"The German Shepherd Is A Loyal Dog"



The German Shepherd is also known as "Alsatian, Deutsche and Schaferhund.

The American Kennel Club registrated in 2005, 45000 German Shepherd dogs. They are a very popular dog because they are very stable and a confident dog that is eager to please. They have a reserved nature that people must win before they get the dog's trust and friendship. When that happpens then their loyalty is very strong.


These dogs are alert, full of life and have an intelligent expression. They are muscular handsome dogs with well-proportioned slightly elongated bodies and light bit solid bone structure. They have erect ears, powerful jaws, strong teeth, scissors bite, black nose, almond shaped eyes that are dark and lively and a bushy tail.

Their shiny coat comes in three varieties: rough-coated, long rough coated and long haired. The double coat comes in different colors and shades. Colors are: cream and brown, solid black, black and tan, black and red, black and cream, black and silver and white.

German Shepherd Picture

Dogs height: 24-26 inches Bitches height: 22-24 inches
Weight: 77-85 pounds
Life Span: 13 years

HISTORY

In the 18th and 19th century they were working dogs - they were used to herd flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. Captain Max von Stehanitz of the German Army gets the credit for the present day dog. In 1889 he began the standardization of the breed.

CHARACTERTICS AND TEMPERAMENT

  • Fearless
  • Eager
  • Cheerful
  • Bold
  • Courageous
  • Loyal
  • Calmly confident
  • Serious
  • Intelligent
  • Keen sense of humor

German Shepherds make great companions and love to be close to their families. They need people and to feel they are included in their owner's daily activities. They don't like being left alone for long periods of time. If they are properly trained they do well with children and other family pets.

They have a strong protective instinct but only bark when necessary. They need to be socialized to prevent over-guarding. They have a tremendous capacity to learn and so they are easily trained in obedience and socialization. German Shepherds need attention, love and firm guidance to be the wonderful dog he can be and you want him to be. So check out "Zone Training Your German Shepherd". It will help you learn how to train your German Shepherd to be the best companion he can be.

Because they are so intelligent and easily trained they make good search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, guard dogs and assistance dogs.

They enjoy playful games and love strenuous activities. They thrive on work and love challenges.

EXERCISE

These dogs need long daily walks and a large yard. They need their owners to spend time with them every day playing and training them.

GROOMING

Brush daily and only bath 1-2 times a year to avoid oil depletion. They shed bits of hair constantly and are seasonal heavy shedders.


They are a hardy dog but prone to some disease just like any dog. They are:

  • Elbow and hip dysplasia
  • von Willebrand's disease
  • Skin allergies
  • Prone to bloat

Buy a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder You need to research the puppies lineage and the breeder should be able to tell you. A responsible breeder will know hereditary problems and will have a working knowledge of genetics of German Shepherds. He will take precautions to minimize these problems so you will end up with a dog that is healthy and has a good temperament.

Be sure to get a sales contract with a guarantee of health and soundness of puppies.

When looking for a puppy he shouldn't appear to be shy or nervous, he should be inquisitive and curious. (This applies at the age he is ready to be purchased.) Try to meet the parents to determine their character and temperament. Parents should be OFA certified ( good or excellent).

German Shepherd's are a slow maturing breed so they have a long puppyhood.




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