Information
- NameGerman Shepherd
- Other namesAlsatian (UK), Alsatian wolf dog (UK), Berger Allemand, Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund
- OriginGermany
- Size TypeMedium to Large-sized
- Breed GroupHerding (AKC:1908) (UKC)
- TypePurebreed
- Life span10-12 years
- TemperamentAlert, Confident, Courageous, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Obedient, Watchful
- HeightMale: 60-65 cm (24-26 in); Female: 55-60 cm (22-24 in)
- WeightMale: 30-40 kg (66-88 lb); Female: 22-32 kg (49-71 lb)
- ColorsBlack, Black and Tan, Black & Silver, Black & Red
- Litter Size4-9 puppies
- Puppy PriceAverage $800 – $2000 USD
Characteristics
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Adaptability
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Apartment Friendly
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Barking Tendencies
Frequent -
Cat Friendly
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Child Friendly
Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also friendly toward other pets but aloof and suspicious toward strangers. -
Dog Friendly
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Exercise Needs
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Grooming
Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep. No trimming or stripping needed. -
Health Issues
Hypoallergenic: No -
Intelligence
Ranking: #3 -
Playfulness
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Shedding Level
Constant and Seasonal Shedding: Expect this dog to shed frequently. Be prepared to vacuum often. Brushing will reduce shedding as well as make the coat softer and cleaner. -
Stranger Friendly
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Trainability
Easy Training: Training will be enjoyable. This dog is inclined to listen to commands and obey its owner. This breed will require fewer repetitions to obey specific instructions, pleasing owners who like to see quick results. -
Watchdog Ability
Great Watchdog Ability: This dog will bark and alert its owners when an intruder is present. It exhibits very protective behavior, acts fearless toward any aggressor, and will do what it takes to guard and protect its family.
Overview
The German shepherd is a strong, agile, and well-muscled dog.
Its alertness and energetic ability is extremely high. Due to its agility and aggressiveness, it is mostly valued for its ability to protect and defend.
The body structure of the German shepherd dog is unique with a smooth front and rear hindquarters.
The body of the dog is long with tall limbs and hind full of smooth curves rather than angles.
The body shape is sturdy rather than slender.
An ideal German shepherd is very obvious to recognize as a result of the body structure, and the good qualities they possess.
The differences in the gender can also be easily differentiated even when one has no knowledge about dogs.
The German shepherd breed
The German shepherd breeds are known for their ability to obey direct orders with swiftness.
Mostly used as a watch dog, and also as a guardian dog.
They seem gentle, but have a high sense of vigilance.
They are dogs usually used by the police to make searches.
They are popularly known as “police dog” with a distinct personality of obeying direct orders and being fearless.
The German shepherd dogs are known for their hard work and relentlessness, always willing to serve whenever the occasion demands.
Physical Body Type
The German shepherd dog is a dog with height of between 24–26 inches for the male, and height of 22–24 inches for the female.
The weight is about 22–40 kg for the male and the Female weight is about 22–32kg.
The whole body structure of the dog gives an impression of depth and solidity.
The rib structure is long, and well sprung, it is neither barrel nor too flat carrying a strong sternum that extends towards the elbow.
It has a firm abdomen with a broad and strong loin.
The tail hangs in a slight curve form like a saber, and it is connected to the last vertebra which extends to the hock.
When a German shepherd dog is excited or motion, the curved tail straightens up.
Colors for German shepherds
The color for German Shepherd Dogs varies.
But an ideal German shepherd dog has a permissible, strong and rich color.
Mostly the color commonly found on a typical German shepherd dog is mostly black, or tan with black saddle.
A German shepherd with a pale and faded color is not accepted.
Care of the German shepherd Coat
The ideal German shepherd dog has a double coat of medium length with the outer coat extremely dense.
The body hairs are straight and harsh, and also close to the body.
The outer layer is slightly wavy in texture, and it is very permissible.
The head, inner ear, muzzle, legs and paws are all covered with short hairs, while the neck is covered with longer and thicker hairs.
The rear of the forelegs and rear has slightly longer hair extending to the pastern and hock, respectively.
Faults in coat include soft, silky hair, outside too long, woolly, curly, and open coat.
Temperament
The German shepherd dogs are the kinds that have distinct personality.
They are full of self-confidence, fearless, but not hostile.
They have this control over their attitude which enables them not to give their selves up to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.
The German shepherd dog is wildly known to always stand its ground, and showing confidence and willingness to face oppositions when any arises.
Due to their multiple abilities, they can be used as companion dogs, watchdog, herding dog, or guardian dog.
Training for German shepherd dog
German shepherd dogs are naturally active dogs.
Training them from little makes them more useful when they are grown.
They can be trained on alertness and vigilance.
They can also be trained to be friendly, but also fierce when situation arises.