Male Vs. Female German Shepherd Dogs

Versatile dogs, German Shepherds are suitable for many specialized fields. They can be service dogs working for the handicapped or blind, police dogs, or show dogs. Their natural protective instincts also make them excellent family pets, no matter the gender. There are, however, several distinct differences.

  1. Height

    • Females are approximately 22 to 24 inches in height. Males range from 24 to 26 inches.

    Weight

    • Weight ranges between 65 to 95 pounds. Males tend to be on the larger end of the scale, and thus look more intimidating, while females are more refined in their looks.

    Temperament

    • Loyal and intelligent, this breed is fiercely protective. As "The Everything German Shepher Book" points out, females are generally more protective of people, and males can be territorial over objects, such as the home.

    Altering

    • Neutered males will likely be less aggressive and it decreases incidences of roaming. Spaying the female before her first heat cycle will reduce her chances of ovarian and mammary tumors.

    Working Dogs

    • Known for their police work, originally only male German Shepherds were allowed to be in K9 units. Now you will also see females on the force, though more often in narcotics or bomb squads.