Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

The German Shepherd is a "natural dog". It was first named the Alsatian Wolf-Dog but it was not truly bred with a wolf or even in Alaska. The German Shepherd was developed in Germany in the 1880's as a herder. The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile dog - and possesses one of the keenest noses in the dog world. Unsurpassed as a working dog, German Shepherd Dogs are the original "drug dogs," and can easily adapt to both protection and police work. The German Shepherd is exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, search, rescue dog. Smart and protective, the German Shepherd Dog truly bonds with its family and can suffer separation anxiety when boarded. Early obedience training and socialization recommended. There is a distinction between the show and working lines. Show line dogs look great but have little ability for obedience. The working line dogs are more active and stable temperamentally. Larger dogs in general are slow to mature typically taking three to three and a half years.

TEMPERAMENT

The German Shepherd Dog is a highly intelligent, responsive, solid temperament, consistent behavior, territorial dog breed. Initially suspicious of strangers, the German Shepherd Dog is an excellent watchdog. Often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are direct and fearless, eager and alert. Bold, cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage. Calmly confident, but not hostile. Serious and almost human in his intelligence. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but they are very wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. They are generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family.

GROOMING

Length is medium, straight and hard and close lying with a dense undercoat, which protects against temperature and bugs, as well as a straight outer coat. Their coat requires regular brushing.

HEALTH

This breed is usually quite hardy. They do have the potential to develop hip dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints), elbow dysplasia, skin disease, congenital heart disease, Von Willebrand's disease (high bleeding tendency), exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, epilepsy, nervous condition, panosteitis (an inflammation of long bones in the legs), and bloat (gastric torsion; twisted stomach). Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer, but German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests. German Shepherd Dogs have been so popular over the years that people sometimes inbreed them and do not check family lines simply to make a profit on puppies. Therefore, certain lines of German Shepherds are sometimes squirrelly, nervous, fearful, timid, or aggressive when they shouldn't be. Be sure to check the Dam and Sire's pedigree and watch for these symptoms in the parents when choosing a German Shepherd puppy.

EXERCISE

They should receive long, daily walks. The German Shepherd needs a large open yard as well. German Shepherds should be given a job to do, big or small. Country or city living as long as adequate attention is paid and exercise is given. A fenced yard is essential. The owner of a German Shepherd should be strong and confident. The best owner for this breed would be an active family or individual providing exercise, a job, and affection towards the German Shepherd Dog in a city, suburban or rural setting.

TRAINING

Obedience training will help improve their social skills. They excel in agility and obedience.