Can A Male And Female German Shepherd Live Together

The Importance Of Socializing A German Shepherd

All dogs require socialization and training.

But when youre dealing with a dog thats as physically powerful and mentally adept as the German Shepherd, you cant emphasize the importance enough, especially when children are involved.

This study discovered that children are the most common victims of reported dog bites to people and that dog owners were often unaware of the factors that increased the risk of dog bites to children.

Socialization needs to begin early.

This means taking your German Shepherd puppy out and introducing them to the world.

You want your pup to have positive interactions with as many different types of people, pets, and places as possible.

The more socialized your dog is, the less likely they will show signs of aggression and other unwanted behaviors.

Exercising A German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is an active breed that once worked herding flocks of sheep.

So it should come as no surprise that they need plenty of daily exercise.

Dogs who are frustrated and bored can be more prone to aggression.

They can also turn to unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking.

An adult German Shepherd should get about two hours of daily activity to ensure their physical and mental well-being.

These exceptional dogs will shine at canine activities such as agility, herding, and tracking.

Early Intervention Can Switch Gears

But you dont have to wait around to see how your male GSD will grow up and if theyll be aggressive. In fact, its much better if you dont wait at all. Take the time and effort early on to teach your GSD puppy how you expect him to behave.

Expose him to social situations with dogs and other animals, showing him how you want him to act. These early lessons will follow him well into adulthood, even after the hormones start raging.

There is a lot of evidence showing that puppies of all breeds who are given obedience training early on grow up to be friendlier and better behaved. It also improves their overall happiness.

When dogs understand whats expected of them, they are happier and more confident. For large dogs, such as a male GSD, this is imperative. A scared, timid male GSD who lacks confidence could easily lash out at people or other dogs.

Getting a male GSD into puppy obedience classes can help set the stage for confidence, obedience, and a sense of purpose. This will be the cornerstone of preparing your male German Shepherd for the rush of hormones and distractions coming around the bend.

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What Is The Lifespan Of A Female German Shepherd

Its normal to wonder if there is a difference in the lifespan of a female German shepherd versus a male. In the human world, women typically live a bit longer than men, right? Well, in the dog world, you really dont see that difference. Females and males both live between 11-13 years. Ive also seen questions like how long do white German shepherds live? The answer remains the same, regardless of whether your dog is male or female, white, black and tan, or purple. Just kidding about the purple part, there are no GSDs that color!

The German Shepherd With Kids That Arent In The Family

German Shepherds who are properly socialized tend to bond quickly with their family, and this includes children.

In fact, many German Shepherds will treat your children with as much love and care as they would their own puppies.

But how do they feel about your childrens friends and kids who live in the neighborhood?

Like other breeds who work as guard dogs, their protective instincts can make them wary of strangers.

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Bone And Joint Problems

A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in German Shepherd Dogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.

Do German Shepherds Have A Lot Of Same

One of the things you might need to think about if you decide to have two German Shepherds is whether you want to have two dogs of the same or opposite gender. There are advantages and disadvantages that are important for GSD owners to consider.

According to Austerlitz German Shepherds, the dogs environment makes the most significant difference in how the dogs will adjust, even though gender will, of course, play a role.

Genetics also plays a role in a dogs temperament, which is something that a dogs owners have less control over. In the case of owners who acquire a second dog through a breeder, being able to observe the parents behavior is crucial in choosing.

Contrary to popular belief, neither gender is more or less likely to have aggression issues. Some dogs of the same gender get along perfectly well, while others do better with another dog of the opposite sex.

If you want to get a second GSD, consider how your dog behaves around other dogs you encounter, such as neighbors or friends dogs. A dog that is reactive toward dogs of the same sex would probably do better with a dog of the opposite sex.

The good thing is that taking steps like having both dogs altered when possible and practical, as well as making sure the introductions are done correctly, will help ensure that both dogs get along as well as possible.

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Female German Shepherd Personality And Temperament

The German shepherd female temperament can also show marked differences in behavior and personality that can be related back to her gender.

Whether these differences are present and how apparent they may be will vary depending on the traits of the specific parent dogs, which is why it is important to be able to meet and get to know each parent dog as you are selecting between male and female German shepherd puppies.

Experienced GSD breeders and trainers often cite the following presentation and personality differences you may see more frequently or more overtly in the female German shepherd temperament:

Can Pitbulls Live Together In Harmony

I had a litter of pitbull puppies and kept 2 of them and now they’re attacking each other and the mother. How do I get them to get along? By the way they are 6 months of age.

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Routine Care Diet And Exercise

Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.

• Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
• She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair daily brushing is recommended during this time.
• German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
• Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
• She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must.
• She’s a large, smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she’ll get bored. That’s when the naughty stuff starts.
• Naturally a bit wary, she’s distrustful of strangers bond her to children early to trigger protective behaviors.
• Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
• Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
• Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.

What To Watch For

Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help.

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German Shepherds And Kids

A German Shepherd can be a wonderful family companion for children and a well-mannered dog around others.

But they need early socialization, consistent training, and plenty of loving attention.

As the owner of a powerful breed, it takes dedication to provide this dog with all they need to become a well-adjusted pet and a trusted family member.

Do you have a German Shepherd and children in your life?

Tell us about your experiences in the comments.

How Dobermans And German Shepherds Get Along

Almost every single owner of both Dobermans and German Shepherds that I spoke to before writing this article said that these two breeds get along very well together and will have no trouble living in the same household. These dogs are actually similar in so many ways that you may often hear experienced owners refer to the German Shepard as a Doberman with more hair.

Both breeds are prone to same-sex aggression issues however so if you can, its best to have two dogs of the opposite sex living together a male Doberman and a female German Shephard, or vice versa. If you must get two dogs of the same sex, try to have a good age difference between the two of them and preferably have them both fixed. Unaltered dogs can have more issues with same-sex aggression.

Below are some of the similarities and differences between these two breeds so you can have a better idea of what to expect having them in the same household.

Similarities

• Have high exercise requirements .
• Require lots of socialization .

Differences

If at all possible, get the two dogs when they are puppies so that they can grow up together. Puppies are much more playful in nature and curious about each other. This will get them off to a great start which can be all it takes for a lifetime relationship. This will avoid some same-sex aggression problems since thats not an issue until after puberty.

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Are Female Gsds Used As Police And Military Dogs

Female German Shepherds are used in police and military service, but they are generally outnumbered by male German Shepherds.

This is in part to selective breeding for certain traits, such as:

• Aggressiveness
• Size and build
• Athletic ability

As working dog breeders tend to choose these traits over others they may choose male dogs that fit this profile.

So, more male GSDs wind up in police and military dog units.

As mentioned previously, males dogs also make better working dogs in the protection service due to not only their larger size, but their protection and aggression drive.

These drives are highly sought after in the police fields for K-9 units.

Male German Shepherds are seen as more intimidating and male handlers may even want to choose a male working partner over a female as male dogs are seen as more tough and rugged.

Both male and female GSDs have a tough exterior that makes them suitable for military and police work.

Choosing A Male Vs Female German Shepherd: Which Is Better

Choosing between a male and female German Shepherd should not be done lightly.

They are a dog that must have space and your time for training, as well as given the right home environment.

On average, a female German Shepherd lives longer than a male by over a year, which might be a factor when deciding on a male or female. When choosing a male or female GSD consider:

• Feeding costs

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Gsds Are Super Active

Therefore, so are you. Thinking of lounging on the couch? No way! German Shepherd owners know that wont happen until youve walked your dog, gone to the park, or provided some sort of exercise. This breed only thrives with enough regular exercise to burn off all that excess energy. If you dont give your GSD daily workouts, watch out. Your dog will get that energy out somehow, and most likely in ways you dont want. To be sure your German Shepherd is happy and a pleasure to live with, you will definitely get all the exercise you need too.

Living With Other Dogs

Theres very little difference between the genders of a GSD when it comes to living and getting along with other dogs.

For the most part, they will get along and play along with most other dogs, and theres no problem with having a German Shepherd along with another pet.

However, theres one big caveat to this that should be taken into account, and that is that this can only be accomplished through socialization.

That means that a German Shepherd needs to be taught how to get along with other dogs if you want their relationship to be harmonious.

The earlier this is done, the better, and that also means that its best to get a German Shepherd as your first pet or to adopt one that you know is used to being around other animals.

Theres also a slight difference in temperament in this regard because female dogs tend to be more protective when a new dog enters whats considered to be her domain.

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The History Of The Breed

Compared to other breeds, the German Shepherd dog is relatively new. It was bred in 1889 by Captain Max von Stephanitz.

Herding dogs existed centuries before, but German Shepherds had to rally on luck and training alone in order to find the ones that would help them protect their sheep.

After careful breeding, GSDs were made to be intelligent, athletic, and capable of dealing with the daily tasks needed to protect the sheep and obey some rather complicated commands.

Thats why theyve found their place as police dogs as well as dogs most used for personal protection.

Gender-related qualities are also taken into account when German Shepherds are chosen to be working dogs.

These qualities are also something to consider when adopting one as a family dog. That way, a pet could easily fit in with your family.

What Other Breeds Are Compatible With Labradors

Maybe German Shepherds arent your first choice as a new family pet. If you already have a Labrador, you can expect the following breeds to generally get along well with your resident dog:

Related: To see a more exhaustive list and in-depth review of dog breeds that are compatible with Labradors, youll want to check out our article, 25 Dog Breeds That Are Most Compatible with Labradors.

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Male Vs Female German Shepherd Physical Characteristics

Male German Shepherds weigh approximately 66 to 88 pounds. Larger than female GSDs, their height at the withers is typically around 25 inches.

Female German Shepherds are typically between the weight of 49 to 71 pounds, and their height at the withers is on average 23 inches. They are typically leaner, lighter, and have less of a stocky build than male GSDs.

Both genders most often have medium-length coats, though there are four different coat lengths within the breed.

Stock, Plush, and Long Stock Coat German Shepherds all have what is known as a double coat, which means that they have a top layer of hair that is dense, and a thick undercoat.

Long Hair Coat GSDs have a single coat of hair. This is caused by a recessive gene, thus making these dogs somewhat of a rare find.