The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a breed recognized worldwide for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. But beyond their impressive working abilities, what does a German Shepherd actually look like? Let’s delve into the physical characteristics that define this iconic breed.
General Appearance
A German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized dog, known for its well-balanced and muscular build. They exude confidence and alertness, always appearing ready for action. The ideal GSD is slightly longer than tall, creating a smooth, curved outline rather than an angular one. Males are distinctly masculine, while females have a feminine appearance.
Size and Proportion
- Height: The standard height at the withers (the highest point of the shoulders) is 24 to 26 inches (60-65 cm) for males and 22 to 24 inches (55-60 cm) for females.
- Proportion: German Shepherds are longer than they are tall, with an ideal ratio of 10 to 9.
Head
The head of a German Shepherd is wedge-shaped and proportionate to its body size. It should appear strong but not coarse.
- Skull: The skull is broad and slightly domed, tapering evenly towards the muzzle.
- Muzzle: The muzzle is long and strong, with well-developed jaws. The bridge of the muzzle should be straight and parallel to the topline of the skull.
- Eyes: Medium-sized and brown.
- Ears: Large and erect, open at the front and parallel to each other. They are often pulled back during movement.
Body
The German Shepherd’s body is characterized by its depth and muscularity.
- Back: The back slopes downwards from the withers in a straight line.
- Chest: Moderately broad and deep.
- Tail: Bushy and reaches to the hock (the joint in the hind leg). It is carried in a slight curve like a saber.
Coat
German Shepherds possess a double coat, providing insulation and protection from the elements.
- Outer Coat: Close and dense, with a thick undercoat. Two variations exist: medium and long.
- Color: The most common colors are tan/black and red/black. Other variations include sable, pure black, and rarer colors like blue and liver. Most color varieties have black masks and body markings.
Movement
A German Shepherd’s movement should be smooth, coordinated, and effortless. They are known for their agility and can reach sprinting speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Breed Standards
It’s important to note that breed standards can vary slightly between kennel clubs. For example, the American Kennel Club (AKC) considers the long-haired variation a fault, while the German and UK Kennel Clubs accept it but do not allow it to compete against standard-coated dogs. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes the long-haired type as a variety of the breed.
Faults
According to the United Kennel Club (UKC), faults in the German Shepherd Dog include a muzzle that is too short, blunt, weak, pointed, or overlong, as well as a “Roman nose”. Other faults include barrel ribs, ribs that are too flat, and a long loin.