Did you know...

... German Shepherd Dogs originated in Germany from the Alsatia or Alsace region and was bred mainly for hunting and guarding sheep and not as family companions? Although this large breed of dog is still known for police work, as a guide for the blind, search and rescue and the military, they are also considered an important part of family's lives.

A Shepherd can weigh from 75 - 95 pounds (our Shepherd Jake weighs 90 pounds at 10 months) and their height can range from 24 - 26 inches, up to the shoulder.

German Shepherds have also been known as an Alsatian Wolf Dog and the Deutscher Schaferhund.

The life expectancy for a Shepherd is 12 - 14 years and they are considered an adult dog at 1 year of age

GSD's are highly intelligent and have such a keen sense of smell that they sniff out drugs and intruders, find the lost, or alert technicians of a gas leak in a pipe buried 15 feet underground. We have witnessed this type of action in our own Shepherd, Jake. He has warned us of a skunk many times prior to any of us being aware of the little trouble makers. He has never been sprayed directly, but has certainly helped the aroma permeate the air by staging a surprise attack!

A German Shepherd is extremely faithful and brave. They would not think twice about giving their life for their human companion. German Shepherds love to be close to their family and are eager to please. Jake at 90 pounds will follow one of the kids around like a lost puppy if he knows they are upset! He will be licking them senseless... it really is a site to see! They are a natural protector.

When looking for a puppy turn him on his back. A puppy that isn't afraid to be on his back is exactly the puppy that you want. A puppy that is laying on his back is showing submission to you, the alpha male (the authority figure). If the puppy fights to get back on his feet, he is not a bad choice, but could be a challenge as he is showing he wants to be the alpha male. When Jake became part of our family we were not aware of this tidbit of information. I have tried it since on Jake and he is doesn't fight to return to his feet.

Also when a dog bites, they bite out of fear. For a family dog it would very difficult to start out with a Shepherd that was afraid. You want a playful puppy not a fearful one.