German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds, and it’s easy to see why. They’re intelligent, playful, and make great loyal companions. However, they’re also high-maintenance dogs that require a lot of time, energy, and training. Before you decide to adopt a German Shepherd, be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons carefully.

PROS:

• They’re Incredibly Intelligent. German Shepherds are widely considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds. They were originally bred for herding and guarding, so they have a natural instinct to protect their pack (i.e., you and your family). This makes them excellent watchdogs.

• They’re Active Dogs. If you’re looking for an active dog to take on hikes or runs with you, a German Shepherd is a great choice. They love being outdoors and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Just be prepared for some early-morning walks—German Shepherds are notorious for being ” Velcro dogs” who like to be close to their humans at all times!

• They Make Great Family Pets. German Shepherds are loyal, loving dogs who thrive when they’re part of a family. If you have kids, rest assured that your German Shepherd will quickly become their new best friend. Just be sure to introduce them slowly and supervised at first, as German Shepherds can be a bit too enthusiastic for small children.

CONS:

• They Require a Lot of Exercise. As we mentioned above, German Shepherds LOVE being active—which is great if you’re an active person yourself! However, if you’re more of a couch potato, a German Shepherd is probably not the right breed for you. These dogs need at least one hour of exercise per day (preferably more), so they’re not well suited for apartment living or busy families who don’t have a lot of free time on their hands.

• They Need Lots of Training. Because they were originally bred for herding and guarding, German Shepherds have a strong instinct to protect their pack (again, that’s you and your family). This can sometimes lead to aggressive behaviour if not properly trained from a young age. If you’re not experienced in training dogs, it’s important to seek out professional help so that your German Shepherd grows up to be well-mannered dog.

• They Shed…A Lot. Love those soft furry cuddles? Then you’ll definitely want to opt for another breed! German Shepherds shed year-round, so if you’re not okay with constantly vacuuming your floors and furniture, they’re probably not the right fit for you.

As with any pet, there are pros and cons to owning a German Shepherd Dog—it’s important to do your research before making such a big decision! That being said, if you’re looking for an intelligent, active dog who will quickly become part of the family, a German Shepherd might just be the perfect fit for you. Just be sure you’re prepared for lots (and we mean LOTS) of shedding!