What Are The Characteristics Of German Shepherds
German Shepherds are confident, courageous, intelligent and gentle, although it can take them some time to make friends. Due to history of herding, they are incredibly noble and loyal both to the work they do and to their owners.
“German Shepherds are energetic, confident and highly intelligent dogs. They are strong and courageous, but also have a well-balanced nature and are considered one of the most versatile and trainable breeds,” Bill adds.
German Shepherds Are Active
German Shepherds have high energy levels. They can spend their whole days outdoor. If you love jogging, hiking and hunting, German Shepherds are one of the best companions you can have. If you have children at home, they can play with German Shepherds as long as they can because these dogs don’t get tired easily.
Reasons Why A German Shepherd Might Not Be Loyal
If you get a German Shepherd and it is not so loyal or it stops being loyal, here are some possible causes of why it might happen.
Being excluded from the family
German Shepherds are meant to be a part of the family. When they are separated from the family they will develop behavioral issues and become much less loyal. However, when they are allowed to be a part of the family and are given daily training, exercise and attention they will normally become extremely loyal towards their family.
A lack of training
German Shepherds are a breed that is meant to get a lot of training. This is because they were bred to be working dogs and they perform best when they are given tasks to do.
When they do not get much training it can cause them not to understand what their owners expect from them and to behave in a less desirable way.
Mistreatment
When German Shepherds are not given lots of attention, they are separated from the family or they are punished a lot, they will become much less loyal.
Negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement involves inadvertently encouraging a dog to behave in an undesirable way by giving it rewards when it behaves that way. If you give your GSD rewards such as treats, toys or extra attention when it acts in a way that is not so loyal then it will encourage it to behave that way even more.
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Why German Shepherds Are Loyal: Their Temperament
Being bred to protect and serve had a major impact on the German Shepherd. But was that the sole contributing factor to their loyal personalities?
Of course, not!
In fact, the German Shepherd is naturally protective. Its ingrained in their brain to be a helpful dog that will protect his owner, whether this means taking care of his beloved family or risking his life in the force.
German Shepherds are also one of the easiest breeds to train. But just because its easy doesnt mean you should dismiss it. The German Shepherd breed is very protective of the people he loves and cares about, and without proper training, your dog may become more aggressive than he protective.
So how can you make sure that your GSD remains protective while still being a lovable character? Always make sure your German Shepherd is properly trained and neverencourage aggressive behavior. And yes, there is a big difference between the two.
Think of it this way:
A German Shepherd should be able to take a walk with his owner without growling at other dogs and people walking your way. The dog should, instead, stop for a moment and place a paw in front of you. He will check the situation to make sure its safe before the two of you to continue. This is a calm and safe way of protecting.
Brushing Up Your Training Abilities
The program developer has actually gone to terrific sizes to provide you all the devices you need. Its an excellent way to review your abilities if youve not trained a pup or pet for sometime. With very easy instructions you can train from home as though you are working with a trainer one-on-one.
How Loyal Are German ShepherdsShe deals with things that are usually forgotten which can wind up triggering your dog to only pay attention when it suits them. Below are just a few of the crucial keys she cooperates her training program.
Fading food appeals, so your pet dog doesnt become depending on deals with. Streamlining hand signals, and taking the enigma out of educating them. Including verbal cues, at the right time to avoid causing confusion if you include them prematurely. Hand signals vs. verbal cues, when and also exactly how to use them successfully. Fading continual incentives, so your pet dependably uses any type of actions also without the visibility of rewards.
Enjoyable for Your Small Dog.How Loyal Are German Shepherds
It deserves bearing in mind that training your pet is a joint endeavor. It is a give and take activity which is an excellent bonding experience for you and also your pooch.
It likewise enhances your canines trust in you.
Its enjoyable.
Youll spend several of the most effective quality time with your pet. And your dog will certainly find out quicker with this training approach.
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German Shepherds Are Healthy
German Shepherd are one of the healthiest dog breed. They can live to up to 13 years if they are properly cared for. German Shepherds love to exercise, thus they are free from weight problems. German Shepherds are prone to several health risks such as hip and elbow dysplasia which later lead to arthritis, degenerative myelopathy and others diseases, but the risk of suffering from these diseases is greatly reduced if proper nutrition and veterinary care are given.
The German Shepherd Care Guide: Personality History Food And More
Whether onscreen or in the White House, the German shepherd dog is the canine equivalent of the class valedictorian and star jock rolled into one. The uber-popular breed is smart, athletic, hardworking, and no stranger to public service.;
With all of that star power packed into one dog, you might expect that German shepherds also require a lot from their owners. And youd be exactly right.;
Here, go beyond the rugged good looks to discover what makes German shepherds so special, and how to live happily with this big canine energy.;;
German shepherd breed profile
Rin Tin Tin, the first canine film and TV star, captivated mid-century audiences with his bravery and charisma. Rintys real story was no less dramatiche was rescued by an American soldier in Germany during WWI and brought to the U.S. . The character also boosted the breeds popularityGerman shepherds have been among the top three most popular breeds in the United States for many years. GSDs have also shared the spotlight with Roy Rogers , the Bionic Woman , and Will Smith in I Am Legend.;
The breeds high profile and popularity are down to a unique combination of intelligence and athleticism. GSDs rank among the smartest dogs, along with other herding dogs, and are known especially for their all-round learning ability and sensitivity to their people.;
Double trouble: Ellie and her brother, Oliver
Former escape artist, Evie
German shepherd breed history
Healthy lifestyles for German shepherds
Gentle Sam
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German Shepherd Dogs Health Problems
The German shepherd is a dog with a lot of health problems and it has a very sensitive digestive system. To maintain it healthy it is very important a good exercise and a good diet. If you are not giving enough attention to your German Shepherd then he can get ill.
Here are some of the long list of German Shepherds health problems!
- Hip Dysplasia : Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the head of the femur fits improperly into the hip joint socket.
- Elbow dysplasia : This is a condition in which the head of the dogs femur fits improperly into the joint socket.
- Wobblers syndrome : It is a cervical spine problem and it is caused when there is compression of the dogs spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Pyoderma: is a bacterial infection of the dogs skin that causes itching and redness
- Seborrhea: It causes dry flaky skin or very oily skin which can cause a lot of inflammation.
- Demodectic Mange: It has different names like Follicular mange Red Mange, follicular Mange puppy mange and it caused by the Demodex Canis mite.
- Lick granuloma: this is caused when the dogs continuously lick their body parts. This problem is considered a result of anxiety and stress.
And there are many more problems. You should be careful while taking care of your german shepherd.
What Were German Shepherds Bred For
German Shepherds a large-sized breed that originated in Germany in 1899 was part of the Herding Group. Known for their courage, loyalty and guarding instincts, their history of herding has meant they are great guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs for the blind.
“As the name suggest, German Shepherd dogs were originally bred to help shepherds herd animals, but have since become a versatile working dogs, often in the military, police and other emergency services, as well as guide and assistance dogs,” Bill tells us.
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German Shepherd Physical Appearance
The German Shepherd can weigh anywhere from 50-90 pounds and typically stand between 22 to 26 inches in height. The variation in size involves the possible size different in males and females, and the differences in physical activity that each Shepherd may participate in.
The German Shepherd Dog is known for their sloping body that slants backward, and their slender yet powerful frame. Though they are often slim, they are still quite muscular. They are considered an ideal athlete for these reasons.
Aside from their frame, is the signature look of their alert and pointed ears. Though they may not peak until adulthood, their ears will soon point forward with authority.
The German Shepherd has a plush double coat that comes in a variety of different colors. Though their most common coat is brown and black, they can come in the liver, white, tan, and all black. If you ever plan to have your GSD in the show, its important to keep in mind that though the options of coat color can be beautiful, only some colors are recognized as a breed standard. If your German Shepherd is white, blue, or liver, their color will not be recognized in the show ring. Therefore, you should be aware of different types and breeds of German Shepherd.
Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Excellent and loyal guard dogs, they make brilliant service pups
Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our series, Dog Breed of the Month. This month, we look at the loyal and courageous German Shepherds. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this gorgeous breed, including characteristics, temperament and personality traits.
“German Shepherd Dogs are versatile, intelligent and energetic dogs, known for their loyalty,” Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, tells Country Living. “They’re capable of learning many commands, which is why they are make good service, military and assistance dogs. Outside of ‘work’, German Shepherds are loving dogs that make a great companion, as well as an exercise or exploration buddy.”
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A Dog Breed For Loyalty
In the early 1900s, Max von Stephanitz is credited with developing the German Shepherd Dog. Stephanitz took an interest in German shepherding dogs, wanting to standardize a breed and improve a dog suitable for work around the farm.
During World War I, German Shepherds were familiar companions to soldiers, working as ammo carriers, messengers and as guard dogs. German Shepherds listened to and wanted to please their owners which made them useful to soldiers and police officers.
Stephanitz selective breeding helped standardize the breed, and it became highly famous around the world after WWI. Today, many of the traits in the early breed are still present in purebred German Shepherds. The breed is known for its:
- ;;;Willingness to learn and please
- ;;;Protectiveness of family and territory
- ;;;Intelligence and cleverness
- ;;;And of course, loyalty
What Do German Shepherds Eat
It’s crucial that a German Shepherd dog doesn’t pile on the pounds, so don’t give them a single big bowl of food each day. They have a big appetite and they’ll simply wolf it down, in which case it is better to feed them twice a day and keep them healthy with a balanced, high-quality diet that is low on calories. Generally aim for between 1,740 to 2,100 calories a day depending on the age, health, and activity levels of the dog. And be aware that these are muscular dogs that need high-quality nutrition and the best dog food you can find.
A German Shepherd’s diet should include between 18% and 22% of protein found in whole meat, and they should also consume between 5% and 8% fat . It’s also totally fine to feed a German Shepherd with dry or wet food , and we’d recommend food by Royal Canin, which has a specific range for German Shepherds.
Potential For Weight Gain: Low
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Are German Shepherds Loyal Dogs
German Shepherds are one of the most iconic dogs, known for its looks, smarts, and its loyalty. Regarding loyalty, though, German Shepherds are in a class of their own.
Just look at Captain, a German Shepherd from Argentina. Captain has loyally stood vigil at his owners grave for more than ten years, according to a report in The Daily Mail. Thats how much devotion German Shepherds show their owners!
Loyalty, in fact, is one of the many traits German Shepherds were bred to display. For example, in the early 1900s, the German Shepherd was originally bred to be a devoted working dog, willing to help around the farm and follow directions. Today, German Shepherds are as loyal as ever. And owners can foster that natural devotedness through effective dog training. ;
Here are some exciting things to know about German Shepherd loyalty:
What About Training A German Shepherd
Slow and steady wins the race when training a German Shepherd. Owning a loyal German Shepherd is a plus, however, their strong loyalty can turn to aggression.
When you take an untrained dog with unchanneled loyalty, you may end up with a fearful and aggressive monster. German Shepherds love their families, and if they feel threatened they will react with full force.
If you feel your German Shepherd has violent tendencies, please visit your veterinarian and get some advice. More than likely, the experts may suggest some gentle and consistent training.
These dogs should be socialized early and oftenthe more they come in contact with people the more comfortable and emotionally stable they will become.
Similar to a human child, German Shepherd puppies tend to look to their parent for guidance and social cues.
The dog has to learn to trust you through simple interaction. And once the dog does trust you, he or she will be as obedient and loyal as they can. You will have a long and rewarding relationship.
According to Shepped.com, even the most loyal German Shepherds can turn aggressive when they have been rewarded for overly protective behavior.
For example, if they become anxious around strangers, especially ones that they feel are intruding on their home, they may attack.
While gaining a dogs loyalty is invaluable, you must teach your German Shepherd to channel their energy in constructive ways.
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German Shepherds Personality And Characteristics
The German shepherd is not a dog that becomes immediately sociable with strangers but they are great obedient dogs which mean if trained properly can become a good friend and good followers.
If you are updated with the news about German shepherd attacks and misbehavior it can be attributed to the guardian of a German shepherd who did not care about well socializing their dog.
The German shepherd is a great personality dog and can become very devoted and attached to his family but if not properly guided he can be aggressive towards strangers or other pets. They should be socialized at a young age and thought to accept unknown dogs or strangers.
These dogs love and enjoy participating in family activities especially if there is endless kind of exercise. The German shepherd can be a completely devoted, loving and loyal family dog.
This fearless dog was bred for herding sheep and protect them from wolves and can be fearless guard dog that will not hesitate to protect their family. He can be a good guard dog who alerts you if something strange is approaching your house or property.
Here is a helpful article: How to train a German Shepherd Dog to be a guard Dog
German shepherds behavior with other pets and children
The German Shepherd dog is good for families with older children because they are very caring toward their families but due to their big size, I do not recommend them if you have little babies because unconsciously they can knock them down.
German Shepherd Dog: Breed Profile
German Shepherds are loyal, intelligent, and loving. Find out if they’re the right dog for you…
German Shepherds are intelligent medium-to-large sized working dogs. As well as being popular pets, they have found a strong place in the hearts of many professionals. Their ability to learn quickly and respond well to training is coupled with strength and loyalty. But since they love to play and are highly energetic and active, they do need care and attention: these are dogs that really don’t like to be left alone.
Once known as Alsatians, the dogs were originally used in Germany to herd and guard sheep. They were also bred for use in the German military, and they served in the trenches during the First World War, where they were able to assist wounded soldiers, carry supplies, and detect enemy movements. Returning soldiers were full of praise for the dog, and they became popular across Europe. Rin Tin Tin was rescued from the battlefield, and became a Hollywood star.
Life expectancy: 9 to 13 yearsAverage weight: 65-90lbs/30-40kg ;Female: 50-70lbs/20-30kgAbout the same as: a nine-year-old childExercise level: High
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