Gsds Are Incredibly Smart
If youre a German Shepherd owner, you have a strong suspicion your dog might actually be smarter than you are. After all, what cant your dog do? These dogs are known for their intelligence and many can learn a new behavior in only a few repetitions. In addition, they have a legendary desire to cooperate and work with us, a trait many see as a wish to please their humans. No wonder this breed excels at so many activities and is a top Obedience competitor. Because German Shepherds are one of the brightest breeds, be sure to be consistent, use positive reinforcement-based methods, provide plenty of mentally stimulating toys, and play brain-challenging games.
How Does A German Shepherd Bark
While German Shepherds arent known for being noisy, some dogs can bark excessively. Usually, its because theyre trying to tell you something.
If your dog is barking more than usual or more than what you feel is appropriate, ask yourself:
- Is the dog feeling under the weather?
- Is there something new or a threat in the vicinity?
- Are you giving your dog enough attention and exercise?
History Care Tips And Helpful Information For Pet Owners
German shepherds are large dogs known for their noble, diligent, loyal, and highly intelligent dispositions. They’re characterized by a brown and black coat and a streamlined, athletic build that makes them both strong and agile. Though they are excellent herding dogs, German shepherds are also very well suited to work as service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind. They also perform well as working dogs, especially in police and military operations and make highly effective guard dogs. Of course, the German shepherd dog also makes a wonderful companion in the right home.
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Old German Shepherd Dog Vs Lapponian Herder Grooming Hair And Care Comparison
| Coat / Hair TypesWhat type of coat/fur do they have? Old German Shepherd Dog vs Lapponian Herder coat comparison: | Fuzzy | Fluffy |
|---|---|---|
| ColorsWhat are the original Old German Shepherd Dog and Lapponian Herder color? Old German Shepherd Dog vs Lapponian Herder color comparison: | Black | Black |
| GroomingWhich dog is easy to maintain, Old German Shepherd Dog or Lapponian Herder? Old German Shepherd Dog vs Lapponian Herder grooming comparison: | Average: The Old German Shepherd Dog requires average grooming effort. | |
| High-Maintenance Dog Breeds | ||
| Shedding LevelWho sheds more Old German Shepherd Dog or Lapponian Herder? Do Old German Shepherd Dog dogs shed more than Lapponian Herder dogs? | Old German Shepherd Dogs are heavy shedders. | |
| Which dog should be bathed more: Old German Shepherd Dog or Lapponian Herder? | 4-6 weeks | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. |
How Warm Is A German Shepherd Coat
Because of their double coat, most German Shepherds can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F . Even chilly temperatures are not a problem for long-haired GSDs. However, age, health issues, activity level, and weight may all have an impact on their ability to withstand the cold.
The typical normal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit . According to some research, the “normal” body temperature can range from 97°F to 99°F .
For German Shepherd, things are a little bit different. The usual body temperature of a German Shepherd is 101° to 102.5° Fahrenheit , which is much higher than the 97.6° to 99.6° Fahrenheit of humans.
German Shepherd fever is defined as a temperature of more than 103°F. When the temperature rises above 106 degrees Fahrenheit , significant and even fatal complications might arise.
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Solid Color German Shepherd Dog
The solid color German Shepherd dog is less common than the Saddle Back, but they shouldn’t have any other differentiating characteristics. Their health status and temperament should not be informed by color. It is possible to have powder blue colors in the dog’s coat, but it is unlikely this will be solid. While a GSD may be accepted in competition, they will likely be marked down for both this color and liver. However, for solid colors, you tend to only get solid black or solid white German Shepherds.
Solid black German Shepherds are accepted in competition. However, solid white German Shepherds are one of the few color variations which tend to be immediately disqualified. While black GSDs are due to a recessive gene, white GSDs are thanks to a dominant gene which exists in some litters. It should not be confused with albinism. Neither should it be confused with the Berger Blanc Suisse, also known as a White Swiss Shepherd. Perhaps partly due to their disqualification from competition, solid white Germans Shepherds are not very common.
History Of The German Shepherd
The ancestors of German shepherd dogs acted as both servants and companions to humans for hundreds of years. Developed from old shepherd and farm dogs, the German shepherd dogs we know today were first introduced in Germany in 1899. Captain Max von Stephanitz is credited with the breed’s beginnings.
During World Wars I and II, the word “German” was dropped and the breed was referred to as the shepherd dog or the Alsatian . Worldwide interest in the breed began rising in the early 1900s and the German shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908.
In modern times, the German shepherd remains one of the most popular dog breeds, currently ranking second in the AKC listings. Cross-breeding these dogs with Shiloh shepherds resulted in king shepherds. There is recent controversy over the breeding of show dogs to have a sloping back rather than the straight back seen with working dogsthis practice has been criticized as leading to poor gait.
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German Shepherd + Labradors = Labrashepherd
The Labrashepherd dog is one of the most famous designer breed cross between two pure canine breeds Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. A massive estimated canine with either a long or an overwhelming minimized stature, the Sheprador has some regular qualities of the two its parent breeds.
The Labrashepherd makes an excellent family canine. They are regularly excellent with youngsters yet can get boisterous when they get energized.
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years.
- Weight: 55 pounds 88 pounds
- Height: 20 inches 24 inches
East German Working Line German Shepherd
As we mentioned before, this German Shepherd type arose from the division of one state into two parts. The East German Working Like German Shepherd is also known as Deutsches Demokratische Republik , and over the last few years and decades, their popularity has massively grown.
Their name is derived from the official name of Germany at the time, Deutsche Demokratische Republik, which translates to the Federal Republic of Germany.
The East German shepherd breeding program was developed to keep up with the country’s changing security needs.
Photo source: DAK’s Dog Ranch
Unfortunately, this type of German Shepherd was also popular during World War II. Everyone who knows German Shepherds knows how theyre are strong, fast, and incredibly smart, and thats why they were a perfect war tool at that time.
Today, East German Working Line German Shepherd usually works as a service or working dog with police, military, and other Special Forces. This GSD type is also popular belong truly lovers of German Shepherd dogs, who love to enjoy their beauty, and dog sports.
Most owners who decide to get this type of German Shepherd, work with them every day. Theyre a huge responsibility, and to own one of these dogs, you need to have the knowledge, time to work with them, and money, because they know to be expensive.
But you should not forget their loyalty. This dog breed is one of the most loyal dog breeds on the planet, and everyone who respects them will be remembered.
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East German Ddr Working Lines
This type of German Shepherd has continued to be developed and maintained after the end of WWII.
The establishment of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik meant strict government-controlled pedigree registration.
And 40 years of closed breeding.
From this developed a distinctive looking dog. With dark pigment, a big head, deep chest, athletic body, supreme intellect, and stamina to boot.
This type of German Shepherd has a sound temperament and a high work drive .
They must have plenty of mental and physical stimulation and an experienced handler.
Check out this infographic and learn some fun facts about the German Shepherd Breed!
About German Shepherd Dog Breed:
The German Shepherd is a breed of working dog originally from Germany. Originally named Alsatian Wolf Dog in the UK, its name changes to German Shepherd in 1977.
The German shepherd is a working dog developed for herding sheep. But in modern days it is used for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and acting.
The German Shepherd is the second-most registered breed by the American Kennel Club and the seventh-most registered breed by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom.
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East German Ddr Working Line German Shepherds
East German DDR Working lines share many common characteristics with the West German lines. They share much of the same history as well. They were bred and tailored particularly for their extremely heightened desire to work, along with their quick ability to guard.
Because of their prey drive instinct, monitoring them around other animals and small children can help to avoid primal triggers. That doesnt mean that every dog in the line is as prey-driven. Some are incredibly docile and sweet, never hurting a fly. However, because of their working roots, it is something to watch for as a responsible owner.
They have incredible focus and endurance, suiting them perfectly for physically and mentally stimulating roles. Like their West brothers and sisters, East German DDRs have sable coloring, though most are darker and sometimes even black.
- German Shepherd puppies have a different diet get them what they need!
Are German Shepherds Active
Yes, German Shepherds are active dogs. Theyre not as hyperactive as most working breeds, but theyre athletic and have the need to be on the move most of the time.
You can divide their 2 hours of daily exercise into walks, adventures, training, and mental stimulation.
German Shepherd puppies are susceptible to malformed joints if overexerted. So dont let them jump from high places, like stairs or the car, and run on hard surfaces.
You can start with small activities, like fetch on the grass. Then, work it up until theyre full-grown and their bones have already developed.
Wait till your GSD puppy turns 1 and clear from hip exams before bringing them on any hiking trips.
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What Are The Variants Of German Shepherds
German Shepherds come in 5 different varieties. Kennel clubs do not recognize them as separate breeds, but enthusiasts of the breed identify them based on their bloodline.
These divides came from different regions attempting to produce their ideal dog.
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.
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Are German Shepherd Dogs Protective
German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs and watchdogs because theyre naturally predisposed to being territorial and protective.
Dogs that arent properly bred can have this trait exacerbated, which perpetuates the belief that GSDs are aggressive. Canines bred to protect should still get early socialization to keep them from attacking anything theyre unfamiliar with.
West German Working Line German Shepherd
The West German Working line German Shepherd was created by diving one country into two countries East Germany and West Germany. In 1961, during the Cold War, the German Democratic Republic was build this wall to prevent its population from escaping Soviet-controlled East Berlin to West Berlin.
With the division of German, there was also a division of breeders of the most popular breed at that time, the German Shepherd dog.
That is how the East German Shepherd and West German Shepherd were born.
The West German Working line German Shepherds is considered the closest ancestor of the first German Shepherd dog, which is developed by Max Vom Stephanitz.
If you plan to have, or you have already, West Working German Shepherd, have in mind that these are working, high-energy driven dogs, and you need to exercise a lot with them.
Photo source: Lunaurum
During the division of German and German Shepherd breeders to West and East, there is a bigger chance of West German Working line German Shepherd being more prone to hip dysplasia. If you plan to buy West Working GSD, make sure to read and learn what supplements and dog food is the best for this German Shepherd type.
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What Is The Largest Breed Of German Shepherd
The German Shepherd King is the largest shepherd class out there. On average, females are around 25 to 27 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 75 to 110 pounds. Males are around 27 to 31 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 90 to 150 pounds.
Shelley Watts-Cross and David Turkheimer, two Americans, was created the King Shepherd dog breed in 1990. This breed is still in the early stages of development.
King Shepherd is a devoted and hardworking companion dog. Their confidence and strength, as well as their enormous size, would serve as a significant deterrence to any would-be predator. King Shepherds are devoted to their family and are not aggressive dogs.
King Shepherd is a versatile breed. This very intelligent dog can do a wide range of tasks, including sheep herding, child companionship, police work, rescue work, and guide dog work. They get along well with other dogs, but early socialization is crucial for creating a gregarious and friendly puppy.
Currently, King Shepherd is recognized by:
- American Rare Breed Association
- American King Shepherd Club
- American Pet Registry, Inc.
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
- Eastern Rare Breed Dog Club
- States Kennel Club
- World Wide Kennel Club
Are German Shepherds Good With Other Dogs
German Shepherds are generally good with other dogs, especially if they had early socialization.
GSDs especially get on with small and large dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers. The main reason for this is that these breeds have similar temperaments and high intelligence levels.
However, its not recommended that you mix German Shepherds with small active dog breeds, like Jack Russell Terriers and Fox Terriers. Most Terriers tend to have high energy levels and could create over-excitement if you get them along with GSDs.
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Do German Shepherd Dogs Bite
According to the AAHA or American Animal Hospital Association, GSDs are one of the breeds considered dangerous due to their frequency of biting and bite severity.
Anything with teeth can bite, but the bark of GSDs is a lot worse than their bite. German Shepherds have a bite force of 238 PSI, which includes them in the top 10 breeds with the strongest bite.
Living Arrangements For German Shepherd Dogs
This breed need a lot of space to roam around. It is not good to keep them locked up in a tiny apartment. They must have a large yard to play in. Because of how strong their legs are, they need to have a fenced in yard that is higher than three-feet tall.
German Shepherds enjoy doing anything outdoors, whether it is playing fetch or herding animals. If you do live in an apartment, make sure to take the time to walk your German Shepherd so that he does not get bored and chew on the furniture or be a nuisance by barking all the time.
German Shepherds are great for any active individual or family. Where they require so much exercise, they need to have an active family that will be home with them and include them in their day to day activities. These dogs enjoy being around children, as they make excellent playmates.
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