Facts About German Shepherds

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.

History

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.

Physical Characteristics

With their pointed ears, bushy tails, and long snouts, German Shepherds have a look that’s easy to recognize.

Size and Shape

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.

Coat and Coloring

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.

Personality

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.

German Shepherd Facts

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:

1. Rin Tin Tin starred in dozens of movies and TV shows, helping make this breed one of the world’s most famous.
2. When he was a puppy, the original Rin Tin Tin was saved from a breeding kennel in France during WWI by Corporal Lee Duncan. He brought the pup to Los Angeles, where his movie career began.
3. Rin Tin Tin had a famous predecessor named Strongheart, one of the earliest dog celebrities after starring in silent films in the early 1920s.
4. Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
5. During World War I, the American Kennel Club changed the breed name to Shepherd Dog because of negative feelings about Germany. They changed it back to German Shepherd in 1931.
6. The breed has been called the Alsatian in Great Britain and parts of Europe.
7. They shed all year round, earning them the nickname “German Shedder.”
8. The first guide dogs formally trained in Switzerland during the 1920s were German Shepherds.
9. They made up a large part of the search-and-rescue team at the World Trade Center after 9/11.

No doubt—German Shepherds have a rich and fascinating history.

How to Care for Your German Shepherd

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.

Grooming

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,

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.

Health and Nutrition

There are many steps you can take to help ensure that your dog lives a long, happy, and healthy life, including,

By providing your dog with each of these items, they will be saying ‘thanks’ through many happy smiles and tail wags.

Socialization and Behavior

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.

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.

Top 10 Claims for German Shepherds

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:

• Allergies*
• Skin irritations
• Ear Infection
• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal issue
• Lameness—which could indicate hip or elbow dysplasia
• Arthritis
• Growth/Cancer
• Behavioral condition
• Chronically itchy skin

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.}