Mary Allen
Intelligent Utility & Working-Dog – the German Shepherd
As its name suggests, the German Shepherd was primarily a herding dog for herding and guarding sheep.
The breed emerged from many deliberate crossings of different dog breeds in the 19th century. The goal was to get a vigilant working dog (utility dog) through various crossings and it was achieved.
This breed is still used as a police dog, for example as a protection dog, as a search dog to find missing persons or drugs, and as a rescue dog.
In addition, the shepherd dog is a good family dog and can also be used for quieter tasks, for example as a therapy dog or guide dog for the blind.
How Big & How Heavy Will It Be?
It can reach a size between 60 and 65 cm. He can weigh up to 40 kg and is well muscled.
Coat, Colors
In terms of coat length, this breed of dog has a short-haired, stock-haired, and long-haired breed.
The coat has a dense undercoat so that the dogs tolerate cold and water well. Long-haired dogs in particular need regular grooming with combs and brushes.
The fur can come in different colors and shades of brown, reddish, yellow, black, and sometimes with markings. But there are also pure black shepherd dogs. The white shepherd dog, on the other hand, is a breed of its own.
Old German Shepherd
Colloquially, the long-haired animals are often referred to as the Old German Shepherd Dog, which, strictly speaking, describes a different subspecies (not recognized by the FCI). The Old German Shepherd has a long stick coat.
Temperament
German Shepherds tend to be temperamental, curious, intelligent, obedient, and courageous in character. They are alert, watchful, faithful, and loyal. They are very capable of learning and willing to learn as long as humans spend as much time as possible with them.
Dogs of this breed are very fond of children.
Upbringing
With regular training, consistency, and patience, these dogs are easy to train. But this is also essential.
You have to make sure that the dog does not become jealous of food. To prevent this, you can practice with the puppy that you always take away the food bowl while eating and give it back to him immediately afterward, maybe even with an even better treat. In this way, the dog learns that it does not have to worry about its food and that in the end, it is always worthwhile for it to behave well-behaved and affable. On the other hand, if the dog growls, take the bowl of food away from him entirely and wait a while before handing it back to him. In this way, the dog learns that cheeky behavior only has a negative effect.
Posture & Outlet
Housing is possible, but a house with a garden would be better. In any case, this breed needs a lot of exercises. The dogs need good training, a lot of space, and a lot of activity because they are very people-related.
Traditionally, they feel very comfortable at a dog training ground, for example when jumping over obstacles. Whether obedience exercises or agility, it is important that the owner spends a lot of time with his shepherd dog.
Breed Diseases
Unfortunately, due to their build, dogs of this breed often develop hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) as they age. Therefore, look out for a breeder who can rule this out.
Life Expectancy
It reaches an age between 9 and 13 years.