German Shepherd Dog Facts, Care and Training

German Shepherds are known for their wolf-like appearance, strength, loyalty and noble character. They were originally bred to herd sheep and protect them from danger, but German Shepherds are more than just working dogs.

You might be surprised how friendly these dogs are. In addition to police work, you may also find a German Shepherd following its owner on challenging adventures, learning tricks in obedience classes, and playing in the home garden.

Read on to learn more about this popular and majestic breed and find out if the German Shepherd (known by enthusiasts as the GSD) is right for you.

Breed characteristics

As a breed, the German Shepherd has a protective, loyal and friendly personality. They have a strong work ethic and are one of the most popular dog breeds in America, thanks in large part to their ability to make great family pets. They "love their people" but may be wary of strangers or newcomers, and thrive on the care and attention of their families.

History of the German Shepherd

For centuries, the ancestors of the German Shepherd were both servants and companions to humans. The German Shepherd as we know it today was developed from the Old Shepherd and Farmer Dog, first introduced to Germany in 1899. The origin of the breed is attributed to Captain Max von Stephanitz.

During World War I and World War II, the word "German" was dropped, and the breed was known as the Sheepdog or Alsatian (a popular name in some regions). World interest in the breed began to increase in the early 1900s, and the German Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908.

In modern times, the German Shepherd remains one of the most popular dog breeds, currently number two on the AKC list. Crossing these dogs with Shiloh Shepherds created the King Shepherd. There has been recent controversy over breeding show dogs with sloping backs rather than the straight backs found in working dogs - a practice that has been criticized for causing poor gait.

Grooming of the German Shepherd

German Shepherds require a fair amount of care, training, and attention, but they will reward you with years of loyalty and love for it. They get along well with a variety of households, but are best obtained as pets at a young age, so they have plenty of time to exercise and adjust to life with humans.

Exercise

Due to this breed's high energy levels, plenty of regular exercise is essential. Your German Shepherd may need more exercise than you think—a daily walk isn't enough. If you're a jogger, the German Shepherd can make a great running companion. Your dog needs to run, play and explore to avoid depression, boredom and pent-up energy. Bored dogs have problems with barking, digging, and chewing.

German Shepherds are better off playing in a fenced yard than in an apartment. More importantly, though, your dog will receive a lot of attention and won't be left alone for most of the day.
personal hygiene

German Shepherds have thicker, sometimes sturdy, medium-length coats with a thick undercoat. Their coats should be brushed every few days to combat their relatively high shedding rate, which can be reduced with daily grooming. Still, be prepared to get dog hair on your clothes and furniture -- you'll need to vacuum frequently. Fortunately, a German Shepherd's coat is also resistant to dirt and debris, so you don't have to bathe your dog more than once a month. In fact, frequent bathing removes the oils that keep your coat healthy.

Training

With proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can be very gentle companions and family protectors. It is an ideal breed for active families, and the breed's intelligence and protective demeanor can make them a good choice for families with children (as long as the dog is properly trained).

If not properly trained and handled, German Shepherds can sometimes become fearful and even aggressive. These dogs are ideally trained to perform their duties and take pride in it. The breed's intelligence and willingness to work should make training fairly easy. Proper socialization is also necessary to ensure that your German Shepherd does not feel stressed or anxious when meeting new people or animals and seeing new surroundings. You are usually aloof with new friends and may be suspicious.

Also, German Shepherds tend to chase cats and other small pets and may not be suitable for multi-pet households unless they grow up together. They may also have trouble getting along with unfamiliar dogs, especially those of the same sex, which can be a problem when visiting dog parks.

German Shepherd Environment

If you are very active, love nature and absolutely want to exercise every day, then GSD is perfect for your life. The ideal German Shepherd owner will enjoy long walks or runs and take their dog on fun weekly trips. These dogs are always ready for leg day.

German Shepherds have a deep bond with humans due to their loyalty and need for stimulation. German Shepherds see themselves as true family members. They want strong relationships with their employees and thrive on human camaraderie. This special connection is one of the greatest rewards of living with GSD.

Ideal People for a German Shepherd

German Shepherds are active dogs. Think about it: run as fast as you can. They prefer a space to exercise outdoors at maximum capacity and ample time. The ideal home for a German Shepherd is one with a large backyard to run around in, and that doesn't include all the walks, runs, and adventures they're willing to take you on.

German Shepherds can also make great family dogs, and as long as they are properly socialized, they can get along well with children.

German Shepherd Health

Like many dog ​​breeds, German Shepherds are prone to specific health problems. Many are the result of inbreeding early in the breed's life.

More common health conditions in German Shepherds include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and von Willebrand disease.

To address and prevent joint disease, in addition to limiting jumping and rough play, discuss supplements for musculoskeletal health with your veterinarian. Many pet owners choose to purchase pet health insurance just in case.

Get a German Shepherd

Getting a German Shepherd is easy, but preparation is important. If you buy a German Shepherd, you'll spend a lot of time stopping biting and barking, socializing the puppy with other people and dogs, and teaching them important skills like sleeping through the night and going to the bathroom outside.

Finding a German Shepherd or adult dog is as easy as searching the internet, but beware of puppy mills and internet scams. Do your research and ask a reputable breeder, visit them before you commit to paying, and trust your gut.

Cost of German Shepherd

Pet parents who are ready to welcome a German Shepherd into their home should know the costs involved. In fact, according to Rover's pet parenting cost data, 37% of pet parents with German Shepherds said they would pay an upfront cost of $250 to $500 for their dog, but 75% said the actual upfront cost was within their budget within the range. Overall, 71% of pet parents spend between $50 and $149 a month on German Shepherds.

Rescue the German Shepherd

Another way to find a German Shepherd is through rescue adoption – 46% of owners get their German Shepherd through adoption or rescue. Unlike puppies, rescuers typically spay and neuter, with all injections. Since many of the rescued German Shepherds were gifted by individual owners, the dogs may have been familiar with basic commands and socialized.

If not, that doesn't mean you can't work with them. Consult a trusted dog trainer for more information on teaching a dog that hasn't experienced much structure or helping a traumatized dog feel safe and welcome.