Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Dog Reactivity
  4. Are German Shepherds an aggressive dog breed?

Are German Shepherds an aggressive dog breed?

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Reactivity

Are German Shepherds an aggressive dog breed? thumbnail

Over the years, several different dog breeds have garnered a bad reputation for being "dangerous." German Shepherds are among them. These large working dogs are associated with military and police work. Some insurance companies ban GSDs from apartment buildings and even pet stores. While they aren't quite as discriminated against as pit bulls—the most notorious bearers of the "aggressive dog breed" stereotype—many shepherd owners even report strangers crossing the street to avoid their dogs on walks.

Where have these perceptions come from? Are German Shepherds really dangerous? And what does "aggressive" even mean in the canine world?

Let's take a look. We're here to separate fact from fiction—and equip pet parents with the resources you need to keep your dog and everyone around them safe. Here’s a deep dive into aggressive tendencies, territorial behavior, and more in German Shepherds! We cover:


  • This popular dog breed's history and predispositions
  • The current breed standard
  • Reactivity in herding and working dogs
  • Factors that influence dog bite statistics
  • Causes of aggression in any dog breed
  • Treatment of aggression issues

First things first: German Shepherds are not inherently aggressive

Breed alone is not a reliable predictor of a dog's behavior or likelihood of aggression. It would be remiss to box an entire group of diverse animals—like every German Shepherd—under one label. Dogs are individuals!

What is canine aggression?

Aggression is often an an adaptive response to threatening situations. The ASPCA defines canine aggression as "a wide variety of behaviors that occur for a multitude of reasons in various circumstances." It can be tough to define!

Most pet parents call behaviors like growing, lunging, and snapping—and of course, actually biting—aggression. Canine professionals have created a "dog aggression ladder" than can help you understand what your companion is trying to communicate.

Behavior problems depend on a huge range of factors

Dogs of all sizes and backgrounds have the potential to exhibit aggressive behavior. This is especially likely if puppies and adolescents aren't properly socialized and cared for by responsible owners. Nurture is crucial in creating a well-behaved and safe canine companion—regardless of breed.

That said: Proper training and appropriate handling alone don't guarantee that your dog will grow up free of any aggressive tendencies. Canines are complex creatures. (If your dog doesn't quite match their breed standard, or struggles with less common issues, it is not automatically "your fault." We'll dive deeper into potential causes of aggression later on.)

Aggression towards people versus other animals

German Shepherds often have a strong prey drive. This means they have an innate urge to chase small critters! While prey drive is common in many dogs, some pet parents mistake it for outright aggression. They worry that if their dog tries to hunt down a rabbit, soon they'll try to hurt their kids, too.

Thankfully? This is rarely the case. Prey drive is a natural instinct seen in all predatory animals—including us humans!

Any dog can bite if pushed!

If an animal is put in a situation where they feel threatened, they'll react in a species-appropriate way to defend themselves. That usually involves teeth!

While some pets may be more prone to aggression based on their genetics, temperament, or past experiences (more on those factors in the next section), all dogs—regardless of breed or size—have the potential to bite.

Different dogs have varying physical capabilities, so bites can be more or less severe

Larger breed bites have the potential to cause more severe physical damage than smaller dogs'. This is one reason many large dog breeds are automatically considered more aggressive than their littler counterparts.

In fact, many nips from toy breeds go completely unreported. (It's interesting to note that people often generalize these small dogs as "yappy." The stereotype of the aggressive toy breed seems to be growing as the modern human world fails to respect small dogs' boundaries.)

Regardless of a dog's size, all dog bites should be taken seriously and treated promptly.

1) Understand what German Shepherd Dogs were bred for

German Shepherd history

German Shepherds were originally bred in Germany during the late 19th century.

Humans selected German Shepherds for specific working abilities. The breed's first purpose was to serve as a herding dogs—but they quickly gained recognition for their versatility, intelligence, and trainability in other forms of work as well.

German Shepherds' instincts to control movement make them a great breed for herding. The breed's founders intended these dogs to work alongside shepherds to protect livestock like sheep and cattle. Today's breed description still outlines the ability to control other animals through their strong presence, intelligence, and physical prowess.

German Shepherds were also bred to serve as guarding and protection dogs. Their natural protective instinct has been utilized to safeguard property, like farms and livestock.

The German Shepherd's many working roles

German Shepherds have a long working history. Some of the jobs they have performed include:


  • Police and military work
  • Search and rescue
  • Service dog tasks
  • Therapy dog work
  • Herding
  • Guarding

2) What is the modern German Shepherd breed standard?

To this day, shepherds are known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. (They're one of the most popular breeds, too!)


  • German Shepherds are known for their ability to learn and problem-solve. They are quick to pick up cues—especially when trained with positive reinforcement.
  • German Shepherds are naturally vigilant. Some homes and businesses still employ shepherds as guard dogs. They are often wary of strangers and will typically alert their owners to any perceived threats.
  • German Shepherds have a high energy level. They require regular physical activity—and mental stimulation—to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and training sessions are important to keep them engaged.
  • German Shepherds still excel in a wide range of roles. Many non-working dogs compete in dog sports.

You can see the full German Shepherd breed standard here.

A summary of today's German Shepherd


  • German Shepherds are working dogs.
  • Our ancestors selected shepherds for their herding and guarding instincts.
  • GSDs are one of the most energetic and drive canine breeds.
  • These dogs are loyal, alert, and often reserved with strangers.

3) Herding and working breeds are often prone to reactivity

Working dogs are bred and trained for specific tasks. These predispositions give them a higher likelihood of dog reactivity compared to more low energy canines.

Protective instincts

Many working dog breeds, especially herding and guardian dogs, have been selectively bred for protective instincts. These instincts are an essential part of their job safeguarding livestock, property, or their humans!

This protective nature can sometimes translate into reactivity towards other dogs or people in our modern society, though.

High energy

Working dogs are also often bred for their high energy levels and stamina. While this drive is beneficial for their work, it can also manifest as increased arousal when encountering other day-to-day stimuli. This heightened arousal can contribute to reactive behaviors.

Reactivity is not necessarily aggression

It’s important to note that reactivity does not automatically equal aggression. We recommend getting in touch with a reputable trainer if you’re worried about your dog’s behaviors. A professional will be able to help you interpret your individual pet’s behavior and body language.

You can find some recommend trainers here. You can also learn more about canine body language in this article!

4) Dog bite statistics aren't simple to analyze

Dog bite statistics can be influenced by various factors. These include the popularity of certain breeds, media coverage tilts, reporting biases, and more.

More common breeds will have more breed reporting in bite statistics

Popular dog breeds—including the German Shepherd— may have higher numbers of reported bites simply because there are more of them present in the overall pet population.

Increased media attention can create false perceptions

Media attention often focuses on incidents involving specific breeds. This can lead to an impression that certain breeds are more prone to aggression when it's not actually true. We can thank the availability heuristic and recency bias for this!

It's hard to identify dogs by appearance alone

Many dog bite incidents are misreported. Dog bite reports rely on quick visual identification from witnesses—but firsthand accounts are notoriously inaccurate during stressful situations.

Another weird fact: Some early research suggests that dogs with pointed ears are more intimidating than dogs with floppy ears. This could affect bystanders' perceptions of herding dogs like the German Shepherd.

A german shepherd lunges at the end of its leash

5) Causes of aggression in any dog breed

Aggression can be caused by dozens of different factors. Dogs who show signs of aggression—like growling, lunging, and eventually biting—are often motivated by self-preservation. They're acting out of fear rather than direct intent to do harm.

Genetic factors (not limited to breed alone)

Some breeds are predisposed to certain instincts

As mentioned above, certain dog breeds—the German Shepherd breed among them—have been selectively bred for specific working traits over the years. These include guarding instincts, territoriality, and protectiveness—all breed-specific characteristics that may increase the likelihood of displaying aggression in certain situations.

Even a young shepherd puppy probably shows some initial working predisposition, just like young Siberian huskies often already love to run!

Aggressive behaviors might be heritable

Beyond breed stereotypes, some studies suggest that certain aggressive predispositions can be inherited. The specific genetic mechanisms underlying aggression are not yet fully understood. But looking at a puppy’s direct ancestors might be a better way to predict their future temperament than relying on breed estimates alone!

Remember each dog is an individual

Understanding potential genetic predisposition for aggression in certain breeds or individual dogs can help inform:


  • responsible breeding practices
  • early intervention
  • appropriate training
  • thoughtful management strategies

It’s important to assess each dog on an individual basis, though. Consider your own pet's unique personality, experiences, and environment when addressing any behavioral concerns.

Very early experiences, including in utero

Epigenetic factors can influence gene expression and behavior. Environmental factors—like early life experiences, including stress their mother experienced before puppies were born—can impact the expression of certain genes. These variables might contribute to aggressive behavior.

What does this means for German Shepherd owners? While it's absolutely vital to provide your dog with proper positive reinforcement training and mental stimulation to minimize the chance of aggression issues, who your puppy becomes by sexual maturity depends on more than just your own actions.

Lack of socialization or poorly conducted socialization

Socialization is the process of exposing dogs to different stimuli, experiences, and interactions in a positive and controlled manner. It's most important during their critical developmental period, which is typically between 3 and 16 weeks of age.

A lack of socialization can contribute to aggression in dogs by limiting their exposure to a variety of social situations. This can result in fear and anxiety—emotions that might manifest as inappropriate responses when faced with unfamiliar people, animals, or environments.

A well-socialized dog, even one with questionable genetic or very early experience influences, is less likely to be at risk for aggression than a puppy who is kept isolated from the world as they develop.

You can read more about socializing your dog in this article!

Physical pain or underlying medical issues

Physical discomfort or pain can impact a dog's behavior and increase the likelihood of displaying aggression. Dogs may become irritable, defensive, or reactive when they are in pain or suffering from certain conditions. (Just like us humans!)

Medical attention can be a key part of addressing this type of aggression.

A german shepherd shares affection with its owner

6) Treatment of dog aggression

Prevent aggression in the first place!

Preventing aggression in dogs involves a proactive approach focusing on proper care, socialization, and training. German Shepherds are a particularly intelligent breed. They often respond well to basic obedience training, especially under the guidance of a professional dog trainer. This can be a great starting point!

As noted above,t though, sometimes it’s not possible to prevent all instances of aggression. Your dog's behavior, temperament, and experience of the world is not all about "how you raise" them. Certain variables in our dogs’ lives are out of our control.

Get in touch with a trusted, certified trainer

Part of taking care of yourself while training your reactive or aggressive dog? Remembering that you don’t have to do it all alone. The right support network can make a world of difference as you navigate your pet’s behavior problems and create a life you both enjoy!

Consider reaching out to:

Identify the root cause of your German Shepherds aggressive displays

Identifying the root cause of aggression in dogs—whether it's fear aggression, frustration aggression, or simply natural territorial behavior—can be a complex process that requires careful observation, evaluation, and, in some cases, professional guidance. 

Before assuming that behavior is solely responsible for aggression, it is important to rule out any potential medical causes or pain that may be contributing to the behavior. A thorough veterinary examination can help identify underlying health issues that could be influencing the dog's behavior!

Carefully observe your dog's behavior and identify specific triggers or situations that lead to aggression. Document the circumstances surrounding each aggressive episode, including the context, environment, and people or animals involved. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.

Use management to keep everyone safe in the interim

Management is an important part of helping your reactive or aggressive dog. The Management is an important part of helping your reactive or aggressive dog. The more frequently your pet practices their undesirable behaviors in a heightened emotional state, the deeper they ingrain those habits. It’s important to prevent as many reactions as possible so your training can be successful! This can make calm behavior your dog's default and avoid making the situation worse.


  • Provide daily exercise in a range of fulfilling ways. Play and structured training sessions can channel your German Shepherd's energy while you develop a training plan.
  • Use tools like muzzles or “ignore me” patches as a visual cue to get more space from strangers while out on walks.
  • Carefully consider when you go to an environment and whether it will be too busy for your reactive dog to feel comfortable.
  • Cover your windows with film or close the blinds to prevent your dog from barking at triggers outside your living room or office windows throughout the day. You can also use household objects as visual barriers.
  • Drive to a quieter walking route rather than trying to stay in your immediate neighborhood if it’s too overwhelming.
  • Don’t feel guilty about turning around when you see a trigger if you aren’t prepared to train through it.
  • Practice your dog’s basic cues, leash skills, and ability to receive reinforcement in multiple ways (like from your hand, scattered on the ground, and tossed in the air). Building these habits outside of stressful situations will make it possible for you to use them to get through difficult moments out and about. A solid ‘’leave it” cue can be especially powerful.

Work with your trainer to follow an individualized training plan to improve your dog’s mental health and reduce their aggression

Each dog, owner, and situation is different. The animal training world is constantly evolving!

As long as your chosen aggression treatment plan is recommended by a humane trainer you trust and prioritizes your dog’s positive emotions, it could help them (and you) live a better life.

Trainers that reviewed this article

There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality content to our community. We have our articles reviewed by qualified force free trainers.  

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Rayanne Craven  CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, FDM, FFCP
Professional Dog Trainer - Tenacious Dog Training

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Reactivity

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks
Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs thumbnailComprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs
How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life thumbnailHow To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life
All categories

Most recent articles

The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks
The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide To Flying With Large Dogs: Airline Policies and Tricks

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs thumbnailComprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs
Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs thumbnail

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs

How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life thumbnailHow To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life
How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life thumbnail

How To Enable a Reactive Dog To Live A Full Life

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnailThe Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know thumbnail

The Ultimate Guide to Airline Dog Policies in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners
Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Rottweiler: Genuine Tips from Real Dog Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US