German Shepherd Pet Insurance with Flexible Cover

Award-winning+ Dog and Puppy Insurance with Optional Benefits
Pet care resources customised for vets and pet owners
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About German Shepherds

German Shepherds were developed in Germany in the late 1800s to create the ideal working dog. Their intelligence, athleticism, and versatility quickly made them popular around the world.

Today, German Shepherds excel in a variety of roles beyond herding, including police work, military service, search and rescue, and assistance work. They are also top performers in obedience, agility, and tracking competitions.

A great match for active Australian households, German Shepherds excel when given a job to do and plenty of mental stimulation.

💡FUN FACT! With up to 225 million scent receptors, German Shepherds have an exceptional sense of smell that makes them invaluable partners in police, military, and search-and-rescue operations.

Help retired military working dogs

We partnered with Working Paws Australia to help cover vet treatment, medication and rehabilitation for retired military working dogs.

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German Shepherd Quick Facts

A quick glance at the essential facts for the German Shepherd, one of Australia’s most loved companions.

Weight: 22 – 40 kilograms
Height: 55 – 65 centimetres
Coat Type: Double coat, medium-length, dense
Colour: Black, tan, cream, silver, sable
Dog Group: Herding Group

Temperature: Intelligent, loyal, confident, gentle
Size: Large
Price Range: ≈ $2,500 – $4,000 ⓘ
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years

Adult German Shepherd without background

Living with German Shepherds

Being a German Shepherd pet owner can be very rewarding. Here’s a quick look at their needs.

Temperament & Social Needs

They possess a high “drive to work” and are happy when given a specific job or task to focus on.
An incredibly loyal breed, German Shepherds tend to be naturally cautious and observant around unfamiliar people until they feel secure.

Exercise & Grooming

German Shepherds have a dense double coat that sheds heavily, with two main shedding seasons each year in spring and autumn that require extra grooming.
Due to their active nature and heavy weight, keeping their nails trimmed weekly prevents painful splitting and helps maintain proper posture during high-impact running.

Health Insights ⓘ

German Shepherds are genetically prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Maintaining a healthy weight and supporting joint health are important for mobility.
They are also deep-chested, which increases the risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), a serious condition that can be helped by slower feeding and careful meal management.

Essential preventative measures to keep your German Shepherd happy

As responsible pet owners, always ensure to give your pets the best care possible.

Regular veterinary
check-ups

Diet and weight
management

Regular
grooming

Coat care

Dental
care

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Common health problems in German Shepherds

Knose covers the following potential health problems in German Shepherd dogs:

Typically up to $8,000 per treatment

Deep-chested German Shepherds are highly susceptible to life-threatening stomach twisting and severe digestive issues that require immediate veterinary intervention.

Covered by Knose Optional Benefits

Typically up to $10,000 per leg

This inherited skeletal condition causes the bones in a German Shepherd’s elbow joint to misalign, leading to painful friction, limping, and early-onset arthritis. Hip Dysplasia occurs when a German Shepherd’s hip ball-and-socket joint fails to fit smoothly, causing chronic pain and mobility impairment.

Covered by Knose

Typically up to $5,000 per year

This progressive, neurological disease specifically targets the spinal cord of aging German Shepherds, eventually causing hind-leg paralysis.

Covered by Knose

Typically up to $5,000 per year

German Shepherds can inherit structural heart defects or electrical instabilities that cause irregular heartbeats, potentially leading to sudden lethargy or fainting spells.

Covered by Knose

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Frequently Asked Questions

In general, dog insurance is worth it because of the financial support it provides. For German Shepherds, it’s especially helpful in managing veterinary expenses related to inherited conditions and injuries they may develop over their long lives.

Routine veterinary visits are recommended at least once a year, or more frequently if your dog has any health concerns.

Standard vaccinations include distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. Your vet can provide a tailored vaccination schedule.

German Shepherds do well on a high-quality, protein-rich diet that supports muscle, joint health, and digestion. Careful portion control and easily digestible food are important due to their sensitivity and risk of bloat. Consult with your vet for the best options for your dog. Here’s our guide to decoding dog food labels!

Look for flexible pet insurance coverage that includes routine care, accidents, illness, and hereditary conditions. At Knose, your pet benefits from all these and more at a lower cost!

When purchasing a new dog insurance policy for your dog:

The minimum age for entry for a pet is 6 weeks old.
The maximum age for entry for a pet is 8 years and 364 days old.
The maximum age for including or adding optional benefits is 2 years and 364 days.

There are no age limits when renewing policies.