The German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd
Origins
The German Shepherd Dog (also named Schäferhund, Deutcher Schäferhund, GSD, Berger Allemand, Alsatian) originates from the Germany regions, in the year 1899, when the Society of the German Shepherd Dog was created. This breed was used in many activities, including herding and later by the police, by the military. Nowadays, the Schäferhund is an excellent and loyal protection dog, being used as scouts, criminal tracking, narcotics and explosive detection.
Appearance
The GSD is a member of the large/big dog breeds category, with a height of 54-64 cm at the withers and a weight of 21-39 kg. The body is large but powerful, displaying a double coat: a dense outercoat and a thick undercoat. The outer coat varies in colors of red and black or black and tan. There are rare occasions in which the coat cat be white or full black, or in liver and blue. The long neck supports the head. The forehead is domed, the muzzle is visually square cut, the nose is black. The eyes are colored in brown. The ears are large and erected. The legs are long and strong and the tail is fluffy, reaching the hock.
Grooming
The GSD is a heavy shedder. You should brush the coat twice a week and keep it clean. Some clipping should be done at the feet to keep the pads clean. This breed isn’t a good choise for people who suffer from allergies.
Health Facts
The Shepherd Dogs have a lifespan of 10-12 years. These dogs are prone to various health problems, from bone issues (arthritis, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia), ear infections, bloating, torsion, epilepsy, pancreatic issues, eye infections. The environment in which the dog works or lives is really important to the health safety and well being.
Temperament and Lifestyle
The Schäferhund is a powerful and athletic built breed, displaying an alert expressivity and focalised attention to all surrounding things and actions. It is indeed a very popular breed, especially amongst the police members. The German Shepherd dogs are very intelligent, excellent members for a proper dog obedience training effort. They have a high ease of learning, proving excellence in most dog agility shows.
This breed is independent, courageous, energetic, active, responsive and alert. They need constant activity stimulation, training and exercising (regular walks). They behave really well around children, but they can sometimes knock them down due to the size. Dog socialization is required, especially if you need to stop them from chasing small pets (yes, cats mostly) or being aggressive towards other male dogs. They are protective, guarding their owners from perils.
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