What Is The Personality Of A German Shepherd
German Shepherd Temperament and Personality Courageous, Fearless and Focused. The German Shepherd is known for its courage. Alert, Intelligent and Trainable. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed. Well-built, Strong and Energetic. German Shepherds are big dogs. Loyal and Protective. The German Shepherd Temperament with Children 7 Tips for Success.
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Where Do German Shepherds Come From
German Shepherd/OriginAs the name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany in the late 1800s. The most intelligent, responsive and obedient local shepherd dogs in Germany were bred to create what is now known as the German Shepherd. This breed was responsible for herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators.
Breed History: Where Did German Shepherds Come From the-dog-blog posts breed-hi
Where Did The Australian Shepherd Come From
To find the Australian Shepherds earliest roots, we go first to the white-washed adobe missions established by the Conquistadors, who arrived in the New World in the 1500s. Needing meat to supply their soldiers and clergy, the Spaniards imported their hardy native Churras sheep, as well as herding dogs to tend them. Some early accounts describe a wolf-like dog, much larger than the modern Australian Shepherd, yellowish or black and tan in color, and more a guardian than a herder.
For a better ancestral fit, we can look to the progenitors of the Carea Leonés, a smaller, energetic sheepdog from the León region of northwestern Spain, which herded the Churras sheep alongside the Spanish Mastiffs that guarded them. Careas have merle coats that can be of medium length, and can have blue eyes. Though there is no evidence that Careas-like dogs were brought to the Americas with the Conquistadors, their similarity to the Aussie is nonetheless intriguing.
Regardless of their provenance, as the centuries slogged on, these Spanish-derived herders procreated apace, creating a kind of generic sheepdog that populated New Mexico, California, and beyond.
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German Shepherds Origin Of The Name
This breeds original name is Deutscher Schäferhund in its original German language. They have been named by Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz, a former cavalry officer and a student of the Berlin Vet College who was a member of the Phylax Society whose idea was that dogs should be exclusively bred for working purposes.
Von Stephanitz was a dog breeder that was credited to have developed the German Shepherd dog breed as we know it today.
The name Deutscher Schäferhund translates to “German Shepherd Dog“. The breed was named like this because of their original purpose of helping shepherds in herding and guarding sheep and other cattle. At this point, all shepherd and herding dogs originated in Germany were called by the same name to differentiate them, this breed became known as Altdeutsche Schäferhunde or Old German herding dogs.
Eventually, the part of the name “wolf dog” was removed, after several pleas and efforts by breeders who were worried that popularizing the wolf-dog name would mean that this breed is a wolf-dog hybrid and again, would harm this breed’s popularity and will even question the legality of owning this breed.
How Old Is A German Shepherd In Dog Years
Between 12 months of age and 24 months of age, each month is equivalent to 0.75 human years. So, an 18 month-old German Shepherd dog is about as mature as a 20 year-old adult, and a 24 month-old GSD is as mature as a 24 year-old adult.
Across the pond, the British responded in kind, renaming the breed the Alsatian. But in the aftermath of the war, the Shepherds reputation as a war dog spread, and canine film stars such as Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart war veterans both ensured a skyrocketing popularity worldwide.
Horand was not a one-off: He had been very deliberately bred by Friedrich Sparwasser in Frankfort, who focused on fixing the upright ears and wolf-like body style that so many fanciers admired.
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Nailing Down The Truth
Dogs nails are always growing. If they walk on pavement or gravel often, their nails may get ground down from those surfaces. German Shepherds nails are usually black, so it is difficult to clip their nails without hitting the nerve.
The goal is to cut the nails down without hitting the nerve in the nail. Nails that are too long can make your dogs foot align incorrectly when they walk.
This can lead to foot and joint issues later on. When clipping their nails, high praise in a calm environment will give you the best results for them to get through it in the most positive way.
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Consider Your Dogs Fears
As a dog owner, you must be responsible enough to consider your dogs fears. Some dogs are scared of water, and should your German Shepherd be one of those dogs, do be patient. Again, training your German Shepherd to swim is a long process that will require you to keep your cool, especially when it comes to fearful dogs.
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The Dangers Of Salt Water
Although they can swim in saltwater, keep in mind that this breed usually swallows some of the water they swim in, so its best to limit saltwater swim sessions.
Try to limit lengthy water exposure to clean fresh water.
Saltwater ingestion can lead to vomiting and create dehydration. If the dog swims in open water in the ocean or sea, there are also strong currents and waves they need to navigate.
This water action can make swimming more challenging and may get them into trouble. Always watch German Shepherds while they swim in salt water and make sure to keep them out of rough seas.
Where Do Black German Shepherds Originate
The Black German Shepherd or Black Shepherd is not a separate breed. They are purebred German Shepherds with a solid black color.
Even the American Kennel Club recognizes and includes them in the German Shepherd breed standard.
This breeds history started in Germany, hence the name. They come from a line of different herding canines such as Berger Picard, with the goal to make them better working dogs.
In the 1900s, the German Shepherd arrived in the United States. The breed was gaining popularity, but it was cut short by the First World War. The term German became a taboo, so they were renamed to American Alsatian or Shepherd dog.
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The History Of German Shepherds
Its easy to see that the modern-day German Shepherd looks very similar to wolves, but were going to delve into the history of the German Shepherd to see what happened along the way to give them this appearance!
The first German Shepherd was developed in 1899 by a man named Max von Stephanitz, who was attending a dog show in his native Germany and was shown a dog that was believed to be a one-quarter wolf and was the product of few generations of selective breeding.
Von Stephanitz had a strong belief that dogs should be bred for working, in particular, herding sheep. He also wanted to introduce a breed standard as he realized there were many different shepherd dogs in the country.
He was so impressed with the dogs intelligence, obedience, beauty, and strength that he bought and renamed him Horand von Grafrath.
It is said that he was particularly fond of this dog due to his wolf-like appearance.
Von Stephanitz immediately founded the Society for German Shepherd Dogs, and Horand von Grafrath became known as the first GSD to be added to the societys breed records. He was subsequently referred to as the father of German Shepherds.
Horand was then bred with dogs belonging to other society members that also displayed many desirable traits.
At the time, this new breeds ancestry appears to be a little difficult to track, and there is some debate. There was very little data recorded, but heres what we do know about the first German Shepherd:
That Look Like Wolves
German Shepherds And Children
Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children.
Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds can be nervous of strangers so make sure theyre never left unsupervised. Be careful if you are introducing a German Shepherd to younger children or adults unfamiliar with the breed as they often dont know their own strength.
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History Of German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is considered as one of the most elegant and noble breed of dogs. With its high pointing ears and shiny coats, the strong and agile appearance of these dogs are only preceded by their intelligence. These dogs learn quickly and will never forget what was taught to them. Because they are hardworking and active, German Shepherds are also praised for their capability to do work. But just where did this breed come from? And how did this breed attain the reputation that it has now?
History
During the mid-1800s, a group of dog breeders called the Phylax Society was formed in order to foster a local breed of dogs for the German nation. This group conducted discussions and experiments by mixing different breeds, hoping to arrive with an offspring that had the advantages of its parents. Unfortunately, the group did not last long and in 1894, the group disbanded. Though the Phylax Society was not successful for the creation of the current German Shepherds, the studies it conducted was able to give way for its creation.
Name change
After the second world war, the name of the breed was changed for certain reasons. From the German Shepherd it became the Alsatian wolf dog which was named after the German-French border Alsace-Lorraine. But in 1977, the original name of the breed was returned and is currently used in most countries.
How To Spot A Black Shepherd
If you ever came face to face with a Black Shepherd, your initial instinct might be to run away since they look like a wolf. Dont fret theres more to love than to fear from this canines majestic features.
The Black German Shepherd has a chiseled face and long muzzle. Perched on their rounded forehead are their semi-pointed and erect ears.
Some German Shepherds aged 16- to 20-weeks old have floppy ears. But once the cartilage hardens, their ear will become stiff and upright.
These dogs have dark almond-shaped eyes which match their black nose.
They have a muscular body with sturdy and thick legs. The Black German Shepherd has a straight back which ends with a bushy tail. Sometimes they tend to have a straighter back than the regular one.
The Black Shepherd has a medium-length double coat a dense and straight outer layer with a soft undercoat.
These dogs may get long hair, which is a bit wavy and fluffy. Usually, they have a longer or straighter coat than the standard German Shepherd.
But no matter the length of their coat, this canine has one primary color, black.
For a German Shepherd to become black, both of his parents must have a recessive gene for a black coat. A more sure way of producing this rare canine is breeding two Black Shepherds.
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Can You Bathe A 3 Week Old Puppy
Do not yet submerge your three-week-old puppy in water. He will be ready for a bath in another week or two, but only if truly necessary even then. If your puppys mother is around still, she is the best way to get your pup clean. You will need to keep him warm before, during, and after any cleaning you do.
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Tips To Introduce Your Dog To Water
There are lots of different approaches you can take to safely introduce your German Shepherd to water and swimming.
Be Patient: not all dogs have an affinity to water. For some, new situations are scary. You must never force your dog into water. Allow them to approach and check it out on their own. It may take several attempts before they are comfortable enough to get their paws wet.
Get In With Them: our dogs look to us to lead and take control of new situations. If your dog sees you calmly getting into the water, it shows your dog that the water is safe and nothing to be afraid of.
Start Small: it is unrealistic to expect your dog to jump straight into a lake the first time they see water. Try setting up a small doggy pool or kiddie pool in your yard. With the water only deep enough to cover their feet, it is much less intimidating than a deep swimming pool.
Lots of Praise: verbal praise and encouragement will really help to relax your dog and make them more comfortable with getting into the water. Praise them just for stepping close to it, even if they dont get in. the more positive experiences they have, the easier it will be to get them used to the water.
Swimming Lessons: yes, you read that right. Dogs can take swimming lessons! There are lots of facilities that offer swimming lessons for dogs, as well as hydrotherapy sessions. You can also search for outdoor dog pools. Some facilities offer doggy pool parties for friendly dogs!
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Groom And Bathe Your German Shepherd 3
So, I already went over that your German Shepherd will blow his coat twice a year once in the fall, once in the spring. Though you cant stop the fur clumps from eventually coming out, you can help to get rid of more of it at once by bathing and grooming him during these periods.
Rather than allowing his undercoat to gradually fall out as the two-week blowing period progresses, you can loosen up any remaining fur and get rid of it at bathing time.
Never over-bathe as this strips your German Shepherds natural oils causing dry skin which then causes further shedding.
There are also specific de-shedding dog shampoos and conditioners you can get to release the undercoat during the bath. You can even find ones enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, such as the FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo that help reduce shedding from Amazon, and Ill cover the benefits of these at number 7 below.
When Did German Shepherds Become A Working Breed
At the turn of the 20 th Century, when Von Stephanitz began trying to standardize Germanys many flavors of herding dogs, the craze for identifiable breeds was cresting. But for centuries before, the prevailing philosophy had been, simply: Beauty is as beauty does. A good sheepdog was a good sheepdog, no matter how it looked.
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Skeletal Health And Supplementation
Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Some breeds like the German shepherd, are predisposed to a variety of different skeletal disorders, including but not limited to: canine hip dysplasia, Cauda equina syndrome, and osteoarthritis. These conditions can be a result of poor breeding or induced by intense exercise and poor diet.
Canine hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation, lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. German shepherds are genetically predisposed to CHD and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Germany found its prevalence estimated to be approximately 35% of veterinary cases associated with the disorder.
Osteoarthritis is one of the main contributors of musculoskeletal pain and disabilities that commonly affect German shepherds. Mechanical stress, oxidative damage and inflammatory mediators combine to induce the gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage in the joint, resulting in reduced muscle mass, pain, and locomotion.
Vitamins such as A and D also have crucial roles in bone development and maintenance by regulating bone and calcium metabolism. Adequate levels should be incorporated into a German shepherd diet to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system.
How Many Types Of German Shepherd Dogs Are There
These cute yet ferocious little bodyguards are categorized into two breeding types, the working line and Show Line. You would be surprised to know that there are 5 different types of show line German Shepherd dogs that you can find. The most popular distinction that separates them among their different types is the color of their coats.
German Shepherd is also sometimes differentiated by the length of their hair and coat, but that is generally done only for purebred German Shepherds. Apart from being characterized based on their looks, they are also differentiated based on their personality and health, which is known as working lines.
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What Were German Shepherds Called During Ww2
Alsatian Wolf DogBecause of this, the name of the breed was changed to the Alsatian. Later, after World War II, the name was changed again to the Alsatian Wolf Dog, to remove the Hitler Germany connection. Bonus fact: These dogs were first introduced to America in 1906 and quickly became very popular.
Having Your Own German Shepherd
All German Shepherds are not purebred. German Shepherd price depends greatly on the breed. To ensure a good breed, it is always best to buy a German Shepherd puppy from a well-known or authentic breeder. Purebred, show-grade German Shepherds can cost anywhere from $1500-$5000. Local breeders often sell purebred German Shepherd pups for $500-$2000. Rescue German Shepherds or one from an animal shelter may come for free or less than $500.
Knowing basic German Shepherd facts and information helps in taking informed decision before bringing home a German Shepherd puppy. German Shepherds need good care and regular grooming. Their medium length hair needs to be brushed every day, the dogs also need nail trimming and a bath at least once a month or two. They may cost anywhere from $50-$200. Training a German shepherd is easy. If they are not intended for shows, farm or family dogs can be trained at home. But for specific behavior training or show-level skills may need professional help. Training prices differ depending on various factors like group training, individual training, daily obedience classes, advanced classes, and may cost as little as $125 to a whopping $10,000.
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