German Shepherd Dog Overview Personality, Information, Pictures, Characteristics, Facts & Health Care...

Introduction

The German Shepherd, also known as the Alsatian, Deutscher Schäferhund or GSD, originated (as its name suggests) in Germany. Its original purpose was to group large flocks of sheep, not by the traditional method of biting and barking; but instead maintained order through his rapid and stealthy movements and his strong behavior. Good judgment and a stable temperament became a hallmark of the German Shepherd breed, and led them to be known as excellent K-9 police dogs, search and rescue dogs and guide dogs. Owners should be aware that protection is a natural tendency of the German shepherd. Dogs must be socialized and trained early to learn the difference between welcome and unwelcome guests. German shepherds require a lot of activity and space to run, and they are best suited for families who have the time and energy to dedicate themselves to their well-being. Those who do invest in the proper training and socialization of a GSD will find that they have raised a devoted and loving family companion.

Personality

The German Shepherd (GSD) is perhaps best known as the strong, courageous and obedient guide dog for the disabled and service dog of the K-9 police and search and rescue units, valued for their tenacity, intelligence, loyalty and concentration. GSDs are often looked for as watchdogs and guards. However, although they are, first and foremost, a grazing breed, GSDs can be excellent loving family partners. German pastors have a quite different personality marked by a direct and bold expression, obvious self-confidence and reluctance to develop indiscriminate friendships. They tend to be indifferent to strangers and may be distant; however, once they become friends with you, their devotion lasts a lifetime.

Appearance

According to the standard of the AKC breed, "the first impression of a good German shepherd is that of a strong, agile and muscular animal, alert and full of life". They are athletic, agile and muscular dogs with a curved contour. The skull leans towards a long wedge-shaped muzzle that ends in a black nose and teeth that join in a scissor bite. German shepherds have medium, almond, dark, alert and expressive eyes. They have thick saber tails that hang from the hock. The spurs should be left in the front, but should be removed from the hind legs. They come in all the colors of the canine rainbow, including white, although white is not accepted by AKC standards.

Size and weight

The ideal height for male German shepherds is 24 to 26 inches at the shoulder, for women, from 22 to 24 inches. There is no established weight requirement, but males weigh 75 to 90 pounds and women generally weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. They are longer than high, with an ideal ratio of 10: 8.5.

Coat and color

German shepherds have a double layer that developed over the years to protect these grazing dogs from rain, snow and burrs. Some dogs have long hair, while most have medium length coats. The coat may be either straight hair that extends flat against the body, or may be wavy or fibrous. They come in a wide variety of colors and color patterns that include black, black and cream, black and red, black and silver, black and tan, blue, bray, liver, sable or white. White dogs can not participate in AKC competitions, but other organizations allow white dogs. However, there are no color patterns that exclude a German shepherd from being a loving family dog.

Cleaning needs

German shepherds do not require any special arrangement. However, they are heavy crushers, leaving a trail of hair wherever they go, and twice a year they completely burn their coat. Brush the dog several times a week to help reduce the amount of hair that falls on the floor and furniture, and brush daily when the dog is blowing his coat. It only bathes a German shepherd when he absolutely needs it. Excessive bathing will remove the layer of essential oils. Despite their constant shedding, German shepherds are clean dogs, and baths can only be needed once every few months.

Check the dog's ears weekly for signs of irritation, infection or wax build-up. Clean with a solution approved by a veterinarian and a cotton ball: never use a cotton swab in the ear canal of a dog. Trim nails once a month and brush your teeth at least once a week to prevent tartar from building up and to keep the dogs' breath at bay.

Health

The average life expectancy of the German shepherd is between 10 and 13 years. The preoccupy Ailments on the health of the breed may include allergies, aortic stenosis, swelling, cataracts, cherry eye, Cushing'disease, degenerative myelopathy, disc deposition, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, footpad disorders, folliculitis / furunculosis / cellulitis, glycogen storage disease, hemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism, immune mediated thrombocytopenia, mitral dysplasia, myasthenia gravis, tumors of the nasal cavity, panosteitis, persistent right aortic arch, pituitary dwarfism and tricuspid dysplasia.