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What Are German Shepherds Bred For

German Shepherds And Other Pets

How to breed a German Shepherd dog

To help them be calm and patient, it’s best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. If youre having issues with your German Shepherd around other pets, the best thing to do is get advice from a trainer or behaviourist.

German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. If they havent grown up with a cat or other smaller pets, though, they may have the urge to chase them so any introductions later in life should be done very carefully.

Are German Shepherds Easy To Train

Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate.

As we’ve seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A “tougher” German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog.

That doesn’t mean “softer” German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog.

In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you.

This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies .

Or see my advice on dog training

Common Health Problems In German Shepherds

German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions.

German Shepherds are in a group of breeds classed as Category Three by The Kennel Club, which is the highest category of the health concerns due to their conformation. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips.

Some of the conditions German Shepherds may develop include:

This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to.

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How To Breed German Shepherds

If you are wondering how to breed German Shepherds of high quality, and especially if you are new to breeding GSDs, there are plenty questions you must have in mind. Were giving you GSD-specific knowledge below so you can be prepared for your next German Shepherd litter of puppies.

Remember that all dog breeds from Chihuahuas to Great Danes are all part of the same species and for 99% of things related to dog breeding, they are the same. This is why we recommend you to grab a copy of our bestselling ebook, The Dog Breeders Handbook.

How Many Types Of German Shepherd Are There

5 Questions You Should Ask German Shepherd Breeders

While the medium and longhair varieties are the only recognized length of coat for purebred German Shepherds, the color of said coat can be varied. Not all will be allowed in competition, with some color variations being considered to be faults affecting their scoring. In terms of coat color, there are the following different types of German Shepherd:

  • Saddle coat German Shepherd Dog
  • Black German Shepherd Dog
  • Panda German Shepherd Dog
  • White German Shepherd Dog
  • It should be noted that not all types of German Shepherds are accepted by all breed associations such as the FCI . Similarly, there are dogs which look very similar to the German Shepherd, but are not considered part of the breed. We will discuss these breeds further below.

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    How Big Are German Shepherds

    Males stand about 24-26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 75-110 pounds.

    Females stand about 22-24 inches and weigh 65-90 pounds.

    Some German Shepherds are considerably larger than that, but shouldn’t be. This breed is supposed to be athletic and agile, not giant-sized and ponderous. Larger dogs can have more joint problems and a shorter lifespan.

    Saddle Coat German Shepherd

    The German Shepherd dogs of this type are also called Saddle Back Shepherds. They are the most recognized German Shepherds of all time. There are two colors present on their coat, as with all other German shepherd types apart from the solid black shepherd. It is their distinct pattern and markings that set them apart from the other types.

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    When To Breed German Shepherd

    Now that you have decided you want to mate your male or female dog and have litters, let us understand what is the right age for both male and female German shepherd dogs for breeding.

    Whether male or female, you should ideally not breed your German Shepherd dog till 2 years. This is when they reach the right maturity level for breeding.

    A Service And War Dog

    How to Check Pure German Shepherd Dog Breed | Dogmal

    Not surprisingly, Von Stephanitz used Horand extensively at stud, linebreeding intensely on him to fix the traits that he found so valuable. Thanks to the success of some of those offspring in particular his three grandsons Heinz von Starkenburg, Beowolf and Pilot Horands blood flows through the veins of virtually every German Shepherd alive today.

    Though the German Shepherd was being developed just as the storm clouds of the Great War were gathering, the German military hadnt yet fully appreciated the value of war dogs. Von Stephanitz relentlessly and successfully promoted his nascent breed as a peerless service dog, and mourned the fact that Horand had never had the opportunity to prove himself in that respect.

    What could not have become of such a dog, he asked rhetorically, if we only had at that time military or police service training?

    American fanciers met Von Stephanitz in person in 1930, when he was invited to judge at the famous Morris & Essex Kennel Club Show by the impossibly wealthy Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, the shows benefactress and a German Shepherd breeder herself. So many Shepherds were entered that Von Stephanitz was forced to judge both sexes over two days and, in the European tradition, wrote a critique on each.

    1949 Ch. Nyx of Longworth, dam of the famed D litter of six champions.

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    Types Of German Shepherds By Hair Length

    In the case of dogs, even the length of the hair is taken into account when talking about one variety or another. There are two types of German Shepherd taking this characteristic into account.

    1. Short-haired German Shepherd

    As their name suggests, they stand out for having a short coat. Likewise, they are very active dogs, therefore, they need to perform physical exercise daily.

    In addition, it is noteworthy that the German Shepherd is among the most intelligent dog breeds, although they need training from puppies.

    2. Long-haired German Shepherd

    In this case, the opposite of the above happens â the animal boasts of having its long coat. This characteristic gives them great beauty and, for this reason, they attract even more attention.

    The fur can measure up to 60 centimeters, making it very soft and shiny if it is cared for well. Thus, it is important to brush their hair twice a week with a metal brush.

    Types Of German Shepherd By Origin

    Another way to classify this breed is by paying attention to its origin. This form includes specifications about the role that the dog should play.

    1. American Show Line German Shepherd

    They are bred in North America primarily to appear in dog competitions. They are characterized by having a proportionate and muscular body, with hard and rough fur. If we compare this type with the European varieties, they are usually taller.

    As this classification only depends on the place of origin , the color can vary among all those that the German Shepherd presents: sable, black, white or bicolor.

    The personality of this German Shepherd is laid back. In this way, they are perfect to fulfill the role of a companion dog. They stand out for being agile and playful, and they love spending time with their owners.

    2. West German Show Line German Shepherd

    This variety tends to attract more attention at first glance, since breeders are concerned with obtaining proportionate dogs that meet all the characteristics required by the breed standards. Thus, they stand out for their beauty and good character.

    3. East German Working Line German Shepherd

    These working dogs are characterized by being intelligent and intuitive. For this reason, they are trained to handle stressful situations. Although they are so professionally dedicated, as pets they are calm, loyal and protective .

    4. West German Working Line German Shepherd

    5. Czech Working Line German Shepherd

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    Getting A German Shepherd

    Getting a German Shepherd is simple, but its important to be prepared. If youre buying a German Shepherd puppy, youll spend plenty of time discouraging biting and barking, socializing the puppy to other people and dogs, and teaching important skills like sleeping through the night and going to the bathroom outside.

    Finding a German Shepherd puppy or adult dog can be as easy as an internet search, but be careful of puppy mills and internet scams. Do your research and ask around for a reputable breeder, visit before committing to payment, and trust your gut.

    Are German Shepherds Good Family Dogs Here’s Everything You Need To Know

    German Shepherd Dog Breed

    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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    How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds Need

    German Shepherd puppies and adolescents should have moderate exercise only multiple walks, fetch games, or playing with another dog.

    But the growing bones and ligaments in a young dog can be irreparably damaged by too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise. At this age, there should be no forced running . Restrict jumping as much as possible.

    Once the dog is mature, the amount of exercise needed will vary according to the dog’s energy level. But all German Shepherds, to maintain fitness, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible.

    Dogs from working lines typically want a lot more exercise.

    Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. Mental exercise means the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his intelligent mind stimulated.

    This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding, or schutzhund. It might be interactive dog toys, or a homemade obstacle course, or learning tricks, or playing games such as Hide ‘n Seek.

    Some of these activities are included in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words.

    Handsome black German Shepherd, attentively awaiting your next words.

    German Shepherd + Labradors = Labrashepherd

    The Labrashepherd dog is one of the most famous designer breed cross between two pure canine breeds Labrador Retriever and German Shepherd. A massive estimated canine with either a long or an overwhelming minimized stature, the Sheprador has some regular qualities of the two its parent breeds.

    The Labrashepherd makes an excellent family canine. They are regularly excellent with youngsters yet can get boisterous when they get energized.

    • Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years.
    • Weight: 55 pounds 88 pounds
    • Height: 20 inches 24 inches

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    How Sociable Are German Shepherds

    Are they friendly with strangers?

    Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. As the breed’s national club says, a good German Shepherd has:

    “a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them.”

    As you might imagine, this can be a fine line to walk. Without proper guidance from the owner, a German Shepherd’s natural aloofness can morph over the line to suspiciousness, distrust, and even aggression or fearfulness.

    When you own an aloof breed, you need to socialize the dog thoroughly. This means a careful program of teaching him to pay attention to you and mind you in the presence of other people and other dogs. He doesn’t have to like them, but he must accept them.

    One thing I should mention: many German Shepherds who bark and lunge at strangers or other dogs aren’t being either protective or aggressive. Rather, this kind of reactivity can be the dog’s attempt to hide his own insecurities behind a blustering facade.

    There are also legal liabilities to consider when you acquire a German Shepherd. For example, your homeowner insurance policy might be cancelled or the rates hiked, because people are often quicker to sue if a “guard dog breed” does anything even remotely questionable.

    Are German Shepherds good with children?

    Are German Shepherds good with other pets?

    German Shepherd Breed Characteristics

    GERMAN SHEPHERD! DOG BREED 101 Everything You Need To Know
    • German Shepherds stand around two feet tall. Males can reach 24 to 26 inches and females between 22 and 24 inches.
    • A medium-to-large sized working dog, male German Shepherds weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and females between 50 and 70 pounds.
    • German Shepherds have a double coat. The outer coat is dense and can be straight or a little wavy, whilst the undercoat is thick but soft.
    • German Shepherds are one of the most common police dogs used for everyday duties. The trainability and intelligence of the breed make it the ideal candidate for police work.
    • German Shepherds are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, along with the Border Collie and Poodle.
    • Contrary to popular belief, German Shepherds are very loving and protective pets of their owners. However, they can display aggression if their aggressive tendencies arent kept in check.

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    Is A German Shepherd A Good Family Dog

    “German Shepherd dogs are a good choice for a variety of owners due to their intelligence and well-balanced character,” Bill explains.

    “They can be a good addition to a family but can also be a great four-legged companion for a single owner or a couple. However, they are large and very active dogs that require more than a two hours exercise every day, which means they are better suited for owners with a larger house with a garden, and someone who enjoys exercise and spending time outdoors.”

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    Shockingly Different Types Of German Shepherds Breeds

    The German Shepherd is a very well-known breed worldwide. They have always been identified for their work in the Security Forces, and have even been used to shoot films and series on this subject. Their aesthetics leave no one indifferent. They are elegant, large dogs and have a force that imposes.

    However, it is not widely known that there are different types of German Shepherds breeds. We are usually used to that black and brown fur that characterizes them, but it is not always like that. This breed has many variants and we will explain each one of them throughout this article.

    Contents

  • 4 Types of German Shepherd: Dwarf or Miniature
  • German Shepherd Breed Types: Which Is Right For You

    German Shepherd

    This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get compensated if you buy through these links this is at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.

    All 5 of the German Shepherd breed types are sought after across the globe depending on the needs of future owners.

    It’s essential to research each breed type thoroughly before making your final choice.

    It wasnt by chance that the German Shepherd has become one of the most sought after breeds in the world.

    But tracing its roots back to 1899 how is it possible that such a young breed dating back just over 100 years has become the second most popular breed worldwide?

    The answer to this lies in the versatility of the breed. Highly intelligent, devoted, dependable, and a work ethic second to none.

    These are just some of the traits that have catapulted this breed to virtual stardom.

    Their loyalty, guardian instinct, sound nerves, and easy-going nature make German Shepherds great companions.

    Over the years distinct types of German Shepherds have developed.

    Each with their own unique traits, each suitable for its specific purpose and each one a German Shepherd in its own right.

    Meet the 5 German Shepherd Breed Types

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