22 Facts about the Amazing and Loyal German Shepherd

Pet Hangout proudly starts a new series today dedicated to Dog Breeds.  

Our goal is to help you understand your breed of choice and give you food for thought before taking the plunge on adopting any type of dog.   There are always pros and cons to any breed of dog - knowledge is power and we want to help!

Our first post will be on the strong and courageous German Shepherd breed.

Name:  Deutshe Schaferhund

General Description:

The Shepherd is considered a “workhorse” breed that is absolutely gorgeous in my opinion.  He is a large dog that carries himself with confidence and strength.   Being an all purpose worker, this breed is very strong and muscular and of the utmost intelligence!

Overview:

The male ranges from 24-26 inches tall and 65-90 pounds.   The female ranges from 22-24 inches tall and 50-70 pounds.   Their life expectancy is anywhere from 7 - 10 years.   Their colors range from Black, Black & Tan, Sable, Black & Red, Grey, and Black & Silver.      

These beauties are some of the noblest and loyal of all dogs and ranked # 2 in popularity by registrations with the AKC.    A regal body and stance marked by large, alert ears and a lowered hindquarters make these dogs look very unique and beautiful.   

A shepherd puppy is going to need lots and lots of stimulation.   They are curious, strong, and have the need to discover always.    Make sure you have challenging puzzles and toys to keep them occupied.   Otherwise, they may use your home decor for entertainment!

They are the ultimate herding dog.  Can be aloof at times and independent.  Loyalty and character are their strengths - they are even willing to put their life on the line for a loved one.

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Profile of the perfect German Shepherd dog parent:

• Is okay with lots of dog hair/ vacuuming often 
• Is okay with frequent grooming/brushing
• Willing to keep a great vet involved in the health of your shepherd (Shepherds are famous for their multiple health issues.)
• Know that some people may be frightened of your dog because of negative stereotyping.   You can commit to making your shepherd a positive ambassador for the breed.
• Willing to get help for your pup if they tend toward shyness/anxiety.   This could turn into fear-aggression later in life if not addressed.
• Monitors interaction with young children.   Shepherd puppies can be bitey and rough.

Questions to ponder before taking the leap with this dog:

• Do I mind my shepherd following me everywhere I go in the house?
• Will whining and/or barking drive me crazy?  (note:   dog training may be in order for highly vocal sheps)
• Will it bother me if people act scared of my dog?
• Am I okay with rough play and biting?   Shepherds are just rougher than other dogs (i.e. - labradors, collies).

Check out this intro video on the German Shepherd...

Shepherd at a glance (score 1 - 10  1 = low/small; 10 = high/large)

Care Demand:   9

Social:  6

Good with children/elderly:   3 (this could vary based on their environment as a pup)

Needs to be around humans:  5

Can be independent:  8 

Likes to be around other animals:  6  

Loud - barks often:   7

Destructive as a puppy:  8

Destructive as an adult:  4

Health issues:  10

Life Expectancy:  6

Playful:   7  

Needs lots of exercise:  8

Whiney grade:  7 

Needs lots of grooming:  9

Amount of Food/Day:   7

Puppy Troubles: 8

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More about the Shepherd:

Notable Cool Facts:  Loyal, Strong, Courageous, Regal, Fierce, 3rd in line of intelligence out of 100 top breeds.   Can learn simple tasks after only 5 repetitions.

History: Originated from Germany in the mid-1800’s;  Worked as herders of sheep and protected them from harm.

Behavior (personality):

• Children - Puppies tend to bite harder and play rougher than other puppies.    They could accidentally hurt young children.

• Elderly - An older Shepherd would be an awesome watch dog and loyal companion.

• Play - Very playful and energetic - Needs many toys/challenges to stay entertained and to fend off boredom.   A bored puppy will get into all kinds of trouble!

• Other Pets - Could play rough with smaller animals.   Must monitor and train them correctly for delicate animals that could feel threatened.

• Strangers - Can sometimes be shy and aloof around strangers.

• When in a new environment - They may be reserved until they feel more comfortable.  May not immediately take to new people.    They do not need to be everyone’s friend.   Their loyal factor is reserved for a few, privy few which makes them a great family dog. 

Care:

• Feeding:  A grown shepherd eats 3 - 5 cups daily.  Normally, feed once in the morning and once again in the evening.

• Grooming - Every 4 - 6 weeks.   However, will need to groom more often during the shedding seasons in the spring and fall.   This is when they change their coat.

• Exercise - They need 1/2 - 1 hour of brisk walking daily to curb boredom.

• As a Puppy - As the puppy matures, they will need more exercise.   A good starting point is to provide 5 minutes of exercise/month of age.   For example, if your puppy is 4 months old, he should get 20 minutes of exercise daily.

Common Health Issues:  dysplasia (both hip and elbow), bloat, diabetes, degenerative disc disorder, cataracts, hemophilia, epilepsy

Rescues:  

• German Shepherd Dog Club of America.   You can request to join the club using this convenient form.   
• American German Shepherd Rescue Association 

Breeders:

There are a lot of things to think about when searching for a reputable Shepherd breeder.     Please check out German Shepherd Corner’s post on how to find a reputable breeder.   It is very important to do your homework so you will understand the potential issues with breeders.

It’s full of a wealth of information on questions to ask, things to look for, the different types of breeders, and all the good, bad, and ugly of the breeding world.     Educate yourself with the facts first before talking to a breeder for the love of the German Shepherd Breed!

Do you just love the German Shepherd too?

     Share your thoughts below...

For more intriguing doggie reads, head on over to 12 Small Dog Breeds that will Love Your Kids, How to Bust Your Stinky Dog Problem, and the Top 6 Incredible Dog Parks in the United States.