German Shepherd Appearance
German Shepherds are
attractive dogs: large and muscular with a signature square muzzle, bushy tail,
and (usually) black mask. They’re generally tan/black or red/black in coloring,
often with “saddle” and “blanket” markings across the back. Rarer colorings
include sable, silver, liver, and panda. There are even pure black German
Shepherds and white German Shepherds.
German Shepherds
typically have a dense double coat with a water-resistant outer layer and a
thick undercoat. And they’re most definitely shedders. These dogs typically
shed once or twice per year, but they benefit from weekly grooming. (As well as
daily brushing during shedding months.)
Although most German
Shepherds have either a medium or long coat, some German Shepherds have no
undercoat, and therefore have different grooming needs. Make sure to learn how
to care for your GSDs coat properly and maximize the natural benefits of their
hair, while minimizing out-of-control shedding. If in doubt, check with a
groomer who can give you tips on good home care.
via @django_gsd
German Shepherd Personality
German Shepherds have
been bred for intelligence and independent thinking as herding dogs, so GSDs
tend to be curious learners and like to be useful. Because of their curiosity
and wariness of strangers, German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs (but can
be overprotective if not well-socialized).
With their loyal
personalities and eagerness to work, you’ll find German Shepherds to be very
obedient when it comes to training and following commands. It’s no wonder the
German Shepherd is such a popular dog!
via @the_beachdog
German Shepherd
Environment
If you’re very active,
love the outdoors, and want to get your daily exercise no matter what, the GSD
will fit perfectly into your life. The ideal German Shepherd owner loves to go
on long walks or runs and will take their dog on weekly excursions to
interesting places. These dogs are always up for leg day.
Because of the German
Shepherd’s loyalty and need for stimulation, they bond deeply with their
people. German Shepherds see themselves as true family members. They desire to
forge a strong relationship with their people and they thrive on human
companionship. That special connection is one of the greatest rewards of living
with a GSD.
Ideal Human for a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are
active dogs. Think: running at full speed across a field as much as you’ll let
them. They prefer space to exercise at peak capacity and plenty of outdoor
time. The ideal home for a German Shepherd would be a home with a large backyard
for running around, and that’s not counting all of the walks, runs, and
adventures they’d like to go on with you.
German Shepherds can
also make great family dogs and do fine with children as long as they are
properly socialized.
German Shepherd Training
German Shepherds are
known for their trainability and excel at obedience training. With their strong appetite
for learning, many German Shepherds go on to make exceptional service dogs. Some have the nose
to become search and rescue dogs. German Shepherds also do well in other
working roles, such as guide dogs, watchdogs, and guard dogs. Some even become
police dogs.
Your German Shepherd
may not be an official working dog, but they’ll still enjoy demanding tasks.
And since German Shepherds love learning and being busy, they’ll want to learn
more than just the basic commands. Trick training will make your German
Shepherd dog happy—and it’s an excellent way to spend time together. Training
challenges will turn into self-confidence and helps GSDs feel like a truly
important member of the pack. Plus, with positive behavior reinforcement,
training sessions turn into bonding sessions, too.
GSDs are also well
suited to sports. From agility training to nosework, these athletic dogs are up for
almost anything. (As long as you’re right there beside them.)
via @lorelei_gsd
German Shepherd Grooming
Most German Shepherd
parents will find grooming relatively easy. German Shepherds have a
medium-length double coat with a soft undercoat and dense, harsher outer coat.
They shed moderately year round, and shed more profusely during spring and
fall. During the seasonal shedding periods, they may require daily brushing to
remove dead fur. The rest of the year, brushing once a week as maintenance
should be enough. Occasional baths will help keep your German Shepherd clean.
Like most dogs, German Shepherd’s nails should be trimmed regularly, and their
teeth brushed to maintain dental health.
German Shepherd Health
Just like many dog
breeds, German Shepherd dogs are prone to particular health problems. Many are
a result of inbreeding early in the breed’s life.
Health conditions more
common to German Shepherds include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative
myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease.
To address and prevent
joint disease, talk to your veterinarian about dietary supplements for
musculoskeletal health, in addition to limiting jumping and rough play. Many
pet parents opt for pet health insurance, just in case.
German Shepherd History
The ancestors of
German Shepherds were bred in late 19th century Germany as working dogs,
specifically as sheepdogs and guard dogs on farms. In 1899, after much
disagreement about which qualities to highlight in the breed, Max von
Stephanitz declared the first German Shepherd dog, which he named Horand von
Grafrath.
Due to anti-German
sentiment after World War I, the German Shepherd was renamed the Alsatian wolf
dog (or simply called an Alsatian) in the United Kingdom and the United States
until as recently as 2006.
Getting a German Shepherd
Getting a German
Shepherd is simple, but it’s important to be prepared. If you’re buying a
German Shepherd puppy, you’ll spend plenty of time discouraging biting and
barking, socializing the puppy to other people and dogs, and teaching important
skills like sleeping through the night and going to the bathroom outside.
Finding a German
Shepherd puppy or adult dog can be as easy as an internet search, but be
careful of puppy mills and internet scams. Do your
research and ask around for a reputable breeder, visit before committing to
payment, and trust your gut.
German Shepherd Rescues
Another way to find a
German Shepherd is to adopt a rescue. Unlike puppies, rescues often come spayed
and neutered, and with all their shots. Because a large number of German
Shepherd rescues are surrendered by individual owners, these dogs may already know
basic commands and be socialized.
If not, that doesn’t
mean you can’t work with them. Contact a trusted dog trainer for more
information on how to teach a dog who hasn’t experienced much structure, or how
to help a dog who has been traumatized to feel safe and welcome.
German Shepherd Breeders
Finding a reputable
breeder can be a daunting task. Thankfully organizations like the American
Kennel Club (AKC) have search tools to find a reputable German
Shepherd breeder near you.
If you don’t find a
breeder you like via the AKC, many breeders have an online presence. Beware,
however, of puppy mills and other scams that may leave you with a sick puppy or
no puppy at all.
When you visit a
prospective breeder, be sure to ask about any health issues in the dog’s
bloodline, and discuss any genetic tests you might want to run, such as a test
for Von Willebrand’s disease. You may also want to meet the puppy’s parents to
make sure they have the temperament you’re looking for.
However you choose to
bring a GSD into your life, know that you’re bonding with a furry adventure
buddy that will be pleased to be with their pack, whether it’s a pack of two or
a big family on the go.
More on German Shepherds
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about German shepherds? We’ve got you covered.
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German Shepherd Grooming: What to Know About Brushing
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