The German shepherd is one of the most recognizable breeds in the whole world. While they have been immortalized in movies like K-9, Max, and Rin-Tin-Tin, these dogs became ubiquitous as the poster-dog for law enforcement and the military. First bred for herding, the German shepherd dog has since been used in battlefields, airports, high-security places, dog shows, and even your idyllic household.

These pictures will convince you of the breed’s undeniable majesty and make you consider adopting one.

1. “So fluffy and cute”

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The breed was developed in Germany by Max von Stephanitz as a herding dog. But when they discovered its intelligence, agility, and trainability, the dogs were used to take on a variety of jobs.

2. “The king on his throne”

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As one of the most iconic breeds, German shepherd dogs are well known for their long snout, pointed ears, and flowy coat. Their stocky build makes them reliable physically such as climbing tree stumps for photos.

3. Better than one

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What’s better than one German shepherd dog? Two German shepherd dogs. However, this owner has a pack of five German shepherds. I guess the breed is just that loveable.

4. “Just a bit breezy”

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German shepherds can also be mixed with other breeds. This dog is a Shiloh shepherd or a mix between a German shepherd and an Alaskan malamute. You can see the traces with its slightly droopy snout and a gentler face.

5. Gorgeous black

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The all-black coat makes for a sleek majestic hound, especially on how it displays its silhouette. While it can easily be spotted in bright backgrounds, it can be a sneaky guard dog at night.

6. “Into the snowstorm”

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The breed also does well in colder climates. They have a medium-length, double coat consisting of a dense outer coat with a softer undercoat. They might look high-maintenance but grooming them would only require occasional brushing every few days or so.

7. Sisters

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Aside from its iconic brown-black coat, this breed also comes in grey, red and black, silver and black, and black and tan. White is one of the rarer coats and is actually considered “faulty” by German breeding standards. How can anyone fault this beauty?

8. Aesthetics

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Speaking of white German shepherds, this Instagram account perfectly captures the beauty of this coat. You’ll never see a doggy-gram as aesthetically pleasing as this one.

9. Grumpy

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This face screams “I’m not mad, just disappointed.” He’s the kind of pal that always looks unimpressed with your life choices but loves you just the same. This one is a cross between a husky and a German shepherd, and that’s why the face is oh-so-familiar.

10. Photogenic

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The German shepherd also comes in different coat lengths. For the furrier variety, their coats can grow to more than 2 inches. The short-haired ones, like this, can grow their fur for about an inch or so.

11. In his intended habitat

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As herding dogs, German shepherds are energetic and vigorous. This is because they’re bred to run across fields and herd livestock. Look how happy this one is in his “natural habitat”.

12. Picture perfect

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It’s undeniable that this breed is one of the most elegant ones in the pack. Put them on a good background and they can make it a postcard-esque moment.

13. Dogs down under

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They may have originated from Germany but these amazing dogs have found their way to The Land Down Under. This just goes to show how popular this breed is.

14. “No edit necessary”

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This proud German shepherd owner brags about how his picture needs no editing. And for good reason. Must be one of the reasons why they are the third most registered breed in America.

15. “Rare breed”

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Like we’ve mentioned, German shepherds come in different coat combinations such as black partnered with brown, red, or silver, sable, and the “faulty” white. But liver, just like this one, is the rarest among these coats. The hue accentuates the breed’s strong features, making them much more ethereal.

16. Lion dog

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Long coated German shepherds can be a handful when it comes to upkeep. German shepherds shed profusely once or twice each year. Just imagine when this “Lion-dog” shakes off the loose fur.

17. Dirty paws

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Even if they come in different shapes and colors, every variety has its own charm. Just look at the “dirty paws” on this little fella! Who can get mad with those adorable puppy eyes?

18. Sunbathing

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Looking at these two, you’d know who’s who. Long-coated ones have a tuff of fur on their ears and a rich mane around their necks. Is one better-looking than the other? Of course not! As a matter of fact, we’ll take both!

19. Sable fable

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German shepherds come in different varieties when it comes to coat patterns. Saddle coats are the most recognizable with their black “saddle” on brown fur. They also have the “panda”, black, white, and these sable coat duo.

20. K-9 Icon

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To wrap up this list, here’s the iconic look of the German shepherd dog. Like the triple-colored beagle, the black and white husky, and the yellow labrador retriever, the saddle coat unofficially carries the poster-dog status of the breed.

It’s no surprise that they’re one of the most popular breeds not only in the United States but the world. Their intelligence, trainability, endurance, and courage make them the perfect companions not only in service but also for your homes. Check out your local dog shelters if you’re looking to adopt and get your Instagram ready for those German shepherd dog pictures!

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Source: Instagram, American Kennel Club, Facts, Animalso