According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds are the second most popular dog breed in America. It isn’t hard to see why. German Shepherds are such a dog lover’s delight with their loyal, intelligent, and courageous personalities and distinct physical appearance. But how can you tell if a German Shepherd is purebred?
You can tell if a German Shepherd is purebred by looking at its physical features. A purebred German Shepherd will have upright ears, a bushy tail, a black nose, and a thick double coat. However, DNA testing can help prove your German Shepherd is purebred.
Let’s get into all of the characteristics of German Shepherds that make them different from other breeds and mixed breed dogs. We’ll go over all of the ways you can determine whether a German Shepherd is purebred. We’ll also walk you through all of the breed standards so that you can tell a purebred German Shepherd when you see one.
DNA Testing Your German Shepherd
No matter what, if you’re unsure about your dog’s breed, you can always order a DNA test. Dog DNA tests have become much more popular and accessible in recent years, making them an excellent option for all kinds of dog owners.
If you want to test your GSD’s DNA, you can either order a saliva-testing kit from a reputable company such as the Wisdom Panel or get a blood test done by your vet.
With a mail-in kit, all you have to do is order a DNA testing kit from a well-known brand, swab your dog’s cheek, and send the equipment in for testing. These DNA testing kits can determine whether dogs are purebred or not.
Still, they also predict the probability that your dog will develop certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, which is common in German Shepherds. So, getting a DNA test is an excellent idea if you want to invest in one.
A German Shepherd’s Physical Features
German Shepherds are unlike any other breed of dog. Their physical characteristics are distinct enough that you should be able to tell if your German Shepherd is purebred just by examining their bodies.
- Pointed ears: German Shepherds have very distinct ears that few other dog breeds have. German Shepherds have rounded, pointy ears that open to the front of their faces. When they’re alert, their ears point straight up, creating an equilateral triangle.
- Bushy tail: German Shepherds have very bushy tails that have hair hanging down off of them. Usually, when they’re relaxed, their tails slope down. But while they’re running or trotting, their tails gently curve upwards, revealing a fringe of hair that hangs down off of their tails.
- Size: German Shepherds are large dogs that ideally have a longer body than it is tall. Male German Shepherds are usually 24 to 26 inches (61- 66 cm) tall, and females are generally between 22 and 24 inches (56- 61 cm) tall. Males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds (29.5- 40.8 kg), and female German Shepherds weigh between 50 and 70 pounds (22.7- 31.8 kg).
- Muscular build: German Shepherds have solid and thick necks that hold their heads upright. Generally, they have narrow bodies with muscular shoulders and legs. Their shoulders are also taller than the rest of their backs.
- Head and eyes: German Shepherds have angular, sharp features that give them an intelligent, distinguished expression. Their muzzle is wedge-shaped, and it’s rather long. German Shepherds have dark, almond-shaped eyes that are usually a very dark or rich brown color. Their eyes typically don’t protrude, and they’re medium-sized.
- Nose: German Shepherds have black noses. Occasionally, the nose can have some discoloration or lighter shades, but most German Shepherds’ noses are entirely black.
- Coat: Purebred German Shepherds have a double coat with a short, soft undercoat and a wiry, waterproof outer coat. Most of the time, the outer coat is thick and straight, but occasionally it can be slightly wavy.
Still, there are a couple of other dog breeds that look a lot like German Shepherds. The Belgian Malinois looks very much like the breed, but they’re usually smaller and have thinner coats. East European Shepherds also look a bit like German Shepherds, though they’re generally larger and slightly more aggressive than German Shepherds.
German Shepherds & Coloration
German Shepherds usually come in three primary color categories: tan and black, grey and black, and red and black. However, their coloration can vary depending on each dog. German Shepherds are generally tan, black, sable, grey, blue, red, silver, or liver-brown, and most of the time, they all have some black on their backs and faces. The most common coloration is tan with black on the back and around their eyes and ears.
Sometimes, you can find white German Shepherds. They aren’t albino, but white German Shepherds have been bred to reveal a recessive trait, making White German Shepherds prone to inbreeding. They aren’t eligible to compete in dog shows, making them only popular as pets. But they do exist, and they’re purebred German Shepherds.
A German Shepherd’s Personality
German Shepherds also have unique personality characteristics that have made them some of the best and most trusted service dogs, farm dogs, companions, and seeing-eye dogs. If you get to know a German Shepherd, there’s no mistaking their personality with another breed.
Energy Level
German Shepherds were initially bred to be herding dogs, which is why they’re called German Shepherds. Since they were once primarily used as farm dogs, they have a high need for activity. So, you can expect German Shepherds to be highly energetic and playful, especially when they’re young. They may also display some protective, herding behaviors, such as trying to herd people or circling them like sheep, typical for the breed.
Intelligence
German Shepherds are renowned and loved for their high intelligence. When it comes to training, these are among the easiest dogs to teach. Often, it’s easy to teach German Shepherds complicated tricks, which is part of why they were historically such prized farming dogs. Nowadays, German Shepherds are popular as seeing-eye dogs, service dogs, police dogs, search-and-rescue dogs since they’re so bright.
Courage
German Shepherds are among the most courageous, self-confident dogs out there. They’re well known for their abilities to protect their owners. They perform their jobs even during fires, shootings, and other dangerous circumstances, making them among the most prized breeds for police work and search-and-rescue jobs.
Loyalty
German Shepherds, in addition to their high intelligence, are very loyal to their owners and families. They’re often used as guard dogs since they’re protective of their families, but that’s only if you train them to be guardians. Generally, when they meet strangers, they’re aloof, and it takes a while for them to warm up to new people.
Once they warm up to you, though, you have a friend for life. German Shepherds are known to be great companions due to their loyalty.
They often follow their owners around the house and want to be close to them at all times. They’re great with children because of this trait as well. A purebred German Shepherd is usually detached from new people and strangers, but loving and protective of their owners.
Final Thoughts
Purebred German Shepherds are easy to find and identify as long as you know the specifics of the breed. If you keep in mind the breed’s unique physical characteristics, various coat colors, and intelligent, courageous temperament, you should be able to recognize German Shepherds anywhere you go.