German Shepherd – Featured Breed

Next on our list of featured breeds is the German Shepherd Dog which is also included in our top 10 most popular dog breeds list. The German Shepherd is a large-sized dog which originated in Germany. Also known as an Alsatian, they were known way back from 1899 as a part of the Herding group, thus the name German Shepherd, since they were used as a working dog intended to herd sheep and livestock. Today they were incorporated to police and military divisions where they play a major role in detection and protective services due to their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training.

Profile
Breed Group: Herding
Weight: 75-95 lbs
Height: Male: 24-26 inches, Female: 22-24 inches
Color: black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, and sable

Overview: The German Shepherd was originally developed during the 19th century by Marx Von Stephanitz credited to be the father of the German Shepherd breed. This breed is very dedicated to work and is credited to be the first dog to assist the visually impaired.

Coat: A double-coated breed, the German Shepherd’s outer coat is thick and straight, with a soft and dense undercoat. The German Shepherd coats varies from rough coat and long hair to long rough coat. This breed is an average to heavy shedder.

Character: Being a highly intelligent breed, German Shepherd are highly adaptable, strong, dependable and full of energy.
Temperament: Being a member of herding group, German Shepherds are very devoted and loyal. They do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time and are exceptionally weary of strangers, oftentimes displaying their instincts of herding on anything and everything that moves.

Care: occasional bathing and daily brushing is needed to maintain the German Shepherd’s coat. This type of breed is commonly prone to health issues like blood disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, chronic eczema, digestive problems, and flea allergies.

Training: Early training is needed for this type of breed. Obedient and quick to learn, they are very talented in terms of tracking, agility, obedience, and ringsport. Training must be done with respect, fairness, reward and consistency.

Ownership: This breed is not recommended for novice owners. But consult a reputable German Shepherd Breeder or Rescue Center if you are serious about choosing this type of breed.

Watch out for more feature breeds on future posts.

Sources: NextdayPets, Wikipedia