German Shepherd

Breed Description

The German Shepherd is arguably the smartest and most confident dog breed originating from Germany. These active dogs enjoy attention, physical exercise, training, and spending time alone with their owner. Like any other breed, having a German Shepherd in your family requires a certain level of commitment.

Around 1900, Captain von Stephanitz created the German Shepherd as a modern working dog breed. It is likely the most successful dog breed creation in the world. The German Shepherd has become a symbol of intelligence and strength. When people speak of dogs as man’s best friend, many secretly think of the German Shepherd. It’s no surprise that the first four-legged hero in cinema history was the German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin, who became a Hollywood star. As Inspector Rex, he continues to inspire people in Vienna and Rome.

The German Shepherd is a symbol of a high-performing working dog and at the same time a loyal friend who protects us. The breed follows a centuries-old tradition of using service dogs for herding purposes. However, it is also a relatively young breed, selectively bred based on standards and pedigree for just 120 years. In the past, the effectiveness of its hard work was the sole criterion for breeding selection. In just a few decades, the German Shepherd has become a symbol of an efficient, responsive, and caring partner to humans worldwide.

Even today, the German Shepherd remains primarily a working dog. It serves in police, customs, military, or rescue services on all continents. Its versatility, high readiness, and ability to train and work for the benefit of people have made it legendary. Its outstanding achievements, legendary reputation as a friend of humanity, and appearance are very appealing to people who view it simply as a good business opportunity. Due to irresponsible breeders, the appearance of the German Shepherd has started to change: there’s a prevalence of sloped backs and extremely angled hind legs. The dogs of Captain von Stephanitz had a horizontal, straight back like wolves. They were much leaner, slightly long-legged, with normal angles in their hind legs, just like wolves.

According to Australian Geographic, German Shepherds are an excellent choice for those looking for a loyal and loving furry companion. Their height ranges from 56 to 66 centimeters, and their weight varies from 34 to 43 kilograms.

The German Shepherd symbolizes man’s best friend. It also does well as a family dog, but it should be stimulated and encouraged in dog sports and professional tasks. Unfortunately, the “King of Dogs” has become a problematic breed due to improper breeding practices.The price for a puppy ranges from 35,000 to 70,000 rubles.

Appearance

When describing the German Shepherd, it should be noted that it is a medium-sized working dog breed, muscular, with either short or long hair and upright ears, giving them a wolf-like appearance. The German Shepherd possesses outstanding physical strength and mental activity, characterized by strong musculature and a confident gait, ensuring successful completion of work tasks. Additionally, the breed features a long muzzle, square head, pointed ears that stand upright, a slightly sloped back and hind legs, as well as a long and thick tail. On average, males weigh between 30 to 40 kg, while females weigh between 22 to 32 kg.

The German Shepherd comes in two coat types: Stockhaar and Langstockhaar, both having an undercoat. Various colorations are possible: black with red-brown, brown, yellow, and light gray markings, as well as solid black, gray with darker patches, black with a saddle and mask. White is not recognized. The original German Shepherd, established by von Stephanitz, had a horizontal, straight back line and properly curved hind limbs with very powerful and sharply inclined hindquarters.

The German Shepherd has a powerful, muscular build with dense fur, allowing it to withstand atmospheric influences. Its proportions of height, length, and angles of the front and rear legs ensure a graceful and enduring gait. Distinct masculine and feminine traits are essential, yet the working qualities never yield to mere beauty. The ideal height at the withers is between 60-65 centimeters for males and 55-60 centimeters for females. They are dogs with sound health and physical conditioning, allowing them to live up to 12 years without serious issues. However, according to show standards, contemporary individuals often do not reach this age.

The German Shepherd is a breed with majestic external characteristics that embody strength, grace, and elegance.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head should be oval in shape and of medium length, not coarse but rather radiating strength and intelligence. The skull must be well-balanced and not heavy, with a distinctly pronounced central groove.

Морда

The German Shepherd's face is primarily the place where its intelligence and loyalty are expressed. It should be strong and wide, without signs of harshness. The nasal region should be straight, with a black and well-developed nose. The lips should fit tightly, not forming folds, which gives the face an elegant appearance.

Уши

The ears of a German Shepherd are erect and of medium length. They should be positioned vertically and slightly forward, giving the dog an appearance of alertness and readiness for action.

Глаза

Expressive eyes are the hallmark of this breed. They should be medium-sized, slightly oval, and dark in color. The gaze of a German Shepherd reflects its intelligence, eagerness to work, and unwavering loyalty.

Зубы

Strong and healthy teeth, nestled in powerful jaws, are an essential part of the anatomy of a German Shepherd. A correct bite and a full set of teeth not only ensure functionality but also enhance the beauty of this breed's smile.

Корпус

A harmonious body, combined with beautiful musculature, makes the German shepherd majestic. The back is straight, and the loin is short and strong. The chest is deep, providing space for strong lungs and heart, with a good curvature of the ribs.

Конечности

The front legs are straight, with strong bones and round, compact toes, well-balanced. The hind legs are broad and muscular, providing strength and stability in movement.

Хвост

The tail, long and fluffy, adds a sense of completeness to the appearance. It should be set low and slightly curved. When at rest, it hangs down, and when in motion, it rises, lending fluidity to the walk.

Шерсть

The charm of a German Shepherd is partly defined by its lush coat. The short, dense topcoat is combined with a soft undercoat, creating a comfortable and protective layer. In long-haired individuals, the fur takes on an elegant appearance, framing their graceful body.

Окрас

The variety of colors in German Shepherds is breathtaking. Black, black with tan markings, gray, light brown. A balanced coat color is an additional aspect of their beautiful appearance.

Character

The German Shepherd has an exceptionally strong bond with humans. It is remarkable how easily these dogs can be managed and trained. There is no need for mindless obedience or military-style training, which unfortunately is often practiced in training centers. The German Shepherd excels at accomplishing the tasks set before them by their owner. For this purpose, these dogs have developed strong communication skills with people that can even be observed in the structure of their brains. Their high intelligence allows them to quickly understand tasks and adapt flexibly in their execution. With proper upbringing, socialization, and training, they can be reliable partners even in challenging environments, such as a noisy city. However, they are not recommended as a first dog.

The character of German Shepherds is marked by traits of suspicion, but they usually do not show aggression. They are calm and friendly with family members, but can utilize their strength and protective instincts in case of danger, making them excellent guard dogs. German Shepherds show high loyalty to their owners, hence they are happiest when in the company of their family. They are faithful, confident, brave, and balanced, which brings joy and pleasure to their owners.

These dogs usually get along well with other pets, such as dogs and cats; early and proper socialization training helps ensure harmonious relationships between them. German Shepherds have a gentle character, are friendly towards others, and easily adapt to new environments and people.

When we think of the German Shepherd breed, we typically envision a “guard dog” or “police dog,” known for its ability to excel in virtually everything it is taught: working as a guide and service dog for the disabled, serving in police and military roles, herding, search and rescue operations, drug detection, and therapy work, to name just a few. These dogs are versatile working partners, exhibiting balance and devoid of excess.

Care and Maintenance

German Shepherds are a dog breed that is easy to care for and highly resilient, especially when following the fundamental principles established by their creator, Max von Stephanitz. Caring for the coat of this breed does not require significant effort, only regular grooming during shedding periods. Maintaining the cleanliness and health of the dog takes a relatively small amount of time. Regular grooming promotes the growth of new hair and ensures even distribution of skin oils, contributing to their well-being. Bathing a German Shepherd is not required often. Excessive washing can strip the dog’s coat of the natural oils necessary for its health. Therefore, bathe your pet only when truly necessary. This, however, shouldn’t occur too frequently, as, despite their reputation, German Shepherds are generally clean and do not have an unpleasant smell.

Additionally, it is recommended to check the dog’s ears weekly for dirt, redness, or an unpleasant odor, which may indicate a possible infection.

The German Shepherd has a double coat of medium length, consisting of dense, coarse guard hairs and a softer undercoat. Caring for the coat typically involves daily quick brushing to remove individual hairs, but a more intense shedding process occurs once or twice a year. During these times, regular brushing will help control the amount of hair in the home and on the furniture.

The diet of a German Shepherd should be tailored to its large size and high energy needs. It is generally recommended to provide 3 to 4 cups of high-quality food, divided into two meals. For a proper balance of nutrients, it is advisable to consult a veterinary specialist or dietitian. It is also important that your pet always has access to clean, fresh water.

Feeding a Shepherd does not require strict rules, but quality food plays an essential role in their health.

Training and Education

The shepherd dog is extremely adaptable to external living conditions. However, it is not advisable to keep it in a kennel. A strong dog needs a strong hand. This means they want and can achieve great accomplishments in serving people, based on trust and a friendly approach. A military style, common in some dog parks, is completely counterproductive here. Dogs cannot develop through mere obedience based on intimidation. Their great nature and immense abilities are only fully realized through mutual respect and a close emotional bond.

For training, it is essential to consult with appropriate specialists in canine schools and clubs. With a well-trained shepherd, you can easily handle all life situations. It will confidently interact with other dogs, even if they bark at it, or quietly sit in its corner at a restaurant. An aluminum transport box is perfect for the car.

German shepherds are extremely easy to raise and train. With their balanced nature, high ability to communicate with people, and readiness to work, they quickly follow all instructions.

With proper care, the German shepherd becomes the perfect home pet. Their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability have made this breed one of the most adaptive and versatile among all dogs. Incredibly flexible pets, they master almost everything their training focuses on: they can work as guide dogs and assistants for the disabled, serve in the police and military, be herders, participate in search and rescue operations, detect drugs, and participate in obedience competitions.

The German shepherd provides phenomenal feedback during consistent and positive stimulus-based training. This is an energetic dog that needs constant activity and physical exercise. In the absence of these, they may show their dissatisfaction and frustration through destructive behavior: barking and damage to belongings.

Daily physical exercises, such as running or playing frisbee, combined with mental training, are essential. Participation in various dog activities, including agility, herding training, tracking, and dock diving, offers excellent opportunities for both muscle and mental stimulation. Want a purebred pet? You can find them at Zoosnika with documentation from verified breeders.

How to Choose a Puppy

When selecting a German Shepherd puppy, it is important to pay attention not only to appearance and personality but also to health, upbringing, and socialization of the future pet. There are several key aspects to consider when choosing and purchasing a puppy of this breed.

Before starting your search, it is essential to study the breed standards, its characteristics, and features, so you know exactly what you are looking for. The German Shepherd is an energetic, intelligent, courageous, and loyal breed but requires proper training and active involvement in the lives of its owners.

Finding a responsible breeder with a good reputation is crucial when selecting a puppy. The breeder should care for the health and character of the puppies, ensuring they receive proper nutrition, vaccinations, and socialization. Speak with the breeder, ask any questions you have, inquire about the parents of the future puppy, and learn about their health and temperament.

Observe the parents of the puppy, as this can give you an idea of what their offspring may be like. Purebred German Shepherds should possess breed qualities, good physical condition, and a balanced temperament.

Once you have chosen a specific breeder, visit their kennel to see the potential puppies. Assess their overall condition, activity level, and curiosity about the world. A good puppy should be curious, active, and attentive to you.

Ensure that the breeder has documents confirming that the puppies have received all necessary vaccinations, were examined by a veterinarian, and are in good health. Also, inquire about their pedigree.Before making a final decision, consider how well the breed fits your lifestyle. The German Shepherd is a breed that requires activity and attention, so you must be prepared to fully devote yourself to your new friend.It is better to choose puppies that are sold with proper documentation and in accordance with the law. Do not buy a puppy from markets or unethical sellers, as this can lead to unfortunate consequences.Acquiring a German Shepherd is a responsible step that requires careful and thoughtful consideration. Remember that this puppy will be with you for many years, and a thorough selection will help you find the perfect friend and loyal companion for years to come. We present the best breeders who care for each puppy from the first days of its life.

Health and Diseases

Taking care of a German Shepherd’s health plays an important role in its life. The key to a healthy lifestyle for a German Shepherd includes a balanced diet, regular physical exercise, attentive care, and timely medical check-ups.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are among the most common diseases in shepherds. This condition leads to joint development issues and can cause pain and movement problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to regularly check for this condition and discuss possible preventative measures with a veterinarian.

Gastrointestinal issues can also be quite common in German Shepherds. To prevent these ailments, it’s important to provide the dog with complete and balanced nutrition, avoid overeating, and prevent access to food waste outdoors. Regular visits to the veterinarian are also essential in caring for a German Shepherd. Vaccinations, preventive check-ups, and dental, coat, and ear care will contribute to maintaining your dog’s health and happiness.

The breed requires regular physical activity outdoors, but temperature control is necessary to avoid overheating or chilling. Maintaining a German Shepherd’s health also requires attention to its physical and emotional well-being. Love, care, and timely responses to medical issues will help ensure a long and happy life for your dog.

Many diseases in German Shepherds are hereditary. For instance, hip dysplasia is common in this breed, as well as in many others. This popular breed has its unique challenges, such as changes in gait (high back angle and strongly curved hind legs) in show line members, and hyperactive behavior in working lines.

It is important to closely monitor your dog’s weight and address any weight-related issues promptly. Regular veterinary visits are key to ensuring your pet’s health and well-being. It is recommended to schedule a visit to the veterinarian at least twice a year or as needed, according to your dog’s individual needs. During such visits, the veterinarian will conduct a medical examination and monitor your pet’s overall health. It is important to discuss any questions and concerns with your veterinarian, as this is a vital part of the preventive process.