How to Get the German Shepherd in Nintendogs: Version Requirements & Unlock Steps

The German Shepherd is only unlockable in Nintendogs: Best Friends (released as Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends in Europe/Australia). It is not available in Labrador & Friends, Chihuahua & Friends, or the original Nintendogs (Japan-only "Shiba & Friends").

Unlock Requirements (Best Friends / Dalmatian & Friends)

1. Earn Trainer Points (TP) by:
   • Walking your dog (distance + cleanliness)
   • Winning Disc Competition (Frisbee) – 1st place = ~200 TP
   • Winning Agility Trial – 1st place = ~300 TP
   • Winning Obedience Trial – 1st place = ~200 TP
   • Petting, brushing, feeding, voice commands (small amounts)
   • Bark Mode encounters (wireless with another player) – bonus TP
2. Reach ~15,000–20,000 Trainer Points (exact threshold varies slightly by region/version).
3. Visit the Kennel – German Shepherd appears as adoptable breed ($0, just select).

Version Check

Tips to Farm TP Faster

• Enter Disc Competition daily—easiest to gold.
• Use "Piggy Bank" AR code? No—play fair. Walk multiple dogs (hold leashes).
• Bark Mode with a friend daily = 100+ TP each.
• Don't neglect care—hunger/dirt reduces walk efficiency.

Check your cartridge label. If it says Dalmatian & Friends (EU) or Best Friends (NA), grind TP and the Shepherd is yours. Otherwise, it's not in your version.