10 Reasons Why German Shepherds Make the Perfect Family Dog

Quick Take

• German shepherds rank third in dog intelligence, though the real family advantage isn't what most people assume. See their intelligence ranking →
• Their protective instincts can backfire, and owners must handle it in a specific way. Handle protective instincts safely →
• One overlooked size advantage makes German shepherds surprisingly practical for busy households with young kids. Discover the size advantage →
• These dogs can perform household tasks, and doing them actually solves a behavioral problem most owners struggle with. See helpful household tasks →

German shepherds take a lot of time, energy, and money to raise, but people with these pups say they’re more than worth it. These courageous, loyal dogs are devoted to their families. While they have an intense drive to work and require a great deal of exercise, they also love snuggling with their favorite people after the work is done. In this article, we discuss 10 reasons German shepherds are excellent family dogs. Find out if a German shepherd is the right choice for you.

1. They’re One of the Smartest Dog Breeds

German shepherds rank number three in working intelligence, right after border collies and poodles. While intelligence in dogs has its downsides, such as requiring consistent mental stimulation, having an intelligent dog in the home also brings great rewards. These dogs quickly pick up on new tricks and can learn a wide variety of tasks. They’re also emotionally intelligent and pick up on their human families’ feelings. As they were originally bred for herding, they naturally have an exceptional awareness of their surroundings and an incredible ability to focus. They can quickly adapt to new situations and they are adept at problem solving.

2. Training Them Is a Breeze

You’ll have difficulty finding a dog that’s easier to train than a German shepherd. They’re biddable, smart, people-pleasing dogs. They tend to learn new cues in less than five repetitions. That’s not to say that there will never be issues training your German shepherd, as they still need time to learn new things and may get confused from time to time. However, consistency and positive reinforcement in training will bring about excellent results.

3. They’re Incredibly Loyal

German shepherds form strong bonds with their human families. Although they are typically closest to one person, their protectiveness and loyalty extend to everyone they consider part of their pack. The best ways to foster this loyalty are socialization, consistent training, and spending time playing and working with their humans. German shepherds thrive when they are part of their human family’s daily activities.

4. German Shepherds Were Bred for Protection

Having a protective dog can go wrong without proper, force-free training. This shouldn’t be underestimated, as dogs whose protective instincts are not tempered can become aggressive or overly suspicious. However, a properly trained German shepherd can also provide security for you and your family. You’ll know that your dog will be a significant deterrent to those who want to do harm.

5. They’re Just the Right Size

German shepherds are large dogs, which is a perfect size for many reasons. One reason is protection, as we covered above. They’re likely to deter burglars from even attempting to enter your home. It’s also not as easy to accidentally step on them as it is with smaller dogs, who can easily get underfoot. This is important for a busy family that’s always active. Young children are less likely to hurt the dog by picking them up. You also don’t have to bend down to interact with your German shepherd. Having their heads near a typical adult’s waist height is very convenient.

6. They Can Be Great With Children and Other Pets

German shepherds can be great with children and other pets, but due to their large size and high-energy temperaments, proper socialization and training are crucial. Raising a puppy with your children and/or other pups helps them all grow up together as part of a pack. It’s also important to have the children involved in the dog’s training. Children should also be taught to be gentle with the dog and let the dog have its space.

7. They’re Affectionate

German shepherds are generally affectionate dogs. Every German shepherd will have their own personality, with many loving to cuddle, some just hanging out by your side, and others being slightly more independent. One reason German shepherds do well in families is that they don’t like being alone. In households where there is always someone around, your German shepherd will thrive on the attention.

8. They Can Keep Up in Energetic Homes

German shepherds are working dogs with a ton of energy. They won’t do well with families who like to spend their free time lounging at home. However, they’ll thrive with active families who love to spend time outdoors with their dogs. Busy children will find these dogs to be enthusiastic playmates. Keep in mind that your German shepherd needs 1.5 to 2 hours of physical and mental exercise per day to prevent destructive behaviors caused by boredom.

#9: They Can Do Practical Tasks

There are so many tasks a German shepherd can learn, including bringing you the remote when you’re feeling a bit lazy, cleaning up their toys, turning light switches off and on, and many others. They are eager to please and genuinely enjoy working, so these household tasks help to satisfy their need to work and it also helps them integrate into your family’s daily life. Your shepherd can become a genuinely helpful part of your life with the right training.

#10: German Shepherds Are Adaptable

As mentioned earlier, these dogs are very adaptable. They can easily go from work mode to family mode. They can thrive in a busy metro area, in the suburbs, or in the country. Their ability to easily adapt to different situations is one of the many reasons German shepherds are so popular in police, military, service, and therapy work.

Is a German Shepherd the Right Dog for Your Family?

As you can see, German shepherds are terrific dogs. However, it’s important to acknowledge both the pros and cons of owning a German shepherd before adopting a puppy. These dogs live 9–13 years or more, and you need to be ready to provide good care for yours throughout their life.

Consider whether you can exercise and train your dog for hours each day, whether you can afford the costs of a large dog, and whether you have time to brush their coats every few days. If you have young children, it’s important to decide how you’ll supervise their interactions with the dog and keep them apart when unsupervised. All of that said, German shepherds are popular family dogs for a reason, and they make excellent companions for the right families.