Editing German Shepherd (section)

== Temperament ==

[[File:Infant with two German Shepherds.JPG|thumb|A human infant with two dogs]]
German Shepherds are moderately active dogs and are described in breed standards as self assured.<ref name="akc-index" /> The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. They are curious, which makes them excellent guard dogs and suitable for search missions. They can become overprotective of their family and territory, especially if not socialised correctly.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gsdca.org/german-shepherd-dogs/training-puppy-tips|title=German Shepherd Dog and Puppy Training Tips from the German Shepherd Dog Club of America|website=gsdca.org|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-03-02|archive-date=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303050729/https://www.gsdca.org/german-shepherd-dogs/training-puppy-tips|url-status=dead}}</ref> They are not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br528.html |website=New Zealand Kennel Club |title=Breed Standard&nbsp;— German Shepherd |access-date=19 July 2008 |quote=While the dog should be approachable and friendly, he does not make immediate friendships with strangers. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720164714/http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br528.html |archive-date=20 July 2008 }}</ref> German Shepherds are highly intelligent and obedient, as well as protective of their owners.<ref>Dogwise: The Natural way to Train your Dog (1992), John Fisher Souvenir Press Ltd. {{ISBN|0-285-63114-4}}</ref>

=== Aggression and biting ===
{{Further|Dog bite prevention}}

A 2020 literature review in ''[[Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery]]'' found that from 1971 to 2018, of all pure breed dogs in the United States, the German Shepherd was responsible for the most bites severe enough to require hospital treatment.<ref name="Bailey">{{cite journal |last1=Bailey |first1=Chad M. |last2=Hinchcliff |first2=Katharine M. |last3=Moore |first3=Zachary |last4=Pu |first4=Lee L.Q. |title=Dog Bites in the United States from 1971 to 2018: A Systematic Review of the Peer-Reviewed Literature |journal=Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery |date=November 2020 |volume=146 |issue=5 |pages=1166–1176 |doi=10.1097/PRS.0000000000007253|pmid=33136964 |s2cid=225080998 }}</ref>

While an Australian report from 1999 provides statistics showing that German Shepherds are the breed third most likely to attack a person in some Australian locales,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/Files/Information/Compare.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521011303/http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/Files/Information/Compare.pdf |archive-date=21 May 2009 |website=New South Wales Department of Local Government |access-date=18 November 2008|year=1999|title=Reported Dog Attack Survey}}</ref> once their popularity is taken into account, the percentage of attacks by German Shepherds drops to 38th place.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/Annual-reports-of-dog-attacks-in-NSW-2011-12.pdf|website=New South Wales Department of Local Government|access-date=23 February 2017|year=2013|title=Council Reports of Dog Attacks in NSW 2011/2012|archive-date=19 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319220935/http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/Annual-reports-of-dog-attacks-in-NSW-2011-12.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

According to the [[National Geographic Channel]] television show ''[[Dangerous Encounters with Brady Barr|Dangerous Encounters]]'', the bite of a German Shepherd has a force of over {{convert|238|lbf|N|order=flip}} (compared with that of a [[Rottweiler]], over {{convert|265|–|328|lbf|N|order=flip}}, a [[Pit bull]], {{convert|235|lbf|N|order=flip}}, a [[Labrador Retriever]], of approximately {{convert|230|lbf|N|order=flip}}, or a human, of approximately {{convert|86|lbf|N|order=flip}}).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dogbitesinformationandstatistics.blogspot.com.au/2008/01/canine-bite-force.html |title=Dog Bites: Information and Statistics |date=26 January 2008 |access-date=31 December 2012 }} Cites a ''National Geographic'' study.</ref>