German Shepherd food recommendations

German Shepherds: The most popular breed among Germans

Fashionable breeds come and go, the German Shepherd remains: The breed regularly occupies top positions on the popularity scale among Germans. In the breeding statistics for 2018 and 2019, the dog is clearly in first place; well over 10,000 puppies were born in this country during this period.

Bred for over 100 years

The breed standards were established for the first time in 1899. The origins of the German Shepherd Dog have a much longer tradition: the animals are descendants of herding dogs, primarily from southern and central Germany. They were used to guard sheep, but other farm animals such as cows were also kept with their help.

However, these animals were bred without regard to appearance: what was important was that they did their job. With the efforts of the Association for German Shepherd Dogs – today the largest umbrella organization for pedigree dogs in the world – this changed, so that a uniform standard was created.

But this changed over the years. The first German Shepherd dog entered in the studbook in 1895 – he was named “Horand von Grafrath” – was significantly smaller and less muscular than today's representatives of the breed. Animals that tend to meet officially obsolete breeding standards are called “Old German Shepherd Dogs”.

Versatile house and working dog

One reason why the German Shepherd Dog is popular worldwide and is one of the absolute export successes from Germany is because of its popularity Versatility: In 2025, it is rare to find animals in herding service, but there are a lot of sheepdogs that are used in security and police work. Rescue organizations also like to rely on the animals.

At the same time, they are also very popular as “simple” pets: German Shepherds – provided they are raised lovingly, but also competently and consistently – are excellent family members who also have a very warm and playful streak.

Differentiation from other German Shepherd breeds

But there is not only the German Shepherd dog. Also many other breeds were given this “service title”. However, this is not necessarily due to a close genetic relationship, so dog food tailored to German Shepherds is not ideal for all animals with this name:

• Comparatively closely related to the German four-legged friends are breeds that developed in neighboring regions or states. These include, for example, Berger Blanc Suisse (White Shepherd) from Switzerland, the Czech Chodsky pes, the Belgian and the Dutch Shepherd. They have a similar body structure and can generally be provided with special food for German Shepherds.
• The similarities between dog breeds that come from distant regions or even continents are significantly less or almost non-existent. Breeds like that Collie, the Border collie or the one bred in the USA Australian Shepherd Although they were also bred for flocks of sheep, they sometimes have significantly different requirements: Aussies, for example, very often have eye problems, which must also be taken into account with their diet.

Body structure & nature of the breed

The Association for German Shepherd Dogs, in collaboration with the world association FCI, has formulated clear requirements for representatives of the breed. Accordingly, the body structure is standardized, and the individual animals also show many similarities in terms of behavior and nature.

Not every German Shepherd meets these standards exactly; mixed breeds are also very common due to the wide distribution of the breed. However, these animals still have a large part of the characteristics within them, which is why they can also be well fed with German Shepherd food.

Wiry & sporty

In general, German Shepherds are very wiry: they belong to the medium-sized breeds, the standard speaks of one muscular, firm overall appearance. Many skeptics view the rounded, flat back in comparison to the “original German Shepherds”, which could contribute to greater infirmities, especially as they age. The increasingly muscular physique also limits the four-legged friends somewhat.

However, due to their history as herding dogs, they are still capable of handling even large ones physical challenges easy to manage. So the animals don't mind a lot of stress, on the contrary: a German Shepherd needs to be well exercised, they are definitely not indoor animals.

That's why they are one of the most popular four-legged friends for dog sports. Activities such as agility training or mantrailing are absolutely species-appropriate and not only stimulate the dogs physically and mentally, but also make them happy and content.

Inquisitive & able to learn

A strong one is very important for German Shepherds social relationship to their owners – this is also a characteristic that points to their past as sheep herders. On the one hand, the animals are able to make decisions independently, but on the other hand, they also show very strong obedience towards their caregivers.

German Shepherds are considered very intelligent and are not only attentive, but also inquisitive. Learning is very easy for them, which is why they are not only suitable for practicing commands, but also for many other tricks and sports.

Fearless & loyal

One reason why German Shepherds are very popular as service animals is because of them loyal character. They are very interested in the well-being of their owners and will do almost anything for them. If there is danger, they don't hesitate and take action immediately fearless when it comes to supporting their pack.

These characteristics also have a positive effect in the family: a well-behaved German Shepherd is very social in their own home, loves children and can also be quite playful.