Description

The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile, well muscled dog, alert and full of life. German Shepherd Dogs are extremely intelligent and makes a wonderful companion, show or obedience dog. The German Shepherd Dog is exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, search, rescue dog. He is one breed that becomes truly bonded to his family and may suffer from separation anxiety when apart from his family.

Size of Male: Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 66-89 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 22-24 inches Weight: 43-74 pounds

Temperament

Often used as working dogs, German Shepherd Dogs are direct and fearless, eager and alert. German Shepherd Dogs are bold, cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. German Shepherd Dogs are known for their tremendous loyalty and courage. Calmly confident, but not hostile. Serious and almost human in his intelligence. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but they are very wary of strangers. This breed needs his family and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. German Shepherds have a very strong protective instinct, so they should be extensively socialized to prevent over-guarding when they are an adult. Aggression and attacks on people are largely due to poor breeding, handling and training. A well-bred, well-adjusted, and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. It is extremely important to purchase your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder. Some are timid and skittish and may be prone to fear biting. Research a puppy’s lineage carefully. To be successful pets, these dogs should be trained and socialized from an early age with a firm and loving hand. Coerciveness or angry training does not succeed well with these dogs. To be truly happy, the German Shepherd needs a task in life.

Living Conditions

The German Shepherd Dog will do ok in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. German Shepherd Dogs are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Do make sure you bring them out often enough for exercise daily and socialization with other dogs and people from young.

Upkeep

German Shepherd Dogs need daily mental and physical challenges. The German Shepherd Dog enjoys a good exercise session as well as learning session. German Shepherd Dogz can live outside in temperate to cool climates, but it is family-oriented and does equally well as a house dog. Its coat needs brushing one or two times weekly.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: Epilepsy, Von Willebrands disease, Skin issues, Eye problems

Life expectancy: 9 – 12 years