German Shepherd, also known as Alsatian, is among the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are intelligent and amazingly versatile. German Shepherds are talented dogs and excel at almost anything they are trained to. These dogs are noble, loyal, and possess unmatched courage.
This article explains the breed characteristics, vital stats, history, temperament, general health, and care of a German Shepherd.
Let’s begin our exciting ride!
German Shepherd Breed Characteristics
German Shepherd is a large, agile, and muscular dog with an alert expression. A GSD is an active fellow and is a keen and vigilant watchdog. This intelligent and noble breed is a great companion for families.
We have listed below some characteristics of German Shepherds. This is meant to be a general guideline for German Shepherd Dogs.
Adaptability
German Shepherds are sensitive dogs and are not good at adapting to some environments. However, this should not scare you since they can adapt to any situation if trained early.
- German Shepherds are not good apartment dwellers. Houses with yards are ideal for German Shepherds. However, if you give them enough exercise, they can adapt to apartment living as well.
- They are not suitable for first-time dog parents. They can be good first dogs as long as you train them, have an active lifestyle, and provide them enough exercise.
- German Shepherds are highly sensitive to emotional changes in the family they love. They are more prone to stress and anxiety-related problems.
- German Shepherds thrive in cold climates but have a moderate tolerance for a hot atmosphere.
Friendliness
German Shepherds are excellent companions and known to be friendly and friendly dogs.
- German Shepherds are sweet and have affectionate, loving, and dedicated personalities. They love to spend time with you rather than being left alone all day.
- They’re particularly fond of children and babies.
- German Shepherds have poor canine social skills and are not a dog-friendly breed.
- German Shepherds are less aggressive towards strangers. If trained properly, they can be friendly to your guests and strangers.
Health and Grooming
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs and are easy to groom.
- The grooming requirements vary depending on their coat. They shed all year round with two heavy sheddings per year.
- They’re easy to groom dogs and require grooming at least twice a week.
- They are not associated with excessive drooling. These dogs are suitable for neatniks.
- German Shepherds don’t have the potential to put on weight easily. However, lack of exercise, poor diet, and excessive treats are the reasons behind weight gain in dogs.
Trainability
German Shepherds should be trained gently, but with determination. These dogs are quite easy to train.
- German Shepherds are highly intelligent, easy to train dogs. They can learn commands and instructions very quickly.
- German Shepherds have a high prey drive and tend to chase passing animals.
- They have a high tendency to nip, chew, or play-bite people.
- Being a watchdog, they have a high tendency to bark frequently.
- They are escape artists and have a strong desire for escaping the house and exploring the world.
Physical Needs
The German Shepherd is a playful and highly energetic dog with high physical needs.
- German Shepherds are highly playful and fun to be around.
- German Shepherds have intense energy drives. high energy dogs. These canines have the ability to accomplish challenging tasks and goals.
- These energetic animals need strenuous exercise to maintain good health and condition.
Vital Stats About German Shepherd
Let’s take a look at some vital stats of German Shepherds:
| Stats | Description |
| Dog Breed Group | Herding dogs |
| AKC Breed Popularity | Ranks 2 of 197 |
| Temperament/ personality | Confident, courageous, smart, friendly, playful |
| Average Height | Male: 24-26 inches Female: 22-24 inches |
| Weight Range | Male: 65-90 pounds Female: 50-70 pounds |
| Energy level | Highly energetic |
| Grooming needs | Moderate |
| Litter Size | Average 6 – 10 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
History of German Shepherd
German Shepherd originated from Germany in 1899. It was developed by crossing various herding breeds and has striking good looks, intelligence, and courage. People quickly developed an interest in this breed due to its versatility. Throughout history, this breed has served as a guard dog, police dog, military dog, guide dog, and search and rescue dog.
During World Wars I and II, the word “German” was dropped, and the breed was referred to as the Alsatian or Shepherd Dog. During World War I the GSD served on the battlefield as a Red Cross dog, messenger, rescuer, guard, supply carrier, and sentry.
German Shepherd continued to show their talents in conformation, obedience, and agility rings and interest in the breed has continued to grow. German Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908.
Today, it remains one of the most popular dog breeds, ranking second in the AKC breed popularity list. They continue to prove themselves as a versatile breed and kept as both working dogs and as an affectionate family companion.
Temperament and Personality of German Shepherd
German Shepherds are courageous, playful, and loyal dogs. These talented dogs excel in herding, obedience, tracking, search and rescue, and many other tasks.
A German Shepherd’s temperament can vary depending on its background. However, all GSDs generally share the following personalities:
- Watchdogs: German Shepherds are reliable watchdogs. They take pride in protecting their family.
- Playful: German Shepherds are playful dogs and enjoy playing and spending time with their human companions.
- Intelligent: The German Shepherds are known for their intelligence. They are incredibly smart and capable working dogs.
- Versatile: The German Shepherds are amazingly versatile and can be trained to do almost anything.
- Affectionate and loyal: The German Shepherd is a loyal and affectionate companion. These show show a lot of unconditional love and affection towards their owner.
Major Health Concerns of German Shepherd
German Shepherds are moderately healthy but are prone to few health issues. The health problems that may affect this breed are:
- Canine Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a progressive hereditary disorder in which deformity of the hip occurs during the dog’s growth. German Shepherds with hip dysplasia show limping, lameness in one or both hind legs, and decreased range of motion.
- Elbow Dysplasia: It is a degenerative joint disease that causes a developmental deformity of the elbows. Elbow dysplasia in German Shepherds can cause swelling, pain, and often lead to arthritis.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: It is caused by the sudden influx of gas and air in the German Shepherd’s stomach that causes it to distend and twist. It can even cause death in German Shepherds if it is not treated promptly.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: It is an incurable, degenerative disease of the German Shepherd spinal cord. This condition results in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis in German Shepherds.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: It is a genetic disease of the pancreas in German Shepherds. In this disease, the cells that produce digestive enzymes are destroyed.
- Allergies: German Shepherds are prone to a variety of allergies. German Shepherds may be allergic to pollens, molds, certain foods, and flea saliva.
How to Take Care of German Shepherd
Taking care of your German Shepherds involves a lot of things including feeding, grooming, training, and exercises.
Feeding your German Shepherd
German Shepherd is an active and athletic breed. Their diet must be formulated for a large-sized breed with high energy and exercise needs.
The food requirements of a German Shepherd puppy changes as they grow up. Clean and fresh water should be available to German Shepherds at all times.
Training your German Shepherd
German Shepherds are talented, intelligent, and easy to train dogs. This extraordinary worker can fairly understand your commands and enjoy learning new things.
Consistency and reward-based training methods work best for German Shepherds. They are extremely sensitive, so punishments and harsh behavior will make them stubborn and damage their personality.
Here are some of the training that you need to do with your German Shepherd puppy:
- Leash training
- Crate training
- Housebreaking and potty training
- Basic obedience training
Grooming Needs of German Shepherd
German Shepherds have a varied coat. It has a double coat of medium length. However, some German Shepherds are long-haired. The outer coat is dense with straight hair or sometimes of a wavy and wiry texture.
German Shepherds are fairly clean and odorless dogs. Let’s have a look at the grooming needs of German Shepherds:
- This breed requires two to three times per week brushing to remove dead hair and prevent mats and tangles.
- They just need a few baths in a year, only when needed. Frequent bathing strips the coat of oils that keep it healthy.
- Brush your German Shepherd’s teeth at least twice a week to prevent bacteria and tartar buildup.
- Trim your German Shepherd’s nails once a month to avoid splitting and discomfort.
- Your German Shepherd’s eyes should be clear with no redness, swelling, or discharge.
- When you groom your GSD, look inside his mouth and ears for signs of allergies or infection.
Exercise Requirements of German Shepherd
A German shepherd parent should expect to participate in daily exercise sessions with their fur buddy. They need at least 30 minutes to 1-hour of exercise a day to stay healthy and fit. This will drain their pent-up energy otherwise, they may develop behavior issues.
Participating in exercise is fun and rewarding for both dog and owner. Here’s how you can meet your dog’s exercise requirements:
- Taking them for a half-mile walk.
- Play fetch games
- Play frisbee toss as German Shepherd is great at playing frisbee due to their intelligence and agility.
- Giving them a safe area to run around and play
- Go for jogging or hiking
- Backyard agility
- Give them lots of interactive toys to keep them occupied.
Parting Shot on German Shepherd
If you are thinking of getting a German Shepherd, prepare to spend a lot of time with your fur buddy. These dogs need attention and plenty of exercise.
If you want to know more about German Shepherds, please do let us know. We would be happy to help you.