The Versatile and Loyal German Shepherd Breed

Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Fumipets

German Shepherd Breed

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It is no surprise that German shepherds are regarded as the second most popular canine type in America given their self-assurance, bravery, intelligence, and gentleness. These big canines are fiercely devoted to and protective of their owners, but they are wary of outsiders. German shepherds have a long history of serving as working canines for police and armies around the globe because they were raised with a commitment to hard labor.

However, the typical dog caretaker doesn’t have to be active to maintain a German shepherd’s happiness. These canines make excellent partners for busy owners who want to spend hours at the dog park or days hiking because of their peaceful temperament. 

Appearance

German Shepherds, one of the most well-known varieties today, are praised for their remarkable combination of strength and elegance. They range in size from 50 to 90 pounds and have a commanding demeanor. Their raised ears and black, almond-shaped eyes give them a vigilant yet friendly face. The American Kennel Club states that German shepherds have a double coat, which combines a dense, plush undercoat with a tough exterior coat to enable the canine to survive in virtually any environment. However, because of all that fur, German shepherds are prone to shedding, so to keep your dog—and your home—looking its best during spring and autumn, you should clean them several times a week.

According to the AKC, German shepherds are most frequently a blend of black and brown, but it’s not uncommon to see other varieties such as all-black, black with red, sable, and even the uncommon white German shepherd. 

Temperament

It’s understandable why the German shepherd is so well-liked given their bravery, intelligence, and tender nature. This versatile worker canine has a strong desire to satisfy and picks things up easily. German shepherds, despite their tendency to be authoritative, make devoted partners for their entire lifetimes if they receive regular training and discipline lessons.

German shepherds are anxious to complete duties because they were raised to work, but they also make wonderful family dogs if their owners can devote time to constant behavior training and at least an hour per day to rigorous exercise. This species prefers regular exercise and isn’t one to curl up on the sofa. 

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) in the UK suggests two hours of movement each day. To use their natural inclinations for gathering, this may entail taking them on lengthy walks or hikes or enrolling them in agility training contests. German shepherds are lively canines who appreciate spending lots of time with their masters, so don’t be fooled by their solemn appearance. German shepherds are actually “Velcro dogs,” never allowing their masters leave their sight. Since their separation anxiety can turn violent if left alone for extended stretches of time, these canines shouldn’t be left alone for too long. 

Like any dog, your German shepherd needs to be correctly socialized from an early age. According to the AKC, a well-behaved German shepherd will be kind and tolerant. German dogs are naturally very protective of their owners, even though they are not overtly violent. Because of their natural protecting instincts, they make excellent watchdogs who will defend their home and warn you of invaders.

Although it’s crucial to educate kids on how to correctly engage with canines, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America notes that German shepherds are renowned for being patient with kids and other animals (even cats!). Even if your dog appears to accept it, you should never pull their tail or squeeze their ear.

Living Needs

The German shepherd is today just as much a family dog as he is a diligent worker, despite the fact that they may have originally been raised to work demanding tasks for long hours—in the ditches on the front lines or tracking out goods on a K-9 squad. Although these canines can adjust to a variety of living conditions, a home with a fully fenced-in yard is a better match for them due to their high activity and size. If given enough regular activity, German dogs can thrive in flats. If correctly socialized and taught, these affectionate canines can live in households with other animals, but they would rather be the only dog.

German dogs are fiercely devoted to their owners and will risk everything for them. However, some individuals may not be able to manage their height, vigor, and strength. The creator of The Great Pets Resort, a specialized training center in Connecticut, Brian Kilcommons, claims that people often choose German shepherds because they want a canine that will be defensive.

If you can’t dedicate time to obedience training, get outside for at least an hour of exercise every day. “Yes, they’re protective, but when you really look at the German shepherd, they’re also very specific…They like things in order. You need a high degree of control and training for a well-behaved German shepherd. What was bought for protection, when not properly trained can and often does become a legal and financial liability.” This type might not be the best option for you if you frequently have to leave your canine at home by themselves for several hours.

German shepherds are happy when they have a busy owner who is seeking a loyal friend who loves being outside (they make excellent hiking companions!). Before getting a dog, it’s essential to think about your lifestyle, but it might be a good idea to discuss plans with a German shepherd producer or rescue organization to make sure this type is a good match for your way of life.

Care

According to the AKC, German dogs’ dense, double-layered fur need to be brushed once a week to reduce excessive matting. German dogs lose a lot in the spring and autumn, so to keep up with these periodic changes, you should clean them once or even twice a day. German dogs rarely need showers because most dirt can be removed with a brush unless they roll in something smelly or plunge into a muck pool occasionally.

Regular cleaning is a good opportunity to examine your pet’s coat shine (dull hair may indicate a nutritional deficiency in the diet), nail length, ear and tooth health, and nail length. Although the nails on some German shepherds naturally become shorter with use, if you can hear them striking on the floor, it’s definitely time for a clip. 

German shepherds are extremely bright, high-energy canines that require a decent quantity of cerebral stimulus and activity daily in addition to routine cleaning and teeth care. Additionally, because of their defensive character, it’s crucial to start education and training early for your German shepherd. Your dog will become a well-behaved adult with consistent instruction using positive-reinforcement methods.

Dog training is one of the few endeavors in life that, when carried out properly, yields instant effects, according to Kilcommons. Dogs are family members who get to abide by the same rules, and those rules have to be established the day the dog comes home. “People go to group classes for a year and the dog still is out of control, and it’s because they don’t extend their knowledge to what’s really important: how you structure the dog during your day-to-day interactions.”

Health

The German shepherd has an average lifetime of 7 to 10 years and is thought to be a typically robust type. The German dog is susceptible to specific illnesses, like all varieties. Breeders should be tested for progressive myelopathy, a nerve condition comparable to multiple sclerosis in people, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia, according to the German Shepherd Dog organization of America, the formal breed organization. German dogs should also undergo yearly cardiac examinations and disposition evaluations. 

Epilepsy, eye issues, blood disorders, immune-mediated illnesses, hemangiosarcoma, and exocrine pancreas dysfunction are additional conditions that German dogs are prone to. Although not every German shepherd will experience severe health problems, it’s essential to be conscious of these issues when thinking about this species. All canines should be bought from reliable breeders who can show you the dog’s parents and relatives. When considering adoption, request the rescue’s complete health information.

The type is also susceptible to bloat, an illness that usually affects bigger varieties and can be fatal. If you think your canine may be experiencing the potentially deadly condition known as bloat, it’s critical to be aware of the warning symptoms and to seek immediate medical treatment.

History

One of the most well-known and identifiable varieties in history may be the German shepherd. You got it: Germany in the late 1800s is where the German shepherd breed first appeared. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) claims that German cavalry officer Capt. Max von Stephanitz discovered a powerful “wolflike dog” at a dog show that demonstrated excellent herding skills and required “no training other than direction” and bred him with the goal of creating a perfect working dog.

Although the German shepherd’s forebears were herding dogs, von Stephanitz shifted his breeding efforts away from herding breeds and toward creating a breed specifically for the military and law enforcement. German dogs continue to be the most popular K-9 agents for police and armed units all over the globe. German shepherds were widely used as couriers, search and rescue canines, cargo transporters, and sentries during both world wars.

German dogs arrived in the United States for the first time in the early 1900s, claims the GSDCA. After World War I, when returning troops carried them home, their appeal skyrocketed. The name of the breed was formally changed to shepherd dog by the AKC in 1917 as a result of the stigmatization of everything German. (similarly, in England, the breed was renamed Alsatian Wolf Dog).

The AKC didn’t go back to the initial breed designation until 1931. Between German dogs raised in Germany and those grown in America, a division developed following World War II. Americans seemed to be more concerned with looks and favored highlighting qualities that would be advantageous in the arena rather than on the field, most notably the dog’s recognizable curved back. 

Regardless of lineage, the German shepherd is a smart, motivated worker who enjoys a challenge. Its soft disposition and protective nature make it a top choice as a family companion.

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