Males Are More Territorial
Male German Shepherds are more territorial, meaning they will be very possessive of what they consider theirs.
This means that they will guard their property and face off any intruder dogs or strangers.
They will also mark their territory and may watch over it.
This will cause them to stay more alert and cautious, so they will be able to sense a trespasser.
What To Do If You Lose Your German Shepherd
If your German Shepherd Dog or any other pet has gone missing and it does not have an identification tag with a phone number, you can:2. List the missing pet on the .3. Phone the nearby vets to see if someone has handed in your missing pet.4. Telephone the RSPCA or Visit the RSPCA Lost Pets website and complete a Lost Pet Report.5. Visit Lost Pets Pages of Animal Shelters.
Size Weight Typical Colors Of Sable German Shepherd
The Sable German Shepherd is a pretty large dog and very similar to a simple German shepherd. It is a large bread dog with their males weighing between 75 to 95 pounds while the females are smaller than males and weigh between 55 to 73 pounds.
They also have significant height with males can grow up to 28 inches, while female Sable German Shepherd can be as high as 24 inches.
Also, they have different skin colors ranging from the essential black color tip with roots having a shade of white, similar to Sable color.
Usually, the most found German Shepherds are Black and tan, but it is also available in various other color shades, including white, partial blue, liver, red, and gold.
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The Guard Dogs Running Capabilities And Bite Force
Akita dogs run between 25 to 30 MPH while German Shepherds run between 20-30 MPH, which makes the Akita breed the faster animal.
Akita dog also jumps higher than German Shepherds with an estimated ½ foot extra of clearance space. The bite force of the Akita species is about 350 pounds in contrast to that of the German Shepherd at 238 pounds of bite force.
The Height Of The German Shepherd And The Akita
Furthermore, Akita dogs are more cumbersome and taller than German Shepherd Dogs. The average height of an Akita ranges between 66-71 centimeters for male breeds and 69-66 centimeters for beloved female breeds. Also, Akita dogs are members of the Utility Group of Dogs.
On the other hand, German Shepherd dogs are shorter and weightier, with an average height of 61-67 centimeters for males and 55-61 centimeters for females. The average weight is 33-44 kilograms. They belong to the Pastoral group of Dogs.
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How To Train A German Shepherd To Be A Guard Dog
In order to have a well rounded and trained guard dog, your German Shepherd will need to be properly socialized, well mannered, manageable, and happy. You will have to expose your German Shepherd to a range of people, situations and other animals in order to train them properly.
This means having your dog properly adjusted to people of different sizes, stature, race, gender, along with dogs, cats, and other stimuli. This will ensure that you are able to control and command your dog under a range of conditions and circumstances without fail.
You also have to keep up with regular training, along with a lot of exercise and quality time with your dog. German Shepherds need a lot of attention and mental stimulation, so will need to be well exercised, and have lots of toys and things to play with. Due to their active and intelligent nature, without a lot of stimulation, they can be prone to destructive or naughty behavior.
As the owner, you also have to be trained and prepared to care for your guard dog. You will need to be assertive, strong and confident in handling your dog, able to command them and communicate with them with ease. You will have to be the Alpha in your home if you want to keep a guard or protection dog.
Why Do People Need Guard Dogs
When humans add a guard dog to their lives, its usually fora good reason. The most common reasons are to secure expensive property and tokeep their families safe. However, people choose to get a protection dog formany other reasons.
- To alert to possible danger, intruders, orunusual activity
- To protect property such as warehouses,junkyards, and other large spaces
- To protect valuables such as expensive or rarecars, jewelry, or collectibles
- To guard a home and family
- To keep watch over property, people, andvaluables when an owner is away, or even when the owner is present
- To ease anxiety or fear that something bad mighthappen
- As a deterrent to any would-be thieves
The bottom line is that having a big, protective dog nearby makes many people feel safe and confident in their homes, businesses, or out traveling. That peace of mindknowing your dog has your backis enough reason for many people.
However, its best to know the details, understand the risks, and accept the responsibility of keeping a guard dog on the premises.
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Will A German Shepherd Protect You Without Training
Even without training, the German Shepherd dog will still protect you instinctively.
So why are German Shepherds good guard dogs?
A German Shepherd has it in his genes and blood to guard and protect.
This is because this breeds earliest purpose was to not only herd, but to guard and protect the sheep from predators.
This attribute has been passed down from generation to generation, and therefore stays in this breeds genes.
It is only natural for a German Shepherd to recognize threat and danger, and to act on it.
Their territorial and fierce personalities will also move them to guard their property and the surrounding area.
If someone crosses into it, the German Shepherd will not be pleased as a result.
Additionally, German Shepherds are very alert, cautious, and highly intelligent dogs. It is this intelligence that makes German Shepherds good guard dogs.
They will know how to react in certain situations by means of instinct and the ability to recognize threat.
If they see potential danger approaching, they will be inclined to do something about it.
Their loyalty will prompt them to watch out for their owner and protect their family from any harm.
Anyone who has bad intentions for the family of a German Shepherd will likely fare badly.
For this reason the military and police employ German Shepherds in their work. German Shepherds already have attributes that make them good guard dogs.
Laws Regarding Missing Pets
1. It is against the law to keep any animal that you find.2. Pets are generally considered property and it is illegal to take and keep someone elseâs property.3. You must call your local animal control unit and file a FOUND AN ANIMAL report for any dog or cat you find.4. To reclaim your lost dog, cat or other pet from the animal shelter you must pay a release fee.5. If your dog or cat is unregistered, you will have to register your pet before you can take it home.
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Are Sable German Shepherds Rare
The rich, sturdy, and dominant color of Sable German Shepherd dogs is hard to find. Thus, they are quite a rare goat breed. Although they possess similar property and physique as the German Shepherd yet, their unique color makes them stand out from other dogs.
Due to their rare coat color, it is not easy to find a Sable German Shepherd. And that is the reason why Sable German shepherds are quite expensive as well.
A Family Dog Or A Guard Dog
German Shepherd Dogs are the chameleons of the dog world. We see them on the news sniffing out contraband, as GSDs are a favorite breed of police K9 units, and their deep bark makes them a great four-legged, home security system. But to Nikki Fox of Livingston, Montana, her German Shepherd, Klaus, is just another member of the family – a furry one.
As she and other GSD enthusiasts have learned, this is a breed that likes to work. Proud members of the herding breed dog group, German Shepherds enjoy having a purpose, which is just one of the traits that make them both a loyal pet and a great protector.
Theyre beautiful, strong and capable, but theres one more characteristic that sets them apart and makes them successful whether theyre working or just being mans best friend their intelligence.
In fact, thats the first thing that Nikki mentioned when asked what makes Klaus such a good pet. Shepherds are very smart they key into what you say and what you do, she explains. They can really read a situation. Its what makes them trainable.
And trainability is certainly a key for working German Shepherds. They need to learn commands and understand body language. Their keen noses make them equally good at sniffing out drugs and bombs, and finding missing persons or criminals on the run. That all sounds great, but how does that translate to the average house pet?
I really appreciate Klauss intelligence, says Nikki, but theres more to his personality than that.
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Pros And Cons Of German Shepherds
The Good
- Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
- Loyal to his own family
- Looks imposing and has a reputation that bad guys don’t want to fool with, so makes an effective deterrent
- Highly intelligent and versatile can learn almost anything
The Bad
- Can be hard to find one with a family-oriented temperament and a decent chance of staying healthy
- Needs plenty of exercise and interesting things to do
- Needs careful socialization
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Potential aggression toward other animals
- Constant shedding 365 days a year
- Legal liabilities
- High risk of serious health problems
Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.
Can German Shepherds Be Both Guard Dogs And Family Dogs
Yes, a German Shepherd can most definitely be a good family companion and guard dog at the same time. However, a lot depends on the individual dogs training and personality.
Guard dogs in the home setting ideally have incredible protective instincts that they are trained to control and use appropriately. At the same time, they develop a strong bond with their family members that dont just enable them to be good pets but also their loyal protectors.
German Shepherds can be excellent guard dogs because they are easily trained and can learn how and when to switch the guarding off and on. They are foremost a loving and affectionate companion to the people they trust but are readily willing and able to defend when necessary.
Although GSDs typically excel as guard dogs as well as in all other protection roles, it is important to note that their guarding instincts can also become destructive and potentially dangerous behavior.
They need proper training and socialization from an early age in order to fulfill this role both safely and effectively. This is also why German Shepherds who are loving and affectionate make good guard dogs because they know how to balance both worlds protector and family member.
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Picking A German Shepherd Puppy
Sometimes being able to answer yes to the question of are German Shepherds good family dogs boils down to meeting the parent dogs and evaluating their health and temperament.
After meeting the parent dogs, it will be time to choose your puppy.
You want to look for a puppy that is friendly and outgoing and seeks you out for play and interaction.
Never choose a shy GSD puppy!
Be sure the puppy is bright-eyed and healthy and is willing to be held.
Make sure your new puppy is confident and curious and is happy to give and receive affection.
German Shepherd Aggression And Attack Warning Signs
Watch out for signs that your German Shepherd is getting ready to attack another dog.
These warning signs may include:
- a focused stare on their intended target
- raised hair on their back
- a stiff body and muscles
- pulling wildly and strongly toward the other dog
- showing their teeth or pulling their lips back
- and growling
You may even have to avoid your dogs stressors temporarily if your dog is becoming that upset.
So have a plan of action in mind, such as crossing the street safely to avoid another dog walker or choosing a new route to take your dog for exercise.
Give your German Shepherd the chance to choose a good behavior, instead of adding to their stress and causing them to attack unnecessarily.
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What Makes German Shepherd Good Guard Dogs
Lets now go over just a few reasons why the Shepherd is one of the top guard dogs and what makes them so good.
They Are Intelligent
If given the proper training and care, the German Shepherds are quick and fast learners. They enjoy making their owners proud of them. If you are thinking about getting one, the best time to is when they are young, so your bond can grow with them.
Their Bark Will Make Intruders Think Twice
If you have ever heard a German Shepherd bark, you know that it can make you jump back. It is another reason why they are excellent guard dogs they have a very intimidating bark. Their loud barks make them very useful for when intruders try to break in.
They Are Protective of Your Kids
If they are appropriately introduced, your German Shepherd will love your kids. They will feel as though they are young pups in the pack that need to be taken care of. Sometimes it takes some time for your German Shepherd to get used to kids, so make sure your kids spend some time just petting and getting to know the dog. It is an excellent way for them to bond.
They Have A Great Sense of Smell
If you have ever seen a Shepherd working with the police, it is because they have a great sense of smell. They can sniff out things and find things that sometimes can be hard for humans to spot. It is once the reason why they are in the police force.
They Are Very Confident Creatures
Top 20 Best German Shepherd Mixes
German Shepherds are one of the most loyal and hard-working dogs in the world. This is why they have taken third spot in Americas favorite dog breeds.
It is no surprise that a breed as popular as the German Shepherd is a great choice for breeding with other dogs. All German Shepherd mixes will be courageous, loyal and intelligent. But, they will also gain more qualities like less shedding or being more playful.
Keep reading if you are looking for a hybrid that is a perfect mix between a guard dog and a loving companion. There are over 60 German Shepherd mix breeds, each one unique and special
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Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are a prestigious breed. They are thought to be the oldest known group of dogs still in existence today artifacts documenting their presence have been found going back 5,000 years.
Now, nomadic people use these majestic creatures as guard dogs. According to the AKC, they are “territorial guardians bred to guard people and their possessions.”
“They seek out human attention, thus bonding with their humans first and the flock second, and they guard whatever is placed in their perceived territory.”
Do Female German Shepherds Live Longer Than Males
Female German Shepherds tend to live longer than males. This recent large study of over 12,000 dogs evidenced that females lived on average 1.4 years longer than males. During this study, the German Shepherds average longevity was 10.3 years, with females living for 11.1 years and males 9.7 years.
It is well known that large breed dogs dont live as long as smaller breeds. This study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that large dogs die young mainly because they age quickly.
Both genders have a few health problems that theyre prone to developing. The most common causes of death in the above study were musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand.
Some of the health conditions include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
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German Shepherd Dogs Are Protective Of Their Loved Ones
They are known for being fearless and self-confident. GSDs will assertively stand their ground and are suited to be either watchdog or guardian, whichever the situation demands. They can be aloof with strangers yet are not hostile. This natural protective instinct is reassuring to the German Shepherd owner. But it also comes with a certain responsibility. You should be committed to spending time socializing and training your dog to ensure your companion feels comfortable around strangers and other dogs. If you do, you will benefit from all this dog has to offer.
They Are Fantastic With Kids
Do you have small children? Or nephews and nieces perhaps?
The biggest question in your mind right now is probably this:
Can these big dogs be trusted with children?
YES!
With proper training that is.
German Shepherds are great with kids. Theyre playful and protective.
Caution: Regardless of how well they get along, do not leave your children and German Shepherd home alone!
You cant expect dogs to be great babysitters all of a sudden. This is where your important contribution comes in
The secret which is no longer a secret, though is training your dog early on. This means the training must begin from puppyhood.
Getting a dog when theyre a puppy is important if you plan to have children. The dog grows into the family and gets to know each member through the years.
Isnt it great for your German Shepherd and children to grow side by side? It presents opportunities for a better owner-dog relationship. Your dog will grow loving your children.
But before reaching this level, your dog needs puppy training. That goes with love, care and respect for your German Shepherd.
Caution: Remind your children not to play with the dog when the dog is eating. Or if the dog wants to be left alone.
Start your dogs training from when they are puppies. Then expose them to other people and pets gradually. Introduce them to your relatives and friends. Take them places.
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