Login 
German Shepherd Pet Insurance:
German Shepherds take protecting their family into their own paws by nature. Do them a favor in return and insure them with a nose-to-tail German Shepherd pet insurance plan designed by real pet parents.
German Shepherd insurance is essential for any responsible pet parent with this extraordinary breed. With the right insurance plan in place, you can protect your German Shepherd from costly health issues that may arise and ensure they receive the best possible care throughout their lives. Choosing Embrace Pet Insurance for your German Shepherd guarantees a lifetime of love, protection, and care for your loyal companion.
Full Report on the German Shepherd’s Temperament and Personality
German Shepherds are often described as being full of self-confidence. They’re smart (and they know it) and fearless to boot. This makes them extremely trainable dogs – and they learn quickly too. It’s not surprising for your German Shepherd to recall a new cue after only a few training sessions.
They have a naturally protective instinct, so they make great family pets – though German Shepherds are also described as “aloof.” Because they are so loyal to their families, don’t expect them to give a warm, tail-wagging welcome to strangers, but once they’re your friend, that bond cannot be broken.
The saying “a tired dog is a good dog” is especially true for these easily-bored pups. If a German Shepherd spends too much time alone or without stimulation, you can expect to see the evidence in a shredded couch or ripped up carpet. They love to work, so giving them something to do helps tire them out and keeps them well-behaved.
Why Get Pet Insurance for your German Shepherd?
As a pure breed dog, German Shepherds are at a higher risk for certain health and genetic conditions. Hip dysplasia and cataracts are some of the most common issues to plague this pup. German Shepherds are more susceptible than other breeds to a condition called gastric dilatation volvulus, more commonly called “bloat.” This is when the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow. If your German Shepherd is known to scarf down their food, consider getting a slow feeder bowl or keep an eye on them at mealtimes.
And like other large-breed pets, heart issues like murmurs, valve disease, and enlarged hearts are very common.
Fearless and adventure-seeking, German Shepherds can run themselves ragged, which leads to unexpected injuries like torn cranial cruciate ligaments.
Because of their large size and how quickly they grow, German Shepherds are also prone to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee, which is usually diagnosed in puppies between four to eight months of age and almost always requires surgery.
Service Dog, Arya, Needed Help Herself
When Arya started to limp, her pet parents knew that vet bills were in their future. Thankfully they had great German Shepherd pet insurance through Embrace Pet Insurance
Vet Bill: $6,758
Embrace Reimbursed: $5,318
Risk Factors and Costs for Common German Shepherd Health Issues
From cardiomyopathy to compulsive disorders, here are some common German Shepherd health issues. Information based on Embrace claims data.
| Condition | Risk Profile | Cost to Diagnose and Treat |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | High | $1,500-$6,000 |
| Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Knee/Spine | High | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Bloat | Medium | $1,500-$7,500 |
| Osteochondrosis of the Shoulder | Medium | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Cardiomyopathy | High | $500-$1500 |
| Aortic Stenosis | Medium | $500-$1,500 |
| Elbow Dysplasia | High | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy | Medium | $200-$1,500 |
| Cataracts | High | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Corneal Dystrophy | High | $300-$3,000 |
| Compulsive Behaviors | High | $500-$3,000 |
| Degenerative Myelopathy | High | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Hemivertebrae | Medium | $2,500-$6,000 |
| Hyperparathyroidism | High | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Perianal Fistula | High | $2,000-$5,000 |
Got a minute?
That’s how fast you can fetch your personalized quote.
Average Cost to Insure Your German Shepherd
For full coverage accident and illness protection, the majority of our German Shepherd pet parents pay between $44 and $80 per month.* Pet insurance may cost more or less depending on where you live, your pet’s age, and what policy parameters you choose.
How Does Our Dog Insurance Work?
Visit Any Vet
With no networks, you can take your pet to any licensed neighborhood or specialty vet, emergency room, or rehabilitation facility.
Submit Your Claim
File a claim 24/7 through your personal MyEmbrace customer account in mere minutes with your pet’s diagnosis and an itemized invoice from your vet.
We Get to Work!
We'll keep you informed on your claim's status every step of the way. Plus, we offer direct deposit so you can get your reimbursement even quicker.
Growing Pains Couldn’t Stop Benz from K9 Training
When this prospective K9 Search-and-Rescue cadet started limping during training, Embrace’s German Shepherd Insurance was there to save the day.
Vet Bill: $1,166
Embrace Reimbursed: $696
Why German Shepherds Need Pet Insurance
As loving German Shepherd owners, it’s important to be aware of the breed-specific health issues that can affect these dogs. This breed is prone to certain health concerns, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and gastric torsion (bloat). Having pet insurance for your German Shepherd can help you manage the costs associated with veterinary treatments for these conditions and other potential health problems your dog may face. By investing in a suitable insurance plan, not only can you ensure the best possible care for your canine companion, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing you’re financially prepared for any unforeseen health challenges. Protecting your German Shepherd’s well-being with dog insurance is a proactive step every pet parent can take.
FAQs on Insurance for German Shepherds
Discover answers to your most pressing questions about German Shepherd insurance in our comprehensive FAQ section. Learn about pet insurance for German Shepherds and protect your loyal companion while gaining peace of mind.
Where Did the German Shepherd Originate?
German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) originated in Germany in the late 1800s. Originally, GSDs were not companions; rather, they worked for farmers to herd sheep and protect them from predators. These versatile dogs quickly gained recognition for their intelligence, strength, and agility.
After World War I, people realized how easy German Shepherds were to train, thus establishing them as a popular household pet. Today, they are widely recognized for their dedication and loyalty, making them ideal candidates for many roles including police dogs, search and rescue, and service animals.
What Are German Shepherds Bred For?
German Shepherds are bred primarily as working dogs. They’re extremely trainable and their drive to protect cannot be understated.
If you have a German Shepherd, you already know they’re fiercely loyal and make for a wonderful companion.
In addition to their strong work ethic, German Shepherds also possess remarkable versatility. Their agility, strong intellect, and physical prowess make them ideal partners in a wide range of activities, from competitive dog sports to advanced obedience training.
How Big Do German Shepherds Get?
Male German Shepherds typically get to be 24-26 inches at the shoulder, while females are usually between 22-24 inches tall – either way, that’s a lot of dog!
While these powerful dogs might appear to be a daunting size, their gentle and loving nature with their families is sure to win you over. Proper training and socialization from an early age are essential to help these intelligent dogs become well-adjusted family members.
How Much Do German Shepherds Weigh?
Full-grown male German Shepherds typically weigh 65-90 pounds while females – who don’t think it’s ladylike to discuss weight publicly – usually weigh in at 50-70 pounds.
How Long Do German Shepherds Live?
Healthy German Shepherds can live 9-13 years on average. It’s important to feed them a high-quality diet and provide them with regular exercise to keep their bodies and brains stimulated.
How Energetic Are German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are extremely active and energetic dogs – which is part of what makes them such great guarding and herding pups! They have a need to work and are doggone good at it too.
German Shepherds thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so make sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities for exercise and mental challenges. Interactive toys, puzzle games, and fetch are great options for keeping your German Shepherd busy and content.
*Insurance cost based on a 3-year-old male German Shepherd with a $10,000 annual maximum, $500 annual deductible, and 80% reimbursement rate.