1. Body shape
The ideal shoulder height for males is about 24 to 26 inches; for females, the ideal shoulder height is about 22 to 24 inches.
The body length of a German Shepherd is slightly longer than its height, with an ideal ratio of 10/8.5. Body length is measured from the sternum to the end of the pelvis, at the ischial prominence. The ideal body length is not provided by the length of the back alone, but by the overall length (well-proportioned, coordinated with height). Viewed from the side, the length of the body includes the length of the forequarters, the length of the withers, and the length of the hindquarters.
2. Head
The lines are simple, strong but not bulky. However, the overall shape should not be too slender and should be in proportion to the body. The male's head is obviously majestic, while the female's head is obviously soft.
The expression is sharp, intelligent and calm. The eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, slightly slanted and not prominent. Make the color as dark as possible. The ears are slightly pointed, well proportioned to the head, pointed forward, and erect when focused. The ideal posture (ear posture) is that when viewed from the front, the center lines of the ears are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Cropped or lopped ears are disqualifying.
3. Body
Forequarters, shoulder blades long and sloping, lying flat and not very far forward. The upper arm and shoulder blade form a right angle. The shoulder blades and upper arms are well muscled. The forelimbs are straight from any angle and the bones are oval rather than round. The pasterns are strong and flexible, forming an angle of 25 degrees from the vertical. The dewclaws on the forelimbs can be removed but are usually left intact. The feet are short, the toes are compact and rounded, the pads are thick and stable, and the toenails are short and dark black.
Viewed from the side, the entire thigh tissue is very wide, and the upper and lower thighs are muscular, stable, and at right angles as much as possible. The upper thigh bone is parallel to the shoulder blade, while the lower thigh bone is parallel to the upper arm bone. The metatarsals (the part between the hock and the toe) are short, strong, and close together. Dewclaws, if present on the hind limbs, must be removed. The feet are the same as the forelimbs.
4. Coat
The ideal dog has a double coat of medium length. The outer coat should be as dense as possible, straight, coarse, and flat against the body. A slightly wavy coat, usually of a bristly texture, is permitted. The head, including the inside of the ears, forehead, legs and paws are covered with shorter hair, and the hair on the neck is long and dense. The hair on the forelegs and behind the hind legs is slightly longer, extending to the pasterns and hocks respectively.
German Shepherd dogs come in many colors, and most colors are allowed. Intense colors are preferred. Dull color, fading, bluish and liver tones are serious faults. White dogs are disqualified.
