German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd Dogs are a large breed of dog that comes from the farmlands of Germany, an environment for a dog that likes to work hard and have room to play. Captain Max von Stephanitz of Germany dedicated himself to refining and intensifying the best characteristics of these dogs: intelligence, stamina, structure and appearance. In 1899, Von Stephanitz wrote the original breed standard for the German Shepherd Dog.

Bred for herding and guarding sheep, German Shepherds are known for their strength, intelligence and propensity for obedience training. Thus, they are often employed by police and military forces around the world. Due to its loyal and protective nature, German Shepherds are held in high esteem by dog breeders and account for 4.6% of all dogs registered with the American Kennel Club.

The German Shepherd Dog was bred to herd livestock. Because of this, they will sometimes display the traits of herding, such a nipping at heels. These dogs have enormous energy and need a tremendous amount of exercise every day. If they are not kept busy, they will often create their own entertainment. This is not always a good thing. Some GSDs have a stronger need to stay active than others, but too often, a dog will end up in the animal shelter because the former owners wanted a laid-back "couch potato" rather than an active dog that requires a good amount of attention. A German Shepherd also needs human companionship and can be destructive if not given proper attention by its owner. A potential owner needs to be aware of the time, attention and energy this breed demands. Give these issues a great deal of thought!

Adult GSDs are very loyal and protective, active and quite intelligent. The German Shepherd Dog can also be quite willful. The owner must be able to assert himself/herself as "alpha" or leader of the pack. Your GSD wants you to be the leader and wants to follow the rules. Without proper socialization, training and routine guidance, they can become rambunctious and difficult to handle. It is up to you to teach your dog how to fit into your family's lifestyle and a structured routine will be very beneficial to good dog behavior. Training the dog is not a job that ends after a six or eight week obedience course. The training is an ongoing process that will continue throughout the dog's life - much like raising children. Please also give this issue a great deal of thought as well!

German Shepherds were bred specifically for their intelligence, a trait for which they are now renowned. They are considered to be the third most intelligent breed of dog, behind Border Collies and Poodles. In the book The Intelligence of Dogs, author Stanley Coren ranked the breed third for intelligence. He found that they had the ability to learn simple tasks after only five repetitions and obeyed the first command given 95% of the time. Coupled with their strength, this trait makes the breed desirable as police, guard, and search and rescue dogs, as they are able to quickly learn various tasks and interpret instructions better than other large breeds.

German Shepherd Dogs are among the top five most popular dogs in the United States according to American Kennel Club statistics and well-trained and socialized German Shepherd Dogs have a reputation among many as being very safe. In the United States, one source suggests that German Shepherd Dogs are responsible for more reported bitings than any other breed, and suggest a tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs.

German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and described in breed standards as self-assured. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. They are not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and obedient. Some people believe they require a "firm hand", but more recent research into training methods has shown they respond better to positive, reward based training methods. (Adapted from Wikipedia)

 

German Shepherd Synopsis

• Country of Origin: Germany
• AKC Group: Herding
• Life Span: 11-14 Years
• Grooming: Brush Daily
• Shedding: Year Round
• Exercise Needs: Long walks, Daily Play Time
• Watchdog ability: Outstanding
• Character: Intelligent, Friendly, and Loyal
• Trainability: A Joy to Train; Eager to Please
• Home environment: Needs plenty of space
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with Other Pets: Yes
• Attitude Toward Strangers: Reserved, Aloof  (Source) 

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• See German Shepherds for Dummies for a highly rated introduction to the German Shepherd.