If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy, they will need about three or four meals a day until they’re around six months old. Then, over the next few months, you can gradually reduce the number of times you feed your dog each day. As an adult, they’ll only need feeding once or twice a day.

There are many different types of dog food available, including dry food, wet food and raw food. Sometimes it can be difficult to know which one is best, and how much your German Shepherd should eat a day. If you’re not sure, speak to your vet who’ll be able to help you choose the right food and amount for your dog. This will depend on their age, size and how much exercise your dog gets  each day.

German Shepherds have either a long or short-haired double coat. The short-haired variety has a short, straight topcoat with a thick, dense undercoat. This doesn’t need as much grooming as the long-haired coat that has a much longer, fluffier topcoat. All dogs vary but aim to brush this variety four or five times a week.

A long-haired German Shepherd will usually need grooming every day to prevent the hair from getting dirty and matted. Matted fur can cause your dog discomfort and can harbour all sorts of unwanted parasites.

German Shepherds are a very energetic and active breed – you must remember this when considering which type of dog to get. Your German Shepherd will need lots of exercise to burn off their boundless energy and to keep them healthy whether they’re an adult or a puppy. It’ll also stop them from becoming bored and getting into mischief. You’ll need to take them out for regular long walks, probably twice a day, to keep them well-exercised.

Introducing some playtime on a walk will help burn energy and keep their mind busy. German Shepherds love nothing more than fetching a ball or catching a frisbee.

German Shepherds are registered with the Kennel Club in the Pastoral Breed group – which means they were bred for working with livestock. Because of their intelligence and loyalty, it means training your German Shepherd is easy. They’re often trained as service dogs because of their fearlessness. It’s not uncommon to see a German Shepherd working for the police or the military.

If you have a German Shepherd puppy, taking them to puppy training classes is a great way to start. It’s also the perfect place to socialise them with other dogs and people. And you’ll pick up some great tips on house training your puppy, which is one of the first things you’ll need to teach them to do.

German Shepherds have an average lifespan of over seven years. However, if they live a healthy and happy life and are cared for properly, they could well reach 13 years old. This is a good age for a larger sized dog.

If you buy your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you’re probably going to have to spend around £600 to £2,000 for a puppy. Adult dogs that already have some basic training might cost even more.

Well-trained German shepherds are calm and patient, so they’re usually good around children. However, any breed that hasn’t been properly socialised as a puppy could be aggressive towards a child. It’s really important to remember that dogs should never be left alone with children, no matter how well-behaved the dog may seem.

Due to their loyal and protective nature, German Shepherds can be prone to antisocial and aggressive behaviour. But, with correct socialisation and training, they can make great pets to have around the family. If you take your dog to socialisation or training classes, you’re more likely to end up with a calm and sociable dog as a result.

Yes, German Shepherds have also been known as Alsatians for many years. The name comes from the Alsace region on the border between France and Germany. In some parts of Europe, they’re still called Alsatians, but in the UK, they’re usually called German Shepherds.