Interesting Facts About German Shepherd Dog
Also known as Alsation Dog, the German Shepherd dog is a highly intelligent breed that was originally bred for herding sheep. German Shepherd dogs are known by their wolf-like appearance, strength, loyalty and noble disposition. They are excellent herding dogs, well suited to work as service animals such as guide dogs for the blind, perform as working dogs in police and military operations and also makes a wonderful companion in the right home.
- Males: Height: 24 – 26 inches (60 – 65 cm); Weight: 65-90 lbs
- Females: Height: 22 – 24 inches (55 – 60 cm);Weight: 50-70 lbs
- Large and muscular with a signature square muzzle, bushy tail, pointed ears, almond shaped eyes with an intelligent and eager expression and usually black mask.
- They come in three versions: Short haired, Medium haired and Long haired.
- They are generally tan/black or red/black in colouring, often with saddle and blanket markings across the back. Rarer colourings include sable, silver, liver and panda. There are even pure black German Shepherds and White German Shepherds.
- In general, German Shepherds are healthy dogs, though they do have few genetic health problems.
- Their lifespans are 7-13 years, with the expectation that they will receive regular Vet care and exercise and eat well-balanced, healthy foods.
- The longest a German Shepherd has ever lived is 18 years.
- There are many ways to enhance the health of German Shepherd such as regular Veterinary care, weight maintenance, high quality food, dog supplements, exercise and good oral hygiene.
- German Shepherd dogs are, as their name implies, a breed that originated in Germany.
- German Shepherd may be one of the most famous and recognizable breeds in history. Germany Cavalry Officer, Capt. Max Von Stephanitz found a powerful “wolf like dog” at a dog show that exhibited excellent herding skills and required “no training other than direction”.
- He bred him to create a perfect wprking dog with solid intelligence and work ethic to assist farm workers and laborers. Though German Shepherd’s ancestors were herding dogs, Von Stephanitz focussed on curating a breed for military and police forces.
- During World War I and II, the word German was dropped and the breed was referred to as the Shepherd dog or Alsation.
- Powerful Bite: An animal bite is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI, which is the force of the bite. The bite of German Shepherd is very powerful, about 238.
- Provides constant companionship: German Shepherd owners are never lonely because their loyal canines are always by their side. Their affectionate and dedicated personalities are a bonus of the breed and they can be particularly fond of children. German Shepherds want to spend time with their family rather than being left alone all day, everyday.
German Shepherds are incredibly Smart
- The breed’s motto is “Utility and Intelligence”.
- German Shepherds are the third smartest dog breed for obedience and work intelligence.
- These dogs learn a new behavior in only five repetitions and follow the first command given to them 95% of the time.
German Shepherds are not Couch Potatoes
- Their intelligence and activity levels are high! So these dogs love strenuous activity, preferably combined with some kind of training. They need to be taken on a daily, long walk or run alongside you when you bicycle.
- Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog quite nicely.
- In fact, these highly active dogs need lots of stimulation both physically and mentally throughout the day, otherwise they will suffer from frustration, boredom and may develop problems such as barking, digging and chewing.
- These dogs need large yards to roam around and play in. Hide treats under the boxes or feed them in a creative way like stashing kibble in different spots throughout the house or use interactive feeding toys. These are great ways to get a German Shepherd to engage their nose and stimulate their mind.
Easy to Train
- German Shepherds are known for their trainability and excel at obedience training. These dogs can be trained to do anything and this breed of dog is one of the easiest to house train.
- Being an intelligent breed, they learn and react quickly. They are eager to please their owners, so they respond well to ongoing obedience training. With consistency and positive reinforcement of your commands, it won’t be long before you have a well behaved companion.
- German Shepherd puppy training is best started when the dog is 8 weeks old, otherwise, these puppies will quickly make their own rules.
German Shepherds are Hard Working Dogs
- German Shepherds were developed as working dogs. The ideal German Shepherd has a body and gait suited to the hard work that is considered its primary purpose.
- From dog sports like rally, agility, swimming, scent work, therapy work to service dog work, German Shepherd can do it all. The only thing is the time and energy you can commit to training.
- Police Dogs: They are used by police to chase criminals, by rescuers to find missing people, detection of drugs, firearms or explosives carried by suspects or even the odor or dead bodies.
- Service Dogs: They are one of the most versatile breeds and make excellent service dogs. They can help the disabled with balance while walking, excellent guide dog for deaf and blind, are good at reminding owners to take medications and to detect an anxiety attack before it happens.
German Shepherds are Loyal dogs
- German Shepherd’s best trait is their intense, unwavering loyalty to their families. The fearless breed has also known to put themselves in danger before they let family member get hurt.
- Since German Shepherd dogs tend to be loyal and protective, they are generally wary of strangers. That makes them a perfect watch dog, but their suspicious and reserved nature can make them feel unfriendly towards guests.
- With proper training, they make great, loyal family dogs. If introduced to other animals and children early, they will get along extremely well.
- German Shepherd will default to “Guard Dog Mode” if they believe their family is in danger.
German Shepherds are pretty good Shedders
- German Shepherds typically have a dense double coat with water resistant outer layer and a thick under coat. They are most definitely shedders.
- These dogs shed all year long, but they tend to shed most heavily twice a year, during the fall and spring.
- Their dense double coat protects them from sun exposure and keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- The dog parent should brush their pup everyday to reduce the dog hair on their furniture, carpet or their clothes.
One of the best ways to help keep your German Shepherd in good health is to take them for their annual veterinarian appointment.
German Shepherds are prone to number of health problems. It is important for a pup parent to be aware of common health conditions that can affect your dog, so you can help them live the longest life possible.
- Hip Dysplasia: It is common orthopedic problem in dogs that affects the stability and function of the hip joint. It is caused by abnormal growth and development of the joint, mostly due to genetics. About 20% of German Shepherds have hip dysplasia. Symptoms are limping, hip pain, difficulty in rising or jumping, etc. The various causes are heredity, overfeeding, etc. Treatment can include weight loss, reduced activity or surgery.
- Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large breed dogs. This is caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog’s elbow, causing joint laxity. Treatment can include surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain.
- Bloat: Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus(GDV) is a serious medical condotion that occurs when the stomach expands and rotates, trapping gas and preventing blood flow. Large breeds and deep chested dogs are more susceptible to this condition. Various symptoms are restlessness, fast panting or heavy breathing, excessive drooling, collapse, etc.
- Cancer: German Shepherds develop certain types of cancers including bone cancer, lung cancer or intestinal cancer. Symptoms include lethargy and loss of appetite. Treatment include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord, especially the part of cord that communicates information to the brain regarding the hind legs, which leads to paralysis of hind legs. Symptoms include weakness in the hind legs and difficulty in standing up.
- Allergies: Some German Shepherds suffer from a variety of allergies, ranging from contact allergies to food allergies. If your German Shepherd is scratching, licking at their paws or rubbing their face a lot, suspect that they have an allergy and have them checked by Vet.