History
Planned breeding commenced in the year 1899 after the founding of the German Shepherd Dog Club in Germany, was bred from central German and southern German strains of existing herding dogs with a final goal of creating a working dog predisposed to a high working aptitude.
Description
Medium size, slightly elongated, strong and well muscled.
Grooming and Physical Needs
- Grooming Needs: Grooming should be done every day, with a vigourous brushing to remove any dead or loose hairs and bathing should only be done as needed.
- Coat Type: Short medium coat.
- Moulting: Heavy shedding but the more you groom it, the less it will shed.
- Exercise Needs: Young pup should be exercised with some discretion to avoid long-term damage to still soft and forming joints. As the dog ages, it will require longer walks but must first have the solid bone structure established.
- Average Life Span: 10 years.
Behaviour
- Family: Will develop a very close bond with his handler and will want to be with him/her as much as possible. They will accept children if the children give them respect.
- Temperament: Highly intelligent breed, does need a lot of attention, he will give back one hundred fold with loyalty and incorruptible guarding skills.
- Trainability: Eager to learn and very responsive to training, especially voice commands given with the appropriate intonation. It is best to work with reward-method training.
- Sociability (Other Pets): German Shepherds can live quite lovingly with other household pets and fellow Dogs if trained to be used to them as a puppy. Early socialising is crucial.
- Barking: High tendency making them excellent guard dogs.
Talents
Excels at agility, tracking, rescue work or personal protection work.
Notes
Breed can be prone to hip dysplasia.