When we talk about German Shepherds, it is generally assumed that because we run a business around this dog breed, we tend to favor them. This is not true. When you work with German Shepherds for as long as we have, you will embrace them as you’ll find a lot of special things about them.
One of the many things I love a GSD for is its ability to be a sweet blend of aggression and compassion. With proper training, you can get your German Shepherd to be capable of bringing the hash down, protecting you and your family, and being the mushy companion you need.
That’s not all. This article has been written to show you 10 things that make a German Shepherd special. We have sourced from numerous resources, science-backed data, and pet parents who own GSDs to come up with some of the best bits of a German Shepherd’s personality.
If you are considering owning one or would want to know the capabilities of your GSD, continue reading.
What are the Things that Make a German Shepherd Special?
In our experience and research, these are some of the factors that we consider make a GSD a special dog breed:
- Intelligent and Trainable
- Loyal and Protective
- Great with Kids
- Active and Energetic
- Versatile Working Dogs
- Affectionate and Loving
- Low Maintenance Grooming
- Excellent Problem Solvers
- Social and Well-Behaved
- Lifelong Companions
Intelligent and Trainable
German Shepherds are known for their exceptional intelligence and trainability. They are quick learners and thrive when given mental stimulation and obedience training. These dogs excel at picking up new commands and tricks, making them a joy to work with and train. Their ability to learn and retain information makes them highly responsive to training, allowing them to become well-behaved and obedient companions.
German Shepherds’ intelligence also allows them to be versatile in various roles, from service dogs to police K-9s. Their problem-solving skills and eagerness to please their owners make them highly capable of learning and performing complex tasks, which is why they are often sought after for specialized jobs. With the right training and guidance, German Shepherds can become incredibly well-trained and contribute valuable skills to their families.
Loyal and Protective
A GSD has a natural instinct to protect their loved ones, making it an excellent watchdog. You’ll typically find a GSD forming strong bonds with their family members and will go to great lengths to keep them safe. These dogs are fiercely loyal and will always be on the lookout for potential threats, providing a sense of security for their owners.
Beyond their protective nature, German Shepherds are deeply devoted to their families. They thrive on human companionship and will shower their owners with unconditional love and loyalty. These dogs are often referred to as “velcro dogs” due to their desire to be close to their people at all times. This unwavering loyalty and devotion make German Shepherds incredibly reliable and trustworthy companions.
Great with Children
German Shepherds are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them fantastic companions for children. They are protective and will keep a watchful eye over your little ones. These dogs have a natural affinity for children and often form strong bonds with them, sometimes being referred to as “nanny dogs.”
German Shepherds’ protective instincts and gentle temperament make them well-suited for families with young children. They are tolerant of the often rough play and unpredictable behavior of children, and they will patiently and calmly respond to the attention and affection of their younger family members. With proper socialization and training, German Shepherds can be reliable and trustworthy playmates for children, providing a sense of security and companionship.
Active and Energetic
German Shepherds are energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. If you lead an active lifestyle, a German Shepherd will be the perfect match for your family. These dogs thrive on physical activity and will happily join you on long walks, runs, hikes, or playtime in the yard.
In addition to their physical energy, German Shepherds also require mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. They are highly intelligent dogs that can become bored and destructive if not provided with sufficient mental challenges. Engaging in training, obedience exercises, or even dog sports like agility can help meet their mental needs and prevent problem behaviors. By providing your German Shepherd with ample physical and mental stimulation, you can ensure they are a well-rounded and well-behaved member of your family.
Versatile Working Dogs
German Shepherds are highly versatile working dogs, excelling in a variety of roles. They are often employed in search and rescue operations, police and military work, and as service dogs. Their intelligence, trainability, and physical capabilities make them well-suited for these demanding tasks.
Beyond their specialized roles, German Shepherds can also excel as therapy dogs, providing comfort and support to those in need. Their gentle nature and attentiveness to their handlers make them excellent companions for individuals with disabilities or those undergoing physical or emotional rehabilitation. The versatility of German Shepherds allows them to contribute to their families in meaningful ways, whether it’s as a protector, a working partner, or a therapeutic companion.
Affectionate and Loving
German Shepherds are known for their incredibly affectionate and loving nature towards their family members. They thrive on human companionship and will shower you with unconditional love and loyalty. This deep bond they form with their people is one of the most endearing qualities of the breed. German Shepherds are often described as “velcro dogs,” as they tend to stick close to their owners and seek out constant interaction and affection.
This affectionate temperament stems from their origins as working dogs bred for their strong protective instincts. While they can be aloof with strangers, German Shepherds are deeply devoted to their own family. They are happiest when they can cuddle up next to their loved ones and receive plenty of pats and attention. This affectionate nature makes German Shepherds wonderful, loyal companions who will be by your side through thick and thin.
Low Maintenance Grooming
German Shepherds do require regular grooming to maintain the health and appearance of their double coat. They have a thick, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat that needs to be brushed frequently to prevent matting and remove loose hair. However, compared to some other breeds, German Shepherds are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
A thorough brushing a few times per week is typically sufficient to keep a German Shepherd’s coat in good condition. They only need bathing every few months, unless they’ve gotten particularly dirty. Nail trims, ear cleanings, and tooth brushing can also be done at home with some practice. While the grooming needs are not insignificant, they are manageable for most owners. With the right tools and routine, keeping a German Shepherd’s coat healthy and looking its best is an achievable task.
Excellent Problem Solvers
German Shepherds have a knack for problem-solving and are known for their exceptional problem-solving abilities. They can quickly assess situations and find creative solutions, making them highly adaptable and versatile. This intelligence and problem-solving skill set is one of the reasons German Shepherds excel in a variety of roles, from working as service dogs to excelling in obedience and agility competitions.
The breed’s keen observational skills, combined with their willingness to learn and their drive to please their owners, allow German Shepherds to tackle challenges with ease. They are able to think critically, anticipate potential issues, and devise effective strategies to overcome obstacles. This adaptability and problem-solving prowess make German Shepherds highly valued companions and working dogs.
Social and Well-Behaved
Proper socialization is essential for any dog, and German Shepherds are no exception. When German Shepherd puppies are exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age, they become confident, well-adjusted, and well-behaved adult dogs. This socialization process helps them develop the appropriate social skills and temperament to thrive in a variety of settings.
German Shepherds that receive thorough socialization are typically friendly, outgoing, and comfortable in the company of both familiar and unfamiliar individuals. They are less likely to exhibit fear-based or aggressive behaviors, as they have learned to interact with the world around them positively and constructively. With the right training and socialization, German Shepherds can become exemplary canine citizens, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.
Lifelong Companions
German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 10-14 years, and during that time, they become deeply cherished members of the family. Their unwavering loyalty, intelligence, and unconditional love make them exceptional lifelong companions who will bring joy and happiness to your household for years to come.
Throughout their long lives, German Shepherds form strong bonds with their human families, becoming trusted confidants and devoted protectors. They are eager to please their owners and will dutifully follow their lead, making them highly trainable and adaptable to the changing needs of the household. As they age, German Shepherds continue to provide companionship, comfort, and a sense of security, cementing their status as treasured family members.
Ole Dog House began in 2000 and was officially incorporated in 2004, strengthened by a technical partnership with Samantha Straub of Von Der Burg Loisenthal Kennels in South Africa. Over the past two and a half decades, our kennel has established itself as a leader in Nigeria’s canine industry, producing top-quality German Shepherd Dogs that strictly adhere to WUSV standards.
We are proud members of WUSV, the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa, and the International Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the East German Shepherd Dog. Our commitment to excellence has taken us to GSD specialty shows and elite kennels across South Africa, Europe, and the Americas, expanding our knowledge and refining our breeding practices.
At Ole Dog House, our mission is to nurture a community of ethical breeders and passionate dog enthusiasts who are committed to preserving the integrity of the German Shepherd breed. Whether you are an experienced breeder, a first-time owner, or simply an admirer of this exceptional breed, we are here to provide valuable insights and expert guidance.
Thank you for visiting OleDogHouse.com—your trusted source for all things German Shepherd. Welcome to a world where excellence and passion for the breed unite!
- Can a German Shepherd Mate With a Caucasian? - July 2, 2025
- Can a Boerboel and German Shepherd Live Together? - July 2, 2025
- German Shepherd Dog Color Genetics - June 27, 2025