Hi folks, here’s an essential guide to German Shepherds, one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
Handsome, brave, and strong are a few of the words that begin to describe the German Shepherd.
According to the American Kennel Club’s annual list, the German Shepherd breed ranks second amongst the most popular dogs.
This large breed is popularly known for its contribution to the military services and police forces. They are agile, noble, and highly intelligent dogs.
From the time period after the First World War up to 1977, this breed was officially called the Alsatian Dog Wolf in the UK.
The German Shepherd breed is known for its unwavering loyalty and steady presence.
German Shepherds are known to excel at anything they do, ranging from drug detection to competitions. They are loved by pet owners all across the globe.
In this article, we’ll teach you all you need to know about German Shepherds – including facts about German Shepherds and important information about this popular breed.
Guide To German Shepherds – History
Called Deutscher Schäferhund in German, this breed’s lineage traces back to German herding dogs.
A genetic study from 2018 postulates that German Shepherds are descendants of herding dogs alongside the French Berger Picard and five Italian herding breeds.
In the late 1800s, herding dogs had variations in different districts.
A German cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz took it upon himself to standardize the herding dog of their country.
They crossed the varying breeds from across the country, resulting in the German Shepherd breed.
Captain Max von Stephanitz co-founded the Phylax Society, which became the world’s first club devoted to German Shepherds, in order to carry out this task.
His refinement of the breed was so successful that it has resulted in German Shepherds being extremely versatile dogs.
In fact, they’re able to carry out so many tasks that most people forget that they were originally created to herd livestock.
The American Kennel Club classifies dogs into seven groups. Dogs are assigned a group based on the original work that each breed was developed to perform.
As their name suggests, German Shepherds belong to the Herding Group alongside breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog, the Border Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog, The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and the Old English Sheepdog.
German Shepherd – Highlights
German Shepherds are considered to be clever, graceful, and powerful dogs.
They are obedient dogs and are fiercely protective of the people they love. They are obedient dogs and are gentle pets for your home.
Although they faced some flak as a result of the Anti-German sentiment after the Second World War, the German Shepherd’s popularity grew steadily in America.
This is largely due to the film industry starring dogs like Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart.
German Shepherd – Appearance
German Shepherds are considered medium to large size breed of dog. The American Kennel Club averages their height between 4-26 inches for males and 22-24 inches for females.
The males weigh roughly around 5-90 pounds. Females weigh about 50-70 pounds.
German Shepherds have domed heads with a long snout. They have strong jaws and medium-sized brown eyes.
They have long necks and ears that stand up straight. German Shepherds have bushy tails.
This breed of dog has a double coat that comes in a medium length. The color of the coat is most commonly tan and black or red and black.
They have a natural capability for speed, even though their regular walk isn’t overly fast.
German Shepherd – Personality
German Shepherds are active and intelligent dogs. Their protective instincts, coupled with their loud bark, make them ideal for the role of a watchdog.
They are quick learners and enjoy having a purpose. They are extremely protective of their families, even small babies. They aren’t always immediately fond of strangers.
Caring for Your German Shepherd
These are very important areas to consider when caring for your precious German Shepherd…
Grooming
German Shepherds have four kinds of coats. These are:
- Short coat with an undercoat
- Medium length coat with an undercoat
- Long length coat with an undercoat
- Long length coat without any undercoat
It’s important for you to identify what kind of coat your German Shepherd has so that you can groom them in the proper manner.
This breed of dogs are moderate shedders, so it’s ideal to groom them twice or thrice a week.
They only need baths occasionally. When bathing German Shepherds, it’s vital to dry them off properly because their thick coats take a long time to dry.
Health and Nutrition
German Shepherds require consistent feeding. They require food that is healthier than store-bought options but doesn’t necessarily need fancy food.
German Shepherds should be fed with their age, weight, and activity levels in mind.
Socialization and Behavior
Given their inherently obedient nature, German Shepherds are a breed that takes extremely well to training.
Although considered aggressive because of their protectiveness, this can be managed with training and socialization while they’re still puppies.
Training that is filled with patience and treats is most effective for German Shepherds. They are well-suited to families and enjoy a lot of play and exercise.
Guide To German Shepherds – Common Health Issues
Because of their history of inbreeding, German Shepherds face a fair amount of ailments.
They experience hip and elbow dysplasia that can potentially evolve into arthritis if left unchecked.
German Shepherds also tend to suffer from Von Willebrand disease and from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
This breed of dog also runs a higher risk of developing a neurological disorder known as degenerative myelopathy.
German Shepherd Facts
Hollywood’s famous German Shepherds – Strongheart and Rin-Tin-Tin – both have stars on the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.
Ace, the Bat-Hound, is Batman’s pet dog in the comics. He is a German Shepherd.
Getting a German Shepherd
As with any other pup, you should put careful thought and consideration into your decision to get a dog.
Factors that affect this decision include the size of your home, whether your family is ready for it and if your lifestyle is suited to a German Shepherd companion.
You can choose to adopt from a rescuer. If not, you should be sure you’re getting your German Shepherd from a responsible, reliable, and experienced dog breeder.
Conclusion
Suited for family and with a keen eye for safety, German Shepherds are great additions to your life.
Add one to yours and watch the happiness in your life increase with your new best friend.
