King

With a star-studded history and loving yet protective personality, it’s easy to understand why German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds around. These pups possess the perfect blend of gentle love and fierce watchfulness. As long as you’re safe and content, they will be too. Full-grown, they typically weigh 50-90 pounds and stand 22-26 inches tall.

German Shepherd Dogs are generally excellent with children of all ages. German Shepherd Dogs are ultra territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when they’re doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or any activity that taps into their herding instincts. This breed enjoys helping and having a job to do, so they're often used as guide dogs and police dogs. No matter what the activity is, be sure to keep your German Shepherd busy with mental and physical activities to prevent boredom. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

There are three varieties of German Shepherds: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. The most common dogs are tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherds come in a variety of colors, including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor, or sable. They also have several kinds of markings, such as “pencilling” (black lines on the toes) and “tar heels” (black on the back of the leg). Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shepherd Dogs are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. German Shepherds get along fine with children and other animals, as long as they’ve been socialized, and they prefer to live in a home with family around. However, they don’t enjoy being with other dogs and would prefer to have the house to themselves. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

Boxers may seem serious, but their looks are deceptive. Behind that long face is a playful, clownish pup that wants to be the family's best friend. They’ll often follow you wherever you may roam, waiting for any opportunity to fetch a ball, gobble up a treat, or give you a big, wet kiss. Full-grown, they typically weigh 65-80 pounds and stand 21-25 inches tall.

Boxers are generally excellent with children of all ages. Boxers love human companionship and get along well with kids and other pets. However, they’re naturally inclined to protect you, so they may be aggressive toward foreign dogs and strangers. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Boxers need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They love long walks every day and space to run around. These dogs also enjoy playing fetch or other games. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

Boxers have a short, shiny coat that’s smooth to the touch. Their most common colors are fawn (light tan, yellow, or light reddish), brindle (light or dark stripes), and red. Most Boxers have a black mask around their noses and jaws. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Boxers are best suited for apartments and smaller homes. These dogs aren’t fans of extreme weather (either hot or cold), so they should live indoors with you and your family. They are fairly easy to train.