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What Makes German Shepherds Special

Can A White German Shepherd Produce Standard Colored Offspring

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The answer is YES!

The only way to get 100% solid white offspring is to breed two White German Shepherds, but if a White German Shepherd is bred to a colored German Shepherd, they will throw colored puppies. What proportion depends on whether the non-white Shepherd also carries the recessive white gene.

If the non-white carries the recessive white gene, the puppies will have a 50/50 chance of being white or colored.

If the non-white doesnt carry the recessive white gene, all the pups will be colored.

Given that we cannot know what color or pattern a White German Shepherd is masking, it is not easy to determine what colors the pups will be when bred to a non-white German Shepherd.

How Much Exercise Do They Need

The German Shepherd is a working dog and requires a considerable amount of physical and mental exercise to stimulate them and keep them out of mischief. This is not a breed thats happy to be a couch potato. The best toys for German Shepherds are the ones that require physical activity and mental stimulation. We review the best dog toys and brain games to help you give your pup what they need.

Its crucial to provide a long daily walk or, better yet, a run. Obedience training and games can also help stimulate this dogs active brain. These dogs love pack games like fetch or frisbee, which also serve well to tire them out.

If you were wondering how fast can a German Shepherd run, the answer is up to 30 mph.

Maybe you are also asking, do German Shepherds like water? Or can German Shepherds swim? While they are certainly capable of learning to swim, they dont always take to water naturally.

If youre curious about how much exercise your dog gets daily, consider getting a dog activity tracker.

Is The German Shepherd The Right Breed For You

When choosing a breed for your next pet, you want to make sure the dog suits your preferences but also that you can meet the dogs needs. If you love going for runs or long walks, dont have dog allergies, and love teaching your dog new tricks, a German Shepherd may be the perfect breed for you.

If you want to do a little more research, check out The German Shepherd Handbook. If youre not sure about this breed, our article on the most popular dog breeds may help you narrow down a breed that would be more suitable to your and your future pups needs.

Why do you love German Shepherds?

Read Also: What Is A German Shepherd

Are German Shepherds Suitable For Psychiatric Assistance

As mentioned, doctors and psychiatrists are focusing on how service dogs can help individuals suffering from mental health issues.

It is still a relatively new field, and dogs have been found to help with specific disorders.

Since research is still being conducted in this area, such service dogs aren’t all that common.

In some circumstances, people may have to face a few more barriers before they can be approved for a service dog for their mental health.

Despite this hesitance, the dogs have been found to help. They can reduce symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and panic attacks.

As with physical disabilities, psychiatric assistance pups are trained to perform tasks according to their owner’s diagnosis.

So, what exactly is it that these service dogs are supposed to do? And are German Shepherds suitable for such tasks?

Well, one of their main tasks is to provide their owners with tactile stimulation and reduce anxiety.

The dogs can also be trained to nudge or paw their human when they have disassociated.

Or when they need to be brought back to the present. They can also help to reduce undesirable or harmful behaviors.

And for individuals suffering from PTSD or anxiety, their service dogs can act as a barrier they will prevent other individuals from making unwanted contact.

As this is still a somewhat new area for service dogs, there are some mixed opinions about how German Shepherds will fare with psychiatric assistance.

What Is Bad About German Shepherd

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German Shepherds, like any large breed, are prone to canine hip dysplasia, a crippling and potentially fatal disease. Good GSD rescuers will also be aware of such problems, and whether the rescued dog youre considering has shown symptoms of or has been treated for any health issues while with the rescue.

Recommended Reading: What Are The Different Kinds Of German Shepherds

Top 10 Reasons Why You Would Want A German Shepherd

German Shepherds are a relatively new dog breed with origins that can be traced back to 1899. Although it is a new breed, German Shepherds are now one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. In the United states, German shepherds ranks as the second most popular dog breeds of 2016. In fact, German Shepherds have many talents and desirable traits which make them the best dogs that every household should own.

How The Physical Size Of German Shepherds Are Useful

You dont need to be told that German Shepherds are athletic-looking dogs. And, it isnt all just for show, either

A GSD male can measure between 24 26 inches and weigh around 65 to 90lbs. Females may grow anywhere between 22 to 24 inches and weigh from 50 to 70lbs.

There are certain individuals who do use service animals to move around. Individuals with specific physical disabilities may need to place some of their weight on their service dogs.

Thus, they need strong and sturdy dogs for this purpose.

Well, German Shepherds are more than qualified for this role. Their natural strength and athleticism allow them to shoulder weight while still being able to move around themselves.

Furthermore, they are at the right height for maneuvering taller adults around.

Some individuals have difficulty being out in the open or in crowded areas. In addition to feeling anxiety about such situations, they often feel fear and may even be afraid of being hard.

The sheer size of a German Shepherd can help these individuals to feel at ease.

Not to mention, many strangers do feel intimated by German Shepherds and will not approach them without warning.

This, too, can offer peace of mind to individuals who are alarmed by such circumstances.

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Reasons Why German Shepherds Are More Than Just Dogs

As the second most popular dog breed in America, and one of the most popular globally, German Shepherds certainly are exceptional. While all dogs are lovable, theres something special about a German Shepherd that makes breed enthusiasts want no other type of dog. Heres just a few of the reasons why:

1. Every German Shepherd is breathtaking.

At the dog park, at dog conformation shows, and on the street, German Shepherds always stand out. That unmistakable saddleback coat is easy for most people to recognize, even those who do not consider themselves to be dog people. A German Shepherd carries himself proudly, like a wolf, and has a graceful gait you wouldnt expect from a dog their size.

2. German Shepherds are deeply loyal.

Like most herding breeds, the German Shepherd has an unwavering focus on their job for most, this might just be keeping a protective watch over their family. They dont rush to make friends with everyone they meet, though theyll happily warm up to good people once theyve passed the German Shepherd Sniff Test.

3. German Shepherds are problem solvers.

4. Theyre total drama queens.

Most people think German Shepherds are tough, even scary, but you know better. Your German Shepherd is a big baby, especially when it comes to pooping outside in the rain, or hearing a clap of thunder outdoors.

5. German Shepherds hear everything.

6. They are great work out buddies!

German Shepherds can participate in almost any dog sport

9. They adore children.

Does Well In Different Weathers

German Shepherd Training For Special Force Tactical Training with James Brown…

Some dogs cant withstand certain weathers due to the thickness of their coats. German Shepherds have a double hair coat.

The topcoat is tough and abrasive to protect them. The undercoat is lighter in color and much softer.

These two coats help German Shepherds to cool off in summer while keeping their bodies warm in cold winters.

This makes them great if youre living in an area with strongly varying weather between seasons.

Read Also: How Big Is A German Shepherd At 6 Months

Grooming: Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot Are They Easy To Groom

About shedding….

I have good news and bad news.

The good news is that German Shepherds have only one shedding period a year.

The bad news is…. their shedding period lasts for 365 days. In other words, German Shepherds shed constantly.

How is this different from most breeds?

Most breeds shed a few hairs here and there throughout the year. But the vast bulk of their shedding occurs only twice a year for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and for three weeks in the fall as the summer coat switches over to a winter coat.

Not German Shepherds. They shed a TON during those spring and fall coat-switching seasons. Plus they shed moderately the rest of the year.

So year-round, you’ll find hair on your clothing, on your carpets, and under your refrigerator. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life.

You might be wondering, “How can a shorthaired dog shed so much?” The answer is that German Shepherds have a double coat. They have a short outer coat , plus a woolly undercoat . Breeds with a double coat always shed more than breeds who simply have an outer coat but no undercoat.

German Shepherds come in a long coat, as well as a short coat. Both coats shed heavily.

Now, about grooming….

How much grooming is required depends on whether a German Shepherd is shorthaired or longhaired.

Longhaired dogs need trimming

Along with brushing and combing, longhaired German Shepherds need trimming every few months.

German Shepherds And Barking

As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. If youre having problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist.

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German Shepherds Are Obedient And Easy To Train

German Shepherds have high intelligence, thus they can be trained for various purposes. German Shepherds are obedient, making them easier to train compared to other dog breeds. Not only do German Shepherd perform well in task training, obedience training wouldn’t be any problem for them as well. They will listen and obey to your commands.

What Color Combinations Do German Shepherds Come In

European German Shepherd

German Shepherds are usually black and red, black and tan, black and silver, or black and cream. You may find these color combinations in four unique patterns.

The first pattern is bicolor, where the dog is mostly black but for tan, red, or cream markings on the head, leg, and chest.

The second pattern is saddleback, in which the black color covers the back and sides of the dog like a saddle. The rest of the dogs body is usually cream, red, or tan, and you might find some black markings on the dogs head.

The third pattern is called blanketback, and it means that the black coloring extends a bit further down the shoulders and hips.

The last common color pattern is sable, which has the dog in an overall shade of golden color with black-tipped hair. This pattern is also available in gray and red.

Some German Shepherds are solid black, too, which is less common than the previous four instances.

Also Check: How To Train A 3 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy

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.

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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What Are The Traits Of A German Shepherd

The German Shepherd personality is aloof but not usually aggressive. Theyre reserved dogs; they dont make friends immediately, but once they do, theyre extremely loyal. With their family, theyre easy-going and approachable, but when threatened, they can be strong and protective, making them excellent watchdogs.

When A Man Decided To Play A Prank On His Dog And Hide When They Were On Their Daily Walk The Poor Little Guy Got Into Such A State About Where His Owner Had Got To

5 German Shepherd Facts|Things to Know Before Getting a German Shepherd||special about shepherds dog

Thankfully, after a few seconds of fretful searching, the dog discovers his owner hiding behind a tree, and he immediately relaxes again. The man captured the adorable moment on video, and we just had to share it with you.

The hilarious video was posted onto YouTube by Golden Mango, and it became instantly viral with over 30million views, as well as thousands of likes and comments. And after watching it for ourselves, we can certainly see what all the fuss was about.

As the dog turns to look ahead of him again, the man takes the opportunity to pull the perfect prank, and hides behind a nearby tree. He then waits to see what will happen when his dog notices.

A few seconds go by before the dog turns around again, and you can see that he is immediately surprised to see that his owner is no longer following him.

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Routine Care Diet And Exercise

Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine.

  • Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. This will keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldnt put in her mouth.
  • She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time.
  • German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
  • Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Dont worrywell show you how!
  • She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must.
  • She’s a large, smart dog with lots of energy, so keep her mind and body active, or she’ll get bored. That’s when the naughty stuff starts.
  • Naturally a bit wary, she’s distrustful of strangers; bond her to children early to trigger protective behaviors.
  • Keep your dogs diet consistent and dont give her people food.
  • Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.
  • Exercise your dog regularly, but dont overdo it at first.

German Shepherds In The Military

Military units the world over choose the German Shepherd Dog for its amazing ability to thrive in complex environments.;

German Shepherds are generally reserved for Specialized Search Dogs, which are a distinct class of dogs trained to work off-leash at long distances from their handler in order to detect explosives. They work by hand signals, and in the United States Marines can also receive instructions through radio receivers they wear on their backs to communicate with their handler.;

If youre wondering how intelligent are German Shepherds as a military dog, then consider these military facts about German Shepherds

According to an information sheet from the military working dog unit , two of the most common breeds in the military are the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois, which have the best overall combination of keen sense of smell, endurance, speed, strength, courage, intelligence, and adaptability to almost any climatic condition.;

German Shepherds are so highly intelligent they are still a top choice for protection work and have served in World Wars as one of the most popular dog breed choices for military duty.

Thus, the GSD is a chameleon capable of responding under high-stress expectations during times of war and other peace-keeping missions. This intelligent dog is a life-saver in times of battle and puts their life first before their handlers.

Recommended Reading: What Is A Good Companion Dog For A German Shepherd

Check For The Optimal Ingredients

While some dog owners may want to feed their dogs grain-free food, the biggest requirement in GSD food is finding kibble or wet food that has high protein concentrations for a large breed dog. This animal protein should come from identified meat sources, such as lamb meal, fish meal, or chicken meal, as you can find in Bully Maxs High-Performance Dog Food. The food should also contain plenty of rich fat, such as chicken fat.;

Other ingredients should also come from quality carbohydrates and whole food sources, such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, and whole grains. Omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids should also come from quality ingredients, including fish oil. Preservatives should be minimal to nonexistent, as many are bad for your dogs health. When theyre included, natural preservatives will serve your dog best. High-quality food like this will help your German shepherds digestive system and get them the nutrients and calories they need throughout their lives.

To gain a better understanding of how dog food meets those standards, look at the first ingredients. A quality source of protein should be listed at the top. You want to see types of meat and nutritious sources of fat content, minerals, and carbs that you recognize, as well.;

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