German Shepherd
German Shepherd
German Shepherd Characteristics
CLASS: Herding Group
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
HEIGHT: Male: 24-26in; Female: 22-24in
WEIGHT: 75-95lb
COAT: Medium length, straight, hard to close, with a dense & thick undercoat
COLOR: Solid black or gray; black saddle with tan or gold to light gray markings; gray with lighter or brow markings (referred to as sables); blues, livers, albinos, and whites highly undesirable (a light-coated German Shepherd is included in the breed standards of some countries)
Life Span: 10-12 years
German Shepherd History
It has been suggested that the German Shepherd Dog, or Alsatian, may be a descendant of the Bronze Age wolf. Certainly, around the 7th century, there existed in Germany a shepherd dog of similar type but with a lighter coat. By the 16thcentury, the coat is said to have darkened appreciably.
The German Shepherd Dog held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. The German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, also proving its worth as a guide dog, search and rescue dog, and contraband detection dog.
German Shepherd Temperament
German Shepherd Dogs are devoted, dependable, and biddable. The German Shepherd is aloof and suspicious toward strangers, protective of home and family. They can be domineering, as well as aggressive toward other dogs if not trained. When properly socialized, no breed is more caring or loyal to its human family than the German Shepherd. This breed is easily trained to a high standard but it does need firm and kind handling.
German Shepherd Profile
One of the most popular breeds in the world today, the German Shepherd Dog makes a loyal and affectionate family pet as well as an outstanding working dog. Highly intelligent, alert and very responsive, the German Shepherd is an extremely biddable dog and always a pleasure to own when it has been properly socialized and trained.
The German Shepherd is extremely intelligent and makes a first-class companion, show dog, and guard. The German Shepherd is eminently trainable and so works as a police dog and as a guide dog for the blind. The German Shepherd’s superior guarding ability can get it into trouble, because it may misread a sign and spring to its owner’s defense.
German Shepherd Appearance
The German Shepherd is a big dog which is long in comparison to its height. Powerful and muscular, the German Shepherd has a deep chest and strong hindquarters. The German Shepherd’s weather-resistant coat consists of harsh outer guard hairs about 5cm (2in) long with a thick undercoat. There is also a long-coated variety which, although popular, cannot be shown in the show ring. The German Shepherd’s conformation gives it a far-reaching, enduring movement and an elegant heard carriage. The pricked ears and bright eyes create an alert and intelligent expression.
Colors include black and tan, or gold to light gray. All blacks or all gray dogs with light or brown markings are known as Sables. White German Shepherds are becoming more popular but they cannot be shown and some are susceptible to health problems, including deafness.
German Shepherd puppy’s coat is fine and downy but it will get harsher and thicker and change color as it grows.
German Shepherd Care
The German Shepherd requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, especially games. The German Shepherd has a tendency to be quite vocal and to bark a lot as well as its natural instincts to herd and guard, so you must ensure that you control the games you play with your German Shepherd and prevent it from getting over-excited. This dog will be anxious to please and win your praise, so reward any good behavior as this breed tends to be extremely sensitive to an owner’s mood.
Socialization classes are essential for German Shepherd puppies, so they can learn to play and interact with other dogs in a non-aggressive way as they have a tendency towards dominance. The German Shepherd is so active, however, it does need a high-quality, nutritious diet in order to stay healthy. At the same time, be careful not to over-feed your German Shepherd as it is a natural athlete. Regular walks each day on a lead, free running and playing games will all help to keep your dog fit and slim in optimum health.
Short-coated German Shepherds need minimum grooming: just a good combing followed by a brushing twice weekly will get rid of dead hairs and keep it in good condition. Be sure to finish the coat with a hound glove or a soft brush for shine. Long-coated German Shepherds will need to be groomed more regularly, especially after exercise if they get muddy or pick up dirt and debris. Pay special attention to the tail and paws.
Note: German Shepherd Dogs are one of the breeds that are susceptible to hip dysplasia. When you buy a puppy, check the score for both hips.
Must know: Potential buyers must be aware of the pitfalls when purchasing a German Shepherd. Because of its extreme popularity, the German Shepherd is subject to over-breeding. Many are bred by puppy farmers whose sole concern is profit. The nett result is that genetic anomalies are maintained and can stay with the breed. Deal only with breeders who have a proven record of testing their breeding stock with the current KC/BVA schemes. Also, don’t forget to have a vet examine your choice as soon as possible.