German Shepherds As Family Pets
German Shepherds are often good family dogs. They are sensitive and can be extremely loyal and protective of family members. Despite their image as fierce dogs who work with the army or police, they can be very affectionate towards children.
At the same time, they can be wary of strangers or people that they do not know. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs, but you may need to train them to ensure that they are not openly hostile to visitors. However, they are not prolific barkers. They will only bark when they think it is necessary.
Living With A German Shepherd
German Shepherds need a good walk every day and an enclosed backyard to run and sniff. They should never be tethered or tied up in a yard, and are happiest when they have company during the day. If not, they can experience separation anxiety.
Its a good idea to raise your German Shepherd from puppyhood with your kids and other pets to keep everyone safe and sound. However, its still important to supervise these dogs and never leave them alone with small people and pets. Proper socialisation will prevent aggression and calm your dogs tendency to over-guard.;
Poorly bred German Shepherds can be nervous and harder to train. Therefore, be sure to get to know your dog before you adopt it or do plenty of research on your dogs breeder first.;
Do You Have Time For This Energetic Breed
What to know before getting a German Shepherd they are high energy dogs.
Sadly, a lot of folks bring a new dog into their lives and then struggle to juggle the spinning plates of work and puppy life.
This might sound obvious, but a lot of folks don’t realize that a small puppy can’t be left alone for hours and hours while they are away at work.
Older dogs cope much better but still, it’s not ideal to leave them alone for hours and hours on end over an extended period of time.
Lonely dogs are troubled dogs. ;And usually end up destroying things and developing bad habits like nuisance barking.
There are a few options you could consider to keep your pooch happy and healthy while you’re at work.
The first option is to enroll them in a doggy daycare. ;These daycare facilities can be found in every major city in the world.
And they offer you peace of mind knowing that your dog is happy and cared for while you’re at work.
Option two;is to hire a dog walker. ;These folks have made it their job to care for dogs while their owners are away.
You can arrange for them to visit your dog a few times a day and take them out for a nice long stroll.
The last option is to enlist the help of a neighbor, family member, or friend that lives close by to visit your dog during the day. ;
Although it is asking a lot from someone for an extended period of time.
So in my opinion, this should be your last resort if options one or two are not feasible.
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Physical Appearance Of The German Shepherd
German Shepherds are medium to large dogs with long muzzles and pointed ears. They have a muscular build, long limbs and bushy tail. Their course coat comes in two varieties. The Normal Coated variety is medium length, and the Long Coated variety has soft, long patches around the chest and ears.
These powerful dogs can stand between 56cm – 64cm tall and weigh around 40kg. As such, they need to be well trained and supervised when around small people.;
History Of German Shepherd Dog Breed:
As in the name, German Shepherd were originated from Germany late in the 18th century. Initially, a this breeds of dog is trained for safeguarding the sheep. With their intelligence and ability to adapt to the trainers command, they were later used in the police and military departments all over the world. Currently, they were used in the safety and service areas.
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Even Purebred German Shepherd Dogs Are Not As Healthy As Other Breeds And Require Extra Care
The AKC describes German Shepherds as healthy dogs and thats true to an extent GSD are not the most sickly dog breed out there but theyre not as healthy as some other dog breeds either.
The veterinary charity PDSA lists some of the most common health issues even properly-bred GSD dogs can experience:
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Thyroid disease
- Bloating
When we say common that doesnt mean that these issues happen very often of course just more often than the average for other dog breeds. So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups.
Beware The Land Sharks
German Shepherd Puppies have earned the moniker land shark for their mouthiness. It comes from somewhere deep in their herding heritage, I suppose, but these are very bitey puppies! For this reason, a GSD can be a trying breed with young children, who often become unwitting targets for playful biting. Start teaching your puppy right away that biting humans is inappropriate behavior and channel that mouthiness into heavy-duty chew toys and games that dont involve tasty human hands.
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Interesting Facts About German Shepherds
Did you know that German Shepherds are the;second most popular breed;of dogs in America? They are clench in high esteem for their protective nature, intelligence, ability to learn commands easily and quickly, and their temperament. German Shepards are a very fascinating breed.;Here are some interesting facts about german shepherds you didnt know.;
The Basic German Shepherd Temperament
Your dog can be characterized by different sets of temperament. However, there are some that cannot be changed.
The following are the most basic German shepherd temperament that we can say are always present to the breed.
- Courageous and Fearless: German shepherdsare courageous, which can be seen from the heroic deeds of dogs during the World War I.They are also fearless, except of course when it comes to their trauma. Thats why they are suited to extreme tasks. This is also the reason why they were the perfect dogs for soldiers.
- Strong and Energetic: German shepherds, are and will always be energetic dogs. However, its already given that their stamina might deteriorate as they age.Regardless, they are still stronger and more energetic than most breeds. This makes these dogs perfect for fitness-oriented people. After all, both the owner and dog will be energetic and eager to exercise.
- Protective and Loyal: German shepherds are protective and loyal. In fact, there were eight German shepherds that reportedly performed heroic deeds in America along with their owners.However, they can be dominant sometimes. So a strict trainer is suitable for them so they wont develop a poor behavior due to their alpha tendencies.
These German shepherd traits are pretty basic, even a kid knows about them.
However, as previously said, the advanced breeding method for dogs brought change in the German shepherds personalities. This led to several types of temperament.
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What Is A German Shepherd Everything You Need To Know About Them
German shepherd It is a very popular breed of dog today and one of the most recent creation, compared to others. Its origin dates back to Germany at the end of the 19th century. As its name indicates, its appearance arose for the work of the shepherds of the rural areas of the Germanic country, who they needed to tend their flocks of sheep.
Because it is a faithful and loving dog, more and more people brought home a German shepherdFurthermore, institutions such as the police also adopted these dogs for anti-drug and rescue work. It is even used for blind guide work as well.
Keep Your Puppys Brain Engaged
Otherwise, you are going to have a little terror on your hands. German Shepherds are large, active, athletic, and highly intelligent dogs. What this means is that if they get bored, you are going to seriously regret bringing this fuzzy monster into your house. A smart dog with no job to do = a mischief-making tornado. Try obedience classes, agility, flyball, Schutzhund, herding, nose work, etc. Shepherds can excel at many canine sports and activities!;Start brainstorming now about how to keep your German Shepherd Puppys brain engaged.
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How To Care For An Ill German Shepherd
In your efforts to figure out what your German Shepherd is sick with, it is best to consult a trusted and experienced veterinarian. While a quick Google search could provide you with insight as to what is going on, nothing can replace the value of seeking medical attention directly from your dogs vet.
Sometimes, two completely distinct physical ailments will present themselves in similar ways. For example, lets say that your German Shepherd hasnt been eating his or her dry food, which is especially peculiar seeing as your dog tends to finish every piece of kibble in the dish.
Many dog owners assume that a change in eating habits is the first sign of a condition called bloat. However, a reduction in appetite is also a side effect of a completely different condition by the name of megaesophagus.
You know your German Shepherd better than anyone, but trained professionals who specialize in treating dog breeds will be able to diagnose your dog with exact precision. If you rely on your instincts alone, you could be wrong about the root cause of the problem.
Continuing with the example above, treating megaesophagus as though it is bloat will result in greater complications, thereby compromising your German Shepherds health and chances of improving.
While we advise that you always seek the wisdom and advice of professionals, we
Their History Dates Back In 1899
Normally, we talk about the origins of a breed in the beginning of the blog post, but this German shepherd information will be an exception.
We all know that the German shepherd breed came from Germany, for obvious reasons. However, a German shepherd fun fact that many dont know is that the breed was started by Max von Stephanitz in 1899.;
Stephanitz is someone with authority at that time. Due to the capabilities and appeal of the German shepherd dogs, he was captivated and longed for the prevalence of the breed.
He started populating the breed with a focus on the utility of the dog. He didnt care much about good looks. After all, there werent any dog shows at that time. So of course, the only German shepherd information hell look at is their reliability to jobs.
Now, we can consider Max von Stephanitz as the root of the intelligent and loyal dogs we see and love now.
Speaking of history, lets not forget about the German shepherd information that are often seen in books.
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How To Groom A German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds requires regular brushing. Regular brushing prevents the unwanted shedding of excess fur all over your house and ensures their coat is kept in great condition.
We recommend brushing your dog a couple of times per week. The need for brushing your pup may increase near the of spring and autumn while they shed their double-coats in preparation for the warmer or cooler months ahead.
This dog does not need to be bathed regularly. In fact, bathing your dog may strip their fur from natural oils so only bath as needed.
Regular maintenance of their nails and teeth are important.
Brushing ytheir teeth or providing your pup with other forms of dental treats is essential for adequate dental care.
The German Shepherds nails are quite easy to maintain; as a working dog, they naturally wear down their nails .
Personality Of German Shepherd Dog Breed:
Generally, German shepherd breeds are very reserved when the newcomer or any strangers approach them. They keep their eyes on the owners and once they are attached to them, they will no longer leave them in any situation. German shepherds are very smart and sense the situation happening around them.
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Todays German Shepherd Dog
Today the breed Von Stephanitz left behind has become one of the most popular in the world. He might be surprised at the drama of todays German Shepherd ring, as well as the varying styles of dogs across different countries and continents. But he would find common ground with modern fanciers in this aphorism, a version of which circulated among breeders of his day:
There are wolves, there are dogs and then there are German Shepherd Dogs.
Be Prepared For A Potentially Vocal Dog
GSDs also have a tendency to be vocal. Weve had some dogs who were just whiners; they whined for a variety of reasons . Other dogs were more barky, especially at strangers walking past our fence or at other dogs. Pyrrha is an uncharacteristically quiet German Shepherd; but our little Eden loves barking, barking just for the fun of it! Barking can be a very difficult behavior to curb, especially if its woven into a dogs lineage, as it has been with shepherds for a while now. Be aware of this issue, and be prepared to start training your dog when and how to be quiet.
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Things You Need To Know About German Shepherds
Many people worldwide keep dogs for companionship and protection. There are over 350 registered dog breeds. They have different physical characteristics, nutritional needs, and temperaments. German Shepherds are a popular dog breed. The United States has close to 78.2 million dogs. Out of these, more than 3.5million dogs are German Shepherds, according to the American Kennel Club. The following are five things you need to know about German Shepherd dog breeds.
Feeding Your German Shepherd
Since German shepherds are large active dogs and are known for having hips that give out, its important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives as your dog ages. It will have different nutritional needs and feed your dog food that is designed for its specific age such as puppy food when it is very young and adult food. When it is in middle age and seeing your food. When it is old age, dogs can drink a lot of water every day and its important that they do this to prevent dehydration. Fill up its food bowl with clean water daily and leave it where your dog has access to it.
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German Shepherd Dogs Are Protective Of Their Loved Ones
They are known for being fearless and self-confident. GSDs will assertively stand their ground and are suited to be either watchdog or guardian, whichever the situation demands. They can be aloof with strangers yet are not hostile. This natural protective instinct is reassuring to the German Shepherd owner. But it also comes with a certain responsibility. You should be committed to spending time socializing and training your dog to ensure your companion feels comfortable around strangers and other dogs. If you do, you will benefit from all this dog has to offer.
Other Names For German Shepherds
The most common name for this breed is German Shepherd, but you may see other terms as you research this breed.
In Europe, especially in England, German Shepherds are sometimes known as Alsatians. German Shepherds originally came from Germany, as their name suggests. In German, the breed is Deutsche Schäferhunde, which translates as German Shepherd Dog.
In some cases, you will see the abbreviation GSD, which stands for German Shepherd Dog.
Physical Discomfort That Your German Shepherd Could Face
German Shepherds are prone to many physical symptoms that are part of even larger health concerns. When your dog falls sick with an illness of any kind, your heart will break at the sight of your beloved German Shepherd suffering from pain.
However, you do not need to fall victim to hopelessness. But have no fear. Hope is not lost, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
It is first and foremost important that you stay up-to-date and educated on the troubles your German Shepherd might face over the years. In brief detail, we will first touch on a handful of illnesses to be aware of as the owner of a German Shepherd.
We will then introduce you to a plethora of natural remedies to treat the core problem and the subsequent symptoms affecting your German Shepherds well being.
The German Shepherd Is One Of The Most Trainable Breeds
You might already know about this, but German shepherds are very easy to train. Thats why German shepherds are known to be highly capable of many professions.
But the reason behind this involves one of the most common German shepherd facts and myths.
German shepherds are able of learning a simple task after successfully repeating the said task five times. Additionally, they will follow your commands 95% of the time.;
These two factors are often seen as a false German shepherd characteristics, but this was actually proven by several studies.
Now you know why German shepherds are capable of various professions. In fact, scientists found that they are at least as smart as 3-year olds, a German shepherd fact worth remembering.