German Shepherds are known for their courage and loyalty.

However, these handsome dogs are not simpletons.

Many German Shepherds herd livestock, perform rescue missions, guide the blind, and perform police or military work, which require trainability and physical fitness.

Due to their heritage of being military and police dogs, German Shepherds have a reputation for being intelligent and athletic.

Considering what these dogs are famous for, it should come as no surprise that the average German Shepherd Dog is able to jump approximately four to six feet high.

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Can all German Shepherds Jump Six Feet High?

Most German Shepherds can jump six feet high.

It is not uncommon for German Shepherds who have been family dogs, never been trained professionally, to be naturally agile and athletic.

In this dog training video by Neuman K-9 Academy, Inc, a German Shepherd scales a six-foot fence easily.

In this video by Rumble Viral, Tefnut the German Shepherd is able to jump approximately six feet high without a running start.

What Factors Determine How High German Shepherds can Jump?

Factors that influence the physical abilities of German Shepherds are as follows:

Age. The younger the dog, the higher she will be able to jump. As a dog’s age, they experience arthritis, which impacts their ability to jump.

Health. A German Shepherd who is in good overall health will be more able to jump high.

German Shepherds who are overweight or who suffer from health issues that impact their joints will not be able to jump as high.

Life Experience. Due to their intelligence, the experienced German Shepherds have will affect them more than it would other breeds of dog.

A German Shepherd who attempted to jump a fence and cut their stomach on fence, or a German Shepherd who tried to climb a chain-link fence but got their paw caught, fell and injured their leg, will most likely become scared of jumping over fences in the future.

What does the German Shepherd’s Ability to Jump High mean for Dog Owners?

According to Vet Street, the German Shepherd consistently ranks among the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds of dogs.

However, they are not the right dog for everyone.

Any individual or family who owns, or who is considering owning any German Shepherd Dog must consider the breed’s physical abilities and intelligence.

According to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd Dog needs daily exercise to maintain good physical and mental health.

Before adopting or purchasing a German Shepherd, consider your lifestyle.

Are you willing and able to devote time daily to fulfill your dog’s exercise requirements? Or do you need a lower energy breed?

If you are looking to get in better physical shape, a German Shepherd would make an excellent personal trainer.

They will want to go for walks and runs year-round and they will not take no for an answer.

However, German Shepherd dogs are not couch potatoes until they have gotten a good physical and mental work out.

A tired dog makes a happy dog and a happy owner; tired dogs are rarely destructive in their homes and are generally better behaved.

If you are unsure about your abilities to fulfill the high energy needs of a working breed dog, consider fostering a German Shepherd to see if you are able to before formally adding one to your family.

The Importance of a Job

According to Embrace Pet Insurance, the German Shepherd’s motto is “Utility and Intelligence”.

This means that your German Shepherd wants a job to do.

If you are interested in making a German Shepherd your family dog, there are activities your family can do with a German Shepherd to fulfill the need he has to work inherited from his ancestors.

Training activities serve as “jobs” for family German Shepherd dogs, such as:

Agility

According to the American Kennel Club, agility is one of the best activities to do with German Shepherds.

Capitalize on your German Shepherd’s ability to jump by finding an agility training class near your home.

German Shepherds are very trainable and will take to learning how to navigate an agility course.

Agility provides excellent exercise and can easily be performed daily in your own backyard.

Amazon offers a reasonably priced agility kit to set up at home.

Herding

Perform an online search for a local farm with livestock that offers herding lessons, also known as stock dog training.

As their ancestors herded livestock, your German Shepherd might have herding instincts she would like to use.

Ensuring your German Shepherd is walked daily, and attends a weekly herding lesson, would be an excellent way to fulfill her instinct to work.

Tracking

Many German Shepherds naturally enjoy tracking training and activities, which makes them excellent search and rescue dogs.

To test your German Shepherd’s tracking instincts, purchase animal scents at Cabela’s.

The Importance of Fencing

According to German Shepherd US, German Shepherds require a securely fenced yard, as they can jump over a small fence with no problem.

If they are not provided with proper exercise and training, they will jump a fence to find a “job” to do to entertain themselves.

German Shepherds do not do well if left to live outside on a chain in the yard. Their intelligence and energy level will result in mental deterioration.

According to Hills Pet, they have low social needs, however, they have high energy and training needs.

Boredom results in pent up energy, which combined with herding instincts, creates a higher potential for bites and aggression.

Summary

German Shepherds are very athletic and as a result of their agility, they can jump an average of four to six feet high.

While they make excellent family dogs, they do have high exercise requirements. Be sure to research the breed thoroughly before adding one to your family.