# German Shepherd Care Guide
Caring for a German Shepherd means daily exercise, breed-appropriate feeding, routine grooming, and proactive health checks. This guide walks through what a normal week of German Shepherd care looks like.
## Daily Routine
A healthy German Shepherd routine includes two structured walks, one feeding in the morning and one in the evening, dental brushing 2–3 times per week, and at least 15 minutes of focused training or play. Skipping the mental work — not the physical — is what causes most behavior problems.
## Feeding
Adult German Shepherds typically eat 3–4 cups daily of high-quality dog food, split across two meals. Choose a formula matched to your dog’s age (puppy / adult / senior) and life-stage activity level. Avoid table scraps; the German Shepherd tends to put on weight quickly when overfed.
## Grooming
Coat type: Very heavy — sheds year-round with two major seasonal blowouts. Plan brushing accordingly. Bath every 6–8 weeks unless your dog rolls in something offensive. Trim nails every 3–4 weeks and check ears weekly for redness or odor.
## Exercise
Daily exercise target: 1.5–2 hours. This breed needs both physical activity and mental challenges — puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience drills count toward the total.
## Health Monitoring
Watch for hip dysplasia (very common — health-test parents), elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, which are the most common issues in the German Shepherd. Annual vet exams, up-to-date vaccinations, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention are non-negotiable.
## Living Environment
Not ideal — needs substantial outdoor space and 2+ hours of exercise daily. Wherever you live, provide a designated quiet sleeping area, weather-appropriate outdoor access, and clear household rules that everyone in the family enforces consistently.