German Shepherd Dog Guide: Temperament and Other Traits

What is a German Shepherd Breed?

The German Shepherd is a medium to large sized working dog breed from Germany. Max von Stefanitz developed the breed using traditional German herding dogs. The Shepherd dog is a large, agile, muscular dog with a noble temperament and excellent intelligence.

It is generally recognized as the best worker of the Dogs breed. The German Shepherd is undoubtedly a dog lover’s dream dog due to its loyalty, assurance, bravery and stability.

Initially it was bred as a herding dog. The most popular dog breed in America is the ever-faithful German Shepherd. These attentive puppies are eager to please and quick learners due to their calm, reassuring nature.

German Shepherd History

The German Shepherd breed is not very old. For generations, farmers in Germany and the rest of Europe used dogs to drive and guard their livestock. Shepherds would travel for days to breed their female dogs with renowned sires because certain DOGs were renowned for their power.

The German Shepherd was also used as a military dog. The original Shepherd Dog was called the Horand. Shepherds worked as volunteers, guards, supply carriers, and sentries for the Red Cross.

Captain Max von Stephanitz sought to develop the perfect puppy for sheep herding in 19th-century Germany, which is where the GSD breed first emerged. German Shepherds arrived in the nation before the war, but the breed persisted there until it started.

In 1931,the American Kennel Club gave the German Shepherd Dog its previous name again. The breed continues to be well-liked as a household companion as well as a breed of choice for working in police enforcement, the armed forces, and as a service dog.

Different Names or Types

German Shepherd Other names

Alsatian
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger allemande
Deutscher Schaferhund

Recognized Names

Recognitions

GSDCA: German Shepherd Dog Clun Of America
AKC: American Kennel Club

Appearance & Characteristics

German Shepherds range in size from medium to large. They have a square-cut, black nose, strong jaws and a long snout with a domed forehead. Eyes are black and medium in size. The ears are large, straight, forward-opening and parallel.

The German Shepherd has a long, thick, well-muscled neck that is raised when excited while walking or being chased, and lowered when driven. The neck and torso form an angle of about 45 degrees. Claws are strong, rounded and firmly arched. Have strong and dark nails. A bushy tail extends to the hawk.

The most common colors for German Shepherds are fawn and black, followed by red and black. German Shepherds have a year-round shedding double coat with a thick undercoat. There are two types of coat length: medium and long.

Breed basic characteristics

Country of origin: Germany
Breed group: Herding
Life span: 10-14 years
Size: Medium
Height: 22-26 inch
Weight: 50-90pound
Coat: Short
Type: Purebred
Shedding: Normal
Colors: Tan with black, saddle, sable, solid black or bi- color
Also as known: Alsatian
Good with children: Yes
Personality traits: Courageous, Loyal, confident, and steady
Good with pets: Yes
Barking: Frequent
Competitive registration: GSDCA, AKC

German Shepherd Size: German shepherd dogs reach a maximum height of about 22 to 26 inches and weigh about 50 to 90 pounds.

Eyes: German Shepherd eyes are usually brown.

Ears: Their ears are large and floppy.

Body: Strong

Coat

These are mainly divided into lengths: short-haired, medium-haired and long-haired; And in quantity: single coat and double coat. They always have a patterned topcoat. It also includes facial patterns.

Shedding: Low

Color and Markings

Common coat colors for this breed include.

Bi- color
Black& Silver
Black& Cream
Sable
Solid Black
Chocolate
Black & Red
Black & Tan

Coat Color and Markings

German Shepherds have a double coat of medium length. Their fur is thick and sits close to the body. They are come in many colors. Black and tan, sable, bicolor, black and white.

Personality and Temperament

Personality

German Shepherds are quite popular, which is understandable given their bold, sharp, and kind nature. This versatile worker dog has a strong desire to please and picks things up easily. German shepherds can be domineering, but with regular training and obedience lessons, they can be devoted friends for the rest of their lives.

They are eager to get things done and were bred to work, but they can make wonderful family dogs if their owners can commit to continuous obedience training and at least an hour of daily rigorous exercise. This breed prefers frequent activity and does not enjoy spending time on the couch.

German shepherds are naturally quite protective of their owners, albeit they are not very violent. They are excellent guard dogs because of their protective instincts; they will guard their territory and alert you to intruders. Additionally, They are renowned for being kind to children and other animals, including cats.

Temperament

German Shepherds are defined in breed standards as being confident dogs who are somewhat energetic. The breed is characterized by its enthusiasm to learn and desire to serve a cause.

German Shepherds are witty, devoted, and diligent by nature. Although reticent, they are amiable people. They often like spending time with their family and may have separation anxiety. Although they are not inherently hostile, they are wary of strangers because of their protective instincts.

Be kind to kids and other animals, but if the dog is left alone for extended periods of time or does not receive enough exercise, behavioral issues like aggressiveness may arise. German Shepherds are known for being quite noisy, but with the right socialization, this trait may be lessened.

Activity Requirements

German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise dog needs, or even find exercises you can do together online.

Adult German Shepherds require at least daily exercise and plenty of brain stimulation due to their stamina, intelligence, agility and excitability. GSDs are prone to releasing extra energy through destructive or undesirable behaviors including chewing, chasing, tugging on the lead, and barking in the absence of sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Play several games that require you to look for, track down, and retrieve things. They are highly owner-focused and frequently excel at and are eager to participate in obedience training.

Trainability

The German Shepherd is one of the most adaptable breeds in the world because to its intelligence and will to please. It is advisable to begin German Shepherd puppy training when the dog is 8 weeks old. In the absence of early, disciplined training, GSD puppies will rapidly establish their own norms.

Prioritizing socialization is crucial since GSDs might be protective of strangers due to the breed’s devoted nature. Puppies should be exposed to various situations, people, and things from an early age.

Additionally, training a young German Shepherd to walk well on a lead is fairly simple. German Shepherds may be sensitive to responses and are eager to please. So before continuing, it’s important to concentrate on rewarding excellent conduct and ignoring or rejecting “bad” behavior.

Health & Problems

Modern German Shepherds are utilized by police and search and rescue agencies all over the world because they are task-oriented, curious, and creative. A healthy dog breed is the German Shepherd. Like other dog breeds, German Shepherds are especially prone to several ailments.

There are some health conditions that affect German Shepherds more often than other dog breeds. Such as skin disorders, pancreatic insufficiency, spleen tumors, hip dysplasia.

Skin disorders: The dog’s skin, which is the biggest organ in the body, is susceptible to several diseases. Border terriers have dermatitis due to allergies, just like many other breeds do. There are numerous different factors that might trigger allergies.

Hip dysplasia: Any breed can get hip dysplasia, a painful ailment that is more prevalent in big breeds. Hip dysplasia is characterized by improper growth of the hip joint’s balls and sockets in dogs. Joint degradation over time is brought on by joint laxity or instability.

Degenerative Myelopathy: A progressive neurological condition based on autoimmunity called degenerative myelopathy damages the spinal cord. Only the German Shepherd Dog experiences relative frequency of occurrence.

Progressive retinal atrophy: The two most prevalent eye conditions in German Shepherd Dogs are progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA). Around age 2, these diseases typically start to manifest symptoms. They degrade more and more with time. Both ailments are inherited.

Feeding Plan

The diet of a German Shepherd should provide the energy needed for a large, active dog and support the maintenance of a healthy weight. For large breed dogs, starting as puppies and continuing throughout a German Shepherd’s life, feeding the proper formulation is crucial.

This is to guarantee a healthy calcium and energy balance throughout growth and maturity. In fact, a deficiency in calcium is more likely to result in issues with bone and joint development, thus it’s crucial to give a ‘big breed’ formulation that has been advised by a veterinarian.

Because German Shepherds have digestive problems, it’s crucial to follow a meal plan. You should provide German Shepherd a high-quality, protein-rich diet that includes vital vitamins, lipids, carbs, minerals, and fatty acids.

Merrick Lil Platts Chicken and Sweet Potato, Instinct Duck Dog Food, or Turkey Dog Food. With a total daily calorie intake of 1,200 to 2,100 depending on the dog’s activity level, age, health, etc., the ideal protein content is between 18% and 22%.

Living Conditions

When purchasing a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, extra care should be taken as these dogs tend to be large, powerful and strongly protective. Small breed dogs are more susceptible to anxiety.

The sheer energy and enormous size of these dogs make them physically more suited to a home with a fenced yard, despite the fact that they can adapt to a variety of living conditions. German Shepherds can live happily in an apartment as long as they are exercised regularly.

If properly socialized and trained, these loving dogs can get along with other pets in homes, even if they are the only dog there. They should be in frequent contact with the family while being watched by bystanders and other animals.

German shepherd dogs are energetic and love to be active. They should have enough activity every day; Otherwise, they may become agitated or have a fit.

How To Take Care Of German shepherd?

Because of their strong reputation, German Shepherds in particular require a lot of care to ensure they stay active. German Shepherds should get at least two hours of exercise each day, including walks in a safe location and off-leash playtime.

To live long and fulfilling lives, they require considerate care and ongoing training. Shepherds require frequent medical attention, exercise, and suitable housing in addition to good nutrition. A Shepherd may have a long and happy life and will be loyal friend for years to come with a little work and care.

Grooming & Brushing

German Shepherds, originally developed for herding but now preferred as police dogs, are renowned for their bravery, loyalty, intelligence and trainability. However, their thick hair can often be difficult to care for in excess.

Given their gorgeous, thick coats, they undoubtedly require routine care. Additionally, because the Shepherd is a double-coated breed, it has twice as many layers to take care of. To maintain the coat silky and shining and to remove any loose, dead hair, brushing should be done three to four times each week.

Additionally, their paws should be examined at least once every week. Sheep will require routine bathing. For dogs with healthy skin and coats, this is often required every few months. A Shepherd should only have its fur removed for medical reasons.

Every week, ear drops should be used to clean the ears, and any signs of infection should be looked for. Every month, spend some time trimming their nails. The proper timing of their tooth brushing is crucial. so that the formation of tartar that adheres to the teeth can be prevented.

Feed Healthy food

A diet high in protein and fat is the ideal choice for a German shepherd. German Shepherds need to be fed a diet that may help them maintain their energy levels because they are recognized for having high amounts of energy.

You should feed chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish, and rabbit to a German shepherd. Popular dog meals include Taste of the Wild and Diamond Naturals. Food should be a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fats. Contains omega-3 fatty acids as well, which are crucial for the health of a dog’s skin and hair.

The following items should never be feed to German Shepherd

Yeast dough
Salt & salty foods
Grapes or raisins
Moldy or spoiled food of any kind
Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor
Poultry bones
Onions, chives, and garlic
Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit

Puppy information

German shepherd Puppy Training

A German Shepherd puppy can begin training as soon as it gets home from the breeder; the younger the puppy, the better. German Shepherds are simple to teach owing to their great intellect and obedience when given the proper knowledge and a risk-free environment. because they are quick learners and easily remember information. Training in socializing, behavior modification, and compliance is necessary.

Behavioral training

For any dog, behavior training is crucial. For dog care, this instruction is very beneficial. To begin with, if you want to teach a dog behavior, identify some typical problems like biting, aggression, food security, crying, mouthing and chewing, separation anxiety, etc. and eliminate these issues so that you can train the dog. These dogs are smart and can usually do things quickly.

Obedience training

Every puppy must be trained in order to mature into a “well behaved” dog. Early in life, puppies in dogs are incredibly impressionable. Even a clever pet might eventually master standing on its hind legs. But it doesn’t imply the fundamentals ought to be overlooked.

Start by training this pet to sit with the command “SIT,” then gradually move on to the instructions “STAY” and “COME.” Until they comply right away, keep giving the command.

Due to their protective nature, GSDs frequently leap up on visitors and unfamiliar people. In such circumstances, you will be able to calm them down using these fundamental obedience commands.

Socialization

Giving a German Shepherd a range of experiences as early as possible is the greatest approach to socialize them. Introduce them to various scenarios, noises, textures, and settings. Additionally, you want to provide them with chances to develop great relationships with other individuals and animals.

The most crucial phase of the German Shepherd’s growth is socialization. The right socialization may make the difference between a well-mannered dog and a potentially deadly dogs.

German Shepherd puppies for sale

The German Shepherd dog has a high level of intelligence. They are excellent guards and great dogs. It is a very sociable dog. A typical price is between $1500 and $3000.

Things to consider adopting a German Shepherd

Any prospective adoption of a German Shepherd should be aware that these dogs are intelligent.
Without proper socialization, this can sometimes turn into territorial behavior and even aggression toward strangers and other dogs.
Animals with a high level of intelligence, they require ongoing mental stimulation. They are dogs that enjoy learning new instructions and are patient and submissive.
They are well behaved and mostly bark, howl. German shepherd dogs naturally prone to barking at strangers when they see a guest approaching the house.
This breed needs a relatively spacious home and large yard to run and play.

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German Shepherd Dog Breed