German Shepherd Dog Breed Profile

The German Shepherd Dog is an intelligent, loyal, and capable breed of dog that has been used in various capacities for thousands of years. These traits have made them popular pets to own. They are also seen as ideal guards because they are very protective and loyal.

German shepherds are really amazing dogs to have around, they are intelligent and agile. They can be big or small but they all have the same personality traits. The German Shepherd Dog breed is surprisingly calm for a working canine. Their low-key personality is what makes them so popular among American dog owners.

A German Shepherd on green grass field during daytime

They are always alert and ready to work with their owners, which means that they will never just lay down on the couch watching TV! Even though these dogs might seem like lazy bums, it’s really not that way at all; German shepherds make excellent family members because they will do anything for their loved ones who care about them.

Where Did German Shepherds Come From- History?

You might be considering getting a German shepherd dog, and no doubt it’s a good idea to research everything and then decide whether it’s the dog for you or not.

Understanding a dog’s history is more important since it will give you an idea of its temperament and nature. German shepherds were not bred to be pet dogs but were bred to work.

These dogs are native to Germany, which explains their name. The German Shepherd breed was developed by a fellow named Max von Stephanitz. It is believed that he developed the German Shepherd Dog by crossing several different breeds including Saint Bernard, Fox Terrier, Bulldog, Doberman Pinscher and the Great Dane. When you think of it, this sounds very bizarre but just goes to show that this is how dedicated von Stephanitz was towards his work.

German Shepherd Dogs quickly gained immense popularity worldwide. Even today, it is one of the most common working dog breeds and is highly rated for its ability to get along with children and other pets. The dog has also found its way into the military, police, rescue, sledding and herding industries, you are also thinking of getting one as a pet!

Let’s learn Some Quick facts about German Shepherd Dogs

TRAITSDETAILS
Life expectancy 10-11 years
Size Large
Height Male: 24–27 inches
Female: 22–24 cm
WeightMale: 65-90 lbs
Female: 50-70 lbs
Energy level High
HypoallergenicNo
Grooming levelHigh
Shedding High

Appearance of A German Shepherd Dog

Being the second most famous dog in America, the German Shepherd can be recognized even by small children. They are large-sized dogs with a domed forehead, triangular ears, a deep chest, and long legs.  “They are very muscular dogs with thick muscles on their body.”

The German Shepherd is a dog that has the body type of an athletic dog.  It is said that dogs have 12 points of balance. This means German Shepherds have the perfect balance for dogs to run, jump, and play hard. It is said that GSDs have their feet planted down when running or playing with them at full speed. When they are sitting or lying down, they are always on their legs to keep balance.

A German Shepherd with red and white scarf

German shepherd breeds are known for their under-bite which gives them a better bite on prey. The tail has bushy hair, so it looks like a lion’s mane!

Body Build of German Shepherds

German Shepherds have a great body build. They have a short, wide head with a small muzzle, with large ears that are positioned on the head at different levels. The German Shepherd’s neck is longer than most dogs, with most having a back that is sloping. This makes the dog stronger and more agile.

German Shepherds have big, strong forelimbs and often have a broad chest and deep ribs with powerful rear quarters.

Weight and Height

German Shepherds are known for their size. A German Shepherd grows up to a height of 24 to 27 inches. Males are usually larger than females. On average, a German shepherd weighs between 65 and 90 lbs, but the weight varies from one shepherd to another.

Different colors of German Shepherds

You can opt for a tan/black or red/black color German Shepherd. The black masks and the black body markings vary from a classic “saddle” to an overall “blanket” characteristic. They are found in uncommon colors, including sable, black and white, liver, and blue. Choose wisely while picking the right pup as most standards accept the black, sable, and blue varieties, the liver and all-white varieties are disqualified right away. The more dominant the color, the higher its ranking is.

German Shepherd’s coat

The German Shepherd has a double coat. It has a dense undercoat and an outer coat that sheds all year round. It comes in two coat types; medium and long. Genes responsible for long hair are recessive, making long hair a rare variety. 

Different standards treat the long-hair variation differently; they are accepted under German and UK Kennel Club standards, but they are considered a fault by the American Kennel Club. So, you can choose your favorite puppy according to your country’s Kennel Club standards.

Personality traits of German Shepherd

Don’t be sad if your German Shepherd dog acts distant in the early days as there is an aloofness to the German Shepherd’s personality, but he is not typically aggressive. Their reserved nature doesn’t allow them to make friends right away, but they’re extremely loyal once they do. They’re low-key and approachable around their family, but they can be fiercely protective and forceful when threatened, making them excellent watchdogs.

A German Shepherd lying a gray textile

Purchasing or adopting a German shepherd may not be a wise choice if you stay out of home for a considerable period. One thing they’re not great at is being alone for extended periods. As a result, they become bored and frustrated if they don’t have companionship, exercise, and an opportunity to use their intelligence. Under-exercised and ignored German Shepherds are more likely to show pent-up energy by barking and chewing, which you won’t like much.

Being big and strong, German Shepherds can be very agile and athletic. A well-kept GSD is a happy one, and a bored one is a grouchy one. They can tire out easily, so there shouldn’t be an opportunity for it to happen. Your precious pet shouldn’t develop health problems as a result of boredom.

Child Friendly

German Shepherds are very child-friendly and great with kids. They affectionately train the kids how to behave and become a good member of the family. This is not something that can be trained, but involves nurturing as well as socializing them from an early age. This training makes them one of the top choices for a family pet and protector, and they’re known to be very protective of their families.

Prey Drive

The German Shepherd may not come to your mind when thinking about the word “prey drive.” As you learn more about the German Shepherd dog’s breed history, you begin to understand how a GSD can have a strong prey drive as well. 

As a stranger approaches the door, your GSD may become aloof, still, and wary, watching everything they do. German Shepherds also display prey drive when they spot a lizard scampering across the lawn or one climbing up a drain spout and go nuts trying to catch it! Puppies of these breeds are usually very unruly and destructive, and they are prone to being overweight. 

They need a great deal of exercise and activity to remain healthy. Dog owners who are new to dog ownership should know that German Shepherds are recommended only for those who plan to train their dogs themselves. You are well-advised to seek professional dog training for your German Shepherd to make sure he grows up healthy, happy, and able to adjust to a family and neighborhood environment.

How to Care for a German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds are not an independent dog breed. They require constant attention, training, and care.

Veterinarian showing the paw of a german shepherd in a clinic

Grooming Requirements

It is easy to maintain the coat of your German Shepherd. You have to brush your dog every week or so to keep its coat in check. This helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the animal’s fur coat. Using a rubber brush with firm bristles will help get rid of dead hair in between brushing sessions. However, avoid using the hard bristle brush on your pet because it will irritate its skin enough to cause hair loss! 

The German Shepherd’s face should be washed once a week using a damp cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap. The dog’s eyes and ears do not need much cleaning, but if in doubt, use a clean and wet eye cloth to gently wipe out any dirt or debris.

Be careful not to use any chemicals when bathing your German Shepherd. You can use pet shampoos and conditioners for their coats, but avoid using shampoo with bleach because it may cause irritations such as skin irritation and itching.

German Shepherd nails should be cut at least weekly or bi-weekly if kept on a leash or in otherwise close proximity to other dogs. However, you should not clip too short that the nails become pasty and bleed easily. 

Diet and Feeding

Providing your pet with a nutritious diet shows them how much you care. Your dog’s behavior, skin, and coat can be improved with a healthy, nutritious diet. 

Dog food of high quality will contain all the nutrients the breed requires, regardless of the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). You can use biscuits or the dog’s kibble as treats while training him. You should follow the recommended meal plan recommended by your veterinarian and choose brands with high-quality ingredients when feeding your German Shepherd.

Activity and Exercise Requirements

The German Shepherd is an active, athletic breed that requires a lot of exercises to maintain its health. Insufficient exercise may lead to a dog developing undesirable behaviors. Starting short daily walks and playing in a safely fenced area are great ways to get a puppy used to you.

How to train German Shepherd Dog?

It is important to begin socializing with your puppy at an early age and to continue dog training so that your pup will mature into a well-trained, well-mannered adult. This breed is highly intelligent and extremely hardworking. The key to effective training is to be consistent and use positive rewards.  It doesn’t take German Shepherds long to learn new tricks, and they’re eager to please. 

A German Shepherd jumping over a barrier

These dogs are especially responsive to their owners’ voices. Your German Shepherd puppy’s training is one of the most effective ways for him to use his body and mind as he grows. In addition to keeping him fit and happy, games with a training element keep him relaxed at home.

Possible Health Problems of German Shepherds

German Shepherds are subject to many diseases as a result of the early inbreeding practiced within the breed. An example of this is hip and elbow dysplasia, leading to arthritis and pain later in life. Shepherds are prone to ear infections because their ears are large and open. Large body types, such as German Shepherds, are prone to bloat. Choosing the right breeder can help you get over these, and you can care for your puppy by not letting them play on hard surfaces.

Daily Routine for a Happy German Shepherd Dog

As a first-time parent with a GSD, you might find it difficult at first. You will gradually become accustomed to the day-to-day Routine of your favorite dog. Expect your puppy’s first couple of weeks to have a schedule similar to this:

Time for the first potty break of the day! Don’t be surprised if your puppy needs to go out at the crack of dawn — or even earlier.

Your puppy can be fed breakfast right away after taking a potty break, or you can wait a little longer and let her sleep for a while.

Lunch then take your puppy for another potty break.

Time for another potty break.

Potty time followed dinner.

Are German Shepherds the Right Breed for You?

History and 100 years of experience proved that the German Shepherd is a hard worker, making it a loyal family pet and guardian. German Shepherd Dog owners should be prepared for an energetic dog that needs a job. Even if your GSD will be a pet, they were bred to work and need an outlet for their energy and drive. 

Keep in mind that you will need to provide your dog with extensive physical and mental exercise every day. Do you have the time and energy to socialize and train your GSD properly? Do you have enough space for this large breed to flourish? Ask yourself these questions before getting a German Shepherd Dog.

The German Shepherd Dog’s high profile in law enforcement, dog sports, media, and service work has shaped the love and attitude that has developed about this versatile breed. If you are ready to own a GSD, first find a responsible breeder. Your breeder should ask you questions about your lifestyle and answer your questions about the breed. If both you and the breeder are sure the German Shepherd Dog is right for you, enjoy an action-packed life with your new best friend!

Should you buy or adopt German Shepherd?

Now that you know more about what it means to own a German Shepherd, let’s talk practicalities. You have gained as much knowledge about the breed as possible, and you know how much time it will take and how many sacrifices you will need to make.

Let’s turn our attention to the next question: Should you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder? Both shelters and breeders offer pros and cons to German Shepherd owners considering them for adoption. When you are looking for a pet, adopting is the best option. However, if you plan to train your dog for a specific function, like as a dog sports companion or for protection, then buying from a breeder might be the best solution.

When choosing where to get a dog, it’s important to consider your lifestyle. It is important to consider your ability to provide obedience training and the time you can devote to raising a dog.

A German Shepherd is not an inexpensive dog. A pup from a reputable breeder will cost approximately $1,500 (whether it comes from a show or working line). If your pup is of champion bloodlines or has a rare colour, the price can be much higher.

If you see a GSD for a few hundred dollars on the classifieds, you’re tempted to buy it, but it is not smart. There are no health or temperament tests on these dogs, so they will not make a good companion. 

Consider spending a little more time searching for the right breeder and the most suitable puppy for you and your family. An adult show dog is a great choice if you are looking to adopt an adult dog. They are well-socialized, fully trained, and have great temperaments. They are also relatively inexpensive at $400 and come from good lines.

FAQs about the German Shepherd Dogs

With proper training and socialization, German shepherds make excellent companions and family protectors. This is an excellent breed for active families. A breed like this is intelligent and protective, making it a good choice for families with children when properly trained.

German shepherd dogs need regular exercise, almost like any other dog. With enough activity throughout the day, they can burn energy and remain healthy. This breed of dog is known to be very affectionate, so make sure you are home when it is time to play with your pet.

German shepherd prices vary greatly depending on what type of German shepherds you are looking at getting. A good price range for this breed is usually between $500 – $1,000 depending on the quality of the dog in question.

A German shepherd is one of the most lovable dogs out there. This can be a very fiercely loyal dog that will do anything to keep you and your family safe. 

Growing German Shepherds have very powerful bites that can fracture bones and cause serious injuries. German Shepherds tend to become very territorial and possessive as they mature. 

Having unwanted guests or feeling like they are invaded can lead to aggressive outbursts. There are many people who have owned and loved their pets.

As far as nutrition goes, we suggest holistic or high-quality commercial foods for this breed. You can feed an adult German shepherd 2 – 2 ½ cups daily, divided into at least two meals. The amount will vary depending on the type of food you choose as well as the activity level of your pet.

When deciding between a male or female German shepherd, you will want to take into account a few things that dogs tend to be better with a certain gender. The most important thing though is the gender of the puppy’s parents. If both parents are dogs you’re looking at getting, then it doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl. Dogs tend to be better with people of their own gender though, so if you have other pets in the house, you might want to consider whether they are female or male when choosing between one or another.

There is evidence that male German Shepherds are more aggressive than their female counterparts. It means a family should prefer a female companion to a male. Males are often better at protection and guarding roles and could function well in a family without children if properly trained.

German shepherd dogs need a lot of attention and love from their owners. This is a dog that likes to be around people, so if you are home most of the time, this will be an easy dog to have in your household. German shepherds are social animals who love being around humans, so they can behave quite badly when they are not among their own kind.

German shepherd dogs are one of the best choices for guard dogs or watchdogs. Because of their alert and active nature, these dogs can easily pick up the movement and/or sounds coming from nearby and alert their owners about potential danger. This is a good choice if you want to keep an eye on your property at all times.

A German Shepherd should not be left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. It is not advisable to leave puppies and seniors alone for more than three hours. Ensure they have enough food and water before you leave, as well as plenty of exercises.

German Shepherds with a saddle coat can be the perfect dog for you. German Shepherds with a saddle coat are the most recognized breed. The German Shepherd coat is bi-colored, as are all German shepherd types except for the solid black one.

 When you want to discipline a German Shepherd, distract your dog by offering an interesting chew toy instead of engaging in destructive chewing. Reinforce good behavior by rewarding it with treats. Physical punishment, yelling, or encouraging poor behavior is not a good idea.

Puppy German Shepherds should not sleep with their owners, although they can sleep beside them if they’re not on the bed. You must establish a regular schedule, work on your puppy’s independence, and establish yourself as the dominant figure in their lives. Once your GSD reaches adulthood, it’s okay.

German Shepherd dog’s Facts and Figures Summary

Appearance

  • Well-muscled, tall and deep-bodied
  • Keen and intelligent expression
  • Medium eyes
  • Long and strong muzzle
  • 42 teeth, 20 upper and 22 lower

How to care

  • Brush them 3-4 times a week
  • Brush their teeth daily
  • Watch out for toenails
  • Take them for exercise and walks daily
  • Use biscuits or dog’s kibble as treats

Health Problems

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Bloating
  • Allergies

Temperament

  • Alert
  • Confident
  • Courageous
  • Curious
  • Intelligent
  • Loyal
  • Obedient
  • Watchful

Personality traits

  • Child friendly
  • Affectionate with family
  • Aloof to strangers
  • They don’t like being alone 
  • Independent and when trained properly, they will be protective
  • They want to eat and play every day 

How to train

  • Start training them from an early age
  • Develop their habit of socializing 
  • Give them treats
  • Don’t punish

Daily Routine

  • Walk in the morning after a potty break
  • Breakfast if they don’t want to sleep again
  • Lunch, then a potty break
  • A small meal in the evening
  • Dinner and potty time

In the end, All I want to say is German Shepherd Dog is the best breed among all, but this breed has lots of traits that you should be aware of before getting one. Always remember that German Shepherd Dogs are excellent family pets, but they require more time and attention than most other breeds.

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