German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherd Dog: BREED BOX Country: Germany Size: 75-95lb(34-43kg), 22-26in(55-66cm) Temperament: Reliable, responsive, obedient Grooming: Little grooming Recognition: FCI, AKC, ANKC, CKC, NZKC

Introduction

The noble German Shepherd has become an icon for courage and devotion around the world. This handsome breed has only been in existence a little over a century but they have enjoyed great popularity from the beginning. German Shepherds excel as police dogs, military K-9s, search and rescue dogs, and guard dogs. Yet they are also loving and gentle family dogs. Intelligent, active, energetic and affectionate, the German Shepherd can make an outstanding pet.

Breed History

As with many breeds, the history of the German Shepherd dates back to the end of the 19th century. At this time Captain Max von Stephanitz and other breeders were trying to develop a new, versatile dog that would be capable of herding as well as protecting flocks from predators. Captain von Stephanitz bred dogs form old herding breeds and breeds of farm dogs to produce dogs similar to the German Shepherds we have today. But it wasn’t until he saw a dog at a dog show in 1899 who represented his ideal of a German Shepherd, which he purchased immediately, that the German Shepherd breed was actually formed. This dog was the product of many generations of selective breeding and he had an enormous impact on the new breed. This dog, Horand von Grafrath, was declared to be the first “German Shepherd” and the rest is history. All German Shepherds today are descended from this first dog.

Since that time there has been much emphasis on the working ability of the German Shepherd, especially in Germany. Captain von Stephanitz believed that the breed’s working abilities should be paramount and many German breeders have tried to keep this in mind.

The breed was first exhibited in the United States in 1907. They became popular in the U.S. right after World War I when the dog Strongheart appeared in the first Hollywood films. Strongheart portrayed German Shepherds as we know them today — brave, loyal, ready to save the day. He was followed on film a few years later by the famous Rin-Tin-Tin who make the German Shepherd even more popular in the United States.

The breed’s popularity in the U.S. and, indeed, around the world, has never really diminished since that time. The breed regularly receives positive publicity in their work as police dogs and search and rescue dogs. They’re still used in their traditional roles as herding and working dogs on farms. There have been many other German Shepherds in the movies and on television. They are recognized as being one of the most intelligent of all dog breeds based on testing. And they achieve outstanding results when competing in obedience, rally, agility and other dog sports. The German Shepherd is a very versatile breed and they remain popular with the public.

Appearance

The German Shepherd has a recognizable shepherd-dog appearance with an elongated muzzle and prick ears. They are a medium-large dog with a medium-length double-coat. They give the impression of a strong, agile dog who is alert and full of life. They are longer than they are tall. They are fearless and self-confident but they may be aloof with people they don’t know. They don’t typically fawn over people. They have a certain nobility about them.

Dogs are between 24 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders; females are between 22 and 24 inches tall at the shoulders. Most colors are permitted but most dogs are black and tan.

German Shepherds are famous for their “flying trot.” They should have a smooth, rhythmic gait covering the maximum amount of ground.

In The Home

The German Shepherd is a devoted family dog. They are affectionate and interested in whatever you’re doing. They are good with children and with all family members. They are protective in the home and make good natural guard dogs. It’s best for German Shepherds to be well-socialized from a young age so they won’t over-react to visitors or be too suspicious of strangers. Socialization will also help your puppy or dog build confidence and enjoy going places with you. A well-socialized dog is always welcomed when he visits and he knows how to get along with other pets and people.

German Shepherds can be bossy toward other pets in the home so they need to know the rules of the house from a young age.

German Shepherds excel at many dog sports, such as agility, obedience and rally. They also enjoy participating in herding tests. They can learn to track and do search and rescue work. Some German Shepherds can be trained for Schutzhund or protection work. This is one of the most intelligent breeds in the dog world and they have a very serious work ethic. They enjoy learning and doing things. If you want to take on a job with your German Shepherd it’s likely that your dog will be able to learn to do it.

Care

It’s actually not very hard to care for your German Shepherd. They require regular brushing to prevent excessive shedding. They need their ears cleaned regularly, as do all dogs, to prevent ear infections. They also need to have their nails trimmed regularly.

Some German Shepherds can experience hip dysplasia but they have been unfairly maligned for bad hips because of their sloping posture. In fact, they are ranked 40th (among over 100 breeds) for hip dysplasia, with 78.9 percent of dogs having normal hips. Degenerative myelopathy (a neurological disease) is a problem in the breed. Von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder) can also occur.

If you are considering getting a German Shepherd you should talk to a breeder about these problems. Find out if they have health tested the parents of the dog you are considering. Health testing can help eliminate many potential genetic problems, but not all.

Where To Find A German Shepherd

In the United States German Shepherds are usually registered with the American Kennel Club. The parent breed club for the German Shepherd is the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. You can find breeders across the country through them.

The German Shepherd Dog Club of America also has a breed rescue organization. You can contact them or one of their local chapters if you are interested in a rescue German Shepherd. There are also many independent German Shepherd rescues operating locally.

You may find German Shepherds in local shelters but rescue groups make every effort to remove these dogs so they won’t be put to sleep. Your best bet is to contact rescue to find a rescue German Shepherd.

Ideal Owner: Great with families. Requires daily exercise. Suits owners who can be assertive and who can give and command respect from their dog.
Color Coat: Variety of colors
Life Expectancy: 12 years
Other Names: Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund

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German Shepherd Dog Reviews

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