Princess

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.

Carolinas are one of the earliest breeds, with their paw prints dating back thousands of years. They are an independent bunch and many still roam freely in the U.S. Whether four-legged or two-legged, Carolina Dogs enjoy being a part of a pack. With proper socialization, they make sweet, loyal family members. Full-grown, they typically weigh 30-55 pounds and stand 17-19 inches tall.

Carolina Dogs are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. They are playful companions for children within their family, and if raised together, they will be friendly with other animals. Carolinas are naturally cautious with anything new: people, pets, surroundings. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Free-spirited wanderers for hundreds of years, Carolinas need to be exercised daily. But as they are uneasy with new pets and places, they might not be the best breed to bring to the dog park. Instead, consider putting them on the leash for a run in a park or long hike in the woods. Overall, their exercise needs are high.

Not much is required in the grooming department for these dogs. Carolinas have perked-up ears and a short wheaten-colored coat. Just be sure to stay on top of the usual maintenance; brush their coats and teeth regularly and bathe and clip toenails as needed. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Carolina Dogs are best suited for a rural property or home with a large yard. Carolinas are happiest in a home with a large backyard for leg stretching! They can live outdoors full-time but like to be with their pack. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.