Contents
Breed Profile: German Shepherd
Where to Get a German Shepherd
Gear for Your German Shepherd
How to Feed Your German Shepherd
How to Groom Your German Shepherd
German Shepherd Healthcare
How to Socialize Your German Shepherd
How to Train Your German Shepherd
How to Fix German Shepherd Behavior Problems
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- The best places to find and adopt a German shepherd
- The gear and care you need to make sure your shepherd settles in at home
- Feeding, grooming, and training tips to keep him healthy and well-behaved
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Breed Profile: German Shepherd
The German shepherd dog—or GSD, as fanciers often term the breed—was originally a farm dog who guarded flocks and herds. In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz of Germany developed the modern-day German shepherd dog. He admired the all-purpose working dog but worried that the breed would disappear as flocks and farms diminished. To preserve the shepherd as a working dog, he developed the Schutzhund trial, a way of determining a dog’s ability to work. This test had many of the elements of today’s obedience trials, and the result of von Stephanitz’s strict requirements led to the intelligent, versatile shepherd of today.
The American Kennel Club registered its first German shepherd dog in 1908. Today’s German shepherd still has the herding and guarding instincts of his predecessors, but instead of tending a flock, he tends to his human family. Intelligent and highly trainable, the German shepherd is used widely in police work, service work, and the military.
Appearance
The following description is of an “ideal” German shepherd. Not all shepherds will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.
- Height: Height ranges from 24–26" (61–66 cm) for males and 22–24" (56–61 cm) for females.
- Weight: Weight ranges from 66–88 pounds (30–40 kg) for males and 49–71 pounds (22–32 kg) for females.
- Coat: German shepherd coats vary in color, but most come in some combination of black and tan, usually with a black mask. Shepherds have two coats to protect them from bad weather. The outercoat is straight, harsh, and dense, whereas the undercoat is gray, slightly oily, and invisible to the naked eye.
Temperament and Personality
German shepherds are known for discipline and intelligence. They are wary of strangers but highly loyal once won over. The typical German shepherd is happiest when he has a job to do—and little is beyond his ability.
Traits
Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a shepherd is going to fit in with you and your family.
Companionability
A German shepherd enjoys being near his owners and doesn’t tolerate being left alone for long periods of time. He will bond with the entire family and is normally well behaved and highly protective of children in the family. In light of this breed’s strength and power, however, children should be well supervised around him. The breed’s original function as a herding dog may cause the German shepherd to see children as his flock. He may nip at the heels of a running child or may take a person’s hand gently in his mouth to lead her in what he thinks is the right direction.
Environment
The German shepherd is an extremely active dog and is best suited to a large house with plenty of room. He can adjust to apartment living, though, as long as you make it a priority to meet his considerable exercise needs. In fact, your German shepherd can adapt to almost any living situation, as long as he’s not ignored. Being around his family matters more to him than where he is while he’s with them.
Exercise Requirements
When a German shepherd dog doesn’t get enough exercise, he becomes bored and destructive. A casual stroll around the block once in the morning and once at night is not going to be enough exercise for your shepherd. Jogging with your shepherd, providing a big enough yard for a good game of fetch or Frisbee, or having children to keep your dog busy should provide him with a sufficient outlet for his energy.
Trainability
German shepherds are very trainable, as indicated by their use as police and service dogs. German shepherds also have an independent streak, however, that make them smart enough not to obey meaningless commands. They respond best to careful, consistent training that has a goal, and are particularly adept at problem solving.
| Text & Photos Copyright © 2007 TFH Publications, Inc. | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
