German Shepherd vaccination schedule

A general German Shepherd puppy vaccination schedule by age, with what each vaccine protects against. Schedules for the US, the UK and the EU. Your vet sets the actual one.

DHPP #1
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Bordetella (if going to puppy class or daycare)
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).
DHPP #2
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #1 (at 12 weeks or older)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #1 (regional)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Rabies #1
12 to 16 weeks, as state or local law sets it
Protects against rabies.
DHPP final dose
16 weeks or later
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
DHPP booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Rabies booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against rabies.
Lyme yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Bordetella yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).

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Questions

When should my German Shepherd start vaccinations?

Most German Shepherd puppies start their first DHPP between 6 and 8 weeks in the US, or 6 to 9 weeks in the UK and EU. Use the form above with your puppy's age and country to see the next-due date.

When can my GSD start training and longer working sessions?

For basic training, after the final puppy vaccination (given at 16 weeks or later), when your vet says protection is in place. GSDs are prone to hip issues, so avoid forced jumping and repeat stair work until your vet confirms growth is finished, at about 15 months.

Does my GSD need Lyme disease vaccine?

If you live in or hike through tick-heavy areas (US Northeast, parts of UK and Europe), yes. Otherwise it is optional. Confirm with your vet.

Should my GSD get Bordetella for puppy class?

Most US trainers and UK puppy classes require it. The intranasal version is fast and lasts about a year.

Same schedule for a German Shepherd mix?

Yes. The core vaccines are the same for purebreds and mixes: DHPP, leptospirosis in the US (AAHA), and rabies where the law or travel requires it. Vaccines such as Lyme and Bordetella depend on lifestyle and region, not breed. The schedule above works for any German Shepherd mix.