German Shepherds
are a loyal and loving breed.
According to the Nova Scotia German Shepherd Dog Club, German shepherds were bred from varieties of herding and farming dogs. In 1907, the first German shepherd was shown in the United States. Since then the German shepherd has earned a reputation as both a working dog and as a household pet.
Physical Characteristics
Canis Major indicates that German shepherds are available in a number of different colors, such as black and red, solid black, or black and tan. At their full weight, adult males weigh between 75 and 95 lbs. and are between 24 and 26 inches at the top of the shoulder blades. Females are slightly smaller than the males. They can have short or long coats.
If you are choosing a puppy to show, Canis Major recommends avoiding puppies with long coats, since long hair is considered a fault in the ring. In addition, they also suggest avoiding solid white dogs since they cannot enter a breed class.
Health Issues
German shepherds have a number of genetic diseases and disorders. They are susceptible to epilepsy, flea allergies and blood disorders, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. They also have a high risk of developing hip and elbow dysplasia, which are deformities of the joints that can cause pain when the dog walks or runs.
When buying a German shepherd puppy, Canis Major strongly recommends avoiding pet stores and backyard breeders. They suggest working with a responsible breeder who can guarantee the dog's health. The German Shepherd Lore website advises asking the breeder whether the sire and dam are registered with the Orthopedica Foundation for Animals Hip Dysplasia Registry. If so, the website suggests getting the numbers and ratings for both parents to ensure that neither of them carry the crippling disease.
Energy Level
German shepherds of all ages are active and intelligent. They need a consistent daily exercise routine to stay healthy. The Dog Breed Info website warns that this breed can become destructive if they are not mentally challenged, so obedience training and daily play times are a necessity.
Grooming
German shepherds are heavy shedders. Canis Major indicates that they do not have special grooming requirements, but they will need an occasional bath and regular brushing to remove loose dog hair.
Puppy Training
Canis Major indicates that the German shepherd breed matures very slowly. The owner must be prepared to provide consistent discipline to avoid major behavior problems. The breed is highly intelligent and can be taught to perform tricks. These dogs are sociable and cannot tolerate being left outside alone for long periods.
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