot of time with your dog, this breed may not be the right match. You and your family will need to be able to exercise your dog daily and show them love and affection. If you can commit to giving your German Shepherd what they need, you can be sure they’ll be a steadfast protector and lifelong companion for you and your family.
If an expertly-trained German Shepherd is the ultimate protection dog for you, contact Scott’s K9 to find out how we ensure our dogs offer top-tier protection as members of your family.
Additional sources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog-right-for-you/
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/large-dogs/german-shepherd