Few informational sources list heart disorders as a problem with the German shepherd. However, veterinary research paints a different picture. The German shepherd is recognized as being at significantly greater risk of suffering from patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), subaortic stenosis (SAS), and persistent right aortic arch (PRAA).

PDA is the most common congenital heart condition in dogs. It occurs most frequently in females and is, in simple terms, a hole in the heart that never closed while the puppy was developing in the uterus. The hole shunts blood into the dog's lungs and away from the rest of her body; it must be surgically corrected. SAS is the second most common congenital heart defect. With SAS, the blood flow out of the heart is restricted due to an abnormal ring of tissue. Death is usually very sudden and unexpected. PRAA also involves an abnormal tissue ring that restricts blood flow. The most common symptom of this disease is regurgitating all or part of every meal.

The German shepherd may suffer from other heart diseases; however, the breed is not at an elevated risk for any other specific heart problems. All other heart diseases that the German shepherd may have are common to all breeds.