Are German Shepherds Friendly to Strangers? Breed Facts & FAQ

German Shepherds are among the most popular dogs in the United States due to their amazing intelligence, ability to learn complex tasks, and loving nature. However, since owners often use them as guard dogs, many people wonder if they are friendly toward strangers. The short answer is no. German Shepherds tend to be wary of strangers, but this is a complex subject that we will look at in more detail, so keep reading while we try to understand these popular pets a little better.

 

Are German Shepherds Mean?

German Shepherds are among the most affectionate dogs you can find. However, they can be wary of strangers.  In contrast to how film and television portray them, most are quiet and shy around strangers. An untrained dog will often retreat in the direction of their owner and will only become aggressive if cornered or they perceive that their owner is in danger. Only a few will be aggressive toward strangers without any training.

Inexperienced Owners

In our experience, many people purchase a German Shepherd without knowing how to train them properly. In this situation, the dog becomes the boss and is very difficult to control. Improper training manifests as a pet that can bite, play roughly with family members, and act aggressively toward strangers.

It’s a Herd Dog

You can tell by the name that the German Shepherd is a herding dog. Breeders used to raise them to run long distances to keep all of the sheep together, which they accomplished by nipping at them without causing injury. This also keeps the predators away from the sheep. Because of their herding instincts, they can nip at family members, which can frighten small children and visitors.

However, their nips are usually harmless, and they’re only doing what their instincts tell them to do. You can reduce the herding tendencies with proper training. It can be difficult for some owners to provide enough exercise for their pets, which makes me frustrated and bored.

A bored or stressed German Shepherd can tear up the furniture, dig holes, and start barking much more than usual, which can cause some people to think they aren’t friendly.

Guard Dogs

With proper training, your German Shepherd can be an effective guard dog, and as you might expect, they will be aggressive toward strangers as part of their role as protector of their house and family. However, once the stranger is with the master, the dog will no longer consider them an intruder, and the aggression will subside.

 

Are German Shepherds Friendly?

The German Shepherd is a highly affectionate dog toward their family members, and some will also be friendly toward strangers after they know they’re not a threat. Overly friendly dogs can be challenging to turn into effective watchdogs and are usually better suited to homes that don’t require protection, though training can help in some cases.

These friendly dogs make perfect companion animals and are well-suited to homes with children and the elderly.

What Are the Friendliest Dog Breeds?

If you need a dog that is friendly toward strangers, there are quite a few with a reputation for being too friendly for guard duty. Breeds like the Beagle, French Bulldog, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter Poodle, Pug, Samoyed, and many more all make excellent choices when looking for a dog that is suitable for large crowds.

 

Final Thoughts

Early socialization and training are essential for the German Shepherd. You can find a local trainer in your area who can help you if you don’t have experience, and though it can be expensive, the trainer will show you how to train your dog, giving you valuable knowledge you can use with your future pets.

With proper training, the German Shepherd is not aggressive to strangers and can work in the military, law enforcement, and other settings where there are many strangers. Introducing your pet to as many strangers and other animals as possible while they’re still a small puppy will help them feel more at home in those situations, and they’re more likely to be friendly to visitors.

We hope you have enjoyed reading this short guide and that it has answered your questions. If we have convinced you to get one of these intelligent breeds for your home, please share our look into if German Shepherds are friendly to strangers on Facebook and Twitter.

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Featured Image Credit: Diego Cervo, Shutterstock