Do German Shepherds need a big house?

German Shepherds are large, active dogs that were originally bred as working dogs for herding and guarding livestock. Their size, energy level, and exercise needs often lead people to wonder if German Shepherds require a large house or yard. The answer depends on several factors.

German Shepherd Size

German Shepherds are classified as a large breed dog. Adult males typically stand 24-26 inches tall and weigh 65-90 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, standing 22-24 inches tall and weighing 50-70 pounds.

While German Shepherds are a large breed, they are not among the very largest breeds like Great Danes, Mastiffs, or St. Bernards. Still, their size means they need adequate room to move around comfortably.

Exercise Requirements

German Shepherds were originally developed as herding dogs, which means they have a high energy level and need a good amount of exercise each day. As adults, German Shepherds need 30-60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily.

Without enough exercise, German Shepherds can become bored, frustrated, or even destructive. They may chew furniture, dig holes in the yard, or exhibit other unwanted behaviors.

German Shepherds enjoy activities like running, hiking, playing fetch, or engaging in a job or sport like agility, obedience training, tracking, or herding. Mental stimulation through training is also important.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Living

German Shepherds are highly adaptable and can do well in any home, big or small, as long as their exercise needs are met. They are not dogs that need to live outdoors.

In fact, German Shepherds thrive when they are inside with their family. Being left isolated outside can lead to behavioral problems and stress.

Small House Considerations

While a large house or yard is not required, there are some considerations in smaller living spaces:

• Housebreaking may take a little longer without ready access to an outdoor potty area.
• More frequent walks may be needed for exercise and bathroom breaks.
• Lack of space to run and play means the owner needs to provide exercise through walks, hikes, fetch, or other activities.
• Training is especially important so the dog learns good house manners in tight quarters.
• Provide a comfortable bed and safe chew toys to prevent boredom and chewing of household objects.

Making a Small House Work

With proper care, exercise, and training, German Shepherds can adapt to any living situation. Here are some tips for German Shepherds in small homes or apartments:

• Provide at least 30-60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day through leashed walks, runs, hikes, fetch, or training activities.
• Reinforce training to have a well-behaved dog at home. Work on basics like sit, stay, come, leave it, not jumping on people, and not chewing inappropriate items.
• Use food puzzles or hide treats around the house to provide mental stimulation.
• Ensure the dog has access to fresh water, a comfy bed, and safe chew toys when alone.
• Childproof toxic household items like cleaners and medications.
• Use baby gates to restrict access if needed.
• Consider doggy daycare a day or two per week to help burn off energy.

Advantages of a Larger Home

While not required, German Shepherds can benefit from a larger home in the following ways:

• More indoor space to move around and play on rainy days or in extreme weather.
• Easier to have multiple dogs as they have room to spread out.
• Private, gated yard allows bathroom breaks without leashed walks.
• Yard provides a safe place for exercise, play, and training.
• Less risk of household accidents from having adequate room to roam.

Ideal Yard Size

German Shepherds do not need acres of land, but a yard can be beneficial. A small, fenced backyard of 1,000-2,000 square feet is usually suitable. German Shepherds should not be left unattended in a yard, however, as they may try to dig or jump out to escape boredom.

A yard is primarily useful for convenience in providing bathroom breaks and play time. It does not replace the need for leashed walks, runs, and other exercise.

Are German Shepherds Good Apartment Dogs?

With proper care, German Shepherds can thrive in apartments. The keys are providing adequate exercise, training, and attention daily. Activity levels are more important than home or yard size.

Some tips for keeping a German Shepherd in an apartment:

• Commit to providing at least 30-60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.
• Reinforce training to prevent nuisance barking and chewing.
• Provide interactive toys and food puzzles when alone.
• Ensure the dog is well socialized to prevent fear-based territorial behaviors.
• Invest in odor control products to keep the apartment smelling fresh.
• Use sound-proofing materials if needed to reduce noise issues for neighbors.
• Be diligent about stoop and scoop duties when taking the dog outside.

German Shepherd Housing Considerations by Age

A German Shepherd’s exercise and space needs can vary somewhat based on age:

Puppies

• Require near constant supervision.
• Need to go outside frequently as they have small bladders.
• Are very active and energetic.
• Need open space indoors to run and play.
• Can be destructive chewers when teething.

Young Adults 1-3 Years

• Need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily.
• Do best with training and mental stimulation.
• Require adequate space indoors for activity.
• Still at risk for destructive chewing if bored.

Mature Adults 4-7 Years

• Exercise needs decrease slightly to 30-45 minutes per day.
• Are better behaved and less destructive indoors.
• A small yard is nice for convenience but not critical.

Seniors 8+ Years

• Lower exercise tolerance of 20-30 minutes per day.
• Appreciate soft beds and easy access to food, water and outdoor potty area.
• A small, one-story home is ideal as they age.

German Shepherd Housing: The Bottom Line

While a larger home can be nice, German Shepherds are highly adaptable and able to live in any size home. The most important factors are providing sufficient daily exercise, mental stimulation, attention, and training. An owner committed to meeting these needs can successfully have a German Shepherd in apartments or smaller homes.