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| Photo by: Twenty20 |
Intelligent and easy to train, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds. It is a rather active dog that likes to keep busy. He needs to get plenty of exercise every day; otherwise he can become very nervous or mischievous.
History:
As its name suggests, the German shepherd is originally from Germany. Developed at the end of the 19th century, the breed is the result of crossbreeding different herding dogs. The breed was subjected to a rigorous selection and evolved rapidly. In the United Kingdom, the German Shepherd was called the Alsatian dog because the breed’s breeders wanted to protect it from the anti-German sentiment that arose after the First World War.
The German Shepherd Dog was introduced to the United States by returning World War I soldiers. The cinema would complete the popularization of the breed with dogs like Strongheart and later Rintintin who became real stars. During the Second World War, the German Shepherd was the dog of choice for the military. The first guide dogs were German Shepherds. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. In 1999, the German Shepherd was ranked third on the American Kennel Club’s list of the 50 most popular dog breeds.
The German Shepherd is a herding dog known for its courage, loyalty and guardian instincts. An excellent guard dog, it is used as a police dog and guide dog for the blind, and even as a dog of war. He is also used for search and rescue missions. However, for many families, the German Shepherd is above all a much appreciated companion.
To prevent the German Shepherd Dog from taking its role as a guard dog too seriously or developing aggressive behavior, proper socialization and obedience training at a young age is essential.
It is a well-proportioned dog, with a broad skull that tapers regularly and a pointed muzzle. The rather broad ears are carried straight. The back is straight and muscular; the bushy tail is carried drooping and slightly curved. The thick and rough coat can be black, tan, black and tan or grey. The coat should be rough and medium long, but there are many long-haired dogs.
The life expectancy of the German Shepherd is about 10 to 12 years.
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| Photo by: Twenty20 |
Character:
German Shepherds get along well with children and other pets that have been raised with them, but true to their guard dog instincts, they tend to be wary of strangers.
The breed is known for its intelligence, and German Shepherd training is not a problem.
Dogs from poor crossbreeding can be nervous or malicious. If the German Shepherd Dog is not properly socialized and trained, he may develop aggressive behavior or take his role as a guard dog too seriously.
Daily life:
Because the German Shepherd is a massive, strong dog with a highly developed guard dog instinct, it is essential to deal with a reputable breeder. Dogs from bad crossbreeds are more likely to be nervous.
To prevent the German Shepherd Dog from taking its role as a guard dog too seriously or developing aggressive behavior, proper socialization and obedience training at a young age is essential. The German Shepherd should live with the family and also be in frequent contact with people and pets in the neighborhood, with supervision; the German Shepherd should not be confined to an enclosure or yard, either alone or with other dogs.
German Shepherds are active dogs who like to keep busy. He must get plenty of exercise every day; otherwise, he can become unhealthy or very nervous.
They molt a little all year round, and the loss becomes abundant about twice a year. To maintain the beautiful appearance of the coat, it should be brushed several times a week, which also prevents the hair from spreading around the house.
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| Photo by: Twenty20 |
The German Shepherd: for whom?
The German Shepherd Dog is a dog that needs space. House or apartment, he will need long walks to be fulfilled.
If dog owners use this breed a lot, you can adopt a German Shepherd Dog as a pet and not as a working animal. He will make an excellent companion for you and your family.
Easy to train, the German Shepherd can be a good first dog. But beware: it’s better to know the right training basics and why not, follow some training courses. The size of this animal could quickly make him weary if he develops bad behavior.
But Be assured: well educated, a German Shepherd Dog will be able to adapt in any family, and bring all his love.