What makes German Shepherds great pets?
As puppies, German Shepherds can be a little boisterous, but if trained properly they will grow to be excellent family dogs. They’re fiercely loyal, intelligent, and courageous. Early socialisation and obedience training help prevent aggression.
Taking out German Shepherd pet insurance could help keep your dog in the best health possible and protect you from expensive vet bills.
What types of pet insurance policies are there?
There are four main types of pet insurance for dogs:
Lifetime policy: this type of policy covers your pet for its entire life, as long as you renew it each year. Policies generally have yearly limits, but these are renewed at the same time as your policy. It’s great for peace of mind, knowing that ongoing conditions will be covered. However, lifetime pet insurance is often the most expensive.
Maximum benefit: these policies set a limit to costs covered for each condition. Once you reach the limit, you’ll need to cover any additional costs yourself.
Time limited: often recommended for older pets, this type of policy typically covers illness and injuries for a set period only, usually 12 months. Also, each aspect of the cover has a set limit; you’ll only be covered up to that amount, and you can’t claim for any specific condition more than once.
Accident only: this is the most basic type of cover, providing insurance for injuries resulting from accidents, but not for illnesses.
Things to look out for on your policy
When choosing a pet insurance policy, it's important to pay attention to the following details:
Excess: this is the amount of the claim you’ll need to cover before your policy steps in. Make sure you’ll be able to afford the excess if you need to make a claim.
Cover limits: check the maximum amount your policy will pay out per condition or per year. This will help you understand the extent of your coverage.
Exclusions: be aware of what isn’t covered, such as pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatments, and pregnancy. Check these carefully to avoid a nasty surprise if you need to make a claim.
Waiting period: this is the time you need to wait after taking out the policy before you can make a claim. Understanding this can help you plan for the short term.
Do German Shepherds have any known health conditions?
German Shepherds can become prone to certain health conditions, including:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: this is a genetic condition where the joints don't fit together properly, leading to arthritis. German Shepherds are particularly affected due to their large size.
Bloating of the stomach: also known as gastric torsion or bloat, this is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. German Shepherds are at risk because of their deep chests.
Haemophilia: this is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process. German Shepherds can inherit this condition, which can lead to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.
Canine degenerative myelopathy: this is a progressive disease of the spinal cord for which German Shepherds have a genetic predisposition.
Oral health
While German Shepherds don't have unique oral health conditions, they can experience common dental issues such as periodontal disease, which may lead to pain and tooth loss if untreated.
Regular brushing with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is advised. Aim to brush their teeth a few times a week, and use dental chews and regular vet check-ups to help maintain oral hygiene.
With the right care and attention, your German Shepherd should live a healthy and happy life. Pet insurance plays a crucial role in this, offering peace of mind that you can provide the best possible care for your beloved companion without the worry of the vet bill shock.
How much does German Shepherd insurance cost?
The cost of German Shepherd insurance can vary, but the average premium for dog insurance is £119 per year [2].
However, there are several factors which influence the cost of your premium, including:
Policy type: comprehensive policies like lifetime cover tend to be more expensive than basic accident-only policies, which offer less protection.
Age: older dogs are generally more expensive to insure due to the increased likelihood of health issues.
Pedigree breed: as a pedigree breed, German Shepherds can be more expensive to insure compared to mixed breeds. This is because certain pedigree breeds are more susceptible to hereditary conditions.
Pre-existing medical conditions: pre-existing conditions may not be covered by your policy, or may make insurance more expensive.
Location: where you live can make a difference too, as vet fees can vary from one place to another.
[2] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £118.13 for their dog insurance in June 2026.
German Shepherd profile
Here's a quick profile of a German Shepherd, based on a healthy adult:
Size | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
Large | 30-40 kg | 12-14 years |
German Shepherds are energetic dogs that require at least two hours of daily exercise, including walks and activities such as agility training. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train with positive reinforcement.
They thrive in homes with ample space, ideally with a garden, and adapt well to both rural and urban settings provided they have plenty of exercise and mental stimulation opportunities.
Tips for keeping your German Shepherd healthy and happy
Diet: ensure your German Shepherd receives proper nutrition with a complete, balanced dog food. Consult your vet for specific dietary advice.
Grooming: regular grooming is crucial for managing shedding and maintaining a healthy coat. Brush your German Shepherd several times weekly, increasing frequency during shedding seasons. Bathe them occasionally to keep their coat clean, but avoid over-bathing to preserve natural oils.
Staying social: socialise your German Shepherd young to get them used to new places, people and other dogs. If you’re away often, consider a dog walker or daycare.
Vet check-ups: routine vet visits are essential for monitoring your dog's health, especially as they age. Keep up with vaccinations and have regular checks on their eyes, ears, teeth, and limbs.
Microchipping
In the UK, microchipping your dog is not just a safety measure but a legal requirement, with non-compliance resulting in fines up to £500.
This simple procedure, done by a vet, local council or animal charity, ensures your German Shepherd can be quickly identified and returned if lost.
Dogs must also wear a collar with a tag displaying your name and address. Dog owners often add a phone number too. Ensure these details are up to date to avoid penalties and protect your pet.
What do I need to get a quote?
To compare insurance with Compare the Market, you’ll need to know:
Your pet’s age, breed and gender
How much you paid or donated for them
Whether your pet has been neutered or spayed
Whether they’re microchipped
If you need cover for pre-existing illnesses and conditions.
FAQs
What is third-party pet insurance and do I need it?
Third-party pet insurance can give you cover if your dog injures another pet or a person, or damages or destroys property.
Even if your German Shepherd is not aggressive, you might find it gets into trouble with other dogs.
This type of insurance is also known as third party public liability insurance. It may be included as standard on your pet insurance policy, so it’s best to check your policy first, before buying it separately.
Are German Shepherds good for new owners?
It depends on the owner’s lifestyle and commitment level.
German Shepherds are intelligent and trainable, which can be a plus for new owners willing to invest time in training.
However, their high energy levels and need for regular exercise and mental stimulation can be challenging for those not prepared for an active lifestyle. It’s important for potential owners to consider these factors carefully to ensure a good match.
Are German Shepherds good with kids?
German Shepherds are generally good with children because of their loyal and protective nature. They can form strong bonds with family members, including kids, and are often gentle and patient.
However, as with all breeds, they should always be supervised around children. And it’s important to socialise them early and teach both the dog and children how to interact safely and respectfully with each other.
What if my German Shepherd is lost or stolen?
If your dog is lost or stolen you could receive practical help from your German Shepherd pet insurance.
Some pet insurance policies offer a public reward for finding your dog. Also, some policies can pay towards the cost of advertising the fact that your dog is missing, for example with lost-dog posters, to help bring about their safe return.
Policies could also pay you compensation if your dog isn't found, up to the cost that you paid for your pet.
Why should I compare German Shepherd insurance with Compare the Market?
If you'd like to compare pet insurance quotes, we can help.
We’ll first ask you a few questions about you, your dog and the level of cover you want. We'll then search pet insurance providers and get back to you with a range of pet insurance policies for your German Shepherd.
All you need to do is decide which policy best suits you and your dog.
Looking for something else?
Allie has spent her career helping people quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters. With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, she is an expert in personal finance and insurance products.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
Our content is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by technology. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.
What our expert says...
“German Shepherds are one of the most loyal and sociable dog breeds, making them perfect for families and great at responding to training. However, this also means they can get anxious if left home alone for long periods of time.
"If you’re going to be out for more than four hours, consider putting your German Shepherd into daycare or hiring a dogwalker, to keep your pup from feeling lonely while you’re away.”