German Shepherds are energetic dogs and need routine exercise. A brisk half hour walk about twice a day is needed unless they are given a lot of interactive playtime by their owners on a daily basis. If given sufficient exercise, shepherds adapt well to apartment living. They need to be socialized well and early in lots of different physical environments. They are naturally aloof with strangers, and some can be a bit suspicious of strangers if not exposed to people outside the family at an early age.
Some shepherds are overly aggressive, and some are very shy.
Although it can be genetic, this usually is due to poor or no training. Properly socialized, shepherds are usually excellent with children, affectionate and loving with their families, accepting of family friends, aloof with strangers, and good with cats if raised with them. Shepherds need a lot of human companionship. They should never be chained outside or kenneled as they will suffer emotionally. Thyroid problems may not occur until they are at least 4 years old.