Characteristics Of The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix
While its hard to predict the exact appearance of any mixed breed, we can safely say that the Shepherd Mastiff will be a large and impressive-looking canine. Most inherit the big and round head from the Mastiff parent.
The muzzle is usually broad, but not as long as that of a purebred GSD nor deep like the Mastiffs muzzle. Most mixes have floppy ears larger than a Mastiff, but some dogs may inherit the German Shepherds erect ears.
The Affectionate German Shepherd
German Shepherds are social dogs with their families, although they are known to be somewhat aloof with strangers. They prefer to spend as much time with their families as possible and thrive on your love and affection. They are loving and gentle with their loved ones, including children, and are willing to put their lives on the line to protect their families.
- Keeps prolonged eye contact: Your GSD engaging in comfortable eye contact for several seconds is a sign of trust.
- Has relaxed body language: When dogs expose their bellies and are just generally relaxed in your presence, this is also a sign of trust and love.
- Gives you a happy greeting: This is an obvious one, but when youre away and come home, dogs that greet you with great exuberance clearly love their owners. Even a wagging tail when you come back into a room that you just momentarily left is a good indication of a loving relationship.
- Takes your personal things: If your dog seems to always take your things, like shoes, clothing, and even socks, this might be due to your scent being attached to these items.
- Follows you everywhere: GSDs enjoy companionship and can show their affection by following you around as you walk around your household.
- Licks your face: While this might not be the most enjoyable moment with your dog, its a sure-fire sign that youre loved.
German Shepherds Are Members Of The Herding Group
So, if you own this breed, youre no stranger to a nose nudging you. Whether its a nose in the back, a nose on your leg, or even a nose in your face, your dog is just doing what comes naturally. Although this breed isnt often used to herd anymore, that herding heritage remains. So, along with the herding traits of independent thinking and intelligence, its perfectly normal for your GSD to herd human family members. Your dog might also show following ahead behavior walking in front of you while looking back to ensure youre walking in the right direction.
Also Check: Why Is My German Shepherd Puppy So Skinny
German Shepherds Are High Energy Dogs
German Shepherds are no couch potatoes. They have tons of energy and therefore need a lot of exercise!
Before getting a German Shepherd to make sure you have enough time to invest in their socialization and exercise. They need both mental and physical stimulation or they can get bored and destructive.
The Perfect Family Dog
If you have a family and are looking for a German Shepherd who can bond with you all, including the children, then you may want a female dog. Their maternal and protective instincts, along with their propensity for affection and sweetness, are a winning combination.
When it comes to male German Shepherds, many consider them to be overprotective.
If you have a German Shepherd or are considering bringing one into your family, you may also need to consider where your dog should sleep. Make sure you take the time to read our article on this topic.
You May Like: Easy German Shepherd Drawings
Watch A German Shepherd Showing Affection To Owner
As this short, heart-warming owner-made video clearly shows, German Shepherd dogs are incredibly good at showing emotion.
The viewer comments clearly show this as well it is easy to imagine what the German Shepherd might be saying or thinking just based on the whines and barking and body language.
Is It Better To Have One Or Two German Shepherds
Do German shepherds need another dog? German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that range from bone and joint problems to gastric torsion. When you have two of these dogs, being able to afford care is vital. Adding a second Shepherd to your home when you already have one can be a good choice.
Recommended Reading: Is A German Shepherd A Hypoallergenic Dog
The Aussies Desire To Cuddle
Many people choose to add a dog to their family because they want an affectionate companion. Dogs in general are known for being happy, cuddly, sweet, and soothing for a human to pet. Some breeds are, by nature, more affectionate than others. While the Aussie will typically reserve cuddling for one person or a group of trusted people, sometimes he wont want to cuddle at all. Lets take a look at some reasons this might be the case.
- Their age. As Aussies grow up and get older, they can become calmer. This is a very high-energy dog. Their energy may run out faster than it did when they were puppies, and as a result, cuddle time will be more appreciated by them.
- Health issues. Aussies are prone to hip dysplasia, a very painful condition that occurs during the growth of the dog and causes abnormal formations of the hip sockets. Eye conditions, such as retinal atrophy and cataracts, can make it difficult or impossible for your dog to see clearly. If your dog isnt feeling well, is in pain, or having trouble seeing, cuddling isnt going to be something hes eager to do.
- He just doesnt want to. Remember that strong will the Aussie possesses? Sometimes, your otherwise cuddly Aussie may just not be feeling like it at that moment, but that doesnt mean he doesnt love you or feel bonded to you. Some Aussies just prefer to cuddle only when they want to.
Why Does German Shepherd Like To Cuddle
As said earlier as well, there may be a German Shepherd who is extremely fond of cuddles.
And for instance, maybe you own one of them. And hence he may end up cuddling with you every single day and absolutely love it.
While a dog cuddling is foremost a form of showing affection, it at times can also preach about different reasons.
Read Also: How Much Is A German Shepherd Husky Mix
Can I Cuddle With My Australian Shepherd
The short answer is simply: yes, with the right people. YourAussie was bred historically to be a dog that guards and herds livestock. This dog is protective and smart but also very strong-willed and loyal. He doesnt like to be left alone for long periods. He will bond with his owner or family members and then tend to protect them, as well. His sense of loyalty will lie with his family and only them.
Aussies tend to be very wary of strangers. This isnt a dog that will automatically let just anyone into his group of people he feels compelled to keep safe. It takes a while for him to warm up to a new person, and sometimes, it wont happen at all.
While Australian Shepherds can be very affectionate, loving, and cuddly dogs with their family members, they may not act the same way at all with someone they dont know. This dog will enjoy snuggling with the people he trusts.
Ways That German Shepherds Show Affection
There are many ways that a German Shepherd might show affection to you and, if you do get one, it might be the case that it will show signs of affection to you without you realizing.
Below are some ways a German Shepherd might show affection towards you. I have written more in-depth about how your German Shepherd might show you affection in this post.
- Following your orders
- Jumping up at you
Also Check: How Many Puppies Can A German Shepherd Have First Litter
He Burys His Head Into You
German Shepherds will furthermore nudge their owners as a sign of love and to seek attention. Whereas, when they bury their head into their owners, or rub themselves against them,
German Shepherds show their love not just by wanting attention, but by wanting to help their owners feel more safe and secure.
How To Get A German Shepherd To Be More Affectionate
If you get a German Shepherd and it does not show much overt affection towards you and you want to get it to be more affectionate below are some things you can do.
Positive reinforcement training
Positive reinforcement training is where you encourage the behaviors you want to see by rewarding them when it shows signs of displaying them.
To use it to get it to be more affectionate, you could start by rewarding it when it sits near you and then gradually require it to sit closer to you and for a longer time in order to get the reward each time.
You can watch the video below for some tips on how you can use positive reinforcement training to get it to listen to you and to do what you want when you want it to.
It would also help to train it to come to you on command so that you can get it to come and sit with you when you want it to. I have written about how you can train it to come on command in this post.
Avoid negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement training is where you inadvertently encourage behaviors that you do not want to see by giving the German Shepherd rewards when it does something that you do not want it to do.
It is important to make sure not to reward it when it behaves in a way that you do not want it to. Instead, it would help to use positive reinforcement training to change its behavior and to try to redirect its focus when it seems like it is about to start misbehaving.
Interact with it positively
Avoid punishing it unnecessarily
Give it daily exercise
Recommended Reading: Why Do German Shepherds Whine
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.
They Are Loyal To A Fault
Dogs, in general, are loyal animals. They can be more loyal than some people you know.
German Shepherds are known for their loyalty that makes the bond with their owner even stronger. So loyal that they would go through great lengths for their owners.
Theres a story about a German Shepherd named Kostya from Russia. He and his owners were in a car crash. Kostya was the only survivor. Everybody seemed to have forgotten about him while his owners were removed from the scene.
Kostya never left the place. Everyday he would wait for his owners. Eventually, people noticed him. Some even tried to adopt him to no avail. That was because Kostya didnt want to leave his spot.
Seven years later, Kostya was found dead in the woods. The story of his loyalty touched peoples lives.
In 2003, they erected a bronze sculpture of Kostya looking east. It was right on the spot where he had waited for his owners for years.
People can learn love and devotion from dogs. With a German Shepherd, youll have a best friend you can count on.
Don’t Miss: How To Potty Train A German Shepherd Dog
Stress Reliever For Dogs
It also relieves your dogs stress when you hug them, aside from it strengthening your trust and bond. It works quite like us, humans.
If a dog trusts you, receiving a display of physical affection from you will help them to relax. Their body temperature and heart rate normalize easier if theyre in a relaxed state.
Dogs can develop anxiety-induced bad habits from experiences that cause them stress. They can let go of these habits better if they are with someone that helps them to relax.
They Allow You To Hug Them
The act of hugging dogs became controversial because a casual, observational study revealed that it gives dogs anxiety. Indeed, dogs may not like hugs because it practically immobilizes them and makes them feel unprotected. But, many dog parents especially those with German Shepherds would attest to the fact that their pups enjoy hugs. At the very least, dogs will tolerate hugs when they come from people they trust and love.
When your GSD allows you to hug them, check for signs of distress, including folded-back ears and half-moon eyes. If you dont see any, youre free to take it as a sign of affection.
Read Also: How Much Do Full Grown German Shepherds Weigh
Awesome German Shepherd Mixes That You Should Know About
5 Awesome German Shepherd Mixes That You Should Know About: Besides pure German Shepherd, their mixed breeds are also popular as family dogs.
When it comes to adopting or owning a German Shepherd mix puppy, we generally dont have an exact idea about them, especially about their behavior and temperament. Many of us dont know that they too are quite affectionate, intelligent, and energetic. Here we will name some best German Shepherd mixes or hybrids that you will find interesting.
Reasons Why German Shepherds Are Good Family Dogs
I get it. Youve seen enough German Shepherds to know that you would like to add one to the family .
But are German Shepherds good family dogs?
Read on to discover:
- How kids can benefit from having a German Shepherd at home.
- What a few repetitions in training can do for your German Shepherd.
- 17 persuasive reasons to justify having a German Shepherd in your family
- And more..
Also Check: How To Keep Your German Shepherd Entertained
What Are Some Ways I Can Encourage A German Shepherd To Cuddle
There are numerous ways to encourage a German Shepherd to cuddle that is easy and strengthen the bond between human companions and dogs. Depending on the dog and their prior home life, it may take time and energy to show love and affection more openly.
This open affection must begin with the dog owner. It must become a ritual in the German Shepherds day, similar to eating and going for a walk. It may be necessary for a dog breed that is a little less cuddle than certain other breeds.
Spending a few minutes in the morning before getting out of bed or after breakfast to not only tend to their needs but also encourage cuddling and affection is a great place to start. After that being open to spontaneous moments where these moments can happen in the day will increase the likelihood that it will happen.
For instance, sitting down on the floor or outside in the grass and encouraging the German Shepherd to sit can help. Making a point to show affection with words enables them to offer the same.
As stated, this may not happen right away. It may take days or longer for the German Shepherd to understand and accept these moments as a regular part of their workday. It can be done, and the benefits are well worth the effort.
Having a ritual or schedule of affectionate moments in a day, combined with an open attitude to spontaneous moments, create the foundation of a robust, healthy, and loving bond between owner and dog.
Your German Shepherd May Yawn When You Do And This Is No Accident
In even another incredible research study published in the respected PLOS One Journal, dogs were more likely to mimic a yawn from their owner than from a stranger.
This phenomenon is called contagious yawning. It occurs in a number of species, including some primates. But as far as the researchers know, contagious yawning only crosses species between dogs and their people.
The researchers hypothesize that the ability dogs have to yawn contagiously when their owners yawn may be evidence that your dog can also sense or even feel your emotions, tapping into your emotional state on a deep level.
Also Check: Potty Training German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds Will Explore Everything With Their Noses
Youll find evidence of their very thorough sniffing everywhere walls, doors, windows, and more. All dogs have a better sense of smell than humans 10,000 to 100,000 times better in fact thanks to having millions more scent receptors. But compared to other breeds, the GSD ranks near the top in scenting ability. Its no wonder they make such great police and detection dogs. Among many other jobs, GSDs are known for their bomb and drug sniffing work, tracking, and search and rescue.
They Are Tremendously Courageous
You can say that German Shepherds are canine heroes. Their courage is one of the reasons why they are preferred for police work.
Being courageous works well for German Shepherds. Its what makes them the ideal watchdog or guardian.
They are not afraid of anything. Thats why they excel in being police or service dogs.
At home, your dog would protect you against any threat. They would even put their life at risk to get rid of any perceived danger.
Thats exactly what this German Shepherd in Russia did to protect their 13-year-old owner. The child was playing when two large Central Asian Shepherd dogs tried to attack her.
The German Shepherd ran to the girls defense and fought with the dogs. The girls father couldnt help, seeing how the larger dogs attacked their pet.
Unfortunately, the German Shepherd later died from the injuries.
Recommended Reading: German Shepherd Puppies Price Range