german Shepherd

Everything You Need to Know About the German Shepherd Breed – A Guide for Owners and Lovers

The German Shepherd is a breed that’s smart, loyal, playful, and courageous! If you’re a happy owner of one of these fur babies, you know the delights of having this type of dog around.

If you’re considering getting a German Shepherd, this page will tell you everything you need to know! From their impressive intelligence to their instinctive loyalty, these dogs are highly trainable. Please sit back, take a treat for you and your dog, and let’s explore the German Shepherds’ fantastic world!

Official Recognition by The American Kennel Club (AKC) 

The AKC recognized the German Shepherd breed in 1908, just a few years after the breed was developed in Germany. Since then, German Shepherds have been one of the most popular breeds registered with the AKC.

In fact, according to AKC registration statistics, the German Shepherd has consistently ranked among the top 10 most popular breeds in the United States for several decades.

The breed standard for the German Shepherd, per AKC, describes the ideal physical appearance of the breed to have a black and tan coat, a strong and muscular body. Their temperamental characteristics are described to be intelligent, confident, and have a courageous personality.

The AKC also sponsors events and competitions for German Shepherds and their handlers. These include obedience trials, herding tests, tracking tests, and conformation shows, where judges evaluate the dogs based on how closely they fit the breed standard.

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history

German Shepherds have a relatively short history, dating back to the late 19th century in Germany. The breed was developed by a German cavalry officer who sought to create a versatile working dog that could herd sheep, protect livestock, and serve as a military or police dog.

The cavalry officer, Von Stephanitz, observed a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in 1899 and was impressed by the dog’s intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty. He purchased Hektor and began breeding him with other German herding dogs, selecting only the best specimens for breeding to create the German Shepherd breed.

German Shepards were initially used for herding and protecting sheep but their versatility, intelligence, and trainability soon caught the attention of the German military. This began the use of them as messengers and guard dogs during World War I.

After the war, German Shepherds became popular with police departments and were used to track suspects and detect drugs and explosives. They also became popular as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and family pets due to their loyalty and protective nature.

Today, German Shepherds remain one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are valued for their intelligence, loyalty, versatility, and courage.

history

German Shepherds have a relatively short history, dating back to the late 19th century in Germany. The breed was developed by a German cavalry officer who sought to create a versatile working dog that could herd sheep, protect livestock, and serve as a military or police dog.

The cavalry officer, Von Stephanitz, observed a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show in 1899 and was impressed by the dog’s intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty. He purchased Hektor and began breeding him with other German herding dogs, selecting only the best specimens for breeding to create the German Shepherd breed.

German Shepards were initially used for herding and protecting sheep but their versatility, intelligence, and trainability soon caught the attention of the German military. This began the use of them as messengers and guard dogs during World War I.

After the war, German Shepherds became popular with police departments and were used to track suspects and detect drugs and explosives. They also became popular as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and family pets due to their loyalty and protective nature.

Today, German Shepherds remain one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are valued for their intelligence, loyalty, versatility, and courage.

1. Physical Characteristics of German Shepherds

Its physical traits make the German Shepherd a well-known and loved breed. German Shepherds are known for their strength and endurance, which makes them well-suited for a variety of working roles, such as police and military work, search and rescue, and herding. Their popular look is well-recognized and adored by shepherd lovers.

German Shepherds are a medium to large-sized breed with a muscular and athletic build. They typically weigh between 50 to 90 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

The German Shepherd’s coat is double-layered, with a thick, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat that provides protection from the elements. They shed seasonally and require regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition.

They have a distinctive appearance, with a long, wedge-shaped head, a strong and straight muzzle, and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Their ears are large and erect, and their coat is typically a mixture of black and tan, although other colors such as sable, all-black, and all-white are also recognized.

German Shepherds have a deep chest and a well-defined waistline. Front legs are straight and parallel and hind legs that are angled at the hock joint, to give them the ability to push off and change direction quickly. They have large, round paws with thick pads that provide traction and cushioning. Their toes are well-arched and the nails are strong and dark-colored.

A German Shepards tail is long and bushy, typically carried in a low, natural position. The tail is set high and tapers to a point, and it is covered in dense, coarse fur that matches the rest of the dog’s coat.

2. Personality and behavior of German Shepherds

The German Shepherd is known for its loyal, courageous, and confident personality. They are intelligent and trainable dogs that love having a job and a strong sense of purpose.

Overall, German Shepherds are a unique and intelligent breed with a range of distinctive behaviors that make them well-suited for a variety of working roles and as loyal family pets. 

Whether you’re considering getting a German Shepard or you’re already a proud owner, it’s important to understand the breed’s unique traits, personality, and behavior. Here, you’ll get a closer look at what makes the German Shepard such a special breed.

German Shepherds are very devoted to their families and form strong bonds with their people. They are often protective of their family members and can be wary of strangers, which makes them good guard dogs. However, it’s important they learn to differentiate between friendly visitors and potential threats.

They are highly intelligent and trainable dogs that are often used in police work, search and rescue, and other working roles. They enjoy learning new things and responding to commands from their owners.

German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, and they still show strong herding instincts today. They may try to herd people or other animals, even if it is not appropriate behavior in certain situations! 

They are also known for their high energy levels! A German Shepard needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy outdoor activities such as playing fetch, going for walks or runs, and participating in obedience or agility training. Without enough exercise or mental stimulation, they can become bored and destructive.

The Brave and Beautiful German Shepherd

The cost of a German Shepherd puppy can vary depending on a number of factors. Who the breeder is, the location, pedigree, and demand for the puppies. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more for a working pedigree German Shepherd puppy.

There are also ongoing expenses that come with owning a dog, of course including food, veterinary care, and training. It’s important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs and provides proper socialization and training for their puppies. This can help guarantee a healthy and well-adjusted puppy that will be a loving and loyal companion for many years to come.

Like all breeds, German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and skin allergies. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs and to keep up with regular veterinary care.

The Brave and Beautiful German Shepherd

The cost of a German Shepherd puppy can vary depending on a number of factors. Who the breeder is, the location, pedigree, and demand for the puppies. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more for a working pedigree German Shepherd puppy.

There are also ongoing expenses that come with owning a dog, of course including food, veterinary care, and training. It’s important to do your research and find a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs and provides proper socialization and training for their puppies. This can help guarantee a healthy and well-adjusted puppy that will be a loving and loyal companion for many years to come.

Like all breeds, German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and skin allergies. It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their dogs and to keep up with regular veterinary care.

How to train a German Shepherd

A German Shepherd dog that hasn’t had enough training might become destructive, aggressive, and otherwise unpleasant to be around. As anybody who has ever seen an untrained German Shepherd will attest, these dogs can be a real nightmare. Without appropriate training, these massive, intimidating, and smart canines may make the lives of their human companions a living hell.

Conversely, a German Shepherd dog that has received proper training is a delight to be around. They’ll eagerly carry out any assignment you provide them and promptly inquire as to whether or not they’re missing any details. They have a strong desire to help others and need to feel useful in order to find lasting happiness. To guarantee your German Shepherd has a long, happy, and healthy life, you need to train it properly and keep at it.

Start your GSD out well and train them quickly. It’s crucial to start puppies’ training and socializing early because they’re rapid learners. Your dog will benefit from this in the long run by developing good manners and self-assurance.

The most efficient and kind technique to teach a German Shepherd is via positive reinforcement. Praise your dog for good behavior and ignore, or punish gently for bad behavior. You and your dog can bond with treats, praise, and attention.

Training a German Shepherd requires consistency more than anything else. Use the same commands and training methods to teach your dog. If different members of the family use different commands, it can confuse the dog and make training more difficult.

The GSD is a breed that needs a lot of exercise and mental challenges since they are so energetic. Regular exercise will keep your dog fit and avoid boredom or frustration-related behavior issues.

A German Shepherd needs frequent exercise to expend their excess energy; three walks per day that include vigorous activity should be plenty. If you’re not active nor wish to be, they may not be the breed for you.

When raising a GSD, it’s crucial to introduce it to plenty of new people and environments. Socializing a dog with many people, animals, and locations is essential to raising a well-behaved, comfortable canine.

German Shepherd training classes offer a controlled atmosphere for dog training and bonding.

Regular training sessions are essential for maintaining your dogs training and preventing any bad habits from developing. Start training your dog for a few minutes a day and progress to longer and harder sessions. Learn more about our obedience training packages here.

Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and a positive attitude. The German Shepherd can be a wonderful working dog and a devoted family pet with the correct upbringing and training. 

How is living with a German Shepherd?

The German Shepherd is a very intelligent and obedient canine. He has a natural tendency to defend his area and his people. This breed needs intensive early socialization and firm, loving discipline. 

Your GSD doesn’t need protection training unless you are specifically working in a protective sport since it will come easily to them. Due to their people-oriented nature, GSD’s make excellent pets for the right households. The dog is good for competitive obedience and can tolerate a lot. They tend to do really well with children and young kids. Depending on the individual dog, the GSD could be more tolerant and gentle with children or more aloof and protective. So it’s important to supervise any interactions between dogs and children.

With frequent walks and fun, the German Shepherd can live in an apartment. He’s a somewhat active indoor dog that would love a decent-sized yard. Although he favors chilly weather, he quickly adjusts to various conditions. The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 9 to 13 years.

Precision guard dog with small girl

How is living with a German Shepherd?

The German Shepherd is a very intelligent and obedient canine. He has a natural tendency to defend his area and his people. This breed needs intensive early socialization and firm, loving discipline.

Your GSD doesn’t need protection training unless you are specifically working in a protective sport since it will come quickly to them. Due to their people-oriented nature, GSD’s make excellent pets for the right households. The dog is good for competitive obedience and can tolerate a lot. They tend to do really well with children and young kids. Depending on the individual dog, the GSD could be more tolerant and gentle with children or more aloof and protective. So it’s important to supervise any interactions between dogs and children.

With frequent walks and fun, the German Shepherd can live in an apartment. He’s a somewhat active indoor dog that would love a decent-sized yard. Although he favors chilly weather, he quickly adjusts to various conditions. The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 9 to 13 years.

Belgian Malinois Vs. German Shepherd

The Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd are both highly intelligent and versatile breeds of dogs that are often used for a variety of roles, including police work, military operations, and as family pets. While both breeds have similar traits and abilities, there are some notable differences between the two.

Belgian Malinois are more active and agile than German Shepherds. The loyal, protective, and versatile German Shepherd is bigger and stronger than the Belgian Malinois. 

The right dog depends on the owner’s demands, lifestyle, and tastes. Both breeds are good companions and working dogs but need early training, socialization, and lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

Final Words 

If you’re thinking of getting a new German Shepherd puppy, be sure that you and your family are active!

German Shepherds are loved in many households and are a popular family dog. We guarantee that your German Shepherd will be the finest dog ever with the right socialization and training! 

If you’re looking for a German Shepherd dog for sale or a German Shepherd trainer, Precision Protection Dogs has got you covered. We focus on precision and high-quality training methods. Offer a range of options for those in search of a loyal and obedient companion. From German Shepherds for sale to puppy training and beyond, you can avail of superior dog training for your German Shepherd by Jake Wright – the ex-military owner of Precision Protection Dogs in Austin, Dallas, Seattle, New York, Boston, and San Francisco in the USA.

To each new owner, we are equipped to provide you with the best possible training and support even after your purchase. Whether you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd puppy or a fully trained adult, Precision Protection Dogs has something to offer, and they are committed to helping you find the perfect addition to your family.

FAQ

Because they are so dedicated to and vigilant of their human family, German Shepherds are wonderful companions for everyone in the home, even the kids. Due to their high intellect and the simplicity with which they may be trained, they quickly become a beloved family member. When properly socialized and taught, they may be fantastic additions to any household.

The German Shepherd dog, or GSD for short, is a large dog breed with many great qualities. Longevity is typical for dogs, averaging between 9 and 13 years. The capacity to live in a wide range of environments is influenced by a number of factors, thus it is important to take them into account if one wants to increase the lifetime of these species.

The German Shepherd breed as a whole lacks any naturally aggressive tendencies. Unfortunately, their protective and devoted natures may easily become aggressive if they aren’t properly socialized and trained as puppies. This holds truer than usual when they feel threatened.

German Shepherds’ personalities are heavily influenced by the conditions in which they are nurtured. They do not have an inborn temperament that is innately aggressive.

German Shepherds often mature into their full size and height by the time they are three years old.

One day, the five-pound puppy you brought home will weigh around 90 pounds as an adult dog. She or he will weigh as much as a teenager by the time they are adults, but will only grow to be around 26 inches tall

When running, the typical German Shepherd may reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. When they’re hot on a scent, they cover ground far more swiftly than most other dogs. They attain their maximum speed between the ages of one and two, and then it slowly diminishes with age. As compared to most of the dog breeds, the German Shepherd is very fast.

German shepherds naturally exhibit protective behaviors even when not trained to do so. Therefore, without a doubt, if your German shepherd thinks you’re in danger, it will rush to your side to protect you.

The real challenge comes from having to spend the remaining 20–23 hours of each day with them while you do nothing but live and train them. They don’t just “switch off” when you’re done teaching them; rather, they continue to “richocochet” off of surrounding surfaces and people, picking up fresh information even when you’re not actively instructing them.

German Shepherd price is rather exorbitant, with breeders charging ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 for a puppy. It’s important to do some research on the breeder’s reputation and experience if they have a German Shepherd for sale which you intend to purchase.

Alternatively, you should expect to spend anywhere from $250 to $350 in adoption fees if you want to go that route.

German Shepherds instinctively know how to protect their families since their original purpose was to keep watch over herds of sheep and defend their masters. They can defend their home or the business they are hired to watch over since they are devoted, territorial, and alert to danger.

Muscular large-breed dogs like German Shepherds have certain unique nutritional needs, but all dogs benefit from a diet that has the correct balance of protein, fat, calories, and critical elements. The ideal dog food for German Shepherds is a high-quality wet or dry meal designed for an active large-breed dog since this breed has specific nutritional requirements

Do not attempt self-defense if a German Shepherd assaults you. Although it may go against your initial instinct, doing so might make the dog even more overexcited and irritable. Instead, you should assume the optimal posture, which consists of curling up into a ball and tucking your head towards the center. The head and neck are vulnerable to dog bites, therefore keeping them concealed is a good idea

Many people believe that positive reinforcement, often known as reward-based training, is the most effective and efficient type of teaching presently available. Through the use of highly valued rewards, like food or playtime, positive reinforcement may be used to encourage a desired behavior in a dog.

The use of punishing methods is never acceptable. Because these techniques don’t directly address the troublesome behavior, they just suppress it, leaving your dog confused about what is expected of them.

A big part of being a responsible dog owner is seeing to your dog’s daily exercise requirements. If you want your dog to feel at ease, you could try providing him with a cool place to rest at home. Strive for three to four vigorous play sessions and one vigorous trek each day. Because of their high levels of sensitivity, Belgian Malinois should not be treated with rage or physical force

German Shepherds are very intelligent and obedient dogs, making them good candidates for training if the right information is provided in a risk-free setting. Some people even think they are easier to train than other dog breeds since they can learn new things quickly and remember them easily.

There are three major approaches to potty training a German Shepherd, all of which are effective. Using the crate in various ways is one of the most successful ways to house-train a German Shepherd puppy. You may also use puppy pads for paper training, or skip the pads altogether and place an ask at the door or doggie exit to get your dog used to going outside to eliminate.

Owners of the German Shepherd Dog have a common experience: constantly navigating through dog fur. The carpet, the chairs, and even your clothes are covered in it. The ideal German Shepherd Dog, according to the breed standard, has a double coat that is medium in length and as thick as possible on the outside. There’ll be a lot of fur as a result of it! They blow their coat (lose all their undercoat) twice a year, in the spring and autumn, in addition to their constant shedding. Brushing your dog on a regular basis might help reduce shedding. You’ll still have hair flying everywhere, but that’s simply something to be proud of as the proud owner of a German Shepherd Dog.