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What Was The German Shepherd Breed For

Are Shepradors Good Family Dogs

Best of Breed Minute: The German Shepherd Dog

German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are both loyal, loving dogs, so its a safe bet that your German Shepherd Lab mix will take on the characteristics of both breeds. Its very important, though, to socialize your puppy properly very early on a dog the size of a Sheprador can be a menace if hes not raised to be calm, confident and friendly with people. Make sure that your puppy is exposed to as many different people as possible, as soon as possible. Effective socialization is a commitment that you absolutely must make and stick with.

Shepradors love spending time with their humans, and will be more than happy to play vigorously with your children, and then keep you company in the evenings when youre enjoying family time. Keep in mind, though, that youre dealing with a dog of considerable size that could easily knock over a toddler never leave your kids unsupervised when theyre playing with the dog.

This actually goes for any breed no child should be left alone with any dog, ever. Even small breeds can injure a child if the dog becomes frightened or accidentally injured during play, and even the sweetest, gentlest dog can bite if provoked.

Both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are good with children, provided that theyre properly socialized. Just make sure that your kids treat the dog with kindness and respect, and you should have no problems with a German Shepherd Lab mix.

Watch An Amazing German Shepherd Training For K

If you have never witnessed a professional dog trainer put a new German Shepherd K-9 training candidate through their paces, you are in for a jaw-dropping treat with this YouTube video clip.

This amazing video allows you to watch a German Shepherd flawlessly executing command after command in preparation to serve as a guarding and protection dog.

About The Breed: German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized working dog. Abbreviated as GSD, German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds they ranked in second place in both our 2019 analysis and 2022 analysis of the top 50 dog breeds in the world.

Originally bred to be herding dogs, the intelligence and agility of German Shepherds made them stand out and seen in many types of work today. Thanks to their strength, obedience, and trainability, German Shepherds make great working dogs as well as family pets.

In this edition of About The Breed, well look at the breed characteristics of the German Shepherd, examine the history of the breed, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

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German Shepherd Dogs In Competitive K

As the German Shepherd Rescue Elite explains, German Shepherds are quite simply incredible canine athletes.

These dogs have a tireless work ethic, naturally high energy levels, a strong and powerful body, and intelligence that places them in the top-10 tier of all dog breeds, according to Science Alert.

German Shepherds have everything a dog needs to create a superstar athlete, which has made the GSD a top choice for trainers who want to participate in canine athletic competitions.

German Shepherds can readily master a new command in as little as five tries and replicate it with perfect obedience at least 95 percent or greater.

They have an intensely strong need to please their people, which makes them ideal competitors.

German Shepherd canine sports range from Schutzhund to agility, obedience/rally to dock diving, scent and nose work to search and rescue, and much more. German Shepherds are also natural performers in the show ring.

In Germany, there is also a type of canine athletics called HGH that tests the skills of herding and livestock guarding and patrolling dogs.

Naturally, German Shepherd dogs excel in these competitions as well.

German Shepherds As Service Dogs

German Shepherd

Following the first World War, German Shepherds saw their first stint as service dogs. Specifically, they began being trained as seeing-eye dogs for war veterans.

They quickly picked up on the training and proved themselves to be excellent at the job. However, with the unpopularity of anything German at that period it took some time for their popularity to spread.

But once it did, they took off. Now, German Shepherds are one of the best options for service dogs of all kinds, ranging from therapy animals to seeing-eye dogs.

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Is The Sheprador A Breed

No, it is not it is simply a very pleasing cross. Will the Sheprador ever be recognized as a breed? From where Im sitting, I think its unlikely. The AKC has historically been unwilling to recognize crossbreeds, even when they become firmly entrenched. The Cockapoo, for instance, has been bred for decades, and in recent times some breeders have bred Cockapoo to Cockapoo for generations youd think this would lead to a breed in and of itself, but the AKC has stood firm in denying the Cockapoo breed status.

I can see the wisdom in this. After all, where might all this crossbreeding lead? If the AKC recognizes one crossbreed, and that crossbreed is repeatedly bred with another crossbreed, does the result of that breeding also have to be recognized? Of course, I freely admit to being a dog snob, but you see where Im going with this.Indiscriminate crossing simply leads to mutts, and I firmly believe that there is something to be said for maintaining breed purity.

Maintaining Integrity In The Face Of Adversity

In the 1930s, several prominent members of the Nazi party became actively involved in the German Shepherd Club in Germany. These members advocated a desire to produce dogs that were attractive in appearance. This philosophy was the antithesis of all that Max von Stephanitz had worked for, developing a dog known for his abilities rather than appearance. Max von Stephanitz staunchly maintained his position despite threats from the party,

The breeding of Shepherd dogs must be the breeding of working dogs, this must always be the aim, or we shall cease to produce working dogs.

However, Max von Stephanitz didnt manage to persuade anyone, so he, who had always advocated utility over beauty, eventually resigned from the club. A year later, he passed away.

Maintaining his devotion to the dogs he loved throughout his life while tirelessly working to achieve the goal of preserving the breed as a working dog, Von Stephanitz will always be admired for his achievement and dedication. One of the most often quoted statements of Max von Stephanitz could surely have been used as his epitaph:

Take this trouble for me: Make sure my shepherd dog remains a working dog, for I have struggled all my life long for that aim.

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Rottweiler Vs German Shepherd: Size

The Rottweiler tends to be slightly taller and heavier than the German Shepherd in size. Rottweilers have a more square and stocky build, with males measuring around 24-27in at shoulder height and females around 22-25in . Males weigh around 95-135lb and females around 80-100lb . Male German Shepherds measure around 24-26in at shoulder height and females around 22-24in . Males weigh around 65-90lb and females around 50-70lb . Their bodies are longer and more athletic.

How Many Different Types Of German Shepherds Are There

The 5 Types of German Shepherd And Their Characteristics/Amazing Dogs

Based on their appearance, coat color, and pattern there are five different types of German Shepherds. While the physical appearance varies from one type to the next, all are considered a part of the German Shepherd Dog breed.

While the breed standard recognizes only medium and longhaired German Shepherds the coat colors can be varied. However, certain color variations arent allowed to compete and some are considered faults and can affect the scoring.

Bear in mind that not all types of German Shepherd are accepted and recognized by major canine organizations. For example, the American Kennel Club and the World Canine Organization doesnt recognize White German Shepherds.

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Herding: Border Collies Vs German Shepherds

Border Collies are renowned as one of the best herding dogs, ever. However, the herding style of the BC is a lot different than that of the German Shepherd.

The Border Collie is a herder, driver and gatherer. Its what makes them the top sheep herding dog in the world. These dogs possess the instincts to gather flocks, but also the speed to chase them down if need be.

Border Collies are also crafty, as they have the agility and skills to get around large and small flocks, but also stalk them so they gather. They know exactly how put sheep in position with their movements around the flock.

The BC and the GSD work very differently because they are doing two different jobs, with different sheep and conditions.

Moobli

On the other hand, German Shepherds are what we call a Tender. That is, they keep these sheep flocks gathered in just one area, and only move them in an orderly manner. They do so by regulating the side of the flock.

Of course, German Shepherds are much bigger than most herding dogs. And while they are quick, they dont really have the same agility as the Border Collie or Aussie. They need to herd in this very specific way, though it works very well.

Its worth noting that this herding style is still being practiced in Germany today. And of course, the German Shepherds are the favorites for this particular type of herding.

History Of German Shepherd Breeding

German Shepherds or the German Shepherd Dog came into being as a breed in the late 1800s. Max von Stephanitz of Germany had an interest in the working dogs in his native Germany. Here they were selectively bred to have those qualities that could do the job of herding and protecting a flock from predation. At the time, there was a disagreement among dog enthusiasts about whether a dog should be judged on its looks or on its ability to work.

Max von Stephanitz began looking for a working dog that had it all. At a dog show in 1899, von Stephanitz finally came upon what he considered to be the perfect specimen. He purchased him and named him Horand von Grafrath . This dog was the first dog registered in von Stephanitzs new breed club, The Society of German Shepherds. Horand von Grafrath sired many puppies including Hector von Schwaben.

One direct descendant of Horand von Grafrath, Beowulf, was the sire of over eighty puppies. The first German Shepherd dogs were the result of many inbreedings from Horand and his offspring. Several have stated that wolf crosses were among the dogs bred into this early closed gene pool. However, recent genetic testing would belie immediate wolf ancestry. While German Shepherds may appear more wolf-like than some other breeds, they do not appear to have the DNA to match.

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How To Feed A German Shepherd

Although there is a genetic component, science shows that rapid long bone growth in puppies such as German Shepherds and other large- and giant-breed dogs contributes to development of joint and bone conditions.

Rapid bone growth is suspected to be caused by overfeeding and calcium supplementation. German Shepherds that are fed free-choice or overfed are at higher risk of rapid bone growth. Its recommended that large- and giant-breed dogs be switched from puppy to adult food when they are 12 to 18 months old, respectively.

Its important to consult with your dogs veterinarian to calculate the proper amount of food to feed. Maintaining lean body weight will also help to decrease the rate of bone growth. Calcium supplements and adult dog foods rich in calcium should never be given to German Shepherd puppies under 6 months of age, as they cannot absorb calcium appropriately when they are that young.

Conditions caused by rapid long bone growth and excess calcium supplementation can include:

Tips For Purchasing A Dog:

Different Types German Shepherd Breeds
  • Ask sellers to provide an ID and take note of their contact details. You will also need to provide the same & a proof of address to transfer the microchip to your name.
  • Note microchip IDs posted here and check the microchip certificates when you visit to make sure they match and the sellers details are on the certificate too.
  • Do not purchase a dog without seeing a microchip certificate. It is illegal to sell a dog without a microchip that’s fully registered .
  • See puppies in their home environment.
  • Do not purchase a dog from a seller in a parking lot or other business location.
  • Ask sellers about the vet who has taken care of the dogs. Ask for the dog’s vaccination certificate.
  • Use our contract template www.dogs.ie/contract/ or another as a basis for a written contract & ask for a written receipt.
  • It’s best not to bring young kids to first meetings, to avoid disappointment in the case you decide not to buy a dog.
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    How Much To Feed A German Shepherd

    In general, puppies should be fed 34 times per day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. How much you feed is determined by the specific food your German Shepherd eats.

    You can ask your veterinarian, follow the package instructions, or contact the dog food manufacturer, as AAFCO-approved diets have veterinary nutritionists who help determine these requirements.

    There are some theories that German Shepherds that are fed smaller, more frequent meals have a lower incidence of bloat and stomach problems.

    German Shepherd Vs Labrador Retriever Vs Otterhound Health Comparison

    Health IssuesGerman Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Otterhound health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Otterhound? German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. Otterhounds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.

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    German Shepherd Breed Based On What They Are Bred For

    The German shepherd is characterized by what he would be bred for. There are two distinct types based on body type.

    German Shepherd Show line Dog breed

    Show line GSD has a sloping body. They are typically calmer and relatively larger than working GSDs. They are bred to participate in dog shows.

    German Shepherd working line Dog breed

    German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs. They are most typically used as Police or military dog. GSD was originally bred to be used as a shepherd dog to drive and protect the flock from predators. Working GSD is relatively smaller and has more energy.

    German Shepherd Personality And Temperament

    How to Check Pure German Shepherd Dog Breed | Dogmal

    German Shepherds were initially bred to be herding and guard dogs. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets.

    German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies.

    Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation.

    A German Shepherds temperament can also be genetic in nature. The American Temperament Test Society and the German Shepherd Dog Club of America will issue a TT certificate after temperament testing. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased.

    Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible.

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    Inbreeding And Line Breeding

    People knowledgeable in animal husbandry understand that breeding like to like is the only way to establish consistent results when raising any type of animal. Every distinct species in existence owes its heritage to the concentration of its genes through either inbreeding or line breeding.

    Although frowned upon in some circles, inbreeding is the fastest way to concentrate genes. This method implies pairing close relatives such as brothers to sisters, fathers to daughters, mothers to sons, etc.

    Linebreeding is the pairing of less direct crosses, such as fathers to granddaughters or mothers to grandsons. The practice is still called line breeding even when the pairing is used for more distant relatives that are several generations removed.

    Linebreeding and inbreeding, when practiced carefully and with purpose, have the potential to produce spectacular results in the development of sought-after traits. Both inbreeding and close line breeding methods have their disadvantages as well. They are shunned by many breeders of all types of animals because along with a concentration of the good traits comes a concentration of the faults as well. It is to the credit of von Stephanitz that he understood which animals to select to continue the bloodline and which ones to cull without sentiment due to inferior qualities.

    German Shepherds As Film Stars

    Thats right, more than one German Shepherd has made an appearance in a live-action film. No GSD is as famous as Rin Tin Tin from the 1920s. He frequently appeared in major movies, which boosted the overall popularity of these dogs.

    Their personable temperaments and quick learning make them ideal for acting in films. Well, not acting exactly, but they can perform what they are trained to do flawlessly.

    Though others breeds might have the major roles in films like Air Bud and Beethoven, the German Shepherd has made tons of supporting role appearances in big budget films, such as I Am Legend alongside Will Smith.

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