Are German Shepherds Good First Dogs? 15 Essential Tips for Beginners

So you’re thinking about getting a German Shepherd as your first dog? That’s a big decision! German Shepherds are amazing companions, but they come with specific needs and challenges that might surprise first-time dog owners.

I’ve been researching this topic extensively, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about whether German Shepherds make good first dogs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear picture of what to expect if you bring one of these intelligent pups into your home.

The Short Answer

German Shepherds can be good first dogs for the right owner. They’re incredibly smart loyal, and trainable – but they also require significant commitment in terms of time energy, and resources.

Let’s dive into the details so you can decide if a German Shepherd is the right match for your lifestyle.

15 Essential Tips for First-Time German Shepherd Owners

#1: Understand German Shepherd Personality Traits

German Shepherds are known for being:

• Highly intelligent and trainable
• Loyal and protective
• Courageous and confident
• Social with family but sometimes aloof with strangers
• Working dogs with a strong desire for purpose

They can be absolute goofballs with their family but will quickly switch to protection mode if they sense a threat. This versatility makes them incredible companions, but it requires proper training and socialization.

#2: Be Prepared for the Financial Commitment

Owning a German Shepherd isn’t cheap! Here’s a breakdown of some costs you should expect:

According to ASPCA, the yearly cost of owning a medium-sized dog like a German Shepherd averages around $669, or about $56 per month. The lifetime cost can easily exceed $14,000!

#3: Match Your Lifestyle to Their Needs

Before getting a German Shepherd, honestly assess your:

• Daily schedule and time availability
• Energy level and activity preferences
• Housing situation (apartment vs. house with yard)
• Family dynamics (kids, other pets)

German Shepherds thrive when their lifestyle matches their owners’. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation – without it, they’ll find destructive ways to burn energy.

#4: Commit for the Long Haul

When you bring a German Shepherd home, you’re making a 10-12 year commitment. These dogs depend on you for everything – food, shelter, healthcare, training, and love.

Ask yourself: Can you see yourself rearranging social plans to care for your dog? Are you willing to make sacrifices for their wellbeing? If not, a German Shepherd might not be the right choice for your first dog.

#5: Prepare for Challenging First Months

The first 3 months with a German Shepherd puppy are TOUGH! It’s similar to bringing home a baby – you’ll be:

• Supervising constantly
• Cleaning up accidents
• Dealing with crying at night
• Teaching basic manners
• Helping them adjust to their new environment

This intense period can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners, but the bond you’ll develop makes it worthwhile.

#6: Understand Their Size and Strength

Adult German Shepherds are large, powerful dogs:

• Males: 65-90 pounds (29-41 kg)
• Females: 50-70 pounds (23-32 kg)

Without proper training, a dog this size can accidentally knock over children or elderly family members. Training needs to start early to prevent jumping and other problematic behaviors.

#7: Match Their Energy Level

German Shepherds have TONS of energy! An adult needs at least 2 hours of physical activity daily, plus mental stimulation.

For many first-time owners, this is a huge adjustment. A quick walk around the block isn’t enough – these dogs need serious exercise. Are you ready to commit to daily walks, play sessions, and training?

#8: Consider Fostering First

Not sure if you’re ready for full-time German Shepherd ownership? Try fostering! Contact local rescues to see if you can temporarily foster a German Shepherd.

Fostering gives you real experience with the breed without the lifetime commitment. It’s a great way to test whether your lifestyle is compatible with these high-energy dogs.

#9: Think About Your Future Plans

Remember that German Shepherds live 10-12+ years. Consider your future plans:

• Will you be moving?
• Planning to start a family?
• Changing careers?
• Traveling frequently?

Many landlords and apartment complexes restrict German Shepherds, which can make housing difficult. Make sure your long-term plans accommodate a large, active dog.

#10: Be Ready for Serious Shedding

They don’t call them “German Shedders” for nothing! These dogs have double coats and shed CONSTANTLY, with heavy “blowing” of their coats during spring and fall.

If you’re a neat freak or have allergies, this might be a dealbreaker. You’ll need a good vacuum cleaner and regular grooming sessions to manage the fur situation.

#11: Keep Them as Indoor Dogs

German Shepherds are family dogs that need to live inside with their people. Keeping them outdoors leads to:

• Exposure to extreme weather
• Lack of mental stimulation
• Potential behavior problems
• Excessive barking
• Reduced bonding with family

These social animals crave human interaction and can develop behavioral issues if isolated outside.

#12: Commit to Continuous Training

Training isn’t a one-time thing with German Shepherds – it’s an ongoing process. These intelligent dogs need regular mental challenges throughout their lives.

At minimum, your German Shepherd should learn:

• Basic obedience commands
• Proper leash manners
• Appropriate social behavior
• Crate training
• Recall (coming when called)

Many first-time owners underestimate how much training is needed, which can lead to behavior problems down the road.

#13: Give Your German Shepherd a “Job”

German Shepherds were bred as working dogs, and they’re happiest when they have a purpose. Without one, they get bored and destructive.

Your German Shepherd’s “job” could be:

• Learning advanced tricks
• Participating in dog sports
• Helping with household chores
• Practicing scent work
• Regular training challenges

These smart dogs can learn amazing skills – I’ve seen German Shepherds that help load dishwashers, clean up toys, and even assist with laundry!

#14: Be Aware of Health Issues

German Shepherds are prone to several health conditions, including:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Epilepsy
• Eye diseases
• Bloat

Purchasing from a reputable breeder who tests for genetic conditions can reduce these risks, but you should be prepared for potential health challenges throughout your dog’s life.

#15: Prioritize Socialization

Proper socialization is CRITICAL for German Shepherds. Without it, they can develop fear, anxiety, or aggression toward unfamiliar people, animals, or situations.

Socialization should begin early and continue throughout your dog’s life. Expose your German Shepherd to different:

• People (of various ages, appearances, etc.)
• Animals
• Environments
• Sounds
• Situations

A well-socialized German Shepherd will be confident and well-adjusted in diverse settings.

Growing Trends in German Shepherd Ownership

Interestingly, there’s been an increasing trend of first-time dog owners choosing German Shepherds. Many are drawn to their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature.

We’re also seeing more German Shepherds in:

• Therapy work
• Shelter adoptions
• Competitive dog sports
• Service dog roles

These trends reflect the versatility and capabilities of this remarkable breed.

My Final Thoughts: Is a German Shepherd Right for You?

As someone who’s researched this topic extensively, I believe German Shepherds can make wonderful first dogs – but ONLY for the right owners.

You might be ready for a German Shepherd if:

• You have plenty of time for training and exercise
• You’re financially prepared for their needs
• You have appropriate space for a large, active dog
• You’re committed to ongoing training and socialization
• You don’t mind dog hair… everywhere!

However, a German Shepherd might NOT be right for you if:

• You work long hours and can’t provide adequate attention
• You have limited physical energy or mobility
• You live in a small apartment with no yard access
• You’re not willing to invest in training
• You want a low-maintenance pet

Be honest with yourself about your lifestyle and expectations. It’s better to wait until you’re fully prepared than to bring home a dog you can’t properly care for.

German Shepherds are amazing companions who will give you unwavering loyalty and love – but they need the right environment to thrive. If you can provide what they need, you’ll have one of the most rewarding canine relationships possible!

German Shepherd pros and cons

Good breeds for first-time owners often include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, known for being intelligent, trainable, and eager to please. Other excellent choices are the friendly **Bichon Frisé, the adaptable Papillon, the compact Boston Terrier, and the charming Pug, which are generally good-natured and less demanding. When choosing, also consider mixed-breed dogs from a shelter and ensure the dog’s exercise needs and temperament align with your lifestyle.

No, it is not recommended to leave a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours regularly, as their high energy and intelligence make them prone to boredom, separation anxiety, and destructive behaviors. A maximum of 4-6 hours is a more appropriate limit for adult German Shepherds, especially if their exercise and mental stimulation needs aren’t met before and after.