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German Shepherd
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The German Shepherd Dog, named by the Queen of Switzerland, is one of the most versatile and well-recognized dog breeds in the world. They are medium to large-sized dogs and can be a range of colors, including black and tan, black and red, black and cream, and black and silver.
German Shepherds were originally used as herders and to guard flocks against predators, both jobs they are well suited for. Many German Shepherds today are K9 police dogs, military service, service dogs, and herding dogs!
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More About The Breed
The German Shepherd Dog, named by the Queen of Switzerland, is one of the most versatile and well-recognized dog breeds in the world. They are medium to large-sized dogs and can be a range of colors, including black and tan, black and red, black and cream, and black and silver.
German Shepherds were originally used as herders and to guard flocks against predators, both jobs they are well suited for. Many German Shepherds today are K9 police dogs, military service, service dogs, and herding dogs!
Early socialization and training is a GSD puppy’s path to well-adjusted adulthood. As evidenced by the German Shepherd’s history in the workforce, this breed is highly intelligent and trainable. They are quick to bond with their people and consistent, positive training will yield excellent results.
Being a dog that was bred to herd and work, the German Shepherd will not be fond of apartment living and it probably won’t work for this dog breed. They don’t like being alone, as they are happiest when they are with their family and being active. They can be very sensitive to their surroundings, so realize that they may be a little off during large gatherings, and people need to respect that. They have a longer coat, so hot temperatures will not be comfortable for the GSD. They prefer cooler climates if possible. Also, failure to show this breed the proper amount of attention in the family unit can lead to a misbehaved German Shepherd Dog.
The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some things to be aware of. As with many large breeds, proper screening for the health of this breed’s hips, elbows, and the dog’s general genetic history is important. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health of the parents to get a good understanding of the line’s history in regards to health.
While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and trains fairly easily, they are no picnic for novice owners. If you do not have experience working with dogs, enroll in obedience classes and training, not just for the dog, but for yourself as well. This will help you to grow in experience, and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy. Keep in mind, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment, so continued training with your German shepherd throughout its life will be necessary.
The proper grooming of a German Shepherd requires frequent brusing. They have a thick coat, which can be short or long. Shedding can be minimized with daily brushings, which most GSDs love.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly will help control tooth decay. Also, get your German Shepherd used to having their nails trimmed while young, as holding on to an 80-pound dog that is squirming is no fun.
The activity level of the German Shepherd is high, and they need daily, vigorous playtime. If their exercise requirements are not met, their pent-up energy can cause them to become destructive. This herding breed was made to run, guard, and observe, and they love having a job to do. German Shepherds excel in sports like agility, obedience, herding, and tracking.
An adult German Shepherd weighs between 55 and 90 pounds and stands between 22 and 26 inches tall at the withers.
The life span of the German Shepherd is between 9 and 12 years
The famous Rin-Tin-Tin was actually found by an American Corporal, Lee Duncan, in a bombed-out kennel in France during World War 1. He was brought back to the states and became one of the most famous dog actors in history. The emergence of Rin-Tin-Tin truly helped put the German Shepherd on the map in the USA.