Read About German Shepard Dog

German Shepard Dog's are loyal and courageous dogs. Here's everything you need to know about this dog breed.

Quick German Shepard Dog Summary:

1. Size:

   The German Shepard is a large dog breed.

2. Weight:

   When fully grown, the average weight is 77-85 lbs.

3. Coat:

   This breed has a medium cover coat.

4. Shedding:

   There is a medium level of shedding from a German Shepard.

5. Temperament:

   They are typically a gentle breed.

6. Obedience:

   German Shepards have good obedience.

7. Ease of Training:

   This breed is moderately easy to train.

8. Way with Children:

   German Shepards tend to be good with children.

German Shepard Dog - Facts

1. AKC Group/Date Admitted:

   This breed is part of the herding group which was admitted in 1908.

2. Size & Weight:

   German Shepards are 22-26 inches tall and 77-85 lbs on average.

3. Coat:

   German Shepard Dog's have a straight, coarse and thick outer coat.

4. Head & Muzzle:

   Their head is strong and defined. The male has a definite masculine looking head while the female has a feminine looking one. The muzzle is long and strong. The ears are somewhat pointed and erect.

5. Body:

   German Shepard Dog's have strong muscular necks. Their chests are deep with long and angled shoulders.

6. Colors:

   According to the AKC most colors are acceptable. Strong, rich colors are preferred.

7. Life Expectancy:

   13 yrs

8. Popularity:

   In a 2005 popularity ranking by the AKC they were ranked 4 out of 154 breeds.

9. Habitat:

   The German Shepard Dog will do fine living in an apartment. They are fairly inactive indoors. However, a large sized yard is best where they have room to run leash free.

German Shepard Dog - Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   Germany

2. Historical Information:

   The German Shepard Dog was bred from a mixture of local shepherd dogs in Germany. The first registered German Shepard dog was registered in 1899.

German Shepard Dog - Defining Characteristics

1. Temperament:

   German Shepard Dog's are happy and confident.

2. Behavior:

   They are very protective of their families and homes. They need to be trained at an early age to prevent over guarding.

3. Habits:

   German Shepard Dog's are very intelligent and excel as police dogs, guide dogs and search and rescue dogs.

German Shepard Dog - Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Mostly due to poor breeding, the German Shepard Dog has several health issues to watch for. They include: hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis, dwarfism and flea allergies.

2. Exercise Needs:

   German Shepard Dog's love vigorous exercise especially when it is in the form of a game or some type of training.

3. Grooming Needs:

   German Shepard Dog's need a daily brushing and should only be bathed 1-2 times a year.

4. Travel Needs:

   For the safety of yourself as well as your German Shepard Dog, using a safety belt harness is best while traveling in the car. This will keep him comfortable while preventing him from roaming around the car possibly causing injury to himself or others.

5. Getting Along With Other Pets and Children:

   When socialized at an early age, German Shepard Dog's will do fine with children and other animals.

German Shepard Dog -- How to Choose

1. What to Look for in a Healthy Puppy:

   Look for bright and clear eyes, healthy coat and skin and clean ears that are free of parasites.

2. What You Will Need For A New Puppy:

   Things to have on hand for your new puppy are: a good puppy food, a brush for grooming, toys and a crate or kennel.

3. Puppy-proofing your house:

   Keep all small objects out of reach.

4. How to make your new puppy feel at home:

   Your new puppy may seem shy and intimidated at first. Provide them with a quiet and comfortable place to sleep. Let them explore their new surroundings and get familiar with their new home. Use interactive dog toys to play with your new puppy so you can get to know each other. With lots of love and interaction your new puppy will feel at home in no time.