A medium to large breed dog, with a tick double coat, long muscular body and strong legs. With a lifespan of 10 – 13 years and a weight of 34kg – 45kg. Known for their loyalty, intelligence, courage, energy and training abilities, German Shepherds are amazing dogs and make fantastic companions! Often used in the military and as guide dogs.
| Breed | German Shepherd |
|---|---|
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 13 Years |
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Origin | Germany |
| Shedding | Heavy Shedder |
| Energy | 4 |
| Attention | 4 |
| Training | 5 |
| Barking | 2 |
| Mental | 5 |
| Drooling | 2 |
| Body | A medium to large breed with a long muscular build, with a wide chest, tapered muzzle and erect ears. They have a tick medium length double coat and their colours can range from black, bi-colour, sable or even white with the most common being black and tan. |
| Coat | German Shepherds have a tick double coat of medium length. They shed heavily twice a year and require daily brushing to help maintain it. Nail clipping and ear cleaning should be done regularly, bathing when needed. Brushing their teeth is also needed to maintain a healthy mouth. |
| diet | German Shepherds are an active and energetic breed that require a high quality, high protein diet. The breed benefits greatly from a raw diet with the proper nutritional value and supplements. A breed specific food can also be fed, supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and additional dietary supplements such as omega 3 and calcium. |
| exercise | German Shepherds are an active and energetic breed that requires an abundance of exercise and training. They thrive in a working environment and by being so easy to train they love learning new tricks and commands. The need daily exercise and training revision. The need both mental and physical stimulation and it is important that they start training and socialising at a young age to prevent over-guarding and aggressive behavior. They do great with consistent, positive, reward-based training. |
| health | German Shepherds are an overall healthy breed but can suffer from issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, skin allergies, epilepsy and spinal disc issues. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet and exercise is beneficial to a healthy dog. |
| environment | Being such an energetic dog, they thrive in large environments with lots of space to run around. They need both physical and mental stimulation which can be received from training and working, along with ample toys and interactive tasks/toys. They need constant companionship and do great with a one on one owner. |
| maintenance | German Shepherds require daily grooming and exercise, a high-quality diet and regular vet check-ups for a happy and healthy life! Their maintenance is a bit higher due to their energy, intelligence and need to work. |
| personality | A loyal and intelligent breed, German Shepherds make fantastic companions! They are a happy and energetic breed known for their courage, protection, alertness and intelligence. They are natural protectors and devoted to their families. They are eager to please and love working and training. Loving and loyal, this breed makes a fantastic companion, family or working dog. |
| Family Life | German Shepherds can make fantastic family dogs as they are loyal, protective and loving companions. They require an active life style with lots of training and exercise but won't give up the opportunity to nuzzle up to their owners at the end of the day for a cuddle. Being a naturally protective breed they can become aggressive if they feel their home or family is being threatened, making them fantastic guard dogs. |
| Fun Facts | – German Shepherds are know for their keen sense of smell and are used in law enforcement, search and rescue, and bomb detection. <br /> |
| Breed History | Originating in Germany, German Shepherds came to be around the late 1800's after a German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz made it his mission the breed the perfect German herder dog. For the next 35 years von Stephanitz and other like-minded breeders crossed various herding breeds to refine and perfected the German Shepherd dog. The breed became popular in America after soldiers brought the dog back when returning from World War 1, where after the breed popularity skyrocketed! Due to the anti-German sentiment in Britain during and after World War 1, the name for the breed became Alsatian, which is still used in the UK. By World War 2, the GSD ( German Shepherd Dog ) was the military breed of choice. Even today the German Shepherd is the preferred breed of choice for military, law enforcement, guide dogs, search and rescue, guard dogs, bomb- detection and therapy. Although not only are they fantastic working dogs but loyal family dogs as well! |
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