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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.

Maremma Sheepdogs are herding dogs who are fierce enough to fend off nearly any predator. They like to make their own decisions and are very protective of their human and animal friends. This breed is not for beginners, and although they are sometimes kept as a pet, they're best suited to a family who will let them fulfill their intended purpose of guarding a flock. Full-grown, they typically weigh 65-100 pounds and stand 23-29 inches tall.

Maremma Sheepdogs are generally good with kids, especially when raised together. Maremma Sheepdogs fit best in rural homes where they are allowed to guard a flock in a rural area where no one will mind their excessive barking. Maremma Sheepdogs are protective of the children in their owner's family, but they do not enjoy being poked and prodded by toddlers, so supervision is suggested. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Maremma sheepdogs thrive when they are tending to their flock, and they need time to run free in open space to be happy. A simple walk once a day will not do; they need lots of stimulation - both mental and physical. You must always make sure your Maremma Sheepdog understands that you are in charge during exercise time, otherwise they will think they’re the boss. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

Maremma Sheepdogs have a dense coat that sheds once in the spring and once in the fall. If your Maremma Sheepdog is not exposed to the weather every day, you’ll want to brush them once or twice a week and more often when they’re shedding. Dogs that are used as livestock guardians do not require extensive care for their coats. Grooming-wise, this breed is moderate.

Maremma Sheepdogs are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Maremma Sheepdogs fit best in rural homes where they are allowed to guard a flock in a rural area where no one will mind their excessive barking. If you do not keep other animals, this breed requires a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are fairly easy to train.