The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most most famous dog breeds in the world. Learn here everything Worth knowing about the character and attitude of the breed.
Appearance
The sheepdog is a medium to large dog breed that was originally bred as a herding dog and guard dog. It is known for its ability to herd animals, as well as its alert and territorial behavior. Today, sheepdogs are kept primarily as pets.
The coat of the sheepdog comes in two varieties: Short coat and long coat. Short hair is between 3 and 4 cm long, while the long hair reaches 5 to 10 cm and usually grows smooth. Sometimes slight waves appear.
In addition to German shepherds, stockhaired dog breeds include collies, Rottweilers and huskies.
Sheepdog fur is usually brown, black or gray. Sheepdogs have a muscular and athletic build. Their eyes are usually dark, ears are medium-sized and slightly curved.
Character & urge to move
Sheepdogs are smart and active dogs with a great urge to move. They need mental stimulation and employment. Without enough exercise and activity, they become restless and unhappy.
The animals are affectionate and loyal and build close bonds with his owners. As their past as herding dogs indicates, they are very territorial and protective of home and family. However, if they have not been adequately socialized or feel threatened, they can also be shy or fearful. Therefore, it is important to educate and socialize them properly from the beginning to ensure that they behave safely and responsibly.
Longevity & Diseases
The German Shepherd is a healthy and long-lived breed that lives an average of 12 to 15 years. However, there are a few diseases that are common and can significantly lower life expectancy or quality of life: Eye problems, various dysplasias, spinal problems.
One of the most common health problems in German Shepherds is hip dysplasia (HD). This is a malformation of the hip that causes pain and stiffness. It is important when purchasing a puppy to make sure the puppy's parents have been screened and cleared for HD. The same is true for elbow dysplasia (ED), a malformation of the elbow that also results in pain and stiffness.
Various eye diseases are also not uncommon in German Shepherds:
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease that can lead to blindness. There is now a Genetic test
which can be used to determine whether a dog is a carrier of the defective gene or not.
In addition, spinal disorders and thyroid problems are not uncommon.
Regular vet visits are useful to make sure the dog is doing well. In addition, exercise and mental stimulation help to maintain the health of the animal for a long time.
If you want to adopt a German Shepherd, you should make sure that the puppy's parents are tested for HD, ED, PRA.
The history of the German shepherd dog
Germanic people have been breeding sheepdogs since the 7th century. Thus, the shepherd dog is one of the oldest dog breeds in Germany. In addition to excellent herding qualities, the animals must be capable of concentration, robust and obedient. The uniform appearance of the breed was rather in the background.
The history of the German Shepherd Dog begins in the 19th century, when the German shepherd Max von Stephanitz aimed to develop a breed of dog suitable for breeding sheep and guarding flocks. In 1899, he bought the dog "Heinz", which he believed had the perfect characteristics for his goal. He changed the dog's name to "Horand von Grafrath" and founded the German Shepherd Dog Club (SV). Horand became the first German Shepherd to be registered and served as the first progenitor of the breed.
In the beginning, the German Shepherd was mainly used for sheep breeding and guarding herds. Over time, however, he evolved into a versatile dog that can be used in many fields, such as the police, army, rescue services and as a guide dog. He has also found his way into the world of acting and sports, and is now one of the most popular breeds for dog sports such as agility and obedience.
During World War I, many German Shepherds were used as ambulance dogs and reporting dogs. During World War II, however, they were misused by the Nazis for propaganda purposes and portrayed as "racial purity." This led to the breed being perceived negatively in the US and UK, and it was almost extinct in the post-war years.
Already in April 1899, some enthusiasts founded the first club for German Shepherds. The dog's enormous willingness to perform quickly made it a popular working dog with the military and police. During World War I, the Germans used over 30,000 German Shepherds on the front lines, and even over 200,000 during World War II. In the Third Reich, the National Socialists used the German Shepherd as a symbol of "German" virtues. For this reason, other countries referred to the dog as "Alsatian" to avoid the unpopular term "German". Today, the German Shepherd is hardly used for herding livestock. It is the most used service dog in the world and it is mainly found in the police or military and as a guard dog in private households. Internationally, the German Shepherd Dog is classified in FCI Group 1 Herding Dogs.
Is a German Shepherd the right pet for me?
Whether a German Shepherd is the right pet for you depends on many factors, including your circumstances, your expectations of a dog, and your ability to care for a dog.
Sheepdogs need a lot of activity and exercise. They are best suited for people with time and energy to walk and train their dog. To put it casually: You should be able to keep up with the dog.
However, German Shepherds are independent dogs and need consistent training and leadership. If you do not have the time or experience to raise and train a dog, a German Shepherd is not the best choice for you.
Sheepdogs sometimes have a protective instinct that stems from their early days as herding dogs. They can be potentially dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. It is important to educate yourself and make sure you have the skills and resources to keep a sheepdog safely and responsibly.
When you
- Have enough time and energy to take care of your dog and train him,
- you are willing to provide consistent education and guidance, and
- Have the skills and resources to keep a German Shepherd safely and responsibly,
he will a wonderful companion be for you.
Disclaimer: Please note that I am neither a veterinarian nor a medical doctor. The information in this blog article is intended as a general source of information and should not be used as professional medical advice. If you have any medical or veterinary questions or concerns, please consult your doctor or veterinarian.
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