German Shepherd dog is one of the most famous dog breeds of America. They are very intelligent and capable of working. Despite their purebred status, you can find them in shelters and rescues. The German Shepherd is one of the most recognized dog breeds around the world. They are known for many roles other than movies; leading the blind, chasing the criminals, serving in the military, and sniffing out illegal substances.
One of their most famous work was in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, where they help the rescue workers in finding the survivors. Although they have the best traits of dogs, but they are not for everyone. They like to express their boredom and frustration with barking and chewing. Sometimes their suspicious nature is also frustrating for the owners. Let’s know more about this special dog breed.
History
German Shepherd is relatively
a new breed. In 1899, they owed their existence to one man, “Captain Max Von
Stephanitz”. He retired from the military in 1898 and started his second career
to produce the superior German herding dog. He studied the different British
breeding techniques and traveled throughout Germany to study German herding
dogs. After visiting too many shows, he found a dog that catches his eyes. He
immediately brought the dog, which has great physique and intelligence. Using
his good military connection, he got permission to use this breed. During World
War I, the German Shepherd served as Red Cross dog, messenger, rescuer, guard,
supply carrier, and sentry.
Although the German Shepherd made their way to the United States before the war, but don’t get popularity until the war. After World War II, their popularity graph dramatically jumps in America. At one point US government start to import German Shepherd dog for police departments and the military.
Size
Male German Shepherd dogs are usually a little bigger than female German Shepherd dogs. A male German Shepherd dog stands 24 to 26 inches, while a female can have 22 to 24 inches in height. Their weight can vary from 75 to 95 pounds.
Personality
German Shepherd dogs are usually not aggressive but can be extremely aggressive in some rare cases. They don’t make friends immediately, but they are very loyal and friendly once they make friends. German Shepherds are extremely good watchdogs due to their easy-going and approachable qualities. You can easily train them for almost every task. But don’t leave them alone for a long time, as they can become bored and frustrated.
Like all the other dogs, they need daily exercise and socializing activities. Make sure to expose them to various people, sights, and sounds at an early age.
Health
German Shepherd is generally a healthy dog breed, but they are also prone to some health issues like many other breeds.
The main health issues of the German Shepherds include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Degenerative Myelopathy, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, and different allergies ranging from contact allergies to food allergies.
Although all the German Shepherds are not prone to these health issues, but it’s good to be aware of them.
Care
German shepherds have a lot of energy and need to burn it daily. So, if you leave them alone for long periods of time, it leads them to behavioral problems like chewing, digging, and barking. They also bark a lot like the other herding dogs, but it doesn’t mean they have some problem as they also bark when they are bored.
Be careful as they like chewing, and their powerful jaws can destroy most of the materials.
Feeding
A German Shepherd's diet is equal to any other large-sized breed. They require a good amount of healthy food daily to maintain their energy level. Their dietary needs change with their age. Make sure to take special care of their feeding and exercise. They rapidly grow during the age of four to seven months, so take special care during this period.
But the overfeeding can lead them to pack of pounds and joint problems. Provide them the regular food with limited treats rather than leaving food available all the time.
Some Important FAQs About German Shepherds:-
Is German Shepherd a good Pet?
Don’t leave your German Shepherd alone as they get bored
easily. It’s a perfect dog breed for owners with a lot of experience and time. But
it’s easy to train them due to their loyal, intelligent, and active nature.
Are German Shepherds High Energy?
German Shepherds are very intelligent, high-energy dogs and
need a good amount of mental stimulation and exercise daily. Make sure their early
socialization and training, due to their protective nature.
Do German Shepherds bark a lot?
Yes, they are one of the loudest barkers in the world. Sometimes
they bark so loud that they may don’t hear you. So, you can’t scream at your German
Shepherd when they are barking at strangers.
Do German Shepherds like to Chew?
Yes, chewing is a normal and instinctual behavior in German
Shepherds. So, make sure to don’t eliminate it. They chew to get relief from
teething discomfort and strengthen their teeth and jaws.
Can German Shepherds swim?
Unlike many other dog breeds, German Shepherds were not specifically bred to swim. However, they like the water and become a strong swimmer.
