German Shepherd Dog Puppies for Sale in Illinois, IL
Greet our German Shepherd Dog puppies available in Illinois, IL
Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy German Shepherd Dog puppies from the best breeders.
- 10 Year Health Commitment
- 100% Trusted Breeders
- Trusted Travel Options
Reviews
Jin C.
02/10/2023
German Shepherd Dog
We got an adorable German shepherd puppy three weeks ago. She is doing great in our home.
German Shepherd Dog Characteristics
German Shepherds have been one of America’s most popular dog breeds for many years. They were bred as working dogs and still carry this work ethic and energy. They make great protectors and loyal companions. German Shepherds are happiest with frequent exercise and tasks to complete. They are quick to learn and highly responsive to commands with regular obedience training.
Fast Facts
-
Energy Moderate
-
Size Large
-
Trainability Accommodating
German Shepherds are one of the most recognizable breeds and the second most popular dog in the United States. They typically have a mix of black and tan fur, but they can also come in gray, brown, white, and liver.
German Shepherds are extremely loyal with a strong work ethic. They were originally bred to herd flocks and later came to perform a variety of intensive work, including sniffing for contraband and assisting the military. They’re incredibly dutiful and brave, making them devoted companions and excellent service dogs.
German Shepherds still have this work-driven demeanor and will require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They don’t love being left alone for extended periods of time and can get anxious and may engage in unwanted behaviors like barking or chewing.
Germans have thick coats and are known to shed quite a lot. You’ll need to brush them several times a week and should plan on cleaning up plenty of fur!
German Shepherds make great watchdogs, but their size and energy can make them challenging for some people to handle. They have very dominant personalities, but with consistent obedience training, they are very good with authority.
German Shepherds can grow to weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches in height. The breed is generally quite healthy, but some may experience vision problems and bleeding disorders. German Shepherds enjoy an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
How dog-friendly is Illinois?
Illinois loves its pets! The state ranks very high for pet care, safety, and happiness. If you’re adopting a new furry friend in Illinois, you’re in a great place!
One of the top ranking sites for dog friendliness is Pawsafe. They analyze and rank each state based on factors like pet care costs, walkability scores, the number of pet-friendly rentals, and animal welfare laws.
In their study, Pawsafe rated Illinois as the third most pet-friendly state. They found that Illinois has over 800 pet-friendly accommodations, 279 dog-friendly restaurants, 286 pet-friendly attractions, and 634 pet services.
A similar study from Safewise, another reputable ranking site, also revealed Illinois to be highly pet-friendly. They rank Illinois second just behind Washington. One of the key factors in their ranking is the high number of pet-friendly rentals in the state. In fact, 35% of rentals accept pets. This is the fourth highest percentage of pet-friendly rentals by state.
Is Chicago a pet-friendly city?
In another study, WalletHub analyzed the 100 largest cities in the United States to find the most pet-friendly city. They ranked Chicago as the 64th most pet-friendly city. The city also scored 13th for pet health and wellness. However, Chicago is more expensive for pets, ranking 90th in terms of pet budget.
SmartAsset conducted a similar study and their ratings place Chicago in a more favorable light as the 16th most pet-friendly city.
Chicago has a lot going for pets including 570 dog friendly restaurants, 12 dog-friendly shopping centers, and 46 pet businesses for every 10,000 establishments.
A different study from the Trust for Public Land (TPL) showed that Chicago has the 52nd most dog parks per capita, with 0.9 dog parks per 100,000 residents.
A few more dog-related facts for Illinois
Despite the great numbers in Illinois, only 32% of Illinois residents own a dog, which is well below the national average of 40%. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most popular dogs in the state are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers. In the city of Chicago, the same three breeds are equally as popular, but there is also a keen interest in French Bulldogs and Rottweilers.
However, the state’s total pet ownership rate is far less than the national average as well, with only approximately 49% of Illinois families owning a pet of any kind.
Animal welfare & dog shelters in Illinois
Illinois saved 1,028 more animals in 2020 than in 2019. Out of 177 animal shelters, 126 are no-kill shelters. The overall save rate for the state is right around 82%. If Illinois can raise its save rate more, it will pass the 90% necessary to become a no-kill state. We hope they can do it!
German Shepherd Dogs Everywhere in Illinois
See all the locations in Illinois for this breed
Find the perfect puppy
Our adorable puppies are all from carefully vetted breeders and can't wait to join their new family.
See German Shepherd Dog Puppies