Active And Need A High Level Of Exercise
Although this can fall into the pro column for families who are very active, it is important to remember that these dogs need to work. Every. Single. Day. This means even if youre feeling a rest day, chances are your pup is still in need of their workout. So, you need to make sure you have a plan to give your pup enough physical and mental exercise to keep them happy and healthy every single day. With a life expectancy anywhere from 7-11 years, this is a lifetime commitment. Even as these dogs age and start to slow down, they will still need some work to do that is appropriate for their level of fitness.
Is A German Shepherd Right For Your Family
So, is a German Shepherd a good family dog? And, are German Shepherds good with kids?
Absolutely
When they are given the appropriate training, exercise, and care.
A GSD is a larger breed dog that is generally tolerant of grabs, prods, and occasional tail tugs from children in the family. Many families adopt or buy German Shepherds because they are so loyal to their families, especially kids.
While large dog, they generally enjoy their close family members and may see kids as their flock that needs protection. They need plenty of exercise and love the outdoors.
Visit Shepherd Sense to find out everything you need to know about owning and caring for your next German Shepherd.
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German Shepherds As Pets And Health: What To Know
German Shepherd dogs have suffered in recent decades due to selective breeding for specific conformation .
Back and joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, ACL ligament tears, and the inability to stand and walk properly are associated with selective breeding and with early spay/neuter .
These types of health issues are life-limiting and extremely painful for your dog.
They are also very expensive to treat and can put additional stress on your whole family.
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The Reasons Why German Shepherd Dogs Can And Will Attack Their Owner
Now that we have learned that a German Shepherd will attack you only if you are a bad guy or a bad dog owner, lets see some specific reasons why this dog breed usually attacks its owners.
There is always a reason why German Shepherds attack their owner, its not just because oh, they are dangerous dogs.
The main reasons why German Shepherd usually attacks their owner is the bad history of their parents, bad environment, trauma, territorial aggression, injury, and fear. Lets now talk of each reason separately.
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How Long Do Caucasian Shepherds Live
Caucasian shepherds, like many breeds of dog, can gene wise live up to between 10 and 14 years. The life expectancy can also be influenced by the level of care they receive and even what part of the country you live in. Still, making sure your Caucasian shepherd is getting an appropriate level of exercise, a healthy diet and regular vet visits will make it possible for him to greet each new year with joy!.
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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 GSD we know today was 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 GSD was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. In modern times it remains as 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 dogs. This practice has been criticized as leading to poor gait.
How Much Is A Trained Belgian Malinois
Trained Belgian Malinois, however, could cost upwards of $2,500+ According to most of the AKC listings we had found on the official AKC Marketplace, the prices for puppies younger than 12 weeks old were often listed for $1,000 to $1,500. Most of these reputable AKC breeders included a full health checkup,
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Midwest Icrate Starter Kit
One of the first products we recommend for any owner of a Sheprador dog is a comfy, cozy dog crate. The above crate by MidWest Homes for Pets includes an entire starter pack for your pup.
It comes with the crate, two dog bowls, a bed to ensure the bottom of the crate is soft and comfortable, and a crate cover to help reduce anxiety while your dog is alone.
You can order the crate in different sizes depending on your needs, but we suggest getting a crate that is large enough for your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand up, turn around, and lie down in.
German Shepherd Hound Mix
German Shepherd mixed with a Hound, or more commonly known as a basset Shepherd, is another family dog on our list. Like any other German shepherd mixes, this dog breed again is a great family dog and a perfect watcher.
You will get attracted to the charm and innocence of this cute dog breed. Apart from this, a Shepherd Basset is recognized by the American Kennel club. As per a survey of American Kennel club, it is a famous pet breed whereas, its parent breed, German Shepherd, is the second most common dog breed in the entire USA.
If you are interested to know more about this wonderful dog breed then, we have come up with an entire discussion over a Shepherd Basset, which you wanted to know.
Contents
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Which Dog Is Better Lab Or German Shepherd
Both are prone to hip dysplasia and other health conditions that are common in large dog breeds. But they are both also known to be extremely intelligent. A German Shepherd may be happier in your single-dog, all-adult household, and a Labrador might be the better option if youre looking for a family-friendly pet only.
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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.
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They Require A Ton Of Grooming
Youll have to at least do a quick brushing on a daily basis when you own a German Shepherd. In addition to shedding year-round, they also blow their coat in the fall and spring.
That means youll have a whole lot of grooming to do when your dogs undercoat begins to shed for around two weeks. Dont worry, though, as you can find some top tips on how to reduce German Shepherd shedding to help you with this.
You will need to get a good grooming tool. I use the FURminator undercoat de-shedding tool that you can get on Amazon. This is particularly suited to German Shepherds as it easily gets through the topcoat and removes the loose undercoat hair. Dont waste money on cheaper brushes, as this tool is totally worth the price. I take my GSD on the field when I FURminate her, and anyone passing would think Id been shearing a sheep!
Look For A Known Child
The best choice for many families is to find a young adult GSD who previously lived successfully with children. This means the rescue or previous owner knows the German Shepherd is child-friendly through the dogs history.
Look for a dog who obviously LOVES kids! Not a dog who merely tolerates kids.
Check with your local German Shepherd Dog rescues or other dog organizations for adoptable adult dogs that show success with families.
The best GSD for kids is those GSDs who receive proper socialization, positive family-friendly training, proper amounts and the right type of exercise, and attention.
Dont underestimate how much time and resources your GSD needs!
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German Shepherd Lab Mix Life Expectancy
Labrador Retrievers will typically live between 10.6 and 14 years. Whereas a German Shepherd will typically reach a slightly younger age of 9.2 to 12 years. This means that you can expect to have your GSD Lab mix around for about 11 or 12 years. So now that we know what health and exercise requirements to be aware of, lets take a look at what to expect from your German Shepradors coat.
German Shepherds In The Top 5 Most Damaging Dog Bites By Breed
The American Animal Hospital Association conducted a study and concluded that German Shepherds were one of the most dangerous breeds based on bite severity and frequency of biting. This is not surprising given the fact that German Shepherds have one of the most powerful bites of all breeds. The study also concluded that large dogs with short, wide heads were the most likely to bite. This conclusion is supported by the fact that Pit bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for the highest number of fatal attacks. German Shepherds are more dangerous than the average breed, but they are not at the top of the list.
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Consider Your Future Plans
A German Shepherd can reach beyond 10 years if taken care of properly. They become a part of your family as much as you are part of their pack.
This means taking your dog wherever life takes you.
If youre moving to another place, make sure you can take your dog.
There are cases when owners leave German Shepherds in shelters. Thats because the dog is not welcome in the new place.
This is especially true in apartments. Landlords usually do not allow German Shepherds. For the simple reason that they are big dogs.
If youre unsure about where you might end up in years, delay getting a German Shepherd.
The German Shepherd: Family Dog Material
You never want to assume a negative trait of a breed occurs in an individual dog, because you could miss out on the perfect pooch! Its always best to get to know the actual pup that you plan to bring home. Here are four reasons why a German Shepherd can be the best family dog:
- A German Shepherd is very intelligent, and he can be taught a number of fun tricks that will delight your children.
- A German Shepherd is loyal and will bond well with the family children if started at an early age.
- A German Shepherd has a lot of stamina and energy, making him a great playmate for active kids.
- A German Shepherd is protective of his family and will watch out for your kids, but its important to use caution with other children.
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German Shepherd Temperament: What To Know
The German Shepherd breed is a well-known dog for their personality especially. They are well known for their friendly, energetic personality as well as their intelligence and bravery in difficult situations. They make both a great family dog and a service dog because of their wonderful temperament. From puppyhood to the full-grown German Shepherd, this breed is so intelligent and full of personality.
What Makes A Good First Dog
Any dog can be your first dog. There is no such thing as a bad dog as it usually comes down to poor training and socialization by the owner, right from puppyhood. Some breeds are easier for first-time dog owners, while others require a little more time and patience whilst training.
It really does all depend on you and whether the breed is suited to your lifestyle. For example, if you are inactive and live in an apartment, then a toy dog such as a chihuahua will be more suitable than if you were looking for a loyal and protective dog that requires a lot of exercise, such as the German Shepherd!
You must be able to provide your dog with all of his exercise needs, play, and care as this will prevent any future behavior problems, for example, destructive chewing.
So, what makes a good first dog, anyway? Well, the best breeds for good first dogs are those that are considered easy to train, highly intelligent, get along well with other dogs and people, are loyal and protective, and have good general health.
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They Make Great Road Trip Companions
While many dogs love riding in cars, in my personal experience, GSDs really, really, really love riding in cars.
One of my GSDs accompanied my family on many a road trip across the entire country. He never acted out and very easily merged with my familys schedule. Our rest stops were his rest stops. Our feeding time was his feeding time. Our bedtime was his bedtime.
The only issue we ever ran across was finding a hotel for the night that accepted large dogs. So just plan ahead and make a phone call or two, and you should have accommodation for all sorted out rather easily.
And, based on my experiences, I can say without hesitation that a GSD makes for a better road trip companion than most people I know .
Ideal Human For A German Shepherd
German Shepherds are active dogs. Think: running at full speed across a field as much as youll let them. They prefer space to exercise at peak capacity and plenty of outdoor time. The ideal home for a German Shepherd would be a home with a large backyard for running around, and thats not counting all of the walks, runs, and adventures theyd like to go on with you.
German Shepherds can also make great family dogs and do fine with children as long as they are properly socialized.
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What Is A German Shepherds Temperament
To understand a german shepherds temperament, you need to think about what theyve been bred for.
Some of the common jobs theyve always held are police dogs, guard dogs, herders, and bomb/ sniffers.
Youd think this wouldnt make them the best for a family, however, being bred this way has given them some traits that make them great for the right families.
Fortunately, though, their temperament isnt going to be the only thing that determines what kind of behavior your german shepherd will have or whether that behavior fits with your family.
Socialize At A Young Age
Its best to start socializing GSDs when theyre puppies not only because they havent grown to their full size and weight but also because they havent formed any bad habits.
While theyre puppies, give them tons of exposure not only to young kids and babies but to all sorts of people, animals, and environments.
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Reasons Why German Shepherds Are Good Family Dogs
I get it. Youve seen enough German Shepherds to know that you would like to add one to the family .
But are German Shepherds good family dogs?
Read on to discover:
- How kids can benefit from having a German Shepherd at home.
- What a few repetitions in training can do for your German Shepherd.
- 17 persuasive reasons to justify having a German Shepherd in your family
- And more..
A Puppy Or Adult For A Family
GSD puppies are a lot of work! Young families with pre-school age kids areadvised to delay getting a puppy until the youngest child is at least fiveyears old.
Some families with young children choose a puppy thinking they are safer andeasier to train than older, adult Shepherds. But this isnt always necessarilytrue.
Puppies are fragile. They require more time and care and are prone toplay-related scratching, jumping, and biting.
They arent appropriate for homes with young children. Especially homeswhere the parents are busy and cant provide the training and basic needs ofsuch an active breed.
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German Shepherd Socialization And Training Needs
The importance of early and ongoing positive socialization and training cannot be emphasized enough for a dog breed with such strong instincts to protect and guard as the GSD!
In fact, training and socialization can make the difference between answering yes and no to the question, Are German Shepherds a good family dog?
The good news is, German Shepherd dogs score so high on the eager to please scale that you will likely find your pup a delight to train!
The Socialization Of A German Shepherd Dog
Socialization is a phrase you will commonly hear when talking about German shepherds. We dont mean getting it a Facebook account, but rather how it relates to other animals and people.
With their physical prowess and natural-born protector instincts, it is vital that a German shepherd is properly socialized. This is even more important when you have kids.
German shepherds crave to belong and, if paired with a child early enough, they can be a great fit for youngsters. Unfortunately, there are some puppy mills or irresponsible owners who dont socialize their dogs properly. Buy from a reputable breeder to avoid a GSD puppy which is antisocial and a potential danger to kids.
With the proper preparation and upbringing, however, a German shepherd can be a lifelong protector and friend for you and your children.
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