13 / 100

The German Shepherd is the most widespread breed of dog in the world, and there’s a good reason for that. It is a versatile and trainable breed that suits both the active family and the enthusiastic dog trainer. With his handsome looks and incredible motivation, he makes a great training buddy.

Background

German Shepherd Dog: All You Need To Know 9

Wolf-like shepherd dogs have probably existed in Germany since the 7th century. They could look very different and were of many different colors, shapes and sizes. In 1871, the Prussian Marshal Max von Stephanitz began selectively breeding what would later become the German Shepherd Dog. Through a unique breeding program, he, along with a group of other breeders, created a versatile breeding dog. The aim was to create a courageous service dog with a loyal, enduring, and resilient character for the police and military. The shepherd dog was also used in both world wars.

Today, the breed is recognized as both a working dog and a family pet.

Temperament

The German shepherd is loyal, dependable, and hardworking. The breed’s resilience and confidence is impressive. The breed is intelligent, educated, and loves to work with their master, being quick to take on new challenges and suited to the vast majority of tasks. A German Shepherd likes people and is loyal to its owner. The German Shepherd Dog is naturally curious but also alert. He likes to make contact, but is rarely pushy. The German Shepherd is a popular dog among both the police and military.

Level of activity

German Shepherd Dog: All You Need To Know 10

A German Shepherd is a working dog and needs to be kept busy. He likes to move and willingly follows his owner’s commands. The German shepherd was originally a herding dog and was therefore bred in such a way that it has good contact with its master. The German Shepherd is not satisfied with short walks in the house or with food spread out on the lawn. A German Shepherd needs an active life. He needs mental excitement, preferably in the form of exercise, and physical exercise.

Grooming

The fur is dense and of medium length with an undercoat. The German Shepherd sheds a lot of hair, so regular brushing can be beneficial. But even if you brush him, you will have a lot of hair in the apartment with a German Shepherd. The dense fur protects well in all weathers.

Training

The German Shepherd responds very well to training from as young as 8 weeks of age. Good socialization and positive reinforcement are important. A German Shepherd requires a solid framework and consistency, but education and training should always be based on positive methods.

Height and weight

Males: 60-65 cm

Females: 55-60 cm

Weight: 25-40kg

Peculiarities of the breed

German Shepherd Dog: All You Need To Know 11

The German Shepherd is divided into two lines – a working line and a show line. The show line is also called “breeding”. Typically working lines are slightly lighter and more agile and are bred for their working qualities. Breeding lines are bred with a focus on their appearance for show purposes. This means they are typically slightly larger, more massive and slightly sloping in the back. Which type is right for you depends on your everyday life and your possibilities. It is best to meet several dogs of one breed before settling on a line.

Hereditary diseases

The German Shepherd’s popularity has also led to health problems. Before you buy a German Shepherd it is important that you do a thorough health check of the parent stock and the lines. A family tree is a good tool here.

Typical hereditary diseases are:

  • hip dysplasia
  • elbow dysplasia
  • Gastric OCD Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Cataract Cardiomyopathy (Cauda Equina)
  • MDR1 gene defect (white shepherd)

Color

A German Shepherd can come in a variety of shades, black and tan, black, white, or wolf gray.

Food

It is important that you choose food for your German Shepherd that meets all of their needs. Puppies in their first year in particular need to be fed properly so that they do not develop joint diseases. Choose a food that is appropriate for the dog’s size and activity level. German Shepherds can be prone to panosteitis, a sterile infection of the large bones, as puppies. Make sure the calcium/phosphorus ratio is right for your dog and keep your pup lean. If you are in doubt about what food your dog needs and in what quantities, you can always consult your veterinarian.

Type

Herd and herding dog

Five Facts About the German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog: All You Need To Know 12

  1. German shepherds are active and intelligent dogs. They need to be kept busy studying, playing, and working.
  2. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
  3. These dogs shed fur all the time. Brush them several times a week and buy a good vacuum cleaner. you will need him.
  4. The German Shepherd loves people and is very loyal to its owner.
  5. The German shepherd was also used in both world wars.
[fbcomments]