German Shepherds are a relatively new breed, appearing in Germany more than 100 years ago.
Intelligent, loyal, protective and family-friendly are just a few of the adjectives used to describe the class of dog called German Shepherds. These regal, large-sized canines can wear many hats -- companion, guide dog, police dog and herder. German Shepherds are part of the large-sized herding group of working dogs. They are agile with keen senses and are thought to be one of the most intelligent of all the dog breeds. The breed was originally created in Germany to guard and herd sheep. If you do not have breed and parenting documentation, determining whether your dog is a purebred German Shepherd will not be straight-forward. However, German Shepherds do exhibit very specific characteristics, and with the help of your veterinarian and groups such as the American Kennel Club, you can learn a lot about your dog's heritage.
Instructions
1. Measure your dog in order to determine if it falls within the standard height range for the breed. The German Shepherd typically ranges from 22- to 26-inches in height. Measure from the top of your dog's shoulder to the floor to get an accurate measurement.
2. Have your dog weighed at a veterinarian's office. Full grown German Shepherds typically weigh between 60 to 110 lbs. While groomers also have animal scales, the size of the German Shepherd means that a veterinarian is more likely to have a scale large enough for an accurate measurement.
3. Examine your dog for general physical features and characteristics. German Shepherds typically have strong, lean, muscular bodies with medium-length coats and softer undercoats. Fur colors are most often black, black-and-tan, black-and-red or sable. The German Shepherd's appearance is often regal and commanding. Their bark is strong and clear. A typical German Shepherd's body is longer than it is tall. The forehead is slightly curved or rounded. They have long snouts or noses, long pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes that are set as opposed to protruding. The back legs are short in comparison to the length of the body and the tail is bushy.
4. Take your dog to a veterinarian for a full examination. Veterinarians are trained to identify dog breeds and can give you an objective opinion.
5. Contact the American Kennel Club. The organization has various programs to help dog owners learn more about their dogs' heritage. These programs include verifying documentation and a DNA testing program which can help to identify parentage under certain circumstances. Note that AKC DNA profiles cannot determine the breed of a dog, however.
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