The last two years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soar.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the German Shepherd – they were one of the UK’s 10 most popular dog breeds in 2020 and have a range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. Instant popularity
The German Shepherd has been one of the most popular dogs in the UK for decades. Its popularity dates back to when they were first accepted into the Kennel Club in 1919. Within seven years annual registrations had soared from just 54 to over 8.000. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Canine heroes
More German Shepherds have won the PDSA Dickin Medal than any other breed. They have been awarded the canine equivalent of the Victoria Cross on 10 occasions. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Famous fans
Celebrity German Shepherd owners include Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart, Miley Cyrus, Claudia Schiffer, Jennifer Aniston and Enrique Iglesias. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. A star of the screen
German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin became a massive film star after being rescued from a World War One battlefield by American soldier called Duncan Lee who taught him to act in silent movies. He featured in 27 Hollywood movies and film studio Warner Bros. would release one whenever it was suffering from financial difficulties. Photo: Canva/Getty Images