German Shepherd, German Shepherds
Description: The
German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile, well muscled dog, alert and full of
life. He is extremely intelligent and makes a wonderful companion, show or
obedience dog. The German Shepherd is exceptionally trainable and works well as
a police, guide, search, rescue dog. He is one breed that becomes truly bonded
to his family and may suffer from separation anxiety when apart from his people.
Other Names: Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund
Height:
Males are 24 - 26
inches; Females are 22 - 24 inches
Weight: 75 - 95 lbs.
Colors: Solid
black, gray, tan, gold. White is recognized by the CKC.
Coat: Length
is medium, straight and hard and close lying with a dense undercoat
Temperament:
Intelligent, responsive, solid temperament, consistent behavior.
With Children: Yes, loves his own children,
but may be suspicious of other children.
With Pets: Yes, if trained from puppyhood to
accept other pets.
Special Skills: Family pet.
Watch-dog:
Very High
Guard-dog: Very High
Care and Training:
Daily brushing, bathing occasionally. Long, daily walks. Needs a large open
yard. Obedience training will help improve his social skills.
Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - High,
Problem Solving - High. Training is not easy as he is intelligent and will try
to think of ways to avoid doing what you are asking.
Activity: Indoor
- High, Outdoor - High
Living Environment: Country or city living
as long as adequate attention and exercise is given. Fenced yard is essential.
The owner of a German Shepherd should strong and confident.
Health Issues:
Usually hardy. Has potential to have hip dysplasia (abnormal development of hip
joints), skin disease, bloat, congenital heart disease, Von Willebrand's
disease, nervous condition and panosteitis (an inflammation of long bones in the
legs.)
Life Span: 12
- 13 Years
Litter Size: 5 - 10
Country of Origin:
Germany
History: Dates back to as early as
the 7th Century A.D. The German Shepherds roots are in the mountain sheepdog of
Germany. About 1880 the German army modified this breed for work as a military
dog. The first German Shepherd exhibit was in 1882 in Hanover. Credit for the
formation of the modern breed is given to German fancier Rittmeister von
Stephanitz.
First Registered
by the AKC: 1908
AKC Group: Herding
Class: Herding
Registries:
AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group)
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