Where Do German Shepherds Live

Never Leave Your Dog Outside Unattended For Long Periods

Even if your German Shepherd is considered an outside dog, you should still not leave them unattended for long periods. They need to be given time to roam outside of the shelter, to be around humans, to go for a walk, to potty, and to play.

Leaving any dog in an outside shelter for long periods without checking on them is unacceptable!

Breed History: Where Did German Shepherds Come From

As 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. They were not considered pets or companions, but rather servants for farmers. Their intelligence, speed, strength and keen sense of smell, made them the perfect choice as sheep herders. Although German Shepherds were considered strictly workers, rather then household pets, farmers did provide food, protection and shelter to the breed.

Due to the breeds reputation for being couragous and easy-to-train, German Shepherds were welcomed as police dogs and sight dogs for the blind. Their superb sense of smell and couragous character made the German Shepherd an ideal police dog. Their faithful observance to what is going on around them, along with their patience, landed them the role as leader to the blind.

These outstanding qualities and characteristics make the German Shepherd a wonderful domestic companion, protector and friend. The breed is reserved with strangers at first, but warms up quickly. This characteristic makes them excellent watch dogs, especially for children. Its good to socialize them when they are young and to take them on long walks or runs all throughout their life.

Learn about every breed here.

German Shepherd Breed Description

German Shepherds are a popular breed, consistently ranking in the No.2 spot of AKCs Most Popular Breeds since 2014.

Their origin dates back to 1899 where German Shepherds were originally herding dogs.

Now you may find them working with police officers on bomb and drug units, as well as first responders for search and rescue.

Size & Color

German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs. Males are typically taller and larger than females, so their weight can vary between 50 and 70 pounds.

If your apartment complex has a weight limit or does not allow large breeds, your German Shepherd may not fit the required weight limit.

Most German Shepherds have a tan coat with pockets of black fur along their back and face.

Their muzzle, specifically, is usually black or dark brown and a common trait for the breed.

You may also see German Shepherds that are all black or black with sable coloring. They have a double coat with either medium or long hair.

Character

If youre looking for an intelligent breed, German Shepherds are among the smartest dogs around.

Its possible to train your German Shepherd for obedience and agility tricks by repeating instructions just a few times.

German Shepherds seem to like learning new things and then putting their new skills to the test.

German Shepherds are also very loyal dogs. When combined with their intelligence, they have a natural protective instinct that makes for an excellent watchdog.

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Maintain A Schedule Of Regular Exercise

German Shepherds are bred to be active dogs, so they need plenty of exercise. As an owner, you should plan on including at least one hour of exercise for your dog every day. That could include walking, jogging, hiking, or playing with toys. Shepherds can be great dogs for accompanying runners or for use as working dogs. They need this regular activity to stay healthy.

What To Feed A German Shepherd

German Shepherds are considered the all-purpose working dog. They require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs. These diets are usually labeled puppy, adult, or senior. Any dog food that is labeled for all life stages should only be used for puppies, as they are not usually formulated for older dogs.

It is highly recommended that all dogs eat an Association of American Feed Control Officials -approved diet, which ensures that the ingredients meet established standards. Basic vitamins and mineral supplements are not needed if your dogs food is AAFCO-approved.

Offering table food and animal bones should be avoided, as they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, and they also have a much higher fat content than dog food. High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis.

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The Science Behind Why Large Dogs Die Younger

In nature, large animals typically live longer than smaller animals of other species. When left to their own devices without human intervention, horses live longer than mice, and mice live longer than a fly.

But dogs are unique. Even though most larger animals within the same family live longer than their smaller counterparts, small dogs average a longer lifespan than big dogs.

Evolutionary biologists have been wracking their brains for years about why this could be. One of the most popular theories is that large dogs die younger because they age faster than small dogs.

Another potential piece of the puzzle is that bigger dogs tend to be more active than younger dogs. They often accompany their owners on hikes where they have a higher chance of injury than a small dog that spends much of its life curled up on its owners lap on the couch.

Apartments Are Not Appropriate For German Shepherd Huskies

Several factors are problematic when attempting to combine apartment living and a Husky mix.

Your Shepherd Husky mix will not be a giant dog but probably too large for the confined space of most apartments and condos.

More challenging than space, however, is your dogs energy level. Shepskies require a lot of exercise and have an intensity that can make them anxious when confined.

You may be thinking, Well, my apartment is big enough, or I will just take the dog out for walks multiple times a day. Even if you successfully adapt your pet to city dwelling, will your community be welcoming?

Many property owners and insurance underwriters view Siberian Huskies as destructive and aggressive. Also, many people fear Huskies, viewing them as threatening to cats, small dogs, and even children.

Insurance companies who employ breed blacklisting policies have been recently added the Siberian Husky to the list.

German Shepherds are finding themselves on more Dangerous Dogs lists because of poor breeding or negligent socialization but also due to their long standing guard dog status.

Potential restrictions on where you can live with your Shepsky will always be present, and usually dont distinguish between mixed breeds and purebreds.

If they ban German Shepherds, for example, any dog with more than a certain percentage of that breed will be prohibited, face higher security deposits, among other measures. You could end up facing a double penalty with a GSD Husky mix.

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Make Sure Your German Shepherd Dog Is A Good Fit For You

Before you bring a German Shepherd Dog into your home, its important to do your research and make sure they are a good fit for your family. German Shepherds are large, active dogs that need plenty of space and exercise. They also need to be with a family that is prepared to handle their high energy level and train them properly.

Also, its important to adopt the right type of German Shepherd, as some of their dog breeds, also known as bloodlines, make good family dogs, while others are more suited to police and military work.

Its best to talk to a breeder like Regis Regal to find out what type of German Shepherd will work the best in your situation because, sadly, another large factor that can strongly impact a dogs life is being raised in a loving forever home versus being given away to a shelter.

If you take good care of your German Shepherd throughout its lifetime, you can expect to enjoy many happy years with your furry friend. So, while we cant make them live forever, there are things we can do to help increase our time with them. And thats really all we can ask for.

A Dog By Any Other Name

German Shepherds Dogs are a loyal breed of working dog that originally came from Germany in 1899. In German, they are called Deutscher Schäferhund, pronounced fhnt. In England and Ireland, theyve always been known as Alsatians.

The German Shepherd is also identified through a number of other names, including:

German Shepherds are medium to large-sized and even-tempered. Their temperament traits include being alert, confident, courageous, curious, intelligent, loyal, obedient, and watchful. Theyre very protective when it comes to their family members.

Many people feel that male German Shepherds are easier to train and more affectionate. Females tend to be more protective of their owners and their puppies. They are also considered a bit more aggressive but they do tolerate strangers and children much more easily than males.

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What Dog Is Closest To A Wolf

Afghan Hound. Alaskan Malamute. Siberian Husky. Shih Tzu. Pekingese. Lhasa Apso. Shiba Inu. This Japanese breed may be small, but it is also very similar to the ancient wolf ancestors. Chow Chow. The Chow Chow is very similar looking to the wild ancestors of wolves.

How Does A German Shepherd Adapt To Its Environment

German Shepherds can adapt to almost any space as long as they are well exercised. However, due to their physical size and amount of shedding, a house with a yard for convenient exercise would be ideal.

What two dogs make a German Shepherd?

The breed was actually created by the cross breeding of working sheep dogs from rural Germany by an ex cavalry officer called Max von Stephanitz whose aim was to create a working dog for herding which could trot for long periods.

Can German shepherds live in the wild?

Whether any individual German Shepherd can survive in the wild will vary between each individual dog. German Shepherds who have confident personalities with higher prey drives can survive in the wild more successfully.

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How Smart Are German Shepherds

And while German Shepherds do look intimidating, owners may wonder if they were chosen due to high dog intelligence. German Shepherds are some of the smartest dogs in the world. In fact, theyre the 3rd smartest dog breed for obedience and work intelligence, according to canine psychologist Stanley Coren.

Saving Money On German Shepherd Care

There are many ways that you can save money while taking care of your German Shepherd. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd.

Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Remember: select essentials that are durable and long lasting so that you dont have to keep buying your dog items over and over again.

Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. Purchase adult sized items so that you dont have to purchase more than one item.

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Give Them Plenty Of Exercise

Exercise is a great way to give your dog a long healthy life while at the same time keeping their mind active and on point.

Your German Shepherd should get at least two hours of exercise daily to maintain optimum health and longevity. This is according to the American Kennel Club. German Shepherds are very active dogs with plenty of energy that needs to be expelled. As your shepherd ages they are at an increased risk for hind leg weakness, regular exercise helps to keep their legs strong and prevent muscle atrophy.

Walking your dog every day will help to increase the life expectancy of your dog as well as yourself. According to the American Heart Association, health benefits rise the more people walk. This is a great way to benefit you and your German Shepherd.

How To Keep German Shepherds Stimulated That Live In Small Spaces

The biggest problem for keeping a German Shepherd in a small home or apartment is stimulation, whether physical or mental. There is no doubt, you will have to do extra work to make it work. Luckily, I have some new ideas for you to try

To keep German Shepherds stimulated that live in small spaces or apartments, there are other useful events such as barn hunts and Schutzhundthat are gaining in popularity. These allow your dog to explore more of the outdoors after being indoors for a while and are great for both mental and physical stimulation.

Barn hunts are an organized sport that utilizes a dogs natural abilities and turns them into a fun game. First, a maze and obstacle course is built out of hay bales. Aerated tubes are hidden through the maze, and pet rats are placed in the tubes. By all accounts, the rats are safe from the dogs, and the aim is for the dogs to find the rats.

There are timed events with different divisions, and even special needs dogs can often find an event to compete in. This is a wonderful activity that will stimulate your German Shepherd, no matter how little space he lives in. The Barn Hunt Association has details of upcoming events and states the following:

Barn Hunt provides their first true opportunity for responsible breeders to test proper working traits in their dogs. Barn Hunt is also open to any dog of any breed or mix who wishes to play the game and can fit through an 18 wide by bale-height tall tunnel.

The Barn Hunt Association

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Foods To Avoid Giving Your German Shepherd

When researching healthy diets for your German Shepherd, it is essential to be aware of foods that are unsafe for them to avoid. While fruits and vegetables can be a great way to reward your GSD for good behavior, some examples are toxic to dogs.

Be sure to avoid cherries, grapes, raisins, chocolate, avocados, onions, garlic, dairy products, caffeine, and macadamia nuts. This is just a shortlist of examples, so we highly recommend seeking reliable information from professionals.

There are treats available on the market that can be unhealthy and unsafe for your GSD to consume. Products like bones, rawhide chews, and treats with high sodium content are not recommended to give your pet, as they can be damaging to your pets dental and overall health.

Reach out to your nearest veterinary professional for safer alternatives to these treats. Sweet potatoes can cause loose stool and vomiting in some dogs, so it is best to avoid any treats or food that have this ingredient if your pet has GI problems.

The grain-free diet has been a controversial subject in the veterinary medicine field, most veterinarians do not recommend this diet, as it has links to serious heart complications as pets age.

Weight gain is a common issue that most owners who feed their pets grain-free diets experience, which is not good for GSDs who are already struggling with any form of joint or health issues.

Final Thoughts On German Shepherd Lifespans

Its sad that the regal German Shepherd has such a short average lifespan due to greedy breeders who dont care about the health of the breed. Hopefully, the suggestions weve included here will help give you plenty of healthy years with your German Shepherd.

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Is Lifespan Important When Choosing A Dog Breed

When people consider a dog breed, you might think a short lifespan would be a deal-breaker. According to data compiled by Companion Animal Psychology, longevity is outweighed by other factors.

Potential dog owners may even overlook health and behavioral concerns of particular dog breeds in their quest to have a certain type of dog.

Dog owners worldwide recognize the health issues of the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and pug, to name a few. Despite this, these snub-nosed dwarf dogs are still super popular.

The German Shepherds health problems arent as drastic, but the breed suffers alarming problems from the increasing demand for a particular look.

What leads to the increasingly poor health and correspondingly shorter lives of some of the most common dog breeds?

Irresponsible breeding, commonly through line-breeding and inbreeding, has led to a dramatic rise in detrimental diseases that are passed from one generation to the next.

Inbreeding drastically shrinks the gene pool. Diseases are often recessive traits, only showing up if a puppy receives two copies of that one gene.

The probability of expressing recessive characteristics skyrockets as the number of genes decreases.

Of course, breeders never sought to create crippled dogs or to promote pets who always gasp for their next breath.

These issues are attached to some of the same genes that would produce roached backs or wide heads.

Do German Shepherd Mixes Have Problems

German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life.29-Jul-2020

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