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Are German Shepherds Considered Large Breed

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German Shepherd Types – 5 Types of German Shepherds

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German Shepherd Breed Standards: Characteristics

The German Shepherd Dog should be well-balanced, firm in nerves, self-confident, utterly calm and impartial, and amiable.

They must possess courage, willingness to fight, and hardness to be suitable as a companion, watchdog, protector, service dog, and guardian.

They have a wedge-shaped head that is large but in proportion to the body and a forehead that is domed these dogs have an elongated square-cut muzzle with lips that are tight against the teeth and dark in color, and a nose that is large, wide and black.

The jaws on these dogs are strong they have a bite that can be compared with a scissor-like cut.

The eyes of the German Shepherd are medium in size, almond-shaped, and sparkling brown with an intelligent look that is self-assured.

The ears are generally large and always stand erect they are open at the front and parallel but are frequently pulled back throughout the movement.

The necks on these dogs are long, and it is lifted when they become excited, lowered when moving at a fast pace.

The German Shepherds tail is bushy and fairly long. The shoulders slope into a straight, strong back, and movement is effortless and long, with a smooth trot.

What Do People Mean When They Are Talking About Large Old Fashioned German Shepherds

If you look at pictures of what German Shepherds used to look like compared to now there are many more variations now and the looks are much different.

There are some old fashioned breeders that pride themselves on their dogs which have straight backs, wide heads, big/heavy bones, stable temperaments and an overall old fashioned throw back to what the breed was known for in some parts of the world.

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Are Giant German Shepherds Healthy And Is It Safe To Breed Them

Giant German Shepherds, when coming from a good breeder , will simply be a product of parents who are naturally large.

So, Giant German Shepherds are a result of big/giant genes being in their bloodlines and ancestry , are bred the same way a regular sized German Shepherd is.

Giant German Shepherds should not be bred purposely through intentional cross breeding, overfeeding, or unnatural practices JUST to get a giant sized dog.

Having said this, does this mean there arent health concerns or risks with having a Giant dog, even if bred naturally and ethically with health as the first priority?

No, it doesnt.

The German Shepherd breed has their own set of genetic diseases and health issues that they are naturally prone to, but when they reach a giant size, they also become prone to other general health conditions that giant breeds like Great Danes are also prone to.

Joint problems, arthritis, and cardiac type issues are all common concerns with giant dogs.

The Best Dog Food For German Shepherds

Do German Shepherds Need Large Breed Food?  World of Dogz

When looking for the best dog food for a German shepherd its important to choose a food thats safe for your pets age.

Thats because German shepherds are considered large breed dogs.

Which is not a problem for adult shepherds.

However

German shepherd puppies have a higher risk of developing a crippling form of canine hip dysplasia if theyre fed a dog food that contains too much calcium for their larger breed type.1

To help you make a safe choice

The Dog Food Advisor has selected the 12 brands below because they meet safe calcium levels and other nutritional needs of adult German shepherds and where notedshepherd puppies, too.2

Keep in mind, German shepherd puppies dont stop growing and arent ready to eat adult dog food until they reach 12 to 24 months of age.3

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Dog Breeds Similar To The German Shepherd Dog

While there are different accepted and unofficial coat patterns in the German Shepherd, it can be easy to confuse them with some other breeds which closely resemble them. This common confusions are due to similar body shape and size, with similar usage as working dogs. Some may even derive from similar parts of the world, but they are all considered distinct breeds. They include:

What Are The Features Of Giant German Shepherds

Giant German Shepherds generally have the following features:

Giant in weight and overall height/size at least 110 lbs

Thick heads

Big and heavy bones

Not overweight

Bred naturally with the health of the dog first in mind as a priority not size.

Have the relevant health checks and guarantees

Are part of the German Shepherd breed but, just have a genetic history for being big for the breed

Read Also: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy

German Shepherd Dog Bite Claim

The OHara Law Firm has recovered compensation for clients injured by German Shepherds. The firm recently resolved a case on behalf of a woman who was bit by a German Shepherd mix that had escaped from its owners yard. The dog chased the woman and bit her on the leg while she was walking in the neighborhood. A neighbor came to the womans rescue and helped her escape from the dog.

The dog owner attempted to avoid liability by claiming it was not her dog that bit the victim. However, it was documented in the BARC report that the dog owner had loose fence pickets that allowed the dog to escape. In addition, the German Shepherd mix returned to the driveway of its owners home after it bit the victim. This evidence convinced the defense lawyer and insurance provider to settle the claim.

If you have been injured by a German Shepherd, contact The OHara Law Firm for a free consultation. Patrick OHara is a German Shepherd bite attorney that handles dog bite claims in Houston and surrounding areas. The OHara Law Firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis. Call us at 832-956-1138.

What Is The Best Dry Dog Food For German Shepherd Puppy

How to Check Pure German Shepherd Dog Breed | Dogmal

Before choosing the best dry dog food for your German shepherd puppy, you need to consider whether its capable of fulfilling your puppys dietary requirements.

You will need the best dry food for a German shepherd puppy to formulate for large dog breeds.

If you choose dog food for small dogs, you will not fulfill your German shepherd puppy needs in its diet.

As earlier discussed, German shepherd puppies will require 500 calories in a day. With that, you need to ensure any dry dog food for a German shepherd puppy will have the capacity of supplying such calories.

Also, check the best dry dog food for German shepherd puppies has a protein concentration of 18 to 22% of proteins such is crucial as you want your puppy to grow with strong and healthy muscles. However, monitor the concentration of proteins this puppy takes in a day as too much of it will cause tummy issues.

Fats on your German shepherd puppy food should scoop 8% to 12%, and Omega 6 fatty acid is one of the best sources of fats for your German shepherd.

While you give your German shepherd puppy dry food, you need to ensure the puppy is well hydrated since dry dog food has low moisture content.

If you subject your puppy to dry food for long, he risks becoming dehydrated and lastly develop kidney and liver issues.

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/east German Ddr Working Line German Shepherds

What is a DDR German Shepherd?

A DDR German Shepherd, also known as an East German Shepherd, is from lines of guard dogs, bred in Germany after World War II. This types of Shepherd Dogs is known for excelling in police and other protective work.

What Are the Origins and Characteristics of the DDR German Shepherd?

The DDR type of German Shepherd is also known by the name Deutsches Demokratische Republik German Shepherds. During the Cold War era, the East German Communist Party established a breeding program for the German Shepherd Dogs used in the military.

At the time, the East German government was trying to keep pace with the changing demands of their country, including dealing with desertion attempts from the military. Both of the countries saw the advantages that superior dogs would provide for the police and military so they tried to breed a type of german shepherd dogs that have all the Specifications they need

According to Shipped, these Type Of German Shepherd Dogs were bred with traits like withstanding harsh winter weather and climbing six-foot walls in mind. These traits help the dogs excel in police and military work.

Like all types of German Shepherds, DDR German Shepherds are descended from the same dogs that formed the foundations for the German Shepherd as we know it today. The dogs that would form the basis of the East German Shepherd type originated from working lines.

East German ShepherdsWorking Line

East German Shepherd price

Exercising Large & Giant Dogs

If you have a large or giant breed puppy, it’s important to take it easy with the exercise and rough-housing for at least the first 6 – 10 months.

The rapid development that your puppy is experiencing means he is at risk of injuring himself if he is exercised too strenuously.

In extra large breed dogs, hip dysplasia and other joint/bone problems can occur more easily than you might think.

To protect your pup’s joints and ligaments, avoid:

  • Jogging, or running on hard surfaces such as concrete
  • Jumping from any significant height – ie pick up bed, SUV, bed etc.
  • Playing on slippery or slick surfaces such as tile, wet ground etc.
  • Rough-housing or wrestling

Of course, your puppy still needs exercise in order to develop the strong muscles he needs to support his big heavy bones!

A short walk several times a day, moderate games outside and inside, and lots of socialization are needed. Enrolling him in a Puppy Obedience Class as soon as he’s fully vaccinated is a great idea.

Puppies are just like babies, and your little guy will play for a while and then need a nice long nap… then he’ll wake up and start all over again.

As adults, giant dog breeds are often on the lower end of the activity scale, and an adult Great Dane can live quite happily in an apartment, as long as he gets his daily walks.

However, if you ARE an apartment-dweller there’s something you need to think about before you make the decision to add one of these big dogs to your family.

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Places To Find Giant German Shepherd Puppies For Sale And Adoption

Whether you plan to purchase or adopt a Giant German Shepherd puppy, you should always consider the breeders and rescues reputation.

Here are some of the reputable breeders and rescue centers where you can get your Giant German Shepherd.

Here are some places where you can purchase a Giant German Shepherd puppy from breeders online:

  • The American King Shepherd Breed Club Inc The official dog club of King Shepherd breeders in America. You can look for available puppies on their website as well as reputable breeders of King Shepherds.
  • LPC King Shepherd LPC King Shepherd is a recommended breeder of King Shepherd by AKSBCI. This breeder facility started in 2013 and is owned by the secretary of the King Shepherd Club International.
  • International Shiloh Shepherd Dog Club This is the official international Shiloh Shepherd dog club. Reputable Shilo breeders are listed on their website as well as puppies on sale.
  • Abbas Shiloh Shepherds This Shiloh breeding facility is one of the many reputable breeders listed in ISSDC. Puppies and stud services are offered by this breeder.

RELATED:10 Best German Shepherd Breeders : 10 Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale

If you want to give a homeless Giant German Shepherd a new home, then you can adopt from these rescues instead:

How Much Do Giant German Shepherds Cost What Is Their Price

Sequoyah German Sheperds

You will generally pay more for a Giant type GSD because they are rare.

A regular purebred German Shepherd might be anywhere from $500-$1500 through a breeder, whereas a Giant German Shepherd might be anywhere from $1500 up to $3000.

Its important to note that things like titles, pedigree, demand and supply, and the overall quality and experience of the breeder can increase the price.

Also Check: Belgian German Shepherd Mix

How Can You Help A Giant German Shepherd Live A Healthier Lifestyle

Your vet can tell you this, but in general you could:

Buy from a responsible breeder and get certifications for health, + a guarantee of health for your dog

Feed your German Shepherd a healthy and balanced diet get feedback from your vet on a diet that will suit giant dogs

Get regular vet health checks

The Pros And Cons Of German Shepherd Dog Ownership

The decision to adopt any dog must be considered seriously, especially if you are thinking about a large breed dog such as the German Shepherd. As the third most popular dog breed in the United States for the last 10 years according to the American Kennel Club, the German Shepherd dog attracts attention with its good looks, intelligence, and strong personality. However, this classic and lovable dog breed is not an easy or low maintenance pet. Many pros and cons come with owning German Shepherd dogs.

For happy owners of these powerful dogs, the cons become just part of an interesting routine, but for other potential pet owners the challenges of a large breed can be prohibitive. As a German Shepherd dog owner for the last six years, I can credibly share my experience with this remarkable breed.

Pro: As a large breed dog, a German Shepherd presents a robust animal full of energy that allows its owner to make a bold statement with his or her pet and enjoy companionship with a dog that adds security to the home.

Pro: As a German Shepherd owner you will receive countless compliments about your pets beauty during its lifetime. They are gorgeous animals, and you will be proud of your dog, especially if you train him or her properly. You will admire and love your pet for its many capabilities and charms.

Also Check: When Do German Shepherd Ears Go Up

Top Best Answers To The Question Do German Shepherds Need Large Breed Food

So, do German Shepherds need large breed food? German Shepherds need large breed food as it is made with balanced nutrition specifically designed for larger breeds. These foods include a higher amount of protein, lower amounts of calcium, phosphorus, fat, and the correct amount of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Those who are looking for an answer to the question «Do german shepherds need large breed food?» often ask the followingquestions:

What Is The Size Of A Full

Best of Breed Minute: The German Shepherd Dog

An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard.

The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds.

Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors.

Read Also: How To Potty Train A German Shepherd Dog

Looking For A Dog Like A German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of world’s most recognized and popular breeds. The breed is known as Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe. They are intelligent working dogs and their devotion, courage, and intelligence are unmatched.

German Shepherds are very strong and energetic. Their front legs and shoulders are muscular and their thighs are thick and sturdy. They are tall, about two feet and two inches, and their body structure is rectangular. German Shepherds are among the best police and military service dogs. They are also excellent herders, search and rescue dogs, and drug detectors. They are loyal and faithful companions.

These qualities make them popular. Some people, however, would like a dog like a German Shepherd but with various other traits, including:

  • bigger and more powerful
  • less hairy and doesn’t shed
  • smaller in size and more suitable for apartment life
  • lower maintenance in terms of physical exercise and suitable for an inexperienced owner
  • less aggressive and good with strangers, kids, and other pets
  • cool and calm, but bigger in size
  • can handle freezing temperatures
  • can handle warm weather
  • longer or shorter life span

For these specific requirements, investigate other breeds that look like German Shepherds. Read on to find out the many breeds to consider and their specific qualities.

How Do I Make Sure My German Shepherd Is Healthy

Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. An experienced veterinarian can assess your pets health, make general health and wellness recommendations, and look out for common, breed-specific conditions.

German Shepherds are particularly prone to a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat due to their large size, deep chests, and high energy level. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Preventive care is truly a must for your dogs overall welfare to ensure they are able to live long healthy lives with you and your family.

Regular vet visits are crucial to your pets ongoing health and longevity. Its also essential to plan for the cost of accidents or illnesses. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars.

Only 19.44% of pet owners say theyd be able to cover a $5,000 expense out of pocket. Dog health costs are also more expensive than other pet healthcare costs due to dogs being larger in size. Since larger pets have higher healthcare costs, the German Shepherd breed is one of the most popular dog breeds to have pet insurance.

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