Any healthy-looking German shepherd dog is strong, active, alert, well-muscled, and well-balanced. It moves without a tinge of weakness and always does things with a certain kind of quality and sensitivity to the environment. That is why well-trained German shepherd dogs can detect things other dogs could not. Another characteristic, therefore, of a healthy German shepherd dog, is intelligence. It must manifest intelligence than most dogs you have encountered. This is what makes the German shepherd ideal even for strenuously active working environment, as they will cope with what other dogs could not.

German shepherd dogs usually stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. It is longer than tall, with an ideal proportion of 10 to 8 1/2, measured from the breastbone to the pet's pelvic end, technically known as the ischial tuberosity. The ideal long proportion is not measured through the length of the canines' back but from the overall length with relation to height, from the length of the forequarter to the withers and the hindquarter, as viewed from the side. The head of a well-bred German shepherd dog is, of course, proportioned to their body, with its face carrying a look of intelligence and confidence. Also, the gait of a German shepherd dog should be generally smooth, outreaching, and elastic, like almost as if no effort is required for it to move. This is because its body was designed to meet the demands of its work.

The question now is, "How can I keep my German shepherd dog healthy?" This seems like a simple question, but it is definitely one of the toughest things anyone who owns and who plans to own a German shepherd should know. First, monitor and keep the weight of your dog to prevent it from being overweight, which naturally leads to arthritis and heart trouble. Aside from those two, learn also the different illnesses associated with this breed such as blood disorders, glaucoma, torsion, cataracts, calcium gout, chronic pancreatitis, retinal atrophy, slipped discs, hemophilia, epilepsy, and hip and elbow dysplasia. It would be very helpful to consult a trusted vet on this matter.

Remember also that touch is as essential as letting the dog exercise, so do this by brushing your German shepherd daily. This is a very healthy thing to do not only for your dog but also for your family. Try having turns when doing something like this for your dog, as it familiarizes him to you and your family. You can also plan on having turns on bathing your dog daily. This is a fun thing to do with other family members, so don't just do it alone. It's also part of your dog's socialization so he will not turn aggressive in the future. Since we're talking about grooming, make sure the nails of your dog are trimmed every two weeks to prevent foot problems.

Concerning their training, tough love is most needed, where one must be firm and consistent about things. This is not even a problem because shepherds are loyal, eager to please, and obedient dogs. So training would not even be a hustle. Do not also forget that these dogs are social in nature, meaning, they are much happier inside, with your family, than they are outside.

With utmost care, a shepherd would make a very good companion for ten to eleven years as this is the common lifespan of the breed. All the while, enjoy their company as there is no other dog like the German shepherd dog.