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The German Shepherd is a large, intelligent and loyal working dog, usually 22 to 40 kg. Confident and protective with its family, it needs early socialisation, steady training and a daily job to do, whether that is long walks, games or learning new commands. A bored German Shepherd may bark, chew or dig, so be honest about how much time you have.

The thick double coat sheds heavily all year, so expect hair on everything and brush often. In the UAE heat, walk at dawn or after sunset, keep the dog inside with air conditioning during the day, and never leave it in a car or on a hot balcony. Check with a groomer before clipping the coat. An apartment can work only if the dog gets long, regular exercise outside. Hips and elbows can be a weak point in big breeds, so ask to see the parents’ joint scores and ask your vet.

See the puppy in person (and its mother, if you buy from a breeder) and look at the vaccination card and microchip number. Your dog should be microchipped, have its rabies and core vaccinations and be registered with your municipality or emirate. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 6,000 and AED 11,000. Adult dogs and young Shepherds also need homes, so adoption is an option, and adoption fees should be modest.