Let's talk German Shepherds
Call him Mr. Popularity. The celebrated German Shepherd Dog is one of the most universally sought-after breeds, praised for their high intelligence and unflinching loyalty. A wonderful family pet, the German Shepherd is very obedient, which makes them easy to train, and they have a great time doing it. The added bonus: those bright eyes coupled with stunning markings.
Official name: German Shepherd Dog
Other names: German, Shepherd, Alsatian, GSD
Origins: Germany
Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? | |
Grooming needs | Cold weather? | ||
Shedding level | Suited to apartment living | ||
Barking tendencies | Can stay alone?* | ||
Energy level (high, low, medium)* | High | Family pet?* | |
Compatibility with other pets |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company.However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
Puppy age | 2 to 15 months |
Adult age | 15 months to 5 years |
Mature age | 5 to 8 years |
Senior age | 8 to 18 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about German Shepherds
1. An incredible sense of smell
The German Shepherd breed is one of the leaders in olfactory abilities - that means smell. They are traditionally used to perform search and rescue, and for bomb and drug sniffing in police and military work because of this keen characteristic.
2. Speaking of noses...
Bred as a herding dog, the German Shepherd is known for rounding up not only other animals but even humans. They’ll nudge you with their nose - when they want to go out, go for a walk, or when it’s mealtime. It’s a charming and harmless trait, and could be handy where little ones are concerned as the German Shepherd tends to be highly protective, too.
History of the breed
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of German Shepherds
1. Ears
Ears pert ending in point, slant forward to frame face.
2. Head
Well-proportioned wedge-shaped head, strong muzzle.
3. Fur
Thick undercoat, coarse top coat, distinctive colourings of deep black and tan, silver, and white.
4. Body
Muscular, strong body, lanky with sense of balance and even proportion, firm ribs and chest, not stocky.
5. Tail
Thick, long hair on tail, slightly longer on underside.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your German Shepherd
A strong breed with a touchy stomach
When it comes to health, German Shepherds can have occasional bouts of digestive tract disorders and diarrhea, not life-threatening but nonetheless no fun for the dog. Look for adverse reactions to food, diarrhea or loose stool, gastroenteritis, pancreatic insufficiency, bloat, or IBD, among other disorders. Allergic dermatitis, or skin irritation, can also occur. Feeding your dog highly nutritious food will keep them on track. A proper diagnostic workup is mandatory, which can be time - and money - consuming. A good veterinarian can help you find solutions.
It’s those hips!
Hip dysplasia is the third top illness for the German Shepherd - in fact, they are predisposed. It is a developmental syndrome of the ball and socket joint where the thigh bone and the hip bone don’t quite conform. The result is arthritis. It’s important that the rate of growth, especially for large-breed dogs, stay constant so their bones and muscles develop together. Dysplasia can happen more often when muscles grow faster, thus putting stress on bones and joints, potentially causing arthritis and then dysplasia. A simple veterinarian check for your German Shepherd can find signs of any occurence.
Energy to burn
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Caring for your German Shepherd
Grooming, training and exercise tips
German Shepherds have a double coat - a slightly thick coarse outer coat with a soft undercoat. Brushing twice a week is best. Despite their high athleticism, German Shepherds don’t need baths too often. Typically, long-haired breeds do shed, but less so if brushed regularly. Shedding will happen twice a year, to make way for the new fur. Nail trims should be done monthly however a dog that walks on hard surfaces will rub down his nails and subsequently they won't need clipping as frequently.
A highly trainable breed, German Shepherds have a personality that responds well to direction and commands. They very much want to please, and it’s no exaggeration to say they’re incredibly intelligent, a great combination when it comes to shaping them into a superb companion. It’s recommended to start training very early on, as German Shepherds are always in search of a task. They are highly bonded to their human family members..
German Shepherds and exercise go hand-in-hand. They require a large amount of daily activity as a highly athletic and high-functioning dog. Great runners - alone or with humans - they can go long distances. Herding, tracking, or agility exercises are also excellent for the breed who is often a competitor in these kinds of contests, not to mention working dog competitions and dog shows of all kinds.
All about German Shepherds
The breed makes an excellent family pet once trained since they are incredibly loyal and bonded to people. The German Shepherd needs a job to do so responds well to commands. They are willing to go on walks or runs anytime, and tend to be very kid-friendly and protective. Their high intelligence makes them obedient to boot.
Not at all. German Shepherds are an affable breed and respond hugely well to any direction. This very active breed always wants to work so will never be bored - as long as you know how to keep them busy. They require a serious commitment from an active owner, but are a pleasure to have. Any health issues for your German Shepherd can be headed off with proper care.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/