Dog Breed: German Shepherd

Posted by:  Paul     Tags:      Posted date:  March 3, 2011  |  View Comments



The German Shepherd, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club), is listed to be one of the most popular dog breed among the Americans. The German Shepherd is also called as Alsatian, DeutscheSchaferhund and GSD. When it comes to dog breeds, the German Shepherd is definitely one of the most easily recognizable breed. The German Shepherd dog closely was originally bred to herd and protect livestock although they are also known to be excellent guard dogs for humans as well. Here are some German Shepherd information that you should know.

Appearance

The German Shepherd dog has an overall muscular build and is considered to be middle sized. Its head is pointed and well-chiseled with upright ears and eyes that are almond shaped. They have a long mouth that has a powerful scissor bite. This dog breed has a deep chest and muscular shoulders that are further accentuated by its front legs. Its legs are curved and is slightly bushy. The German Shepherd’s coat can be short or long and is double coated. This particular dog breed is highly athletic because of its muscular build. It can easily cover large distances with very little effort and can excel in competitions such as agility and obedience trials.

History

The German Shepherd breeding history all started in the year 1889 when the standardization of dog breeds was started by Max von Stephanitz through an organization called Phylax Society in Germany. His purpose was to breed the perfect working dog, although the Phylax Society was disbanded only after three years. During a dog show in Germany, a certain dog with wolflike characteristics caught the attention ofvon Stephanitz. The dog’s name was Hektor Linksrheim and was immediately bought by von Stephanitzwhich he then proceeded to rename as Horand von Grafrath. Horand is the the first German Shepherd in the history of the breed, registered with the number SV1. Max von Stephanitz then proceeded to form theVerein für Deutsche Schaferhunde (German Shepherd Dog Club) which held control of the breed until von Stephanitz’s death in 1936. It easily became the most popular dog in Germany, so popular that even American and British soldiers find the breed to be very impressive. After the war,  a popular German Shepherd named Rin Tin Tin was brought to America by an American GI.

Personality

The German Shepherd is considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breed. They are very perceptive and alert which makes them perfect as guard dogs. This dog breed has the capability to develop strong bonds with its owner and his or her family. They can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. German Shepherds are friendly and playful, although not as much when compared to other dog breeds. They tend to be cautious and reserved when they are around strangers because of their overly protective behavior.

Health and Grooming

Poor breeding can lead to numerous health problems. This includes hip dysplasia, heart disease, ?bonedisease and cutaneous vasculopathy, a health problem that can affect a German Shepherd puppy which results to sore cracked pads and crusty ears or tail. This breed requires moderate grooming so regular brushing is a must using a natural bristle brush.

A German Shepherd needs a confident owner that has enough knowledge regarding dog psychology and training. If you do not have the time to train, then enrolling your pet to a German Shepherd training class should help. Some common German Shepherd names are Achilles, Otto, Luther, Schumacher, Magnolia, Basil and Anika.


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Paul
  • Yvonne

    Great looking German Shepherd!! 

  • germanshepherdsrock55

    i luv german shepherds

  • jazmynn

    i love german shepard i love all dogs even pitbulls i have one

  • germanshepard101

    i love pits and german shepards

  • Satyabrata

      i love German Sherpards hair  

  • http://twitter.com/caffeineocean Matt

    I love Shepards. This post kind of reminds me on another one – the top 10 strongest dog breeds, found here: http://su.pr/2OVJQj

  • http://brookslabradors.com/nutrition/lifes-abundance-holistic-dog-food Life’s Abundance

    Wow such a looking nice German Shepard …..

  • bullyB

    tika

  • Prax Isaac

    We bought Sandy at nine weeks old. we were told by the breeder she was a German Shepherd. Her parents were on site, mother being white and the father a large normal looking Shepherd. At her puppy class a trainer said to us, ‘thats a nice Belgian Melianois. We’ve grown to love her although my wife insists she is a Shepherd, I think I know better.What do you think?

  • http://www.allvetmed.com/Otomax-p/oto1.htm otomax

    German Shepherds are instinctive of their packs and are more protective of their family–in this case, your family. Male shepherds are more territorial and protective of their surroundings. Females are more affectionate to her owner and the other family members she lives with.

  • http://www.allvetmed.com/Otomax-p/oto1.htm otomax ear drops

    German Shepherds are family loving. Even though these dogs are fearless and have an aura of confidence to them, they are open to having a good relationship with their owners and families. Once these dogs have bonded with its family, they will become protective towards them around strangers or unrecognized people.

  • http://purebredbreeders.com/il/germanshepherd/ marksdorcel

    German shepherds are more territorial and safety of their environment. Female shepherds are more passionate to her owner and the other close relatives she live with.

  • Dusteen

     That is a Belgian Malinois.  Absolutely no question. Still super smart like GSD, territorial, protective, but not a GSD. This dog was also not born from a female white shepherd……or a large male gsd. More than likely those were not the parents.  Also known as a Belgian Shepherd.

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