German Shepherd
Appearance
(Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund) The German Shepherd is a strong, agile dog with a well-muscled build and an overall appearance that denotes liveliness, nobility, and quality. The breed’s well-balanced body is just longer than it is tall, and its outline consists of smooth curves as opposed to angles. They are substantial, fit, and solid, but they are not bulky or cumbersome. Their neck is well-muscled, sturdy, and clean-cut, and its length is in direct proportion to the size of the dog’s head. They have a straight, strong back that is short by comparison, and their high-set withers slope gently into their level topline. The chest of this breed is well-filled, deep, and capacious, and the well-sprung ribs are long and carried down to the sternum. Their abdomen is firm and moderately tucked up into the loin. They have long, obliquely angled shoulder blades that lie flat, and their upper arms are well-muscled. The thickly padded feet are short, compact, and feature a set of well-arched toes and dark nails. Thighs of this breed are broad and strong, and their croup is gradually sloping. The head of the German Shepherd is chiseled, clean-cut, and noble, and its size is in proportion to the size of the dog’s body. Males of this breed have distinctly masculine facial features, while females have distinctly feminine facial features. Their medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes are obliquely set and dark in color. They have moderately pointed ears that are erect and set parallel to one another. The breed’s forehead is somewhat arched, and their skull slopes downward into their long, wedge-shaped muzzle. Their stop is abrupt and pronounced, and their nose is black in color. They have strong, well developed jaws and their complete set of teeth close in a scissors bite. The ideal coat of the German Shepherd is a medium-length double coat. This double coat consists of a dense, straight, harsh outer layer that is close-fitting. The head, legs, and paws of this breed are covered with short hair, while the hair about the neck is longer and thicker. Coat colors of this German Shepherd vary greatly, but rich, strong colors are preferred.Prone to Arthritis
Temperament
The German Shepherd has outstanding abilities as a working dog. They are fearless, eager, and alert, and they are very obedient. They are confident, serious, and possess strong learning abilities. The breed is known for its courage and loyalty. They love to be close to their family, but they are sometimes leery of strangers. Because of their strong protective instincts, the German Shepherd should be properly trained and extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding. Aggressive behavior within this breed is due to a combination of poor breeding and training. German Shepherds are almost always good with other pets, and they are excellent with children. It is important for potential owners of this breed to buy specimens from a reputable breeder.They need firm training because of aggresive tendancys.
Size
22 – 26 inchesWeight
77 – 85 poundsHealth
Like many other large dog breeds, the German Shepherd is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Potential owners of this breed should ensure that both parents have had their hips certified. Other health concerns include blood disorders, digestive problems, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), dwarfism, chronic eczema, and flea allergies. The German Shepherd typically lives for about 13 years.they need a cool habitat
Origin
The German Shepherd was developed through crosses of long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired shepherd dogs from Wurttemberg, Thuringia, and Bavaria. In April of 1899, a dedicated breeder by the name of Captain Max von Stephanitz registered the first Deutsche Schaferhunde, or German Shepherd Dog. The short-haired variety of German Shepherd was first show in Berlin in 1889.This is the old style origin.
A German shepherd is one of German nationality that tends sheep. His or her dog may be a German Shepers Dog. That's the translation of the German breed name. Alsatian still bugs historians of the breed as this was a made up name used by the (?) English.Most folks will shorten the name to GSD ofr use the incorrect german shepherd when speaking to other fanciers. GREAT BREED OF HUND!
Maintenance
The German Shepherd sheds lightly throughout the year and heavily during shedding season. The breed’s coat should be brushed daily in order to remove dead and loose hair. To avoid the depletion of natural skin oils, the German Shepherd should only be bathed once or twice per year. Ideal Environment
The German Shepherd is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a comparatively inactive breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least a large-sized yard. German Shepherds enjoy strenuous activity, and they need plenty of exercise on a daily basis.Ask a QuestionGerman Shepherd Q&A
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german shepherd
I have a 2 yr. old black german shepherd and wouldn't trade him for the world. These dogs are so easy to train. They have great confidence and loyalty.
Pros: Best dog ever. Smart, great temperment and good w/ people.
Cons: none
Sam, our best friend
Our german shepherd is a healthy 7 year old at about 100 pounds. Training and more training is the key to success with these big kids. Exersize is critical to keep them in good shape and happy. Not the dog for a small apartment unless there is a big park next door.
Pros: Very loving, loyal, and protective
Cons: Strong prey drive, will try to chase anything smaller
My dog Max
Max is my 6 year old German Shepherd.We love him very much.When I'm alone playing in the yard with Max,and when sombody on the other side of walks around,Max goes crazy! Barking and barking and keeps going until the person leaves.He also protects me from the dreaded bumble bees,bees,butterflies,and anything that flies.
Pros: Silly,playfull,sometimes protective.
Cons: