Are German Shepherds Medium Or Large

A German Shepherd Should Not Live In Tropical Or Very Warm Climates

Brunos ideal outside temperature is when I am wearing a winter jacket. Hes the most happy when it snows. Go figure!

During hot days of summer he is almost completely idle from 8 am until 7 pm. He drinks tons of water and becomes annoyingly fussy about food.

However, that doesnt mean you should abandon your German Shepherd outside when its freezing cold. The usual dog houses are still not enough for temperatures that are way below freezing point.

Either provide a heating lamp in the dog house or let him inside overnight.

German Shepherds For Sale

The German Shepherd is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. In the English language, the breeds officially recognized name is German Shepherd Dog . The breed was officially known as the Alsatian in the UK from after the First World War until 1977 when its name was changed back to German Shepherd.

Characteristics Of German Shepherd Poodle Mix

As a mix of two completely different dog breeds, there is no way of predicting the exact appearance of any individual Shepherdpoo. However, you can expect that your mix will look scruffy and rugged with fur that sticks out in all directions.;

Being a German Shepherd mix, Shepadoodles have muscular bodies and are athletically built, but they inherited floppy ears from the Poodle side of the family.;

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German Shepherd Breed History

German Shepherd history is steeped in a division that continues to this day. The GSD was first known in 1899, but the German desire to standardize dogs began in the 1850s. The Phylax Society was founded in 1891 to advocate dog breed standards, but it lasted only three years. The members debated how to standardize dogs: for show or performance. This “show vs work” conflict remains to this day.

One Society member, Max von Stephanitz, was responsible for the first German Shepherd Dog. He argued that Germany’s dogs should be working dogs. He “discovered” his ideal dog at a dog show, renamed him Horand von Grafrath and founded the Society for the German Shepherd Dog. He recognized this herding dog would survive only if it were repurposed for police and military work.

Due to WWI, the AKC changed the dog’s name to Shepherd Dog. In Britain, they were called Alsatian Wolf Dogs. If you read up on Alsatian history, you’ll discover that the name change was necessary.

After WWI, GSDs were exported to America. One GSD was saved by an Army corporal whose home was in Los Angeles. That puppy became Rin Tin Tin and appeared in 26 Hollywood movies. The movies popularized the GSD. By 1931, the AKC had returned to using the breed’s original name. By 1922, von Stephanitz became upset over the surge of increasingly undesirable temperament traits and remarkably poor health.

German Shepherds Are Not Fearless

Believe it or not, German Shepherds have fears. Some of them might appear later in life just as with us, humans.

Bruno didnt care much about noises like fireworks, firecrackers or thunders. In the second half of his life, he suddenly started to freak out when hearing them and he can only feel safe inside of the house.

These phobias have costed us a wooden gate and a couple of door screens. Its good to know when to expect such events and put him inside, because he acts like he is about to lose his mind.

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Shes Prone To Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

The top two major health concerns for this breed are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Both conditions involve the malformation of bones and can cause great pain to dogs.

It is important when getting the German Shepherd that you buy him from a reputable breeder. If responsible, they should be able to show you the medical history of the German Shepherd puppys parents, as well as a certificate showing that both parents are free of this condition.

Another important thing is to provide her with dog food good for German Shepherds, which contains chondroitin and glucosamine.

What Is The Difference Between Straight Backed German Shepherd

German Shepherd no slope backs and straight backs are from the working line. Most GSDs from the show line are sloped backs. According to some breeders and some GSD clubs, having sloped backs and angulated hind legs will give GSDs more force in their gait, allowing them to function better than straight backs.

Also Check: How To Leash Train German Shepherd

Transition To Adult Period: 16 Months 36 Months

At this point, there are no more major milestones for your German Shepherd to reach. They will, however, continue to grow during this time.

Female German Shepherds arent considered to be fully-grown until they are at least 24 months whereas some males arent seen as adults until 36 months.

Throughout this period, you should continue to feed them a high-quality food for German Shepherds to ensure that they grow at the proper rate, allowing their hips to develop normally. By the end of this period, they should reach their adult weight.

Heres a video showing how quickly a German Shepherd goes from being a puppy to a very adult-looking dog:

Why Do German Shepherds Look Like They Do

The GSD is one of the descendants of the relatively non-descript Continental Shepherd Dogs that were widespread throughout Europe in the early 1800s.; This was a name given to different regional types of dogs found all throughout the continent. It didnt matter what they looked like particularly.

Breeding enthusiasts, around the middle of that century, formed groups to define and refine these dogs into distinct and separate breeds through selective breeding, organizing them by their distinct features.

Breeder Max Von Stephanitz used a Thuringian dog, Swabian Service Dog and Wurtemberg Sheep Dog to refine and create a new, improved shepherding breed.

The shaggy coat, erect pointed ears, and general wolf-like appearance of the GSD can be traced back to the initial use of the Thuringian dog.

The GSDs size, however, came from the mixing of Swabian Service Dogs and the Wurtemberg Sheep Dog. These dogs were large, solidly structured and strong enough to stand up to a large predator while defending their flocks.

The GSD, since its official recognition in 1899, has been used to re-define, enhance and create new breeds pretty much since then. Many of its look-alikes are actually descendants of the breed and carry GSD lineage in their genetic make-up.

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Are German Shepherds Bigger Than Huskies

Yes, a German shepherd is generally the larger of the two dogs. A husky is classed as a medium sized working dog whilst a German shepherd is classed as a large herding dog, belonging to the Pastoral dog breed group.

Husky males are approximately 53-60 cm tall, whilst females are between 50-56 cm tall. German Shepherd males are approximately 61-67 cm tall and females are 55-61 cm tall. Husky males weight 20-27 kg and females weight 16-22 kg. By contrast, both male and female German shepherds weigh approximately 34-44 kg.

Husky Vs German Shepherd Health

Huskies have a life expectancy of 12-15 years while a German shepherds life expectancy is 10-14 years.

Both breeds are healthy but they can suffer from some health conditions. Huskies can have eye problems like cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy. German shepherds can suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus or bloat and allergies.

If youre a fan of huskies and german shepherds, youre bound to love another herding-type dog breed called caucasian shepherds.

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A German Shepherd Dog Should Have A Yard

The German Shepherd is quite a big fellow and requires space to move around. He likes fresh air and is also pretty active. Remember that he is used to herd flocks of sheep, so he needs his space.

Bruno doesnt like close spaces. He looks bored and annoyed. He is gliding on the wooden floor and he leave tons of fur on the carpet. If you cannot give him the yard he needs, get a different type of dog, a smaller one.

She Was The First Guide Dog For The Blind

Thought she was only famous for Rin Tin Tin? Nope. A female German Shepherd called Buddy was the first Guide dog. In 1928, after training for a month in Switzerland, she came back to the U.S. with her blind owner, Morris Frank. She wowed an audience of reporters and onlookers as she helped him across one of the busiest roads in New York.

After this, dogs assisting people became commonplace, and, along with Golden Retrievers and Labradors, many of the guide dogs used today are German Shepherds.

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If Youre After A Loyal Intelligent And Very Active Dog Then A German Shepherd Could Be The Perfect Pet For You

If you want a great watchdog and a best friend, the German Shepherd could be the breed for you. Bred for herding and commonly used as watchdogs due to their high level of intelligence, German Shepherds make great pets for active households.

Regular training for your German Shepherd is imperative for a well-behaved, sociable pet. They need both mental and physical stimulation daily because they are so clever. These dogs also benefit from large enclosed yard spaces. A popular cross-breed is the very intelligent and active German Shepherd cross Husky.

Fun fact:;Two German Shepherds, Strongheart and

Rin Tin Tin, both have a star on the

Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This dog just wants to spend all their time with you and is best suited to households with people at home during the day. They have very high energy levels and are very alert, making them ideal watchdogs. They are extremely loyal and loving to their family, however take care to ensure young children learn how to interact with your pet respectfully.

They have a high level of shedding, but this can be reduced by brushing weekly. The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is between 9-13 years.

How big do German Shepards get?

A German Shepherd is a medium- to large-sized dog, weighing between 30 and 36kgs, with a height between 55 and 60cms.

How much space do German Shepards need?

As large dogs, they need space to run around in. A backyard is ideal.

How much energy do German Shepards have?

Do German Shepards shed?

German Shepherd Weight Charts

These charts will show you what your German Shepherd puppy will weigh as they grow to reach adulthood. One is for male puppies and the other for females.

Something to keep in mind is that dogs grow at different rates, so they may not reach the next weight milestone by that month or may reach it sooner. As long as theyre close and dont have other problems, its normal.

Male German Shepherd Weight Chart

Also Check: German Shepherd Feeding Chart

Are German Shepherds For Me

German Shepherds are fantastic dogs that bring the brains and brawn. GSDs are some of the most popular breeds in the world for a reason. But know that they come with a lot of work.

If youre looking for a big lap dog or a low maintenance dog, these dogs are;not for you. Sure, it can make training easier in the beginning, but the extra amount of mental exercises needed will make a GSD more time-consuming than you think.

When deciding which dog breed to raise, never pick one based on how intelligent they are. All dogs are capable of learning basic tricks and commands. Some dog breeds just require more patience or consistency than others.

Instead, ask if the dog breeds temperament and personality match yours. Are they a good fit for you and your lifestyle? German Shepherds are devoted, brave and freakishly intelligent. If that sounds like a pet youd like in your family, then go ahead! You certainly wont regret it!

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German Shepherd Breed Description

The German Shepherd is considered a medium to large dog breed. Adults can be expected to reach 22-24 inches in height from ground to shoulder and weigh between 75-95 pounds. Their size makes them large enough to be a helpful for many working dog tasks without jeopardizing agility.

German Shepherds are extremely loyal dogs to their family, but they tend to be wary of everyone else . They breed does well with children as long as they have been socialized with children at a younger age. German Shepherds do well with other pets, especially if introduced while a puppy.

The breed has high energy requirements and needs moderate to heavy daily exercise. Lack of exercise can cause the breed’s excess energy to lead to behavior problems including digging, chewing, and barking. German Shepherds shed year round and will need to be brushed a few times each week to keep their coat healthy.

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Types Of German Shepherd

Animal file: German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most widely recognized dogs in the world. Thanks to a rich history and a large cultural impact in various global societies, they are one of the most respected dog breeds. This is partly due to their intelligence, compatibility with humans and usefulness as a working dog. There are only two officially recognized German Shepherd dog breeds, but there are many ways you can differentiate the breed. Here we look into the different types of German Shepherd dog to see what breed variations exist, some of which may become officially recognized in the future. AnimalWised also takes a look at dogs similar to the German Shepherd which often get confused.

German Shepherd Growth By Age

At about a month, German Shepherd puppies will weigh 4.5-9 lbs.; females weigh less, and males will be at the top of the range.

At two months, you can expect them to weigh in at 11-20 lbs.

When they reach three months, your pup should be about 17.5-31 lbs. depending on gender.

At four months, your German Shepherd puppy will weight somewhere between 28.5-39.5 lbs. Thats pretty big! Its about half of the adult weight your dog will eventually reach.

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Large growth spurts will take place between 2-5 months, so keep a close eye on your puppys weight during this period especially.

At six months, the average male is 53 lbs., and the average female weighs about 46 lbs.

German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females; males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by 12-15 months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months.

German Shepherds, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth.

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German Shepherds Vs Least Intelligent Dogs

On the other side of the spectrum are the least intelligent dog breeds, at least according to Stanley Coren. Not only are they much slower learners, but also a lot less obedient. But how do these dumb dogs compare to the GSD?

For reference, the breeds that performed the worst include the Beagle, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Chow Chow, Shih Tzu and the Pekingese. All of which, can be quite intelligent outside of obedience and working intelligence.

Dogs in the least intelligent class need between 80 and 100 repetitions to learn a new command. This meant that German Shepherds are at least 16 times faster at learning new commands than these dogs in the lowest class!

As for obedience, low intelligent dog breeds were able to obey a known command on the first try with a 25% or lower success rate. In other words, German Shepherds are about 3 to 4 times more obedient than these other dogs.

While this success rate seems low and the learning speed slow, there can be other factors, such as the dogs stubbornness and handler familiarity, that may contribute to such low marks.

German Shepherd Breed Characteristics

• German Shepherds stand around two feet tall. Males can reach 24 to 26 inches and females between 22 and 24 inches.
• A medium-to-large sized working dog, male German Shepherds weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and females between 50 and 70 pounds.
• German Shepherds have a double coat. The outer coat is dense and can be straight or a little wavy, whilst the undercoat is thick but soft.

• German Shepherds are one of the most common police dogs used for everyday duties. The trainability and intelligence of the breed make it the ideal candidate for police work.
• German Shepherds are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, along with the Border Collie and Poodle.
• Contrary to popular belief, German Shepherds are very loving and protective pets of their owners. However, they can display aggression if their aggressive tendencies arent kept in check.

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There Are Other German Shepherd Dog Look

The King Shepherd is not the only German Shepherd look-alike that might have you confused. There are a few different breeds that are larger that can easily be confused for a GSD.

• Belgian Shepherds This breed looks like a black GSD and is pretty comparable in height. They do tend to weigh slightly less and generally have longer fur.
• Shiloh Shepherds This breed is not yet recognized by any international organization such as the AKC, but back in 1991 the first official breed club formed in the US. They tend to be slightly larger and have longer fur than the GSD.
• Bohemian Shepherds These guys are actually slightly smaller than the average GSD, topping out at a GSDs minimum height.;;
• East European Shepherd This larger breed was directly bred from the German Shepherd and is a dead ringer for the GSD. They are quite a bit larger and are distinguished by their long rough fur. They were bred to tolerate very cold climates.
• American Alsatian This is another easy dog to confuse for the GSD, but the Alsatian is quite large in comparison. They are distinguished by their longer fur and larger size.