Are German Shepherds Good Household Pets
Given the outdoorsy and energetic nature of German Shepherds, you may be wondering if they can make good household pets.
The answer to this is yes, they can. But its vital for them to receive proper training and treatment.
German Shepherds are a very friendly and loving dog. The breed is renowned for its loyalty, and this loyalty extends to their humans as well. German Shepherds love to spend time with their people.
Shepherds are also extremely intelligent dogs and extremely fast learners.
Because of their intelligence, Shepherds can learn a variety of commands. However, they can be somewhat stubborn if activity remains low. Long periods of restlessness and boredom can result in your Shepherd chewing, digging, and misbehaving.
This is why it’s important to begin training them from a young age. And why we recommend a chew-proof dog bed that will last them a lifetime.
A popular question many consider before bringing this breed into their household is Do German Shepherds shed?
Yes, they do. German Shepherds will constantly shed throughout the year, with the bulk of their shedding coming during the changing of seasons in the spring and winter.
This will require you to brush as often as possible so that their hair doesnt mat and tangle.
One way to help combat the high amount of shedding is to give them plenty of time outdoors for regular exercise and playtime.
Shepherds love to be outside and love to run. Activities that allow them to do so will help keep the dog happy.
A Brief Overview Of German Shepherds
Before we get into the temperament and behavior of German Shepherds, let’s look at their;physical aspects;first.
German Shepherds are considered large dogs. Their average height is two feet, give or take a few inches. They usually weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, but male Shepherds can weigh as much as 90 pounds.
As their name would suggest, Shepherds were originally herding animals. They were and still are used to herd livestock. Because of this, Shepherds are fast, athletic, and energetic.
German Shepherds are also highly intelligent dogs. This makes them easy to train, and able to learn many more commands than other dog breeds.
Their unique mixture of intelligence and athleticism is part of why Shepherds are used as guard and police dogs. However, they are not an inherently aggressive breed, and they can make for great family companions.
Theyre Extremely Loyal And Protective
German Shepherds have a great personality, especially when it comes to their loyalty and protective nature. Once you build that initial loving relationship with your new German Shepherd, you can be sure that hell always have your back and protect you in the case of an intruder or an approaching stranger.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the German Shepherd is a popular choice for families as a good first dog.
If you are wondering why the German Shepherd is so loyal and protective, you only need to remember that he was originally bred for herding sheep and livestock. Its in his genes to serve and obey, hence another reason why he is used as a police dog.
Read Also: How Long Should A German Shepherds Nails Be
Will Your Gsd Respect Your Kidsand Family
Yes, but only with an adults guidance first. They are one of the most intelligent breeds and need the training to help them achieve their best behavior.
Be sure to tell your whole family to stick to the training program in order to have the most success with your dog. Post the instructions for training in an area where your kids can see them every day.
Show your kids how to perform the commands appropriately and remind them that training the dog is a family event.
Teach your kids to respect that your dog is not always available to them. Dont allow your children to take your dogs food while hes eating or to try and play with your dog when hes resting or needs a calm moment to himself.
German Shepherd Family Dog: The Pros And Cons:
German Shepherds are protective and fearless by nature, theytend to watch over their territory like the guardian they are, and make sureintruders are kept away. This tends to be a fear for some people looking tointroduce GSDs to their homes.
But fear not, for those same traits you fear actually makeGerman Shepherds excellent family dogs. Being protective, you will surely feelsafe inside your house with a GSD around, just make sure to train them properlyand teach them a few safe commands, plus of course, introduce them to allfamily members so they do not see them as threats or intruders.
Friendliness withFamily Members
The intelligence of German Shepherds comes in place here, as they are very well adept at learning new tricks and commands, and are very easily trained in that respect. After proper training, your German doggo wont stand as a threat towards your family and will learn to handle adults and kids gently.
You should, however, make a note of teaching them proper commands to keep them in check if they happen to go out of control.
High Energy LevelsCan Prove Tiring
German Shepherds are known for their high energy levels. They are quite active by nature and are always looking for something fun to do.
A lot of pet owners have complained about their inability to keep their GSDs still when they just want to sit and relax outside, but all these problems can be mitigated with proper training and care.
GSDs Can be A HairyMess
Also Check: What Age Can A German Shepherd Get Pregnant
Which Breeder Is Right For Me
Before you choose a breeder, you should be clear on the purpose for which you wish to buy a German Shepherd. Most breeders are specialised in different lines and encourage different qualities amongst their breeding animals. After all, the prominence of their protective instinct or urge to work depends not least on the breed. Find out in advance if the breeder is offering an aesthetic or purely performance breed and choose the breeding site best suited to your expectations and requirements. If you want to keep your canine purely as a family dog though, you should be aware that even German Shepherds from purely aesthetic breeds are still very willing to learn, have a strong urge for activity and definitely won’t be satisfied with short walks around the block.
Breeding For Size Aesthetics And Performance
In principle, the German Shepherd has got bigger and bulkier as the breed has developed. Critics complain that this form no longer has much in common with the original type, which was slightly lighter and less muscular though more agile. This conflict amongst breeders ultimately led to there being a differentiation between two different breeding lines nowadays: on the one hand, breeding for size or aesthetics with a somewhat bulkier body and a sloped back, and on the other hand performance breeding, which favours a lighter type and primarily values good utility dog qualities.
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
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 The 3rd Most Intelligent Dog Breed
So you know that German Shepherds are intelligent, but you might be wondering just how intelligent they are.
According to WebMD, German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed. Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, and this makes the GSDs a top choice for use by the army, police and they are also ideally suited for service dog work.
Their intelligence gives them the ability to stand back and view a situation, understand whether there is a real threat and then act accordingly.;Yes, I mean they do actually think before they react, the way a person does .
And they are also intelligent enough to actually be in touch with peoples emotions. So oftentimes they will actually bring calm to an otherwise unnerving situation, like bringing comfort to a crying child when even a parents best efforts fall short.
Don’t Miss: How Much Do You Feed German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherd: The Breed
As the name suggests, German Shepherds were first introduced in Germany. It originally had long hair, but, in 1889, short-haired German Shepherds were introduced to the public.
The breed was transported to America in 1907. The breed was specifically designed to be loyal and obedient, so they were made from herding dogs.
German Shepherds are generally 22 24 inches tall and weigh 75 85 pounds. German Shepherds are also known for their pointy ears that stick up.
The breed can come in a wide variety of colors, but an attractive mixture of brown and black is the most popular.
German Shepherds And Children
Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children.
Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds can be nervous of strangers so make sure theyre never left unsupervised. Be careful if you are introducing a German Shepherd to younger children or adults unfamiliar with the breed as they often dont know their own strength.
Read Also: Why Does My German Shepherd Groan
Does Sex Make A Difference
While theres not much hard evidence, there is some anecdotal evidence that sex can also determine if a german shepherd will make a good family pet. However, take this information with a pinch of salt. After all, both sexes can make great additions to your family!
What Are Males Like?
- Male german shepherds seem to be more concerned with defending a territory. This can cause barking to occur a lot more often, as well as territorial aggression.
- Theyre bigger in size and have more muscle, and theyre normally better guard dogs.
- Males tend to be a bit more independent than females.
- For the most part, theyre going to bond very deeply with one person, but theyll still love the rest of the family.
What Are Females Like?
- Females are more protective of their families than their territory. Because of this though, they can become jealous of other pets in your house.
- Females also tend to be more cuddly than males.
- Theyre often seen as easier to train.
- They can often be better around kids because of their mothering instincts.
Owners Of German Shepherds Have A Lot To Say
Most owners characterize their German Shepherd Dog by saying they purchased it because the dog was vibrant, irrepressible, high-energy, and strong. Alertness and attentiveness are often offered as some of the most popular reasons to own one.
Lets hear what GSD owners have to say:
Early history of the breed also helped shape the image and desire to own one. It began with the German army in WWI when the country saw the need for a German military dog. Because the German Shepherd Dog showed no fear on the battlefield, it was used to carry medical supplies and bullets and serve as a sentry. This made it especially effective during day and night time battles.
It wasnt long before the German army and others came to appreciate the value of this war dog. Other countries also noticed its value which successfully helped to promote the breed and its value worldwide. Unfortunately, sentiment about the Germans in the United States and elsewhere turned, and in 1918, the German Shepherd Dog was renamed the Shepherd Dog in the U.S. The British responded in kind, renaming the breed the Alsatian.
Things changed again, and after the war, the breeds reputation as a war dog spread. The entertainment industry joined in and created canine film stars such as Rin-Tin-Tin and Strong Heart. The breed suddenly enjoyed skyrocketing popularity.
Recommended Reading: German Shepherd Measurements
You And Your Puppy Alone
Here the objective is to see how the puppy reacts to you while you are alone.
Try To see these things:
Answering These question will help you to choose the right puppy.
We have a Lot More Information on my Blog Have a look at it. Please Comment and share if you liked it. It will encourage me to produce more Helpful articles For You.
German Shepherd Socialization And Training Needs
The importance of early and ongoing positive socialization and training cannot be emphasized enough for a dog breed with such strong instincts to protect and guard as the GSD!
In fact, training and socialization can make the difference between answering yes and no to the question, Are German Shepherds a good family dog?
The good news is, German Shepherd dogs score so high on the eager to please scale that you will likely find your pup a delight to train!
Don’t Miss: What Age Do Female German Shepherds Go Into Heat
German Shepherds And Young Children
Toddlers should always be supervised around any dog.
That goes double when youre talking about a large breed like the German Shepherd.
This study on dog bites found children aged five or younger were more likely to provoke animals prior to injury than were older children.
And even the friendliest, most docile animal can seriously hurt a tot unintentionally by knocking them over during an innocent encounter.
Are German Shepherds Smart
According to the author of The Intelligence of Dogs,, Stanley Coren, Ph.D., ranks the German Shepherd as the third smartest dog breed. This study took a look at more than 100 dog breeds as they were judged by 200 dog obedience judges while learning new commands. Dogs were ranked based on their ability to perform commands 95% of the time or better based on less than five command repetitions.
The incredible level of intelligence in the German Shepherd, a level only bested by the Border Collie and the Poodle, makes this breed incredibly versatile. An ability to quickly pick up new commands and an intense desire to please its master means that this breed is the perfect candidate for any number of professional positions available to canines. This trait is perhaps why this is the breed of choice for both military and police work worldwide.
When theyre serving professionally, the German Shepherd can take part in police work, guard dog work, sheepdog work, service dog work, military work, and search and rescue work. German Shepherds also frequently participate in dog sports, including obedience, tracking, flyball, ring sport, and agility.
Don’t Miss: Who Would Win In A Fight German Shepherd Or Pitbull
What Is A German Shepherds Temperament
To understand a german shepherds temperament, you need to think about what theyve been bred for.
Some of the common jobs theyve always held are police dogs, guard dogs, herders, and bomb/ sniffers.
Youd think this wouldnt make them the best for a family, however, being bred this way has given them some traits that make them great for the right families.
Fortunately, though, their temperament isnt going to be the only thing that determines what kind of behavior your german shepherd will have or whether that behavior fits with your family.
German Shepherds Like To Herd
Your German Shepherd may try to herd you and your family. That was the original purpose of the breed and they are still good at herding.;
It is important to teach children what to do it the dog nips at them in an attempt to herd them. Some trainers advise that children should be taught to yelp! This will indicate to the dog that he has hurt the child. Yelping is what his littermates would do if he were to bite them too hard. Also, trying to play hide-n-seek is rubbish if you have a herding breed around, they always point out where people are hiding!
Recommended Reading: Is A Belgian Malinois A German Shepherd
Why German Shepherds Are The Best Family Dog
When you’re a dog lover, no matter how many things or people fill your home, it never quite feels complete without a fluffy pup or two running around. If your family has decided to add a dog into the mix, it can be a huge choice to make. There are a bunch of different considerations that need to be addressed when you’re going to get a pooch, especially if you have children.
Of course, every dog is different but there are still breeds that are considered to be a better fit for homes with kids. On the other hand, you also have breeds that are known to be a bit more unpredictable, which is why they can be found on what’s known as the insurance blacklist. This is a list of breeds that insurance companies consider red flags, and if you own a dog that falls on the list it could potentially affect your premium or even have your coverage denied in certain situations.;
German Shepherds are one of a handful of breeds that appear on this list, but this doesn’t mean this pup can’t make a good family dog. It just means that if youre thinking about getting a German Shepherd, there are some extra factors to consider and some additional steps you will need to take before you purchase or adopt a dog to make sure you get a pup that is the perfect fit for you and your family.;