German Shepherd Dog is one of America’s most popular dog breeds. They’re capable and intelligent working dogs. Their dedication and bravery are unrivaled. They’re also incredibly adaptable.
German shepherds are huge canines with noble, industrious, loyal, and extremely clever personalities. They are well-suited to operate as service animals, such as guiding dogs for the blind, despite their great herding abilities.
The ever-popular German shepherd is smart and easy to train, highly active, and likes to be busy. They require regular activity or they will become naughty or high-strung. Of course, the German shepherd dog makes a wonderful companion in the right home.
Contents Overview
History of German shepherd
German shepherd dogs are a breed that originated in Germany, as their name suggests. Beginning in the late 1800s, they were created by crossing various herding breeds. The breed went through a lot of testing and progressed swiftly.
Soldiers returning home from World War I imported German shepherd dogs to the United States. German shepherd dogs were the preferred military breed by World War II.
German shepherd dogs are herding dogs recognized for their bravery, devotion, and protective instincts. This breed is ideal for guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, blind guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
German shepherd Personality
As herding dogs, German Shepherds have been trained for intellect and independent thinking, so they are curious learners who like being useful. German Shepherds make good guard dogs due to their curiosity and fear of strangers.
German Shepherds are particularly obedient when it comes to training and obeying directions, thanks to their devoted dispositions and enthusiasm to work. It’s no surprise that the German shepherd is so popular!
If raised with children and other pets, German shepherd dogs get along OK with them, but their guarding instincts make them wary of strangers. The breed is thought to be intelligent and easy to train.
German shepherd Temperament
German Shepherds are moderately energetic dogs that are self-assured, according to breed criteria. The breed is characterized by a desire to learn and a desire to serve a cause.
They are naturally curious, making them excellent security dogs and search dogs.
The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most intelligent breeds, and they are so focused on their job, whatever it may be, that they are nearly unparalleled in working adaptability. They are very committed and obedient.
They might become overprotective of their family and territory if they are not properly socialized. Strangers may find them aloof and distrustful, and they may be protective of their house and family. They might be domineering among other dogs, but they are normally gentle with other pets.
Size and Appearance of German shepherd
How big is a GSD?
German Shepherds range in size from modest to large. German shepherds weigh 75 to 90 pounds on average and stand 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Males of this breed are often larger than females.
Males must be 60–65 cm (24–26 in) tall at the withers, while females must be 55–60 cm (22–24 in) tall. The official breed standard of the AKC does not specify a weight range.
Appearance of German shepherd
German Shepherds are huge, powerful dogs with a square muzzle, bushy tail, and black masks that make them stand out.
They’re usually tan/black or red/black in hue, with saddle and blanket markings running down their backs. Sable, silver, liver, and panda are some of the more uncommon colors.
Their bodies are lean and agile, despite their muscularity. Two distinguishing characteristics of German Shepherds are their long noses and tall, upright ears. Their muzzle is long, their skull is square, and their ears are erect and pointed.
The German shepherd’s coat is made up of two layers: a thick undercoat and a dense, somewhat wavy, or straight outer coat. It has medium-length hair that is usually tan and black or red and black in hue and sheds all year.
German shepherd Health & problems
German Shepherds are typically healthy; however, they are susceptible to some health issues, as are all breeds. Degenerative myelopathy, elbow, and hip dysplasia, and other health issues will be screened for by a responsible breeder.
German shepherds are susceptible to a number of major health issues. Degenerative myelopathy, for example, is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord. It usually appears later in life and causes decreased mobility.
Although German shepherd dogs bred to these criteria are less likely to inherit health problems, they have certain genetic health issues. Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Elbow hygroma, Gastric dilatation-volvulus, and Degenerative myelopathy are some health issues to be aware of.
German shepherd Lifespan
German shepherds live for roughly 10 to 14 years, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spend time with your canine buddy. On average, female German Shepherds live one year longer than men.
Female German Shepherds live an average of 11 years, whereas male German Shepherds live an average of 9.7 years.
Our pets are family members, and we want them to live as long as we do. Regrettably, this is not the case. The usual lifespan of a German Shepherd is 10 to 14 years, with the oldest German Shepherd living to be 18 years old.
How To Take Care of German shepherd
Exercise Requirements
Both the body and the mind of a German Shepherd must be exercised. This breed requires a lot of frequent exercise due to its high activity level. Your German shepherd needs more activity than you may realize, and a daily stroll is insufficient.
A German shepherd might be a good running buddy if you’re a jogger. To avoid irritation, boredom, and pent-up energy, your dog needs to exercise, play, and explore.
German shepherd dogs would prefer to live in a house with a fenced yard to play in rather than an apartment. However, It is much more critical that your dog receives lots of care and is not left alone for the majority of the day.
A Visit to the Vet
It is an important and valuable way to taking care of your German shepherd Dog. Like all dog breeds, This breed needs to go to the vet once per year for a checkup.
Generally, a complete physical examination of a particular dog is needed at least once a year. It involves getting your dog’s temperature, checking heart, lungs, weighing, stomach, eyes, teeth, ears, skin, and coat.
Vaccinating your pet has long been regarded as one of the most straightforward approaches to assist him to live a long, healthy life.
Puppies are typically vaccinated at 8 and 10 weeks; your young German shepherd should then be given a booster 12 months after their first vaccination because it’s beneficial to take care of any pets.
Grooming & Bruising
German shepherds have a thick double coat with a soft, dense undercoat and a medium to long, coarse, water-resistant topcoat. Brushing them every few days is all it takes to keep their coat in good shape for the majority of the year.
This breed sheds hair in clumps all the time and is a heavy shedder at certain seasons. Bathe only when absolutely necessary; excessive bathing can result in skin discomfort due to oil loss. Ears and claws should be checked and trimmed daily.
Brush your hair every day throughout the blowing season to avoid matting and hair build-up around the house. All you have to do is brush their teeth twice a day and cut their nails once a month.
Providing a high-quality dog food
Each dog is individual and, therefore, will need a particular diet. Since the German shepherd is inclined to hip and elbow dysplasia, provide him food enriched with fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
It is necessary to evade over feeding your dog as it can only exasperate health obstacles such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Your most essential purpose should be to provide your pet companion properly.
The German shepherd is a big dog, so going for the best big breed dry dog food may be the correct choice. If, upon all benefits, your dog turned out small, search for one of the greatest dry dog food for small dogs and see if they like it!
Here we list out some of the best foods for German shepherd.
Best dog food for German shepherd 2021
- Orijen Original Formula Dry Dog Food.
- Natural Balance Sweet Potato & Fish.
- Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free.
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food (Small Bites)
Avoid unhealthy and digestive system-damaging foods similar to soy, wheat, and corns.
Remember that some of the smallest breeds have the most refined taste. Even though your German shepherd is big, we’re sure your puppy won’t mind taking a bite of these best dry dog food brands for Pugs!
How To Train German shepherd
With proper training and socialization, German shepherds may be exceptionally gentle friends and family guardians.
It’s a great breed for active families, and the breed’s intelligence and protective demeanor make it an excellent choice for families with youngsters.
German shepherds have a strong desire to please their owners, making them easy to teach. Because all herding dogs are protective of their families, thorough training and socialization should begin right away to show them that strangers do not mean them harm.
Potty Training
It’s a fantastic time when you buy a new puppy in your home, but a new puppy also comes with many challenges. The first and most significant challenge that you may face is that of potty training.
If your dog decides to go with an indoor potty, so placement is essential. Find a space in your home where messes won’t interfere with your life.
Potty training your German shepherd puppy can take a lot of time, patience, and attention, but luckily, one tool can make a huge difference: a potty training pad.
Some dog experts recommend that you begin house training your puppy when they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. At that time, they have ample control of their bladder and bowel movements to learn to hold them.
Crate Training
If you’re planning on crate training, your puppy should be placed to bed every night in its crate. However, you may require thinking of the best place for that crate at the beginning.
Correctly done crate training is also a highly effective management technique that dog owners can be a lifesaver.
Using a crate is essential to keep your dog from getting into a riot when you can’t supervise them directly.
Crate training is suitable for hunting dogs because it keeps them comfortable during hunts and on the road.
Socialization
German shepherd puppy might produce aggressive behaviors and severe anxiety if you do not enforce the early socialization. In the method of early socialization, you will present the puppy to different objects, people, and areas as advanced as possible.
There are two stages of this process. The first one initiates as early as 2 and 1/2 weeks. From this period of time up to four weeks of age, the buyers will hold the dog in a listed amount of time. The second stage of socialization begins from four weeks of age to 16 weeks of age. You will let the dog become familiar with neighboring formations and smells.
This training activity aims to form the puppy into a fearless and incredible adult dog. The dog will appear at ease with interacting with people and different dogs, providing to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders.
How Much Does German Shepherd Cost?
German Shepherds are not inexpensive pets. Expect to pay roughly $1,500 for a puppy from a competent breeder, whether it’s from a show or working line. If your puppy has an unusual color or comes from champion bloodlines, the price can skyrocket.
Because German Shepherds shed a lot, many owners need expert grooming. Depending on your location and the groomer you choose, a single grooming visit could cost up to $120.
A pure breed dog will cost more than a mixed breed dog. Regardless of the type and breed you choose, you can expect it to fall within the aforementioned price range.
German shepherd puppies for sale
These groups can help you with adoption advice and future steps, as well as point you in the direction of trustworthy breeders if you decide to go that path. You can enquire about AKC-registered litters that have been cared for and raised according to breed standards through the AKC’s marketplace.
Your local shelter or breed-specific rescue can help you find dogs of practically any breed, including German Shepherds. Before you go looking for a breeder, think about adopting.
You will have to spend more if you want purebred German Shepherd puppies who have been trained in a specific manner. Always ensure that you are dealing with authentic and verified merchants or dog breeders while making decisions.
German shepherd breeders
If you acquire a puppy, you’ll get a slightly different German shepherd depending on whether it’s descended from American or German breeders.
German breeders, on the other hand, breed for both working ability and the breed’s traditional appearance. Before a German shepherd may be bred in Germany, he or she must pass a series of exams to demonstrate that they meet the breed’s physical and mental standards.
If you think the German shepherd dog is right for you, as with any breed, conduct plenty of study before getting one. To learn more, talk to other owners, trustworthy breeders, and rescue organizations.
Advantage and disadvantages of German shepherd
Pros of German shepherd
- Energetic, active, and athletic
- Devoted, loyal, and protective
- Sweet, playful, and friendly
- Trusting and affectionate
- Well suited as a companion, family dog, or working dog
Cons of German shepherd
- Suspicious of strangers
- Prone to a number of health problems
- unstable temperament including excessive barking, hyperactivity,
- Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly
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Resource: Akc