German shepherds are amazing animals. Not only are they one of the most recognizable breeds of dogs in the world, but they are also one of the most popular. Here are some amazing facts about this wonderful breed of dog.

1. German shepherds are low maintenance

With just a little bit of brushing, a German shepherd’s coat of fur remains healthy and hardly ever sheds. When it comes to baths, unless they need it, A German shepherd only needs to bathe a few times a year.

2. First seeing-eye dog

A German shepherd served as the first-ever seeing-eye dog. Named Buddy, the dog was trained in Switzerland, through a program based on one in Germany where German shepherds were being trained as seeing-eye dogs for World War I veterans.

3. German shepherds come in a variety of colors

Known primarily for black and tan markings, German shepherds actually come in other colors as well. In fact, the American Kennel Club says there are 11 recognized colors of German shepherds.

These fur colors include black, sable, blue, gray, liver, white, and a variety of multi-colored coats, such as black and tan, black and red, black and cream, and black and silver. There are also bicolor varieties that tend to have a primary color, highlighted by different colored fur around the feet, legs, and face.

4. Near the top on the list of most popular breeds

The German shepherd dog breed consistently places within the top three of the most popular dog breeds. At one time, in the mid-to-late-1920s, the breed was at number one. German shepherds actually fell out of the top 10 until regaining their popularity following World War II.

5. German shepherds are popular in Hollywood.

Famous German shepherds include Rin-Tin-Tin, Stoneheart, and Bullet the Wonder Dog. Another group of famous German shepherds was the four with white fur that appeared on the Jack LaLanne show and included Happy, Smiley, Waldo, and Chuck.

6. The German shepherd dog breed name

The full name of the German shepherd breed is actually a German shepherd dog. This was done to distinguish between the breed and humans of German descent who shepherded livestock in the German countryside.

7. The Westminster Dog Show

Believe it or not, but a German shepherd has won the prestigious Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show only twice. The popular dog breed has only won in 1987 and 2017.

8. There are five varieties of German shepherd

All told, there are five different varieties of German shepherds, including the West-German Working Line, East German DDR Working Line, Czech Working Line, American Show Line, and European Shor Line German shepherds. And that is not even counting all of the German shepherds mixes out there.

9. Second to only one breed in registrations

Despite the4 fact that people love German shepherds, the breed Is only the second-most registered breed in the United States. The distinction of first falls to the Labrador retriever.

Their popularity is due to their use in a variety of roles, including as guard dogs, service animals, Military Working Dogs, police, K9s, and family pets.

10. A long life span

German shepherds can live to 13 years old if properly cared for. The longest-lived German shepherds were an astounding 18 years old. And while that is not normal, with proper care, nutrition, and exercise, a German shepherd can have a long life.

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Sources: German Shepherd Country, Facts.net, Simply For Dogs, American Kennel Club, America Comes Alive!, Doggiedesigner