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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.

Great Danes may seem intimidating, but inside their enormous bodies are even bigger hearts. Their size and loyalty make them good watch dogs, but intruders won’t realize their bark is worse than their bite. Although they appear energetic, Great Danes would rather grab a pillow indoors and relax by your side. Full-grown, they typically weigh 110-175 pounds and stand 28-32 inches tall.

Great Danes are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Great Danes gets along well with children, other dogs, and household pets. Some Great Danes are dominant with other dogs of the same sex or have a high prey drive with small cats. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

This breed is fairly calm when young and needs a moderate amount of exercise when fully grown. Great Danes should be taken on a daily walk or allowed to play in a large, fenced yard where they can run and explore. They may seem like outdoor dogs, but their favorite spot is actually indoors where they can relax and be by your side. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Great Dane has a short, smooth coat that comes in several colors. Most dogs are fawn (gold with a black mask, ears, and tail tip), brindle (gold with a black stripe pattern), steel blue, glossy black, “Harlequin” (white with black patches), or “Mantle”/”Boston” (black with white muzzle, chest, and tail tip). This breed isn’t high maintenance when it comes to grooming. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Great Danes are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. Great Danes gets along well with children, other dogs, and household pets. Due to their size, apartments and small spaces just aren’t practical for this breed. They are moderately trainable with consistent effort.