German Sheperd
German Sheperd Dog Breed Information
German Shepherd dogs are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world, frequently used as herding dogs, livestock-guard dogs, security dogs, assistance dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and police dogs.
Description
- Coat: Short is most common, but there is a long hair version
- Colors: black-and-tan (most common), black-and-gold, sable (black tipped hair), black, or white. White is rare as it is not allowed in most competitions.
- Uses: herding, guide dog, guard dog and protection of livestock, police dog, search-and-rescue dog
- Life expectancy: 12 - 13 years
- Height at withers (tops of the shoulders): 24 - 26 inches (61 - 66 cm)
- Weight: 75 -100 lbs (34 - 45 kg)
- Height at withers (tops of the shoulders): 22 - 24 inches (56 - 61 cm)
- Weight: 66 - 88 lbs (30 - 40 kg)
Training and Usage
German Shepherds were the first seeing-eye dogs. Right after World War I, Germans trained Shepherds to be guide dogs for blinded soldiers. This immensely practical idea spread throughout Europe and North America by the 1930s. For many years, German Shepherd dogs were the most popular assistance dog for many disabilities.
Historically a herding dog, German Shepherds were bred to be responsive to commands and are very bright. Many veterinarians and breeders believe German Shepherds are one of the three most trainable dog breeds, behind the Labrador Retriever and Australian Sheep Dog.
Traits
Some of the traits that German Shepherds have include responsiveness, trainability, adaptability, alertness, and a keenness to serve. A German Shepherd dog can remember a large number of commands and is very willing to carry them out. This is one breed that you want to make sure you are getting a dog from a quality breeder. Careless breeding has produced a number of behavioral and physical problems German Shepherds.
German Shepherds have a strong instinct to guard and protect. They have become the world's most successful security dog. Extremely loyal to their owner, they are wary around strangers. With consistent training, they can be friendly to other dogs and to people, but are naturally defensive in new situations or around strangers. Do not get a German Shepherd unless you are willing and able to take some time training it. With training, a German Shepherd can be a joy to have around you and your family. Without training or with improper training, the German Shepherd can become temperamental and a danger to children or adults unknown to the dog, though Shepherds are not as unstable as some other breeds. They bark fiercely to protect the home, but unlike small dogs that bark a lot, a German Shepherd can back the bark up. Many people are intimidated by their wolf-like appearance as well.
Unlike many other dog breeds that will eat most anything, German Shepherds can be fussy eaters. If your dog doesn't like what you are feeding it, take the food away and offer it a couple of times a day. Eventually hunger will win out.
One trait many suburban home owners may appreciate is that German Shepherds tend to not be diggers. The herding instinct can still be noticed in many individual Shepherds. German Shepherds will gather most any group of animals together, chickens, sheep, or children.
Breed specific health issues
Chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy occurs at over 7 years old. This central nervous system disease begins with the back legs becoming paralyzed and is incurable. German Shepherds are also prone to various bone and joint problems as well as blood diseases such as Von Willebrand's disease which eases with age. Von Willebrand's disease deals with platelets in the blood and results in heavy bleeding from wounds.
History
The German Shepherd was first listed as a separate breed in Germany (naturally) in 1899.
During World War I, British breeders changed the name to Alsatian Wolf Dog. German Shepherds were used by both sides and the Red Cross during World War I. Rin Tin Tin, the world's first canine movie star, was a German Shepherd.