Dog class - Herding
Average height - 22 to 26 inches
Average weight - 65 to 100 pounds
Size - Large
Average life span - 10 to 13 years

Although initially developed as a sheep-herder, the German Shepherd Dog is the world's leading guard and police dog. Ranging in color from black-tan, bicolor (black with tan points), golden sable, grey sable, all the way to solid black, the German Shepherd is a sharp looking, discriminating breed.

Bigger is not better in this breed, however, as the German Shepherd Dog's frame is not equipped to be bred large. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in intelligence. Normally, the breed has ears that prick up, dark eyes, a black nose, and teeth that meet in a scissors bite. While good with children, the breed should be handled by experienced owners only, as this dog requires commitment to proper training and socialization. Socializing is important, especially for pups, as it prevents the German Shepherd Dog from becoming shy and fearful. If not socialized properly, a dog may become aggressive or a fear biter.

The German Captain Max von Stephanitz developed the German Shepherd Dog in the 1890's to be a dog with excellent herding and guarding capabilities. Stephanitz and companion Arthur Meyer would later form the Verein für Deutsche Schaferdunde to help develop the breed. Stephanitz was the organizations first president, presiding until 1936. The breed is, therefore, relatively new to the breeding history of dogs, having most of its breeding characteristics refined in the 1900's. Von Stephanitz would eventually oversee the expansion of the breed's usefulness to include, amid some initial amusement, working with the police and the military. The German sport of "Schutzhund," meaning "protection dog," has become a vital part of the dog's necessary training and socialization. In Schutzhund, the dog's natural abilities to track, protect, and be taught control through obedience are assessed and developed. The three stages of Shutzhund are novice (SchH1), intermediate (SchH2), and advanced (SchH3).

Because German Shepherd Dogs are herders by nature, long walks can be a special experience for both you and your pet. The dog will naturally try to "herd" you and your companions in order to better protect you. In addition, the German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent, and games that require mental and physical agility are especially well-suited to this breed. Games that require tracking, or hiding a familiar object would be ideal. In addition, the dog enjoys large amounts of space to run and explore. But be cautioned: never play physical games with you pet immediately before or after eating, as this may increase the possibility of bloating, or gastric torsion.

The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent and make excellent companions and watchdogs, as well as a good family pet, if trained properly. By training your dog well, and encouraging family members to establish a position of authority over the dog, you will foster a protective, mutually enriching experience for both you and your pet. They are excellent protectors of their "pack," often trying to "herd" your family for your own protection. In addition, they do not require clipping.

Max Von Stephanitz, the father of the German Shepherd Dog, is quoted as saying that "The most striking features of the correctly bred German Shepherd are firmness of nerves, attentiveness, unshockability, tractability, watchfulness, reliability and incorruptibility together with courage, fighting, tenacity and hardness." With that in mind, you can't go wrong with a German Shepherd Dog!

Genetic and other health problems can be especially devastating in the German Shepherd Dog. Some common problems to be aware of include hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Also of special concern in the German Shepherd Dog is bloat, or gastric torsion. Because of its deep-seated chest, the dog's stomach may twist so that nothing can past through the esophageus to the stomach or through the stomach to the intestine, causing gas to build up. A large amount of activity before or after eating can exacerbate bloating. Your dog must be taken to the vet immediately as bloat is an immediate health concern.

This breed requires a lot of space to exercise. In addition, two genetic disorders - hip dysplasia and epilepsy - are often inherited in this breed and can cause severe problems if not detected before selecting your puppy. As adults, these dogs shed a lot, and if trained improperly as puppies, the results can be devastating in an adult dog. Therefore, it is vital that, as a puppy, your German Shepherd Dog be given obedience training. Another important point to watch out for is the nationality of your German Shepherd Dog. There are two bloodlines, an American and a German. American bloodlines are longer and leaner, and often taller than those from the German bloodline. While those dogs from the American bloodline are normally calmer and less dominant than their German counterparts, the American line of the breed often lacks drive or working ability.

Training at an early age is vital for this breed, and socialization with family members, other humans, and other breeds is a must.

Further German Shepherd Dog Resources

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