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 Breed Group:
Herding
Weight:
75-95 lbs
Height:
male: 24-26, female: 22-24
inches
Color(s):
most colors, other than white,
are permissible.
Coat:
The German Shepherd is a double
coat breed. The outer coat is harsh, straight, and
thick. The under coat is dense and soft. The coat
comes in a variety of colors such as black and tan,
black and cream, black and silver, solid black, and
sable. The German Shepherd comes in three varieties:
rough coat, long hair, and long rough coat. This
breed is a continuous shedder with seasonal heavy
shedding.
Overview:
This breed was developed in
the 19th century by Max Von Stephanitz who is
considered to be the father of the German Shepherd.
Revered for their versatility as companion and for
their dedication to work, this breed has the
distinction of being the first dog ever used as a
guide for the blind. Today the German Shepherd is
one of the most popular breeds in the world.
Character:
The German Shepherd is a
breed of classic beauty and possesses superior
intelligence. They are highly adaptable, energetic,
curious, strong, and dependable. This breed displays
a magnificent appearance and is extremely agile with
great stamina and endurance.
Temperament:
A member of the herding
group, the German Shepherd is fearless, bold, hard
working, and alert. They are esteemed for their
loyalty, deep devotion, and courage. This breed
thrives on human interaction from their family and
does not like to be left alone for extended periods
of time. German Shepherds are exceptionally wary of
strangers. They will most generally get along with
other household pets they have been raised with.
This breed will attempt to perform the task of
herding on anything and everything that moves. The
German Shepherd is not recommended for the novice,
apathetic, or sedentary owner.
Care:
This breed requires daily
brushing to minimize loose hair. Bathing should only
be done when absolutely necessary using a mild
shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat.
German Shepherds are prone to such health issues as
blood disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy,
flea allergies, digestive problems, and chronic
eczema.
Training:
The German Shepherd requires
early intensive and extensive socialization and
obedience training. They will not respond to harsh
or heavy-handed methods. This breed is obedient and
quick to learn. Training must be done with respect,
firmness, fairness, reward, and consistency. They
are exceptionally talented in tracking, schutzhund,
agility, obedience, fly-ball, and ring sport. The
German Shepherd is often used in police work, search
and rescue, as a guide for the blind, and military
work.
Activity:
This breed is happiest when
given a job to do. They require strenuous exercise
and enjoy securely leashed walks, family play
sessions, and a large safely fenced area to romp and
run freely in. The German Shepherd will do okay in
an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they
are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and
attention.
Ownership: If
you are looking for
German Shepherd puppies for sale from reputable
German Shepherd breeders or to adopt a German
Shepherd from a
German Shepherd rescue then make sure you
understand as much about the
dog breeds you are interested in as you can.
Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research
by reading the breed information about the German
Shepherd puppy above. Search our dog breeds section
to find
German Shepherd puppies,
dogs and
puppies that make great
pets. |
