German Shepherds are often used as working dogs because they are highly intelligent, alert, obedient, enthusiastic, and fearless. They are also excellent family companions and are very loyal to their owners.
To identify a German Shepherd, you need to examine the dog’s coat and other physical characteristics. You can also ask about the breeder or do a DNA test to determine the breed of the dog.
Next we leave you a series of points that you should observe to know how to recognize an authentic pure German Shepherd
Index
Looking at the dog’s coat of fur
Examine the fur
German Shepherds can have three different coat varieties: double-coated, shaggy, and long-haired. The breed standard is the double coat, which consists of dense, straight and short hair that is found close to the body. The long-haired coat is also quite common among German Shepherds, many of these specimens are family pets.
German Shepherds shed hair constantly throughout the year and require regular brushing.
Look for the color tan and the color black.
The most common coloration for a German Shepherd is black and tan ; however, the breed may also appear black. Usually the coat is predominantly tan with black facial markings.
Recognize the variations in the coloration of the German Shepherd.
On rare occasions, German Shepherds may have white, blue, or reddish-brown coats. These colors are not recognized by the breed standard, but they do occur periodically. In fact, the White German Shepherd is actually considered a separate breed in some areas and is called the Swiss White Shepherd or Swiss Shepherd.
Other physical characteristics of the German Shepherd
It is a dog with a strong complexion.
The German Shepherd is classified as a working dog and has a strong and proportionate complexion. Generally, the German Shepherd is 50 to 56 cm tall and weighs between 35 and 40 kg. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the body slightly elongated.
German Shepherd puppies typically weigh 3-4kg after the first month and will continue to grow steadily throughout their first year. At six months they will weigh approximately 22-26 kg.
A dog with pointed ears.
German Shepherds have very distinct pointed ears. They are long at the base and face forward, forming a triangle. When they are puppies, the tips of the ear may drop slightly, but they will straighten as the dog grows.
The German Shepherd has a bushy tail.
German Shepherds have a long, bushy tail that hangs down when the dog rests. When a German Shepherd is alert or on the move, the curve of the tail is accentuated and the tail will be raised slightly.
Recognizing the behavioral characteristics of a German Sheepdog
Note the loyalty of the dog
German Shepherds can be quite aloof and reserved when meeting new people. However, once the dog has established a connection with its owner, they are extremely loyal. German Shepherds are usually friendly and loyal to their family, but they can be very protective if they feel threatened or think their family is.
Assess the dog’s energy level.
German Shepherds are high-energy dogs and need a lot of daily exercise. If a German Shepherd is left alone for long periods of time, he is likely to get bored and destroy what is around him. For example, the dog may start barking, chewing, or digging. Make sure your German Shepherd gets at least 1 hour of exercise every day
A German Shepherd is a trainable dog.
The German Shepherd is highly intelligent and trainable . They like to have a job or a chore to do, and you can train a German Shepherd to do a variety of different jobs. For example, German Shepherds are often used as “working” dogs, helping with search and rescue, drug sniffing and security, as well as providing aid and assistance to the visibly handicapped.
Take your German Shepherd to obedience classes to train the dog to follow commands and complete a variety of tasks. This is fun and stimulating for the dog.
I love the animals. Reading and writing about them, their customs, their peculiarities or the attention they require is exciting, and I also believe that it makes us better people. I share articles that solve the questions that dog caregivers face on a daily basis.