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An Expert Guide To The German Shepherd Dog

  • 13/11/2015

The German Shepherd, also known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog in the United Kingdom, is a member of the Herding Group and is the second most popular dog in America. This large-sized dog is often used in police work due to its incredible intelligence, speed, and obedient nature.

History

The German Shepherd is considered to be a relatively new breed with origins dating to 1889 and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Captain Max von Stephanitz is known as the founder of the breed, when he attended a dog show in Karlsruhe, Germany. He saw an impressive, wolf-like dog with yellow and brown coloring. He bought the dog and registered it as the first German Shepherd Dog.

Von Stephanitz continued to breed the dog for qualities such as intelligence, agility, and obedience. It's popularity spread into America, where the first German Shepherd Dog Club was created in 1913. Unfortunately, the breed's popularity fell in 1917 as World War I broke out and anything German-related was shunned.

However, the dog made a comeback after World War II, when they were used by Axis and Allied forces alike. These war dogs were used as bomb detectors, messengers, sentinels, and guard work. After World War II, the breed broke into two variations. The German Shepherd dogs of Germany were in poor shape after the war and the best line-breeds were scarce. The American German Shepherd was altered to create the slanted rear of German Shepherds we see today.

Description

The following is derived from the AKC standard:

  • Coat: The breed can have both long and shorthaired coats, with short-hair being more common. Their colors come in tan/black, red/black, all black, and sable.
  • Head: The head needs to be proportionate, with a nose that runs parallel to the forehead and cheeks that do not protrude. The mouth should be closed tightly and the muzzle is resilient. The ears are set high on the head and the eyes should be alert and as dark as possible.
  • Body: They are a large-sized breed, weighing 75-95 lbs. The breed should be longer than they are tall and have a powerful stance. The tail must be bushy and reach the hock joint.

Defects:

  • All white or liver/blue colored coats.
  • Longhaired coats are considered a defect in the American Kennel Club.
  • If the dog is longer or shorter in length and height by more than one inch.
  • Ears that are cropped or hanging.
  • Docked tails or tails that curve upward.

Temperament

German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, active, and obedient dogs. Their physical prowess and courage make them the popular choice as working dogs for policeman and search-and-rescue teams. It's loyalty and protective nature towards its owner also makes it a popular choice as a guard dog. They are not overly friendly towards strangers and can be suspicious of guests in their territory. They can be territorial and are not always good with other animals.

Care

  • Grooming: German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds year-round and needs to be brushed at least two to three times a week. Bathing this breed strips the dog of oils needed to keep his coat healthy, so regular baths aren't necessary.
  • Living Situation: These dogs do best in larger spaces with room to run.
  • Exercise: The dog needs daily physical and mental exercise of at least 30 minutes, otherwise they may become destructive.
  • Approximate Lifespan: 10-14 years
  • Common Health Problems: As a result of early inbreeding, the German Shepherd is more susceptible to health issues such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Deafness occurring later in life is also often reported.

The Rundown: Families with other pets should be cautious of getting a German Shepherd. This breed is not suited for apartment living and needs daily exercise and grooming.Those who put in the time to train the breed will be rewarded with a loyal and loving pet.

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