My dad has two German Shepherds.  I do not know anything about that breed except they are much bigger than my dogs.
I had one growing up, we called him Max. They have alot of health issues, the breed originally came from Germany.
What kind of health issues?
They have problems with their hips alot, when theyre oldder especially. Their official name is German Sheperd Dog(GSD)
Are the hip problems genetic or due to their height and weight?
More so because of their height and weight. The breed was also known as Alsatian in Britain and Ireland.
That's an interesting name - I wonder how it changed to German Shephard in the US.
The breed is still considered a new breed. They originiated in 1899
I know they are fiercely protective, but also seem like big teddy bears to those that have raised them.
They are very sweet dogs. They are a part of the herding group on dogs, they were supposed to be used for herding sheep.