German Shepherds are known for being intelligent, obedient dogs which is part of the reason they’re often used as K9 unit dogs by police squads. You may be surprised that German Shepherds can also be affectionate.
The most common signs of German shepherd affection include staying by your side, licking, and sleeping close to you. Given how loyal they are, they can form a special bond with their owners.
Let’s dive into all the ways German Shepherds show love.
Are German Shepherds very affectionate?
While it takes time for German Shepherds to warm up to strangers, with their owners, they’re gentle and loving. German Shepherds can have a particular soft spot for children.
Every dog is different, of course, so some German Shepherds may be more affectionate than others.
German Shepherds may also be affectionate by being very protective of owners when around strangers.
While the behavior itself comes across as aggressive (for the stranger at least), for the owner, it’s an affectionate gesture because the dog wants to keep its pack safe. So while German Shepherds may not always be interested in cuddling, they will display their affection in other ways.
Do German Shepherds bond with one person?
German Shepherds develop a close attachment to one person over everyone else in their pack. But German Shepherds can still be family dogs if they’re socialized and trained as puppies.
German Shepherds are one-person dogs only if one person in the family takes care of them. If multiple people put in time training and exercising the dog, they may get close with more than one person.
What are the ways German Shepherds show affection?
Beyond being protective and wagging their tail, German Shepherds show affection in several ways. Here are signs of affection to look out for when you’re spending time with your pet.
1. Following you
It’s not uncommon for German Shepherds to follow their owners wherever they go. Given being protective is a part of their nature, they’ll want to keep watch over you. It can also be a way for them to declare that being in your presence is in their best interest.
If your German Shepherd shows signs of separation anxiety when you’re not around, give them a special treat before you leave to calm their nerves. It might also help to leave clothes out with your scent.
2. Jumping on you
German Shepherds that are happy to see their owners again sometimes jump on them. Dogs, in general, do this to get attention. Keep in mind that if it’s a behavior you’re not happy with, it is possible to train them from jumping.
3. Licking
Licking can be a sign of affection for dogs, including German Shepherds. Dogs groom each other by licking or when they are being submissive. By licking you, your Shepherd lets you know you are a member of the pack who is respected.
Licking has become a ritualized greeting for most dogs. Just like wild dogs will lick pack members to welcome them back home, your German Shepherd may do the same every time you return to them.
4. Leaning
German Shepherds will sometimes lean on their owners as a sign of affection. It’s suggested that they may do this as a way of being protective. It can also display how much they trust you.
5. Tail wagging
Tail-wagging is another sign of how a German Shepherd expresses affection and joy towards you. Their tail-wagging is somewhat different from other breeds.
German Shepherds tend to wag their tails slowly. The tail-wagging of a German Shepherd has been described as low swishing without so much body-wiggling. Though the tail-wagging may be more intense than usual around a human they’re happy to see.
6. Laying their head on your lap
German Shepherds, like other breeds, can show affection by laying their heads on your lap. It’s generally a way of seeking your attention or getting you to pet them.
7. Raising their eyebrows
Researchers recently discovered that dogs raising their eyebrows at you could be a sign of happiness. Pay attention to whether your German Shepherd raises their eyebrows when they see you. If they do, they are happy to see you!
8. Eye contact
Both dogs and humans get an increase in oxytocin when engaging in eye contact. It’s often known as the love hormone because it’s released when two individuals are bonding socially. A German Shepherd maintaining a gaze with you is a sign of feeling comfortable.
9. High pitch sounds
German Shepherds can make high-pitched sounds when they see their humans again after being apart for an extended period of time. Once reunited, the dog will run toward its owner quickly and perform a combination of the other affectionate behaviors.
10. Sighing
In some cases, a German Shepherd sighing can indicate affection. If you’re petting them while they’re lying down and they let out a sigh, they might be letting out a feeling of relief and pleasure. It can mean they feel comfortable and safe.
Final Thoughts
The German Shepherd has a reputation for being a strong, independent dog. But they’ve also been proven to be warm and affectionate pets too. Taking an active role in taking care of them will help an owner slowly earn the German Shepherd’s loyal affection over time.
