Active households, homes with yards, families with older children
Temperament:
Intelligent, outgoing, eager to please, active
Weighing in at over 100 pounds when fully grown, the Giant German Shepherd is an impressive breed that has plenty of energy and loves to spend time with human companions. These dogs have big, thick heads and stalky bodies that give them a muscular look. They are created by breeding German Shepherds with larger-than-usual physiques together.
This breed is not nearly as popular as the regular German Shepherd, but they are gaining attention among people who are looking for trustworthy family dogs that are awesome companions and effective guard dogs. Whether you are interested in adopting a Giant German Shepherd yourself or are simply curious about them, you have come to the right place to learn all about this large dog breed.
Giant German Shepherd Puppies — Before You Get One
Giant German Shepherd puppies are larger than the average pooch, even as newborns. They are smart, which makes them relatively easy to train. They are usually healthy throughout their lives, although there are a few health conditions they are susceptible to that owners should be aware of. Their social personality makes them a joy to spend time around.
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5 Interesting Facts About Giant German Shepherds
1. A Few of Them Are Movie Stars
Giant German Shepherds have been cast in a variety of different movies over the years, such as “K-9,” starring Jim Belushi. They are hard-working and eager to please, making them the perfect co-star for adults and children alike.
2. They Are Considered a New Breed
According to researchers, domestic dogs have been around for at least 20,000 years. However, regular and Giant German Shepherds have only been around since the late 1800s, which leads many to consider the breed a new one.
3. Different Countries Have Different Names for Them
These dogs are not called German Shepherds everywhere. In Germany, they are sometimes referred to as Deutscher Shaferhunds. They are called Alsatians in Ireland. Some countries refer to them as Berger Allemands.
4. They Temporarily Lost Their Full Name in America
Sometime in the early 1900s, the American Kennel Club decided to remove the word “German” from this breed’s name. So, these dogs were known simply as Shepherds for about 15 years until the American Kennel Club reversed their decision and added the word “German” back to their name.
Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock
5. They Are Extremely Popular in the United States
The Labrador Retriever has been rated the most popular dog in the United States for 30 years in a row now, but the German Shepherd is not far behind. Usually ranking at number two, this breed ranked number three in 2020, according to the American Kennel Club.
Giant German Shepherds are hardy, smart, fun-loving, and good with older children. They can be taught to be guard dogs, and they excel on the agility course. Any family would be lucky to share their life with such an awesome dog breed. Are you thinking about adopting one of your own? If so, what interests you most about this large dog breed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000, in which time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry in her spare time. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and dozens of chickens....Read more
