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| Breed Group: Herding |
| Weight: 75-95 lbs |
| Height: male: 24-26, female: 22-24
inches |
| Color(s): most colors, black and
tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, and sable |
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Coat:
The German Shepherd is a double coat breed. The outer coat is harsh, straight, and thick. The under coat
is dense and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors such as black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black,
and sable. The German Shepherd comes in three varieties: rough coat, long hair, and long rough coat. This breed is a continuous
shedder with seasonal heavy shedding. |
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Overview:
This breed was developed in the 19th century by Max Von Stephanitz who is considered to be the father
of the German Shepherd. Revered for their versatility as companion and for their dedication to work, this breed has the distinction
of being the first dog ever used as a guide for the blind. Today the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in
the world. |
| Character: The German Shepherd
is a breed of classic beauty and possesses superior intelligence. They are highly adaptable, energetic, curious, strong, and
dependable. This breed displays a magnificent appearance and is extremely agile with great stamina and endurance. |
| Temperament: A member of the
herding group, the German Shepherd is fearless, bold, hard working, and alert. They are esteemed for their loyalty, deep devotion,
and courage. This breed thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods
of time. German Shepherds are exceptionally wary of strangers. They will most generally get along with other household pets
they have been raised with. This breed will attempt to perform the task of herding on anything and everything that moves.
The German Shepherd is not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner. |
| Care: This breed requires daily brushing
to minimize loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity
of the coat. German Shepherds are prone to such health issues as blood disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, flea
allergies, digestive problems, and chronic eczema. |
| Training: The German Shepherd
requires early intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed
methods. This breed is obedient and quick to learn. Training must be done with respect, firmness, fairness, reward, and consistency.
They are exceptionally talented in tracking, schutzhund, agility, obedience, fly-ball, and ring sport. The German Shepherd
is often used in police work, search and rescue, as a guide for the blind, and military work. |
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Activity:
This breed is happiest when given a job to do. They require strenuous exercise and enjoy securely leashed
walks, family play sessions, and a large safely fenced area to romp and run freely in. The German Shepherd will do okay in
an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and attention.
Ownership: If
you are looking for German Shepherd puppy make sure you understand as much about the dog breed as you can. |
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