- Breed name: German Shepherd
- Original breed name: Deutscher Schaeferhund
- AKC list of the most popular dogs: 2
- FCI Classification: Group I – Shepherd Dogs and Livestock Dogs (except Swiss Shepherd Dogs)
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Medium dog
- Average life expectancy: 11 – 14 years.
German dogs belong to the most widespread breeds, both in the world and in our country. In addition to the already known characteristics such as home guards, they are also very common in the field as rescue dogs and search dogs. If you are planning to have a dog that will be your housekeeper and loyal pet, if you take a German Shepherd, you have made the right decision.
ORIGIN
In 1899, a German horseman, a former veterinary student, Max Emil Frederich von Stephanic, together with his friend Arthur Mayer, founded the German Shepherd Club. When grown, they give preference to character over appearance. At the first dog show that year, they noticed a reddish-gray, medium-sized dog that sat quietly next to its master, served the owner exclusively to guard the herd, and as it fit the vision of the two founders, became the first German Shepherd. named Horand von Grafrath.
APPEARANCE
German shepherds have very sharp hair with a developed undercoat, thick and straight that follows the body line. The hair on the neck is slightly longer, and on the head, paws and front of the legs it is shorter. Excellent resistance to external conditions in winter. The colors are light brown, yellow and light gray, while their saddle is mostly black. The head is wedge-shaped, with a strong jaw in which there are 42 sharp and strong teeth. Their eyes are almond-shaped, and their neck is very developed, the first part of the body is very strong, firm and muscular. Their tail falls down, in a slight arc above the back line.
The height at the withers is 60-65 cm for males and 55-60 cm for females, and their weight ranges from 22 to 40 kg.
CHARACTER
German shepherds are primarily bred for their intelligence, but dressage must be taken very seriously, because if you do not take care, it is easy to show aggression towards other animals and other people. Their intelligence helps them to learn commands very easily from an early age, and they are grateful for training and can easily be trained for various tasks: rescue, search, guarding… For this reason we see them as police dogs, military dogs, search dogs, guard dogs. … Their barking is very deep and mostly represents anger or a possible attack… but often German shepherds as pets also communicate with their owners.
They are very strong, fast and adaptable dogs, with a royal demeanor. They are very loyal to their master, but they are prone to domination. For this reason, it is recommended for experienced dog owners. He is extremely active and brave, reliable, has incredible emotional instincts and a sharp character. Research has shown that the reward training method is the best method for German shepherds.
HEALTH AND CARE
As a breed that grows quickly in the first part of life, they must be provided with quality food rich in meat up to 50% and the rest with vegetables. If you do not take care in that first part of life, you can get big problems with your legs, hip dysplasia, spine, elbow… They are very prone to spinal stenosis. Due to the size of their ears, they are prone to ear infections. Like all larger dogs, German Shepherds are prone to bloating, so care should be taken with the amount of food given to them.
Regarding care, it tolerates cold very well, but they are prone to shedding all year round and must be brushed regularly. This is quite enough and bathing is not recommended because in this way they wash the fat from the skin and lead to skin diseases and allergies… means bathing only if necessary.
STATISTICS
- Energy level: High.
- Playfulness level: High.
- Attitude towards other dogs: Distrustful.
- Relationship to other pets: Distrustful.
- Attitude towards strangers: Distrustful.
- Ease of training: High level.
- Protection: High protection.
- Maintenance required: Moderate maintenance.
- Cold tolerance: High tolerance.
- Heat tolerance: Medium tolerance.
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