German Shepherd Dog Breed Information
German Shepherds are an incredibly loyal animal completely devoted to keeping their owners safe and happy. Frequently used as police dogs and service dogs, the German Shepherd is great at remembering and following commands. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds because of their confidence and intelligence, allowing them to easily become a part of any family to adopt them.
History & Origin
As their name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany. The breed was developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1889 in an effort to create a strong and intelligent working dog.
The German Shepherd got its recognition as a strong military and police dog during World War I. Even after World War II, the German Shepherd was viewed as an incredibly trained and skilled dog in the art of war and policing. The German Shepherd’s popularity only continued to grow.
Appearance
German Shepherds are considered a large dog that appears incredibly strong and alert. Their ears are pointed and sit on top of the head. They have long legs that contribute to their height, but is longer than they are tall.
The German Shepherds has a number of standard colorings. Some of those colorings include bi-color, black, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, black and tan, blue, gray, liver, sable, and white. It is not common for German Shepherds to have markings.
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Temperament
German Shepherds are incredibly smart animals that are also extremely courageous. As one of the most popular dog breeds, German Shepherds are usually what comes to mind when someone thinks of a confident and loyal canine friend.
German Shepherds are very easy to train and love the job that they do, which is why German Shepherds are frequently used as members of the police force or as service dogs. They love their owners fiercely and take their jobs very seriously, making them excellent dogs for facing serious work.
Although German Shepherds love each member of their owner family, the usually show favoritism to the owner they spend the most time with or they receive the most care from. This can allow for a great bond or connection for anyone looking for true companionship with their dog.
German Shepherds’ love for obedience makes them great animals for competition or shows. They enjoy learning new tricks and find satisfaction in making their owners happy. German Shepherds also perform very well when taking to professional obedience classes.
Size
The German Shepherd is considered a large dog. When fully grown, a male will usually be between 24 and 26 inches in height and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. The female German Shepherd will also weigh between 75 and 95 pounds, but is usually only 22 inches to 24 inches in height.
Health
As with all dogs, German Shepherds will need to see their vet routinely to ensure they are healthy and free of parasites like heartworm or fleas. Consistent trips to the vet can also help owners adapt to the changing needs of a German Shepherd as they grow from puppy to full-sized adult.
Owners will want to ensure their German Shepherd is given the proper vaccinations and immunizations they need to stay healthy and ensure the health of your family. Your vet can assist you through any vaccinations that may need to be done. Spaying and neutering is another important component to a German Shepherd’s health.
Care
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent animals who love to learn new tricks and feel as if they have a purpose. Because they want to feel like a crucial part of the home, they are very easy to care for. German Shepherds want to care for their owners just as much as they want their owners to care for them.
German Shepherds have a moderate energy level and will need some exercise, but they are not a dog breed that is always looking for physical stimulation. German Shepherds will need to be walked every day to work off their energy and maintain their health.
Feeding
German Shepherds will need fresh water periodically throughout the day. It is also important to owners provide their German Shepherds with meals containing the nutrients and proteins they need to grow healthy and strong.
Because German Shepherds grow into fairly large dogs, they may need to eat more frequently than other dogs, particularly when they are growing. It is not uncommon for the dietary needs of a German Shepherd to change from when they are a puppy until when they are a full grown adult, and can continue to change as the dog ages.
Owners should discuss with their vets the right ingredients to look for to ensure their German Shepherd is getting the proper nutrients and vitamins they need. Maintaining a healthy diet is incredibly important to a German Shepherd’s development.
Grooming
The German Shepherd has a medium coat length, which requires occasional grooming. They do shed seasonally, so owners will need to brush their German Shepherd more frequently during those times. Consistent brushing can ensure the German Shepherd’s coat remains smooth and shiny, while also eliminating knots and shedding hair.
German Shepherds will also need their nails clipped frequently to avoid cracking and overgrowth. The ears of the German Shepherd are known to collect debris, dust, and wax, so owners will need to consistently clean the ears to avoid infection. Regular teeth brushings can also help prevent gum disease.
Children
Because German Shepherds are extremely brave and loyal, they make great dogs for families. German Shepherds love children as well as other family pets or animals. As extremely patient and protective animals, German Shepherds will look after their family members and do what they can to keep them safe.
German Shepherds also make great pets for elderly family members. As service dogs, German Shepherds enjoy having a task and helping their owners whenever they can. The breed should be particularly considered for multi-generational homes looking to adopt a new pet.