German Shepherds are the most popular breed of dogs in the world. They are intelligent, active, and known to be loyal companions. Their versatility and agility make them perfect for various tasks. These large, muscular dogs are highly regarded for their ability to work in various fields.
People appreciate their intelligence, obedience and ability to follow commands. German Shepherds are known for their excellent herding skills. However, they are also capable of performing other tasks that other dogs can do.
German Shepherd Dog Breed Overview
German Shepherds are the most reliable dogs that are protractive, hard-working, and loving at the same time.
If you can maintain their regular exercise, health, and diet plan, they will be your forever companion for sure.
| Group | Herding |
| Height | Male: 22 to 26 in. Female: 23 in.(maximum) |
| Weight | 60 to 100 pounds |
| Coat | Coarse, Length: Medium, Characteristic: Double coat |
| Coat Color | Bicolor, black and tan, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, solid black, gray, sable, most of the color acceptable in this breed. |
| Life Span | 7-12 (maximum) |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Courageous, alert, bold, loyal, protractive |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Germany |
Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd
If you want a protractive and intelligent dog, then the German shepherd is your best choice. They are hard-working and loyal dogs. Apart from that, their attentiveness can keep you safe from unknown thrive.
Generally, if you train them well, then they can be the best family dog. In addition, it is very easy to train this breed, which is a plus point.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Low |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | High |
History of the German Shepherd
Over hundreds of years, German Shepherds have been known as human best companions. In Germany, in 1899, this breed was introduced. All credit goes to Captain Max Von Stephanitz. He was the creator of this breed.
Earlier, this dog was known as a shepherd dog or Alsatian. Since World War I and two, people were against Germany or even German words. In the early twentieth century, it was acknowledged as a German Shepherd by the American Kennel Club(AKC) in 1908.
In the current scenario, this breed position is second, according to the AKC list. Many experiments are going on with this breed and among their crossbreeds. Some of them caused controversy, and some appreciated their work.
German Shepherd Care
The breed is a high-quality breed among all others. That’s why it needs minimum care, training, and attention. If you give them your companionship, they will be your best loyal friend forever.
However, it love a family environment, and you must train them at a young age. That will help them to adjust to others.
Exercise
In the beginning, we knew that it is the most energetic dog. That’s the reason it needs routine exercise. These will help them to keep fit and healthy.
The breed loves to run. So you can run with them every day. Proper exercise can allow one not to feel bored. Otherwise, they can have bad habits such as barking, digging, chewing, and destroying furniture.
German shepherds like to play in open fields. So make sure there is enough open space there for them to play. Apart from these, don’t let them stay alone all the time. It needs your attention and love.
Grooming
For their thick undercoat, the breed needs to comb 2 or 3 times a week. If you don’t do it, you may face a few problems. You will see dog hair everywhere in your home. That’s why you have to vacuum regularly.
Generally, German Shepherds don’t need regular baths because of their double-layer coats. That is a plus point as a pet owner.
Still, you must check them regularly. Otherwise, their nails can cause great damage. You have to trim the nails, and it helps them to walk comfortably.
But not least, the breed needs dental care because they have strong, powerful jaws. Give them a brush 2 to 3 times a week. All this grooming can save your dog from staying neat and clean.
Training
German shepherds are always in an active mood. That is the reason you should give them proper training to make them socialize. They are big and powerful.
So if you can’t provide the training, they may behave aggressively. To prevent this, make sure they are having a daily training session. You can include different activities so that they feel fresh.
Additionally, the breed tends to chase things or animals, and they can’t get along with same-sex dogs or strange dogs. That may be awful sometimes for you, and you have to be cautious while you take them outside.
Other than that, they will stay happy as long as you give them attention and do different exercises.
Common Health Problem
There are so many breeders. But only genuine and potential breeders maintain the quality of the German Shepherd. It is monitored by AKC, which makes sure that breed standards don’t fall.
As a responsible breeder, you can check their degenerative myelopathy elbow and hip dysplasia. Sometimes, they may have bloat problems. That’s why you must know the symptoms of this disease and should be alert whenever you face it.
Recommended Health Conditions You Have to Check:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Elbow hygroma
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Degenerative myelopathy
Diet and Nutrition
Based on the size, age, and growth, you must feed your dog. All these things depend on one another.
In general, a German Shepherd needs two meals a day.
Always avoid giving a big meal. Otherwise, it can cause a stomach torsion problem. High obesity increases their death. So, check their health and take measurements.
You can also give them cooked food like vegetables, eggs, yogurt, or even dog biscuits. Make sure they are ok with these. Most importantly, make sure everything is clean, fresh, and hygienic.
Where to Adopt or Buy a German Shepherd
To get a German Shepherd, you can check the following organizations, which make sure that you have an actual breed.
These are well-reputed dog clubs that maintain all the guidelines. They will guide you on how to take care of this dog. The AKC also gives a proper place to register and inquire about your breed. Whether they maintain the breed standards or not.
In general, you may have to pay $1,000 for a puppy, depending on its sex, color, size, and more.
German Shepherd Dog Breed Pros & Cons
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Versatile working dogs (police, service, etc.)
- Great for active owners
- Good family companions
Cons
- High energy and exercise needs
- Heavy shedding
More Dogs Breeds and Further Research
Before purchasing a German shepherd, you should do research and talk with dog owners, breeders, and rescue groups about it.
If you are a first-time owner, we will not encourage you to buy it. Honestly, you must check the pros and cons of similar breeds if you are interested in buying them. To make sure you are taking the best one for you.
- Belgian Malinois Dog Breed Profile
- Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed Profile
- Chinook Dog Bree Profile
If you search, you will find more. However, according to our research, these are the most potential dog breeds.
German Shepherd Dog Breed FAQs
1. What is a sable German shepherd?
Ans: Sable means a specific color coat: black fur with light roots.
2. Is the German Shepherd a good pet?
Ans: German shepherd dogs get along well with children. You must give them proper instruction and training.
3. Can German Shepherds be left alone?
Ans: No, you can’t leave them alone for more than 8 hours. They may feel bored and that can increase their problematic behavior.
Conclusion
Always check the dogs’ behavior before buying them. If you want a dog as a companion and also who can protect you, then a German Shepherd is your desired dog. Their over-friendly nature and careful behavior will encourage you to have more of it.
