How Many Types Of German Shepherd Are There
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:
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.
What Is The Heaviest German Shepherd Ever
According to Oborge, the worlds largest German shepherd, as of September 2014, is named Duke, standing at almost 32 inches tall and weighing 131 pounds. Duke has a male offspring that is almost as large as him. Dukes owners claim that the dog became so large through a diet consisting primarily of spinach.
S Of Biggest German Shepherd In The World
The German Shepherd dog is one of the medium-big size kinds of dogs, not the biggest, so some of the people can be considered this a big dog such as in southeast Asian, they dont have Great Dane to see often but there are a lot of people having German Shepherd.
The German Shepherd in Asian is one of the favorite dogs after the Golden Retriever and Husky come after. We know that Great Dane is the biggest dog in the world. So, saying that German Shepherd is the biggest might be wrong, some are just for jokes. But, a German Shepherd is considered to be the smartest and loyal guard dog ever. That is nondebatable!.
Some of the people who have experience with German Shepherd know that this dog breed is special, with his ear pointing up and body posture always in high alert.
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How Big Can German Shepherd Dogs Get
Just how big can a GSD get?
That can depend on whether it is a purebred or mixed breed GSD.
While purebred GSDs will never grow to a truly giant size, a German Shepherd mixed with a giant breed can potentially inherit the giant parents size.
Some GSD breeders specialize in big purebred German Shepherds.
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Are Male German Shepherds Affectionate
Picking a Male German Shepherd for your Family. German Shepherds are one of the 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S. for a reason they are loyal, courageous and extremely intelligent. Females, on the other hand, are a bit more family oriented. They tend to protect their tribe and are often more affectionate.
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Looking For A Dog Like A German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of world’s most recognized and popular breeds. The breed is known as Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe. They are intelligent working dogs and their devotion, courage, and intelligence are unmatched.
German Shepherds are very strong and energetic. Their front legs and shoulders are muscular and their thighs are thick and sturdy. They are tall, about two feet and two inches, and their body structure is rectangular. German Shepherds are among the best police and military service dogs. They are also excellent herders, search and rescue dogs, and drug detectors. They are loyal and faithful companions.
These qualities make them popular. Some people, however, would like a dog like a German Shepherd but with various other traits, including:
- bigger and more powerful
- less hairy and doesn’t shed
- smaller in size and more suitable for apartment life
- lower maintenance in terms of physical exercise and suitable for an inexperienced owner
- less aggressive and good with strangers, kids, and other pets
- cool and calm, but bigger in size
- can handle freezing temperatures
- can handle warm weather
- longer or shorter life span
For these specific requirements, investigate other breeds that look like German Shepherds. Read on to find out the many breeds to consider and their specific qualities.
Why Breed Big German Shepherds
There are several reasons for breeding larger than normal German Shepherds.
Breeders of GSDs that will be trained for physically demanding tasks like search and rescue or military and police work can cultivate large size, muscular strength, endurance, and athleticism.
Are these big lugs good as family pets?
Many potential owners seek out GSDs for their protective nature.
Breed experts often say that males tend to be more protective of their home territory and females tend to be more protective of their human family.
Owners interested in training their dogs to guard their property and family might also be interested in larger German Shepherds, both male and female.
Besides working ability and protectiveness, many people are simply fans of bigger dogs, and the idea of a giant German Shepherd is very appealing.
How exactly do you get a larger German Shepherd? Lets look at how breeders select for larger than normal size.
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I Want A Puppy So Where Can I Find One
In the market for a King Shepherd puppy? Its is important that you know what to look for.
King Shepherd litters are usually between six and ten King Shepherd puppies. They sell in the USA for between $1500 and $2500. With this kind of investment, you want to make sure youre dealing with a reputable breeder as they sure dont come cheap!
Backyard breeders are people with one or two dogs who breed as a sideline. Their dogs may be well treated but not necessarily looked after medically.
On the other hand, puppy mill owners have one thing in mind making money at all costs.
They breed as many dogs as fast as they can and often under abysmal conditions. Inbreeding is rampant, and puppies often have genetic disorders.
The reputable breeders number one priority is the well-being of their animals.
The American Kennel Club has suggestions for puppy shopping
If youre cash short, you might consider a King Shepherd Rescue.
The countrys pounds and animal shelters bulge with abandoned but otherwise valuable dogs. They need forever homes. Why not check out the All Shepherd Rescue website.
Some of these rescue dogs may have abandonment issues. Some may have health problems due to lack of exercise, improper diet, or lack of medical care.
Dont be worried about what happened to these dogs before you stepped in and saved them. Its highly feasible to adopt an adult dog and give him a fresh start. You can turn his life around by offering him a forever home.
King Shepherd Nutrition And Health
We have learned that the King Shepherd also has an abundance of energy. Its also essential to feed a healthy, high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds. This ensures that the dog receives the correct nutrients in their correct proportions to meet all their energy needs.
This beautiful breed is also considered healthier than the German Shepherd due to careful, selective breeding. After all, it was one of the criteria that the founders wished to create.
Early screening by most breeders for conditions such as hip dysplasia has allowed this disease, and others, to be substantially reduced. Kings can live for 10-11 years.
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How Can I Identify The Breed Of My Dog
Browse Breeds. If you want to try to take a guess at your dogs breed yourself, try to browse some breeds to figure it out. Ask Your Vet. As you probably already know, your veterinarian is a doggy expert! Doggy DNA Tests. If you want to know your dogs exact genetic makeup, there are tests for that! Fetch! App.
What Are The Health Concerns To Be Aware Of With Large And Giant Dogs
Large and giant dogs not only have to carry around more weight, but their hearts and organs have to work harder, and the dog itself has to deal with genetic disorders and health conditions that are common to their breed.;
Giant German Shepherds may be more susceptible to the following health concerns:
Obesity if overfed, which can lead to a range of issues
Arthritis
You want to make sure they care about the dog and eventual owner, as opposed to breeding purely for the purpose of producing giant dogs for more money.
You might look for the following things when specifically looking for a Giant German Shepherd:
Evidence of tests and checks for Degenerative myelopathy
The dog has been Cardiac tested
OFA certification of hips and elbows, plus x rays of the hips
A guarantee on health and temperament of the dogs
Check whether the breeder states that size is secondary to the health and temper of the dog
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How Do I Know What Type Of German Shepherd I Have
Examining the Dogs Coat One of the most obvious ways to tell a German Shepherd from other dog breeds is by simply looking at its coat. When we think of the typical German Shepherd, we think of tan coloring with black facial and saddle markings. The coat is typically dense and short and lies close to the body.
What Is The Oldest German Shepherd On Record
Do not believe what you find on the internet for this information. Trusted databases with verified age and breed records are not commonly available to the public. You can find YouTube videos and forum posts of people saying their GSDs are alive at 20 or 24 years of age but these claims have not been independently verified by birth/pedigree records and veterinarians.
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Whats The Difference In Appearance
As we mentioned before, King Shepherd is larger and its also more rugged than the German Shepherd.
If you purchase a King shepherd, youll find that they come with one of two different types of coats the first is a straight coarse coat and the second is a wavy long-haired coat. On the other hand, the German Shepherds coat will either be long-haired, double or plush.
Since hes a hybrid German Shepherd, naturally, King Shepherd resembles his parent. But there are more appealing differences between them. The King Shepherd is more powerful.
Handsome is without a doubt the first word that comes to mind when you look at this beauty of a dog.
German Shepherds could be white, black, tan, grey, or have a sable saddle while King Shepherds can come in white and black colors and might also be a tan color with a hint of brown and black markings or they can be a grayish silver color with some hints of black on their coat.
Even as puppies King Shepherds are identifiable because of their thick ears and teddy-bear faces.
How Much Grooming Does This Beauty Need
If you dont have a lot of time or energy to devote to dog grooming, then the King Shepherd is not a good choice.
King Shepherds demand a fair amount of grooming. Brisk brushing not only improves your King Shepherds appearance, it increases blood circulation and makes him healthier.
The bonding that takes place during grooming is an excellent experience for both of you.
The King Shepherds coat is very weather resistant. While he needs frequent brushing, you should bathe him only when its necessary.
Daily vacuuming of shed and brushed hair and frequent mopping of paw prints is a reality but worth the effort in my mind.
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Which German Shepherd Is Best Single Coat Or Double Coat
This undercoat serves as an excellent insulating coat in winter, the undercoat which we call a Guard Coat is thicker and stronger. This, coupled with the second coat, makes the double-coated dog well suited for all types of weather. Single coated dogs, on the other hand, only have an outer, protective coat.
German Shepherds Are One Of The Smartest Dog Breeds
Its not a coincidence that German Shepherds are one of the top obedience competitors. They are considered the third most intelligent dog breed after the Border Collie and the Poodle. A study by canine psychologist Dr Stanley Coren showed that German Shepherds can learn a new behaviour in under five repetitions and will obey a first command 95% of the time. This makes them great to train as it wont take long to teach this dog new tricks! A classic German Shepherd fact.
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West Working Line German Shepherds
- The West Working Line German Shepherds have a very stable temperament and got stunning looks. These GSDs have strong drives, excellent working ability, calmer attitude and perfect colors.
- The West Working Lines GSDs have different colors like sable, black, bi-color, and black and tan. The back of West Working Line German Shepherds is bit more sloping than the East Working Line DDR German Shepherds.
- These GSDs could counter more health issues than the East Working Line GSDs.
- West Working Line GSDs often excel at different sports and jobs such as search and rescue operations or guarding protection.
- Though the West Working Line GSDs have a very strong desire, but they have such a cool temperament that they know when to become aggressive and when to sit calm. This fantastic trait make them ideal German Shepherd breed for an enthusiastic family.
What Size Is A Normal German Shepherd
We cant start talking about Giant German Shepherds without first having something to compare them against.
The average German Shepherd will differ in size slightly depending on the bloodline, but in general they tend to be around the following dimensions and size:
Males average 60-65 cms in height, and 30-40 kg in weight.
Females average 55-60 cms in height, and 22-32 kg in weight.
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How Much Does A Giant German Shepherd Cost Puppy Prices And Expenses
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Giant German Shepherd puppies price ranges from $800 to $2,500. King Shepherds are quite more expensive than Shiloh Shepherds.
The price range for Shiloh Shepherd puppies is only $800 to $1,000 while the King Shepherd puppies cost from $1,200 to $2,500.
But wait, theres more! After purchasing your puppy, you still need to cash out money for its initial medical needs like neutering, deworming, and blood tests which will cost you a rough estimate of $300.
Dog essentials like bedding, collar, bowl, and toys will cost you around $200. Training, license, annual medical needs, and other miscellaneous expenses will cost you not less than $600.
With all these being said, if you plan to own a Giant German Shepherd, then ready your pockets and wallet.
What Is The Difference Between Straight Backed German Shepherd
German Shepherd no slope backs and straight backs are from the working line. Most GSDs from the show line are sloped backs. According to some breeders and some GSD clubs, having sloped backs and angulated hind legs will give GSDs more force in their gait, allowing them to function better than straight backs.
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Giant German Shepherd Appearance: What Does The Giant German Shepherd Look Like
Generally, Giant German Shepherds resemble the appearance of a German Shepherd Dog. The only significant differences of Giant German Shepherds to their ancestor other than their size could be seen with their coat and personality or behavior.
Here are the descriptions of the appearances of the Giant German Shepherd breeds: King Shepherd and Shiloh Shepherd.
Which Type Of German Shepherd Is Right For You
Ask yourself this
Your answer lies where the two needs meet
Next, you need to find a breeder that understands their lines and breeding programs.;
You don’t want someone who breeds for the sake of breeding.
All lines have some issues, and thats true for any other breed of dog too.
But if you know exactly what you want, go to the right breeder and let them know, you will get the right German Shepherd breed type for your family.
Hello there I need some help with a lot of thing since this is going to be my first ever pup!!! and to show my mum I can show responsibility and commitment I would need i little helpI want a pup who can be my protector, my best mate, a shoulder to cry on and a workout buddy
I hope Ive well written this. if you need anymore information I would be happy to answer.
And I would 10/10 recommend to a friend/family/random people on the street.
Thanks for helping me learn more about German Shepherd breeds. Its interesting to learn that the DDR working lines will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Maybe it could be good to learn what other owners have done to really ensure that this breed of German Shepherd remains happy.
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History Of The German Shepherd Dog Breed
The German Shepherd Dog is the officially recognized name for this purebred breed. The two distinct types we mentioned in the introduction are defined by the length of their coat; either medium or long. Both types have a double layered coat, a softer and thicker undercoat and a coarser outer layer of guard hair.
As their name suggests, the German Shepherd began in Germany. While there were different progenitor breeds, the first officially recognized dog was called Horand von Grafrath. In 1899 von Grafrath’s owner started the breed as the epitome of what a working dog should be and it is from this one dog that all modern German Shepherd dogs originate. There has been some discussion over the years whether this dog may have been part wolf.
The working origins of this breed are very important as the standardization was established to promote the dog’s ability. This was something which was becoming lost as industry and urbanization began to reduce the need for working dogs. Thus, the German Shepherd was created to ensure these traits were maintained. While many GSDs are now kept as companion animals, they are still one of the most widely used working dogs in many different areas. Shepherding is not as common a practice as when the breed was established, but use in law enforcement, security and rescue operations is widespread.