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German Shepherds are famous for their intelligent, loyal, and hardworking natures. They are often used as guide, therapy, search-and-rescue, police, military, and narcotics and explosives detecting dogs. While they can come across as aloof to strangers, they are known to be wonderful family dogs.
As the name suggests, these dogs were originally bred in Germany as shepherd dogs. Max von Stephanitz was the first official breeder of German Shepherds. He was a Captain in the German Calvary who was looking to create a breed that would be an unsurpassed herding dog.
With their pointed ears, bushy tails, and long snouts, German Shepherds have a look that’s easy to recognize.
These dogs are long and can measure around 22 to 26 inches in length. On average, they weigh about 75 to 95 pounds. They also have strong upper bodies and an elegant stride.
German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick undercoat and a dense outer coat that can be straight or a little wavy. Their coats are medium to long, although longer hair is less common since it is passed on through a recessive gene. The outer coat sheds year-round and requires regular brushing.
They’re probably best known for being black and tan, all white, or all black. However, they can have other colorings, including black and red, black and silver, gray, blue, and liver.
Dogs have unique personalities that depend more on their lifestyle and environment than their breed. German Shepherd personality traits that they are famous for include being highly intelligent, loyal, courageous, and protective. Knowing this, it’s not surprising that they’re used for all sorts of jobs, from search-and-rescue missions to guiding the blind.
They’re also known as loving, affectionate, and kid-friendly dogs that make great family pets. While they can be suspicious of strangers at first and may come across as reserved and aloof, they are typically very caring and devoted dogs once you get to know them.
From playing the famous role of Rin Tin Tin to changes in the breed’s name, there are quite a few fun facts about German Shepherds, like these:
No doubt—German Shepherds have a rich and fascinating history.
German Shepherds need the same kind of care as most canines, such as proper nutrition and regular veterinary visits. Still, they can also benefit from special attention in areas like grooming and socialization.
To help keep your canine looking and feeling good, it is essential that you establish a regular grooming routine. Some grooming items that are necessary for German Shepherds include,
German Shepherds have an outer coat that sheds year-round. Brushing your dog at least once a week can help minimize shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy. You’ll also want to invest in a reliable vacuum and a few lint brushes to leave around the house.
Regular tooth brushing along with an annual dental cleaning can help them avoid periodontal disease and other health issues.
These dogs tend to love being outside, which can help keep their nails worn down from rubbing on rough surfaces. However, you should keep an eye on their nails and trim them carefully when they get too long.
Avoid bathing your German Shepherd too often because it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy. However, you’ll still need to give your dog a bath from time to time. You can also spot clean them by wiping debris from the ears and face with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
One of the best ways to get your dog used to and comfortable with grooming is to begin as early as possible. By familiarizing your dog with each item, they will continue to grow more comfortable with their routine. You’ll also quickly discover that it can be helpful to make each grooming experience a calm and positive one. Plus, it’s always a good idea to keep some treats nearby.
There are many steps you can take to help ensure that your dog lives a long, happy, and healthy life, including,
German Shepherds are prone to heart issues, which makes it especially important to schedule routine exams so they can be detected early. These visits are also a great time to ask your doctor about preventing bloat, skin conditions, and other common issues.
Choose a high-quality brand of dog food that’s appropriate for your pup’s age. You can ask your veterinarian for a recommendation if you’re confused by all the options. You can even supplement your dog’s diet with foods such as boneless, skinless cooked chicken or pet-safe fruits and veggies, but it’s important to know what not to feed your dog.
German Shepherds need plenty of exercise to help keep them in shape and avoid boredom or frustration, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing. They typically love the great outdoors, so you can take them for long walks or fun romps in the park.
Like all dogs, German Shepherds love to chew. Chewing is natural for dogs and helps keep their teeth and jaws strong and healthy. You can help avoid coming home to chewed-up shoes, carpet, or couch cushions by giving your dog safe chew toys.
By providing your dog with each of these items, they will be saying ‘thanks’ through many happy smiles and tail wags.
German Shepherds are large, powerful dogs that can be intimidating to those who don’t know them. Here are a few recommended steps to help make sure that your pal gets along well with other dogs and people.
These loyal and loving dogs can be prone to separation anxiety and typically don’t like being left alone for hours on end. Crate training can help address this issue since it gives the dog a safe and comfortable retreat. However, a crate should never be used as punishment or for very long periods.
You can help ensure your German Shepherd gets along well with others by providing them with plenty of positive experiences with puppies, dogs, and a variety of people at a young age.
German Shepherds need to be trained to learn how to behave properly and respond to your commands. They can also be very vocal dogs because of their herding background. Teaching them the “Quiet” command is very useful!
While it is necessary to begin training and socialization as early as possible, it is equally important to continue working on your dog’s commands and behaviors long past their puppy stage.
German Shepherds are predisposed to certain conditions because of their breed and larger size, including:
Knowing that these large dogs are prone to a few health issues, many pet parents naturally wonder, “How long do German Shepherds live?” While this list might seem long, German Shepherds are generally pretty healthy, and the average German Shepherd lifespan can be 10 to 14 years.
Like all dogs, German Shepherds can get sick or injured unexpectedly. The top 10 accident and illness claims received by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance^ for this breed are:
One of the best ways to help keep your German Shepherd in good health is to take them for their annual veterinarian appointment.
^Internal Claims Data, 2015-20
The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.