What Your Dog Says About You
30 Nov 2008
30 Nov 2008
24 Nov 2008
20 Nov 2008
19 Nov 2008
19 Nov 2008
16 Nov 2008
16 Nov 2008
German Shepherds, often called in short form as “GSDs” are not an ancient breed. In fact they’re not much over 100 years old. Also called by some Alsatians due to their breeding having originally taken place in the Alsace region of Germany. Breed aficionados who admire their intelligence and good manner will also often refer to them as The Noble Shepherd.That celebrity was well earned as these brave dogs became police dogs, guide dogs and film stars who repeatedly proved their intelligence and faithfulness. German Shepherds are among the most highly regarded breeds for reasons that are easy to see. German Shepherds, (translated from the German, Deutscher Schäferhund) are very intelligent, exceedingly loyal, protective and good looking dogs.
The German Shepherd is medium-sized (75-90lbs/34-41kg). The male ranges from 24-26 inches (61-66cm) at the withers (top of the shoulder bones), the female a bit smaller. They have two-tone coats - typically black and tan and have deep brown eyes, perky ears and square lonf nosed heads. All in all a great looking breed when in motion or still.
There are a number of sub-breeds that are still considered purebreds by many. Pure white German Shepherds are in high demand due to their great looks and mild kind personalities. Then there’s a long-haired type that looks like it sounds! The long hair color is still typical black and tan German Shepherd but with hair on the face and chest longer than the regular type.
GSD’s are popular on the dog show circuit too. Their strong agility, intelligence, good looks and willingness to be trained lets them do well in many show classes not just looking good as with many fancy breeds! Sadly their white and long haired cousins are often banned from mainline shows.
The silliness that can be endemic in “dog show politics” defines them as non-pure. That’s just daft and unless you’re planning on doing shows seriouslt then you should consider both types as perfectly fine options for your dog partner if you like the look of either type.
German Shepherds are justly famed for their guard and rescue dog abilities. They bond with owner or trainer within a few months and are strong and fit enough to do a hell of a lot of hard work.
Even better they’re not overly aggressive by nature though of course they can be but when trained and instructed to be so. They have extraordinary scent detection abilities which when combined with their other attributes makes them very popular with police, customs and military for sniffer dog work.
If you enjoy training dogs then good news - They enjoy training too and will give you a lot of satisfaction. Yet, unlike other breeds such as Dalmatians they don’t need unremitting action in order to be calm and happy.
They can be equally relaxed just watching and waiting. They can be content to walk calmly along a border on guard patrol or just hang out at home or in the garden waiting for the next game.
They’re good with children and don’t usually threaten the neighbors or visitors unless they’ve been trained to react when someone comes onto the property. They may growl or bark, however, since anyone not of ‘their pack’ is naturally suspect.
While very hardy in general, German Shepherds do have health conditions which they are somewhat more predisposed to than other breeds. Bloat (GDV, Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) is possible and occurs when the stomach dilates as a result of an excess of fluid, and sometimes twists. Otitis Externa is an inflammation of the ear canal that often affects dogs with long ears, such as those of the German Shepherd.
Hip Dysplasia is very well know as a potential problem too. It tends to affect the them as they get older. The best defense is to get your Shepherd from a breeder who’s breeding family line has not had problems with it.
But apart from diseases, they’re relatively easy to care for. Coat, nail and other aspects need only a small effort to keep them healthy and looking fine.
German Shepherds have a double-layered coat comprised of a short, thick, wiry overcoat and a soft, dense undercoat. The fur sheds some in Spring but needs only moderate care. Bathing the water-resistant coat is needed only occasionally, while regular brushing is enough to keep the skin and hair healthy.
If you’re sure that the GSD is the dog breed for you then the next step is to locate a good breeder. The GSD like some other popular breeds has been over bred in some places. Like over and inbreeding in human populations this is not good!
Bad health and mental characteristics tend to exaggerate rather than the good. So do your research, ask owner clubs about good breeders, check out online forums or clubs and see what breeder names keep popping up as good.
Get in contact with them, find out if they have litters due, costs and so on and be prepared to be asked about your lifestyle and accommodation - Good breeders are like parents and want their “kids” to go to a good home. So if you get questioned on this that’s a very good sign!