The German Shepherd, also known in Britain as an Alsatian, is a German breed of working dog of medium to large size. The breed was developed by Max von Stephanitz using various traditional German herding dogs from 1899.

• Height: ♂ 60-65 cm | ♀ 55-60 cm
• Weight: ♂ 30-40 kg | ♀ 22-32 kg
• Litter size: 6 to 8
• Life span: 10 years or more

German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs. The breed standard height at the withers is 60-65 cm for males, and 55-60 cm for females. German Shepherds can reach sprinting speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Shepherds are longer than they are tall, with an ideal proportion of 10 to 8+1/2.