German Shepherds: A Guide to Chewing Bully Sticks

by Kirby Kendall (Inventor of EverChew)

German Shepherds are a well-respected and versatile working dogs. These powerful, intelligent guardians have a protective instinct that made them legendary in police work, military service, and family protection. But with their self-control and discipline, these dogs need to unwind and use their powerful bite on the right chewing solution (EverChew bully sticks!).

Strong Jaws with Well-Balanced Bite Mechanics

German Shepherds belong to the mesocephalic family—dogs with proportionally balanced, wedge-shaped skull design that gives them several advantages: well-proportioned jaw mechanics and strong bite force capabilities.

German Shepherds produce approx 230 psi, which is a bit higher than retrievers. Their mesocephalic jaw structure means their teeth fit comfortably without the crowding issues that plague flat-faced breeds. They have excellent scissor-bite alignment, where upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.

In short—Which EverChew Holder?

German Shepherds will probably work best with the green plus holder if they are a puppy, an older dog, or a dog that isn't super-chew intensive. For most, the indestructible black nylon holder is perfect for these powerful working dogs who love to use their strong jaws.

Natural Chewing Machines with Working Dog Instincts

German Shepherds are natural, enthusiastic chewers which helps maintain dental health, provides mental stimulation, relieves stress, and exercises their powerful jaw muscles. Their working heritage means they're genetically programmed to use their mouths constantly for gripping and control work.

Puppy Phase (8 weeks - 8 months): German Shepherds experience intense chewing during teething, with peak intensity around 3-6 months. During this period, they're not just exploring—they're actively relieving teething discomfort while their adult teeth emerge.

Adult Phase (8+ months): Most destructive chewing settles around 8-12 months, but these dogs continue chewing throughout their lives as part of their natural behavior. German Shepherds are known as moderate to aggressive chewers, often preferring to chew with the sides of their mouths using their powerful premolars and molars.

Understanding Bully Stick Advantages and Why a Holder is Essential

German Shepherds are natural chewers, and this behavior serves multiple important purposes: dental health, mental stimulation, stress relief, and jaw exercise. Bully sticks are pure protein (like beef jerky) and since they're hard (firm but soften while chewing), they act like a toothbrush—especially effective for the well-spaced teeth of mesocephalic breeds.

But once the bully stick is chewed into a short stub, any dog can swallow it. Many times the stub will pass through, but sometimes it can lodge in the throat or digestive tract, leading to choking or blockage (and potentially an emergency vet visit). This risk is particularly concerning for German Shepherds because their strong bite force may make them more likely to attempt swallowing larger pieces.

Choose the Medium Dog Plus holder if your German Shepherd:

• Is a teething puppy since their sharp teeth can sink into the softer green material.
• Is an older Shepherd where the nylon-hard holder may break a tooth.
• German Shepherds that just don't chew too hard (there are some).

Consider the Nylon SuperChew if your German Shepherd:

• Weighs 50+ pounds and is an extremely aggressive chewer
• Is an aggressive or determined chewer
• Has destroyed other chew holders in the past
• Shows no issues with other nylon toys

Skip the Small Dog holder for your Shepherd. Unless your German Shepherd is really gentle, they will likely tear into this holder too much.