Are there any health problems to watch out for that are especially common with this breed?

Bloat – This breed is prone to Bloat which is a potentially fatal condition if not treated immediately that occurs when the stomach twists and the blood supply is blocked.

Cancer – German Shepherds are at higher risk of getting cancer, especially cancer of the bone or skin. Keep an eye out for any unusual lumps, bumps or skin anomalies.

Degenerative Disc Disease – This untreatable condition affects the nervous system and can result in mobility issues and often end in partial paralysis of the back legs.

When it comes to keeping your German Shepherd’s coat, nails and teeth healthy, what requirements need to be met? This is a high-shedding breed and requires regular brushing to keep its medium length double coat tangle free. Nails need to be cut monthly but be wary of over bathing your German Shepherd as this breed needs only an occasional bath. This is great news for any pet owner as due to their size, this breed isn’t the easiest to manoeuvre around a bathtub.

German Shepherds have boundless energy and are well matched with owners who live and enjoy an active lifestyle. Any breed of dog is a time commitment but this breed requires around 2 hours per day of exercise and they tend to display destructive behaviour if this quota is not fulfilled.

Absolutely, when it comes to loyal dogs that are loving and sweet natured, German Shepherds are fighting for the top spot.

German Shepherds are gentle dogs but can show aggression if they aren’t socialised from a young age or exercised as frequently as they should be. Luckily, this breed is one of the most trainable breeds so you should have no issues when training your pet to be obedient.

The pros of owning a German Shepherd are that you have an exceptionally loving and doting companion that is easily trainable and good natured. The cons are that this breed requires a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy which can take a big chunk of your time. Another potential downside is that this is a high shedding breed so you will have to be prepared to deal with an excess of dog hair in your home.

German Shepherds can be prone to some common health problems, so having pet insurance can help to protect you against those unexpected vet bills. You can find out more about your cover options benefits with Asda Money Dog Insurance here.