The German Shepherd is an intelligent strong loyal dog. It is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. People know its shape. Narrow face with large ears long body and bushy tail. This dog is a worker. It is a thinker. It is a protector. Here’s what you need to know about the German Shepherd.
Where This Dog Came From
A man in Germany created this breed. He was named Max von Stephanitz. He was looking for a perfect working dog. He’d been looking for a smart, strong dog who would be obedient. He spotted a dog named Hektor Linksrhein. This dog had the look and the temperament he was looking for. He purchased the dog and renamed him Horand von Grafrath. The dog was the original German Shepherd. That was in eighteen ninety nine.
Von Stephanitz was concerned with the mind as well as the beauty. He encouraged working dog lines. They herded sheep. They protected flocks. They were quick and brave. The breed quickly became all the rage.
How The German Shepherd Looks
Powerful and balanced, this dog. It is not a small dog. It is not a giant dog. It’s just right for a lot of work.
Height, Weight Male: 24-26 inches at the withers. A female is a little smaller. The weight of the dog is about fifty to ninety pounds. It has a rectangular body that is longer than it is tall. This shape helps it run fast with quick, smooth steps.
The coat can be two types. Medium length or long. These browns are usually black and tan, or solid black. Some are sable — a combination of gray and tan and black. The eyes are dark and alert. The ears stand straight up. The tail is long and bushy.
There’s an overall look of readiness for action.
The German Shepherd Mind
This is the key. The German Shepherd has a celebrated brain. It is extremely intelligent. It is easy to train. It wants to learn. It wants a job to do.
It is extremely devoted to it’s family. It becomes deeply attached to its person. It is often a one person dog. It is protective. It will protect its home and its people. It may be wary of strangers. This is not a dog who trusts everyone immediately. It thinks first.
It has high energy. It is not a couch dog. It must move and think every day. It will get bored without a job. A bored Belgian malinois may bark or chew or dig. This is not a bad dog. This is a clever dog with no job.
It ca be good with children in its family. It is gentle and patient. But it is a big strong dog. All play should be watched. It could attempt to herd younger children or nudge them. This is its instinct.
The Jobs This Dog Does
The German Shepherd The consummate working dog. It can perform practically any task you instruct it to.
Police and military work. This is the most famous job. The dog is sniffing for drugs or bombs. It tracks missing people. It protects its officer. It’s brave and focused in just the right way for that job.
Search and rescue. The dog locates people lost in a forest, or buried under rubble following a disaster. Its powerful nose and stubbornness save lives.
Service dog work. The German Shepherd is led by those who cannot see. It assists people who are unable to walk.” It warns people who have medical issues like seizures. Its being faithful is the reason that it is ideal for such a close alliance.
Family protector and friend. He is a great dog for the right active family. It will hike and play and keep watch over the house.
How to Take Care of a German Shepherd
This dog is not low care. It’s your time and effort that it takes.
Exercise is the first need. This dog must move. A long walk is not enough. It needs to run. It has to play fetch or frisbee. It needs mental games. Training sessions are its brain workouts. A tired German Shepherd is a happy one.
Training is the second need. Begin training the moment you bring your pup home. Teach it basic commands. Sit stay come down heel. Be firm and fair. Never be cruel. This dog wants to please you. Socialize it early. Let it meet plenty of people and dogs and visit many places. All of this creates a calm and confident adult dog.
The third need is food and health. Feed your dog good food. Do not let it get fat. A fat dog has joint problems. Take it to the vet once a year for shots and a check-up.
Grooming is the fourth need. Brush the coat once or twice a week. More often when it sheds. It sheds a lot. Your house will have hair. Get a good vacuum cleaner. Only give the dog a bath when it is dirty. Trim its nails regularly. Check its ears for dirt.
Health Problems To Know
There are some prevalent health problems for this breed. A good breeder will test parent dogs for these issues.
Hip dysplasia. This means a misfit of the hip joint. It causes pain and arthritis. Ask the breeder to supply evidence that the parents receive good hip scores.
Elbow dysplasia. Analogous problem to the front legs.
Bloat. This is an acute, life-threatening stomach condition. Big meals, followed right away by running the dog. Know the signs a bloated belly and agitation. This is an emergency.
Degenerative myelopathy. This is a spinal cord condition that affects elderly dogs. It slowly causes paralysis. There is no cure.
It is possible for a German Shepherd to live a long and healthy life with the help of a good vet and conscientious owner. The dog’s life expectancy is nine to thirteen years.
Is This Dog Right For You
Ask yourself these questions.
You have 2 hours of exercise and training time per day?
Do you want a dog who is your shadow your partner your best friend.
Do you live in a home with a secured yard or can provide long daily walks.
Are you prepared to have dog hair on your clothes and in your car.
Do You Want A guardian not just a pet.
Are you a big dog smart breed experienced person.
If the answer is yes, then this may be your dog. If you said no consider a new species. A German Shepherd in the wrong household is a terrible waste of a great dog. In the right home, a German Shepherd is a glorious thing.
The Last Word
The German Shepherd isn’t just a dog, it’s an institution. It is a commitment. It is a partnership. This dog will put its heart and mind in your hands. In return it will demand of you your time and leadership. This is not a lazy person’s dog. It is a dog for one who would have a real friend,
a brave comrade, and an example of fidelity and courage. If you are such a person, you won’t find a better dog. Your beloved German Shepherd will journey with you through life. It will watch over you. It will love you completely. That’s the gift of the German Shepherd.