About The German Shepherd
German Shepherds possess many fine attributes that make them ideal working dogs. It is estimated that ranks of German Shepherds serving in United States Law Enforcement tally over 8,000. Armed with intelligence, loyalty, trainability and endurance, it is no wonder that police and military canine handlers all around the world consider their German Shepherds more than just a dog. The breed has been known for their work with law enforcement for so many years that many people automatically refer to them as police dogs.
German Shepherds utilized as working dogs is nothing new. They were purposely bred from the beginning of their origin to assist man. In the late 1800s, An ex-cavalry captain and former student of the Berlin Veterinary College, Max Von Stephanitz had a strong belief that dogs should be bred specifically for working. While attending a dog show in 1899, he witnessed a dog named Hektor Linksrhein perform. Hektor was a product of selective breeding and fulfilled the requirements of what Von Stephanitz was looking for. Impressed by the animals strength, intelligence, loyalty and beauty, he purchased Hektor immediately. After purchasing the dog, he changed his name to Horand von Grafrath and eventually Von Stephanitz founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde . Horand became the first registered German Shepherd and became the standard of future breeding programs with other registered dogs with the same desirable traits.
German Shepherd Breed Overview
The German shepherd as a breed originated in Germany. No surprises there. But, believe it or not, their name was changed soon after the war. Before the war this breed was commonly called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe.
There are still parts of Europe that refer to the German shepherd as the Alsatian however, most of the world has converted back to calling them German shepherds.
Pretty interesting, right?
As for life expectancy, German shepherds normally live for around 9-13 years.
The color of a German shepherd can range considerably from gray to black to tan, and even a silvery color.
The males grow to be approximately 24 inches at the shoulder and the females tend to be a little shorter, measuring around 22 inches at the shoulder.
As for weight, males average around 80 pounds and the females are a bit lighter at around 60 pounds. There is no denying that these are big dogs!
Now, as I mentioned earlier, German shepherds are known for their physical strength and intelligence. As working dogs, they were bred to be confident and powerfultwo traits which often scare people away from wanting anything to do with the breed.
Its this combination that makes them quite incredible beasts. They have strong muscles. Theyre obviously large, and yet, in their minds, theyre also very confident, watchful, and alert.
Are Australian Shepherds Chewers
Australian Shepherds are not big chewers as a breed, but they may start chewing on things when their needs for exercise, physical activity, and outdoor time are not being met. They may also display other negative behaviors if those needs are not met correctly. Australian Shepherds were born to be working dogs.
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They Are The Second Most Popular Dog Breed In The United States
Millions of U.S. citizens are dog lovers and each dog owner has their favorite breed. The German Shepherd Dog is the second most popular dog breed in the U.S. This is mainly because this dog breed is quite diverse in nature.
The German Shepherds are popular family pets and they can serve in other capacities, such as guard dogs, performing dogs, show dogs, and dogs that serve in the military or police.
As this dog breed serves as both pets and working dogs, this accounts for their high number in the United States.
Where Do Black German Shepherds Get Their Name From
Black German Shepherds are a relatively new breed on the block. These were introduced into the mainstream American market in the 1930s, courtesy of Ernie Loeb, long known as Mr. German Shepherd for his pivotal in importing the breed from then-Nazi Germany. Today, all black GSDs can be traced back to one of Loebs imports Bernd vom Kallengarten with its solid black gene.
Three Reasons for the Name
Unlike other dog breeds, the reasons for assigning the name of black German Shepherds is as clear as day. First, these dogs are so named because of their all-black coloration from the tips of their pointy ears to the ends of their bushy tails.
Second, the German part of the name attests to their German origins. Two Germans were notable in bringing the breed to the attention of the world so much that, today, these are one of the most recognizable and most registered dog breeds in the world. The first German was Max von Stephanitz who founded the Society for the GSD, thus, establishing the breed as a distinct one. The second was Ernie Loeb who imported the abovementioned progenitor of all black GSDs.
Third, these dogs were originally bred in ancient times, records put it as early as the 7th century, as working dogs tasked to herd sheep and assist shepherds in the fields. Thus, the term shepherd in the name has value even today although other tasks have been found for them ranging from household pets to guard dogs and military dogs.
Coloration Variations
Change of Names
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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.
A Great Addition To The Family
Black German Shepherds may look aggressive, but they are very loving and friendly. These loyal hounds are great family dogs and will fit in with different types of household.
They are known to be funny, which is a trait that helps them get along with children or teenagers. The Black Shepherd can also have a soft spot for cats or other pets when provided with socialization training during their puppyhood.
Look at this amusing YouTube video of a Black German Shepherd doing a head tilt at the sound of a crying baby:
However, these dogs are aloof, and because of their watchdog nature, they will be wary of people they dont know.
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Your Black Shepherds Grooming Schedule
The amount of times you need to brush their coat depends on the length. If your Black Shepherd is sporting a long-haired look, you need to comb them once a day. If they have the medium-length, you can do it two to three times a week.
For their bath time, once every month or two is enough. Its best to bathe them only when necessary since too much will dry their skin.
This canine is also prone to ear infection, so make sure to check and clean their ears once or twice a month.
While youre at it, trim their nails once a month to make sure none of your furniture or loved ones gets hurt.
To maintain their German Shepherd look, take them to the groomer twice or thrice a year for a haircut and general cleaning.
Do Black German Shepherds shed?
Yes, black or regular German Shepherds do shed. They are heavy shedders whatever the season. You still have to watch out for spring and fall since they blow their undercoat. Its best to have a vacuum ready to save your family from swimming in hair.
Some say long-haired German Shepherds shed less. But whichever coat they get, they are not hypoallergenic.
Aside from the shedding, these dogs can easily adapt to different environments and climates.
A Brief Insight Into The Development Of The Breed
The German Shepherd breed appeared late at the end of the 19th century in Germany and they were first exhibited at a show in Hanover in 1882. They were not like German Shepherds as we know them today though being rough coated, short tailed and rather resembling mongrels. The German Shepherd Dog as we now know it didn’t really appear until after the Second World War.
The breed was actually created by the cross breeding of working sheep dogs from rural Germany by an ex cavalry officer called Max von Stephanitz whose aim was to create a working dog for herding which could trot for long periods.
A breed standard was drawn up and the first breed show took place in 1899 following which the GSD became firmly established across Germany. In 1906 the first dogs were exported to the USA .
Since then, the breed has grown enormously in popularity and is now one of the most popular pedigree breeds in the UK as a pet as well as being the favourite working breed for many forces, especially the police. They are widely used for security purposes because of their strong protective instincts.
GSD’s make wonderful family pets and will protect family and home.
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Did You Know These Pawsome German Shepherd Facts
German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that were originally bred as herding dogs. The first ever German Shepherd was bred by Captain Max von Stephanitz in 1889. Before that, German Shepherds were similar-looking dogs involved in herding. Stamina and intelligence are considered the strength of this breed of dogs. German shepherd dog breeds are easy to train. These large sized dogs are a popular dog breed often kept as working dogs, in the police and military, as a guide dog, herding dogs. Due to their high smelling ability, the German Shepherd dog breed was chosen during World War II for search and rescue, sending messages, and as guard dogs.
A German Shepherd puppy and an adult German Shepherd dog need high quality food and a controlled diet to avoid abnormal growth. A German Shepherds health and wellness are a prime concern. Without proper care, exercise, health checkups, these dogs may often be affected by common health conditions like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, pancreatic insufficiency, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy. German Shepherds often have a black tan, red black, blue, white, gray coats. Once, Max von Stephanitz said, No good dog can be a bad color.
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Origin Of The German Shepherd
Two years ago a study was done that concluded that a popular European herding dog breed from the 1850s was the ancestor of 7 well-known shepherd dogs: the German Shepherd, the French Berger Picard, Cane Paratore, Bergamasco Shepherd, Pastore d’Oropa, Lupino del Gigante, and the Pastore Della Lessinia e del Lagorai.
During these times, dog breeds were crossbred with the clear idea of making the best possible working dog. The local shepherds were breeding dogs that had to be smart, intelligent, fast and have a keen sense of smell to become good shepherd and herding dogs.
These dogs were very different from village to village and some efforts were made to standardize dog breeds. One of the first efforts towards that goal was the organization of the Phylax Society which was formed in 1891 and they wanted to create standardized development plans for German dog breeds. Society came to an end after only 3 years because of internal conflicts and the inability to agree on which traits they should promote in specific dog breeds.
After buying that dog Von Stephanitz changed the dogs name to Horand von Grafrath and later went on and founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde. Von Stephanitz declared his dog Horand as the first official German Shepherd Dog and was the first dog ever to be added to the society’s official breed register.
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Todays German Shepherd Dog
Today the breed Von Stephanitz left behind has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. He might be surprised at the drama of todays German Shepherd ring, as well as the varying styles of dogs across different countries and continents. But he would find common ground with modern fanciers in this aphorism, a version of which circulated among breeders of his day:
There are wolves, there are dogs and then there are German Shepherd Dogs.
Gsds Provide Constant Companionship
In truth, German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. Although GSDs are sometimes slow to warm to strangers, they are gentle and loving with their families. Their affectionate and dedicated personalities are a bonus of the breed, and they can be particularly fond of children. This means your GSD wants to spend time with you rather than being left alone all day, every day. Allowing your German Shepherd to be with you as much as possible will bring out the best in your dog.
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Find Out More About German Shepherd Dogs
Now you know why we use German Shepherds as protector dogs. If you are looking to protect your home and family, then contact our protection dog experts at K9 Protector today to book a visit. You will be able to meet our trainers and some of our fantastic, trained dogs that we have currently – and get the opportunity to understand more about how they can benefit you.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Facts You Didnt Know About German Shepherds
Majestic, noble, loyal, courageous, intelligent, willing: German Shepherds.
These gentle souls are not often described as cute and cuddly, but rarely will you find a friend as fiercely dedicated to you and as ferociously devoted to fending off your foes. German shepherds are as beautiful as they are smart and as faithful as they are defensive. These gorgeous guardians are partners to those who protect and serve, companions for the lonely, vigilantes of the home, and helpers to the handicapped. These committed K-9s are a thing to be marveled. Here are five things you may not know about German shepherds.
A relatively new breed, German shepherds were bred to herd flocks all day. In the late 1880s, Captain Max von Stephanitz crossbred working sheep dogs in rural Germany in order to create a herding dog that could trot for long periods of time. Through cross breeding, the German Shepherd Dog was created.
When German shepherds were first created, they were given the name Deutsche Schäferhunde, which translates to German Shepherd Dog. In 1914, when World War I began for Britain, all things German took on a negative association. Because of this, the name of the breed was changed to the Alsatian. Later, after World War II, the name was changed again to the Alsatian Wolf Dog, to remove the Hitler Germany connection.
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President Bidengets New Pup Another G Shepherd
- Breaking News
Christmas came early for President Biden — the guy has a new four-legged addition to his family … and he’s showing off his present at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
First Lady Jill Biden‘s press secretary confirmed Monday … yes, the Bidens have a new dog in their midst, a German Shepherd puppy named Commander. Shortly after the news broke, the Prez took to Twitter himself and gave official word with a sweet shot.
He tagged his pic with “Welcome to the White House, Commander” … showing off the cute little guy running through some grass with a ball in his mouth.
Joe posted a video, too, that featured Commander … and he seems to be making himself at home already.
Meet the newest Biden.
President Biden
Word of a new pooch in the Biden brood started percolating when folks saw Commander here running across the South Lawn. According to reports … he’s a gift to the Prez from his own family, one they apparently couldn’t keep hidden until this weekend.
The dog is a welcome sight, we’re sure, for 46 and Dr. Biden … who just lost their first beloved Shepherd, Champ, back in June at the age of 13. They have another GS, Major, that’s still kicking — but he’s been a bit of a bad boy lately with his chompers.
What Were German Shepherds Called During Ww2
Alsatian Wolf DogBecause of this, the name of the breed was changed to the Alsatian. Later, after World War II, the name was changed again to the Alsatian Wolf Dog, to remove the Hitler Germany connection. Bonus fact: These dogs were first introduced to America in 1906 and quickly became very popular.
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What Should The Black German Shepherd Be Eating
Feed your dog two cups of premium-quality dog food per day. An adult Black Shepherd needs 20 calories per pound of its weight.
For the younger ones, provide four cups of puppy food to ensure proper growth.
When looking for a brand or type, choose a dog food that contains fat and protein since its essential for the development of this breed.
Black German Shepherds need a high-protein diet to help with their muscle growth and recovery. The fat provides energy and makes their coat look healthy.
Since each dog has its own nutritional needs depending on their health, metabolism, and activity levels, theres no harm in asking your veterinarian.