Know All About The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd Dog can be described as a friend and helper like no other purebred dog. German Shepherds are among the most effective working dogs in the world. For this reason, this breed is chosen to perform the most diverse functions. However, the German Shepherd is also a suitable dog for family life. This is due to his loyal personality, intelligence, and extreme kindness.
As its name already says, the German Shepherd breed is originally from Germany and its ancestors date back to the 12th century. In the 19th century, a cavalry officer named Max von Stephantiz decided to take advantage of his retirement to create a uniform breed of excellence.
His aim was to bring together all the best characteristics of the existing sheepdogs in the different regions of Germany to achieve a perfect breed. His goal was achieved with honors and today the German Shepherd is one of the best known and most appreciated breeds in the world.
Although it conquered the world very quickly, at the time of World War I anything that referred to Germans was stigmatized, so at that time the American Kennel Club changed the name of the breed from German Shepherd to Sheepdog and in England it was called the Alsatian Wolf.
However, in 1921, the AKC regained the name of German Shepherd, but in England it did not begin to call this until 1977. After this event, German Shepherd puppies became even more famous. Numerous television and film appearances, especially with Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd who starred in his own television show, made them highly sought-after exemplars.
The main characteristics of the German Shepherd breed are:
Family: herding, cattle
AKC group: Shepherds
Area of origin: Germany
Original role: Shepherd, guard dog, police dog.
Average male size: Height: 60-65 cm, Weight: 32-42 kg
Average female size: Height: 55-60 cm, Weight: 24-34 kg
Life expectancy : 9 to 13 years
Alias: Alsaciano, Deutscher schaferhund, black-cloaked herder
Position in intelligence ranking: 3rd place Coat
colors : black with reddish-brown markings, brown, yellow to light gray; solid black, gray with darker clouds, black saddle and mask.
Body shape: medium size, slightly elongated, strong, muscular
Ears : medium size, erect and equilateral
The most important characteristics of the German shepherd dog are:
- Balance
- Self confidence
- Good nature
- Attention
- Driving behavior
History of the German Shepherd
There are two theories about the past of this breed. One of them points out that some wolves have crossed with domestic dogs, giving rise to a breed very close to the one we know today.
The other, much more plausible, points out that the German shepherd descends from dogs originating in the southern regions of Germany, where, since ancient times, herding activities have gained great relevance and for which dogs were needed to guard and protect the livestock of possible predators, specifically the wolf. In fact, there are records, dating back to the 7th century AD, documenting the presence of sheepdogs in those regions.
The Industrial Revolution, which swept through Europe in the 19th century, put an end to some of the functions that dogs used to perform, as machines could replace them, putting the survival of certain breeds at risk. In order not to lose this heritage, it was necessary to conserve and differentiate the different dogs that had developed over the centuries.
In this context, in 1891 the Phylax society was founded in Germany, whose objective was to typify the German races. Although it only lasted four years, due to disagreements between those who prioritized work ability and those who attributed greater value to aesthetics, this society brought to light the need to classify the different breeds of dogs.
In 1895, with the crucial intervention of the German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz, together with other very competent German breeders, a selection of sheepdogs from Vuernberg, Thuringia and Bavaria was started, resulting in the creation of the German shepherd we know today. . A few years later the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde was founded, the first association of German Shepherd breeders, which contributed to the improvement of the breed.
The German Shepherd, who represents a source of pride for German breeding, played an important role in World War I, where it assumed the functions of messenger, guard and rescue. Also, during World War II, this breed was in great demand not only for the functions it had performed in the previous conflict, but also for others, such as mine detection.
Contrary to what happened with the vast majority of breeds, seriously affected by the two Great Wars, the German shepherd emerged strengthened, since its capabilities were recognized internationally. After the end of the conflicts, many soldiers took home copies of this breed.
With WWII, the German Shepherd was also known as the Alsatian Wolf or Alsatian Dog, primarily in the UK. This new designation was derived from hatred of everything related to Germany. However, in 1977 this prejudice was overcome and the breed officially regained its original name.
Today, the German Shepherd is the most popular breed of sheepdog in the world thanks to its temperamental qualities, the strength of its character and its aesthetic beauty.
Types of German Shepherd
A very popular dog
The German Shepherd is also very popular as a family dog .
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world . Some 250,000 of these dogs live in Germany. In the German Kennel Club puppy statistics, young German Shepherds have led by far in the lead for years. In 2016, German breeders registered more than 10,000 puppies.
German Shepherd Dog likes to take over chores
Listen to his word and stay faithfully by his side: the German Shepherd Dog on duty.
Reliability, endurance, readiness for action, obedience and willingness to work make the German Shepherd a natural service dog for a wide variety of tasks. Thanks to its great learning capacity, it can be trained and used in a wide variety of tasks, which it also enjoys.
German shepherd dogs are used in these areas:
- Service dogs for the police
- Drug and Explosive Detection Dogs at Customs and the Federal Border Guard
- Avalanche search and rescue dogs with mountain rescue and aid organizations
- Guide dogs for the disabled
- Companion dogs
The German shepherd dog protects his family
The German Shepherd has a strong protective instinct and is very loyal . Once you’ve won his heart, you can always count on him. The prerequisite for this is that you have learned and experienced social behavior from an early age.
If he feels comfortable with you, he will keep a good eye on your home and all family members and will defend them in an emergency. The dog likes to live with people and he likes children. It is good that you place it in a family environment. He does not like life in a kennel in the garden so much and it leads to too nervous behavior.
It is important that the German Shepherd also stay busy and physically and mentally challenged within the family circle. Otherwise, you will find your own occupation, for example with poaching. It is necessary to take several long walks a day. In addition, you should conduct regular training sessions with your dog.
Intelligent and obedient: the character of the German shepherd dog
The character of the German Shepherd explains that this purebred dog is often used as a police service dog, therapy dog or rescue dog. Because animals master various daily tasks with intelligence, willingness to learn and obedience.
The German Shepherds also do a good job as watchdogs. This is due to his attentive and nervous nature and his self-confident demeanor. If you are looking for a companion or family dog, you will also make a good decision with this breed dog.
Lastly, the German Shepherd is considered benign and loyal to its owner. Another advantage of the breed: German Shepherds like to be in the company of other dogs of the same species and they get along well with all breeds, provided they have been sufficiently socialized.
Sheepdog: German Sheepdog
Thanks to its great intelligence and its predisposition to training, the German Shepherd became one of the most versatile breeds, performing with excellence a wide range of tasks, tricks, sports, services and varied activities.
Personality
The German Shepherd is one of the best companion dogs you can have. When we talk about the German Shepherd dog , personality is always one of the topics that are discussed. Many people think that they are aggressive and therefore end up not being a good option for families, but this fame has an explanation.
The German Shepherd is super smart, but the point is, along with this, he is also attached to the owner, territorialist, and doesn’t get along that well with other animals. In other words: when an unfamiliar cat or dog approaches, you often think you need to protect the guardian.
Still, he is an amazing companion, gets along well with children when used to their presence, and is affectionate with those he meets. After a training process, you can certainly learn to control your temper and strength, two elements that can have poor results if not combined well.
In addition, the German Shepherd dog is full of energy, so it will also be the ideal company for those who need a boost when exercising. If you spend the whole day outside, you should pay a little attention to it whenever possible to avoid conditions like separation anxiety.
Living with the German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd breed is considered especially adaptable. This is because the coat of working dogs protects them from both cold and heat. Therefore, purebred dogs are suitable for the attitude in the kennel. However, there are some requirements: Dogs must have a retreat and be able to run several times a day, in addition to being in the company of their owner. Proper training will turn your German Shepherd into an apartment dog even conditionally.
Purebred dogs are especially suitable as family dogs and for people looking for an attentive and courageous guard dog or who imagine training their dog as a search or rescue dog.
But the German shepherd dog is also very popular among athletes. Because dogs are very active and want to move. It is not just long walks, biking tours or jogging together that make your walking partner’s heart beat faster. With dog sports he also hits the spot. Playful herders also get excited about activities like crawling or mantrailing on the skid line.
Temperament
The German Shepherd is one of the most intelligent dogs and is very dedicated to his mission. It is a very versatile breed, devoted, loyal and faithful to its owners. It gets along well with other pets.
They are calm dogs and become even calmer after adults, at 2 years of age. It is not a fearful dog, it loves to receive affection and praise from the family. It is a watchful and alert dog and can be a bit reserved around strangers. If you don’t want him as a guard, get him used to the presence of visitors and people you don’t know.
He is very attentive and has an enviable sense of smell, which is why he is widely used by the police, and is even called a “police dog.” In the police he is used for the attack, to track drugs, to search for bodies in the rubble and to locate missing persons.
The German Shepherd has more of the profile of defense than that of attack. It should not be created to attack, because it can become very violent. It is a career that gets along well with children and the elderly, they are patient and calm. It is important to get used to the presence of children and the elderly from an early age.
It is a very easy breed to teach tricks, commands, basic and advanced obedience and everything that is necessary. They are always eager to learn and love to please their owners.
Socialization
Just as dressage is necessary from the beginning of life for the German Shepherd’s temperament to be balanced, socialization is also important.
As they tend not to get along as well with other animals, if they are used to this coexistence from an early age, they may be more at ease with this type of interaction in adult life.
This will avoid aggressive reactions to the presence of other animals in your home or on the street. The German Shepherd puppy needs to get used to living with other people and animals from an early age.
Care
This breed needs mental and physical challenges every day. He loves long exercises and training classes. He is connected to his family and lives well as a domestic dog. Your skin should be brushed once or twice a week.
You need to discharge your physical and mental energy, it is not recommended that you stay locked in kennels or confined in apartments. He likes large patios and spaces where he can run and exercise without limits.
Stimulating the mind of this dog is also essential, so it is very important to teach him tricks and commands.
Health
Today it is very difficult to see a German Shepherd without lameness dysplasia. Most pastors become paraplegic at age 10 because of it. Other common German Shepherd problems are stomach twisting and epilepsy.
Main concerns: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia
minor concerns: panosteitis, vWD, paresis of the hind limbs, horsetail, pyotraumatic dermatitis, skin allergies, malignancy, pannus, cataracts, gastric torsion, perianal fistula, Cardiomyopathy
Visa Occasional : Pancreatic failure
Suggested tests: hip, elbows, eyes (blood)
Life expectancy: 10-13 years
Observations: The German Shepherd is very susceptible to the fatal systemic infection by Aspergillus fungi.
Training
When it comes to training, one character trait of the German Shepherd pays off in particular: dogs show absolute obedience to their owners. Therefore, as an owner, you must teach your purebred dog who is the boss in the team.
However, you should refrain from a harsh style of education. This is because such methods can destroy the German Shepherd’s trust in its owner. On the other hand, the use of positive reinforcement in dealing with four-legged friends has an especially positive effect on education.
German Shepherd Dog Health and Nutrition
The popularity of the German Shepherd Dog for long periods of time is accompanied by a tendency to overbreeding, sometimes leading to hereditary predispositions to disease. Joint problems are common in purebred dogs. Among them, elbow and hip dysplasia. The latter can lead to walking disabilities, premature joint wear, and pain.
Therefore, when purchasing a puppy from a breeder, be sure to ask to see the parents’ papers. If the two diseases mentioned do not occur in the parents, the offspring also usually get rid. Occasionally, allergies, deafness, and eye diseases occur in this breed of dog. The same is true of Canda-equina syndrome, pancreatic insufficiency, and polyneuropathy.
In large dog breeds, such as the German Shepherd, healthy growth is especially important to avoid bone and joint health problems. Therefore, puppies should be given a balanced diet with vital nutrients.
In this way too rapid growth in the age of the puppies is avoided. Nor should young dogs be physically overloaded. Taking into account the sensitive anatomy in the area of the locomotor organs, it is important to avoid being overweight.
Some sheepdogs also suffer from intolerances and digestive disorders. The natural vomiting diet can provide relief in this case. Also, you should let your dog rest after eating. Feed your German Shepherd twice a day as a preventive measure against gastric disorders.
Fur
The coat is one of the main characteristics of the German Shepherd. Even being a large breed – it can grow up to 60 centimeters and 40 kilos – the most striking detail of the German Shepherd’s physique is the coat.
With a medium length, the hairs of this animal are very dense and are usually divided into two layers. Therefore, it sheds hair all year round and needs frequent brushing to remove loose hair.
The colors usually vary from one animal to another, but they can have spots in shades of brown, gold, yellow and black. Generally, even with this mix of colors, they have a completely black back.
How to care for the dog’s hair and teeth?
The purebred dog’s coat is considered tough and weather resistant. Although it generally requires little grooming, regular brushing is essential. Keep in mind that they lose hair throughout the year.
German Shepherds molt especially intensively in the spring and winter months, when the molting season occurs. Corrective trimming of the coat can be done with a trimmer. However, the coat of the German Shepherd in general should not be over-brushed. This could damage the pH balance of the skin. Therefore, bathe purebred dogs only rarely and only with a suitable dog shampoo.
Has your four-legged friend got dirty during a walk? Then just clean the coat in the shower with lukewarm water if coarse dirt cannot be brushed off. Not to be neglected: dental care for sheepdogs. Ideally, denture cleaning should be daily. To prevent tartar, you can also give sticks to chew.