How To Identify A German Shepherd
German Shepherds are often used as working dogs because they are highly intelligent, alert, obedient, keen, and fearless. They also make excellent family companions for experienced dog owners, and they’re very loyal. In order to identify a German Shepherd, you should examine the dogs coat and other physical characteristics. You can also inquire about the breed or get a DNA test completed to determine the dogs breed.
How Active Is You Dog Or Puppy
Puppies with normal temperature will feel very much excited and would jump on to their owners, if they were separated for more than an hour from their owners. However a dog that is sick may not show that level of activeness even after seeing his owner. The sole reason for this may not be 100% fever but there are high chances that the dog is sick.
How To Identify The Purity Of The German Shepherd Puppy
- Color
- Dont have knowledge about the different types of German Shepherd breeds
Show Line Vs Working Line German Shepherds
The Show Line German Shepherds as from their name Show Line are used for dog shows. In order to look excellent, these GSDs have to be perfect in all aspects from teeth to tail. Show Line GSDs have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end.
Working Line German Shepherds have straight back and athletic type of figure, purely built to work all the time tirelessly. They have bigger heads & bigger bones. The Working Line German Shepherds dont need to be perfect. The Working Line GSDs as clearly evident from their name Working Line, always ready for work.
The prices for purebred top-quality German Shepherd puppies with pedigree range from $2000 to $10,000 whereas the prices for young, fully-trained elite German Shepherds with pedigree range from $18,000 to $90,000 or more.
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In this post we will cover following 5 ways to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy:
- Tail & Back
- Dog DNA Test*
Before you go through this post you must know about the5 main types of German Shepherds breeds and two major groups of German Shepherds i.e Show Line German Shepherds & Working Line German Shepherds.
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Long Haired German Shepherd Vs Short Haired Differences
Similarities:
- Both these dogs are loyal, protective, energetic, intelligent, and athletic.
- They will grow to similar sizes with the males from both varieties being larger than the females.
- Both dogs will require the same amount of exercise .
- They both have a protective and possessive nature this will be particularly apparent when looking after their family.
- Both are susceptible to the same health conditions: hip dysplasia and heart disease.
- As long as you buy both from responsible breeders who use healthy dogs to breed, they should have similar lifespans.
Differences:
Read Related Topic: German Wirehaired Pointer: Dog Breed Information and Owners Guide
What Does Sable German Shepherd Eat
Sable German Shepherds are one of the bulkiest dogs and thus need a diet according to their size. It is recommended to feed him a diet that is suitable for large bread dogs. The Diet and food items of Sable German shepherd also depends on the weight of your dog.
As per experts, a Sable German Shepherd should in-take at least 20 calories per pound of body weight per day, which is equal to 3 cups of food a day.
Must feed a Sable German Shepherd puppy for around 3 to 4 times per day, as nutrient-rich food is pretty crucial for their growth. You can then decrease their meals to 2 times a day as he grows into an adult. The food you are serving can include meat, eggs, green vegetables, cereal, carrot, fruits, and dairy products.
The food should be healthy and nutritious, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. But keep a keen eye on what all food they are eating. Dogs can suffer from stomach issues if they either overeat something or eat some foodstuffs unsuitably.
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Asking About The Breed
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Looking At The Dogs Coat
Can German Shepherds Have White Markings
German Shepherds can have white markings known as white spotting and refers to white areas on the dog, not necessarily spots. White markings tend to be determined by the genes on the S locus. They are caused when the dogs skin cells cant produce any pigment, so the fur becomes white.
White spotting usually features on the German Shepherds extremities. The white areas tend to be at the tip of the tail, end of the muzzle, breastbone, or paws. They occur when the cells pigment doesnt migrate fully in the developing embryo. This is known as residual white.
The white area is referred to as the trim pattern. The cause may be unknown or may be due to a minor illness in the mother.
Learn More About White Spotting in This YouTube Video
Often, the white markings will blend into the dogs adult coat. This transition occurs when the pup is around 4-6 months old and sheds his soft fluffy coat. This process can occur quickly or may take a few months. You may also see changes in the pattern.
My German Shepherd girl is definitely purebred as she is from a leading UK breeder and is UK Kennel Club registered. Nonetheless, she had many white markings across her chest as a puppy, but these soon blended into her thick adult coat. Below is a picture of her at 3-months old.
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Are German Shepherds Double
German Shepherds are generally considered to be double-coated. However, not all of them are the same. There are a number of different lengths and sizes that their coats can be. Not all of the coats have the insulating undercoat.
The official breed that is able to compete in competitions will exclusively have undercoats. In the United States, if a German Shepherd doesn’t have an undercoat, it is considered by the American Kennel Association to be a flawed dog. They will not be allowed to compete in shows. However, not all German Shepherds have these undercoats. There are a number of different types, which can include:
- A short-length coat of about an inch, with an undercoat
- A medium-length coat with an undercoat, which is generally known as a plush coat. This is the most frequent type of coat that youll see on a German Shepherd and is considered the most desirable for show lines. This coat will usually be between one and two inches.
- A longer coat with an undercoat. These coats are at least two inches long, and generally quite thick.
- A longer coat without an undercoat same as above, except missing the undercoat.
How Much Is A King Shepherd
| Breed Information | |
|---|---|
| Puppy Prices | Average $1500 $2500 USD The King Shepherd is still a rare breed, and as such there are few reputable breeders around, however as they are becoming increasingly popular, they are also high in demand. Because of this, the average price of a puppy will start from around $1,500. |
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How To Tell If A Puppy Will Have Long Hair Ultimate Guide
Any good breeder, dog trainer, or self-proclaimed dog expert will tell you not to choose your puppy based on appearance. Yes, there are more important qualities to look for, such as behavior, temperament, and energy.
Still, we all have certain physical qualities we prefer in our dogs. For breeds that come in both long and short coats, hair length is often an important factor for prospective dog owners.
But since all puppies have baby fur to begin with, how can you tell if a puppy will have short or long hair?
German Shepherd Double Coat: What You Need To Know
The German Shepherd Dog, often shortened to GSD, is one of the most popular breeds in America. As the name implies, this breed originates from Germany and was originally intended to be a herding breed.
Today, however, the German Shepherd is best known for its versatility. Although they may have started as a herding dog, GSDs have been used to perform a huge array of tasks. They are a popular breed for police work, search and rescue, and tracking.
But the German Shepherd also makes a fantastic companion dog. If youre thinking of adopting a German Shepherd, then youll be adopting a loyal, loving companion.
Like all breeds, its important to know how to take care of your German Shepherd. One of the aspects you need to consider is the breeds coat so that you know how to take good care of it. Youll find everything that you need to know about the GSDs coat here.
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What Is Sable German Shepherds Breeding History And Where Does Sable German Shepherd Come From
The credit of bringing a German Shepherd dog or a Sable German Shepherd dog goes to General Max Von Stephanitz. Initially, German Shepherds were raised by Shepherds to keep an eye on their sheep. Thus, the German Shepherd was not typical of a pet dog breed or a military dog.
But, Max Von Stephanitz, a German General, gets attracted to this super adorable dog breed. He started crossbreeding a Hector named German Sh.
In his first year, Hector, after crossbreeding it with another dog breed, become the father of 84 mix-breed puppies. And this, way we get to know not only about German Shepherd but also German Shepherd mix-breed dogs.
Sable German Shepherd, on the other hand, has genes similar to that of Wolfs Ancestor. Thus, they are one of the pure German Shepherd breeds. Sable color signifies one of the true identities of the German Shepherds.
Should I Trim My Long Haired German Shepherd’s Coat
The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs and then thin the bushy tail.
Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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Where Can One Buy A Dog Of Sable German Shepherd
To buy dog this dog breed, you might require to do some research. It is not hard to find a dog, but its hard to find a well-mannered dog. Sable German Shepherd dogs behavior and health matter a lot when planning to bring them home.
You can either search for a local breeder or contact a Facebook group or can even buy a Sable German Shepherd from some websites like petworld.com.
Apart from this, few rescue groups ask people to adopt dogs. You can also contact a rescue group for Sable German Shepherd to bring a perfect pal to your home.
There are only a few things you should keep in mind before getting any dog breed to your house. Do their temperament teste before buying or adopting them, as a bad-tempered dog can harm anyone, including you and your family member. Do check whether the puppy you are bringing home is healthy or not.
The Black Color Has No Negative Effect On The Dog
Heres where that negative stigma comes in people can sometimes fear this dog due to its striking black color. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, activeand intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life.
Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs.
Look how obedient this 11-month old Black Shepherd puppy is:
Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you.
As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood.
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How Long Does A German Shepherd Puppy Last
It can last anywhere from 5 to 6 months, but most of the time, German shepherds finish puppyhood by their 6th months. Within these 6 months, the puppy will experience six stages. Each of them will help these puppies learn various things. While not all of them are involved with weight or height, its still worth knowing.
So What Are The Fundamental Difference Among Short
The length of hair among each coat is not the only thing that differentiates them, but it can become the main reason for many differences found in each dog.
For instance, if youre looking for herding or hunting dog, the short-hair GSDs are a much better candidate for the job. Their hard-work ethic and strength against rough conditions make them a top choice for many roles like police dogs.
Because of their upbringing, short-haired GSDs tend to be somewhat aloof and standoffish toward strangers.
If you need a family dog, long-haired GSDs are a much better option. They prefer to stay close to their human family, extremely loyal, highly playful, ready to protect and enjoy playing with your kids.
In many cases, plush coat German Shepherds personality is more similar to the short-haired ones. However, it all depends on how you raise your dog because medium-haired GSDs have the same potential to become either working or family dogs.
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Coat & Colors In Competition
Color during competition does matter when showing off your dog. Multiple colors arent allowed in most competitions including pure white, solid blue, fawn, pure red and spotted black and white as previously mentioned. Some colors such as gray, liver, light blue, and panda are deemed faulty by major kennels, but not always.
The long-haired variant has had a long history of being banned and reinstated. If you want to show off your long-haired beauty, it better have an undercoat, or else they wont be accepted. Black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, red and black, black and red, black, sable, dark sable, black sable, and bi-color/bi-black are all accepted color variants, so finding the proper color is the least of your worries.
Although the Germany Shepherd breed has a long track record of competition wins, the long-haired variant is out of luck when it comes to frequent wins, or wins at all. The banning of the long-haired variety has made it difficult for them to be recognized.
They are often overlooked at dog shows in favor of the classic breed look: black and cream. This doesnt mean that these dogs are bad in competition. It is more likely that the association with the breed is stronger with the tan or sable color scheme. If you want a show dog, I would recommend passing up the long-haired variant. You should only be looking for the short to medium haired version.