Initially, a German shepherd was bred to protect the herd animals. Another name for the dog is a German shepherd dog. and alsatian shepherd. Today is often used in police, military structures and security enterprises. German Shepherd Dog – recognizable and well-built dog. Strong, athletic, courageous and extremely smart (ranks 3rd in the ranking of the most trained and smart breeds after border collie and poodle), this dog is also known their dedication and willingness to learn, which makes her one of most popular dogs as a pet.
Breed history
Contents
The German Shepherd was originally bred in Germany to guard and grazing, while selecting strong, hardy and smart dogs. The first German Shepherd Club (Society) appeared in the late 1800s, his main goal was to standardize the breed throughout the country. However, society fell apart after just a few years existence. In the future, the work on the shepherd took a former the head of this society, captain Max von Stefanitz, in whom and an averaged type of German shepherd was created. Over breeding breeds worked numerous German breeders of cattle dogs, as a result, that German was quickly enough bred the shepherd dog that we know and love today.
Appearance of a German Shepherd
The average height of male German shepherd dogs is 60-65 cm, bitches – 55-60cm.
The average weight of both males and females is between 35 and 40 kg, although males are usually slightly heavier than bitches.
The dog has a domed forehead, an elongated muzzle and a black nose. The ears of the German Shepherd are large, prominent, erect. Eyes medium, almond-shaped, brown. The body of the shepherd dog is stretched, strong, with well developed muscles. The tail is thick, reaches up to hock joints. The physique leaves an impression of powerful and a muscular dog.
The coat of the German Shepherd is thick, medium length, with undercoat. The most common colors are black and gray. Exists dogs with a white color, although rarely enough. Is gaining popularity is a separate white dog, which is given proper name – american white shepherd, although the breed is not recognized.
German Shepherd Character
As a service dog, a German shepherd dog will thrive with family or with someone who can devote enough time to her physical and mental exercises. Dog needs access to a safe area outside, such as a garden or courtyard.
All German Shepherds are attentive and courageous animals, loyal and reliable. The popularity of the shepherd as a service and The guard dog speaks for itself. German shepherds are very multifaceted, they can be quiet, but quite lively, serious, but funny and reliable. The dog is well developed instinct to protect. “German” thrives on “companionship” with the owner. Because of this, these large pets, like usually get along well with children and other animals if they were socialized at an early age without aggressive and tough teaching methods. In fact, according to the book “Dog Intelligence”, by Stanley Koren, German Shepherds have the best ability among large dog breeds interpret the instructions of his trainer or owner. Most German Shepherds are able to learn simple commands in just 5 repetitions.
When handled properly, these dogs become some of the most smart and trained. The calm and calm character of the German shepherd dogs makes them ideal for a wide range of possible functions and work.
German Shepherd Health
The average life span of a shepherd is 10 to 13 years old. A common problem in these dogs is dysplasia. hip joint, which means some of them born with a genetic predisposition to the disease.
After reaching approximately one year of age, the owner can diagnose hip joints. It will help identify the degree of dysplasia, and, in the case of a high degree, may be corrective therapy has been undertaken.
In addition, the MDR1 gene is found in some shepherd dogs. Dogs with this gene is very susceptible to certain drug drugs that can be fatal to them. Some German shepherds are also more prone to epilepsy.
Additional information on common breed diseases see in article “The main health problems in German Shepherd Dog. ”
German Shepherd Care
Since German Shepherd Dogs have a thick coat with undercoat, they prone to strong molting. Therefore, it will be useful for dogs regular grooming. This breed requires frequent and varied exercise, therefore not suitable for low families activity level or sedentary lifestyle. Also advisable consider the cost of feeding the dog, as they are enough large, so the cost of feed can be significantly higher than in smaller breeds.
If you leave the shepherd alone for long periods of time without exercise, expect trouble. Boredom and passivity often lead to behavior problems – chewing, digging and barking. German the shepherd desperately needs both motor (without, fuss), and mental activity (training in dexterity or obedience).
Like many shepherds, German shepherds bark. Bark not necessarily a problem, but it can be excessive if the dog is bored. The silent command must be a must in obedience training.
German shepherds love to chew, their powerful jaws can destroy almost any material. If they choose the wrong thing for this, they can damage your teeth or swallow something that could lead to illness or even to asphyxiation. Keep your dog safe and chew safe. toys and bones so she can entertain herself when you cannot play with her.
Feeding
Recommended daily ration: from 3 to 4 bowls of quality dry food, divided into two meals.
However, the amount of daily feed depends on the size, age, metabolism and level of activity of the dog. All dogs individual, like people, and not all of them need this amount of food. Of course, a very active dog needs more feed than loving lying on the couch.
If your dog begins to gain weight, reduce servings. On the contrary, if it looks too thin, add a little more. You can find out if a shepherd is overweight with a simple test. Put your hands on the dog’s back with your thumbs along the spine, and the rest along the ribs. You should feel the ribs under the muscle layer. If you see ribs, then the dog too thin. If the ribs with the tube are felt under a layer of fat, then the dog should be on a diet.
You should pay special attention to feeding your German puppy shepherd dogs. These dogs grow very fast between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them prone to various bone defects. They grow well on quality feed with low calorie content. (22-24% protein and 12-15% fat), which will not allow them to grow too fast.
Overfeeding the German Shepherd and subsequent several extra pounds can cause joint problems and some other diseases. Limit the number of treats, keep it active and provide regular nutrition, but do not leave food in free access.
Children and other animals
If a German shepherd was well trained and had a lot contacts with children, especially when she was a puppy, she will a great companion for children. In fact, many consider a German shepherd with something between the nanny and the policeman, i.e. and a gentle companion, and a loyal defender.
However, it is a large dog, capable of mistakenly stumble upon a toddler or small child. Also by their nature, these shepherds are not friendly with children they do not know, but in any case, they are generally trustworthy.
The German Shepherd Dog can also live peacefully with other dogs and pets, if she was accustomed to this from puppyhood. Introducing an adult shepherd to other animals may be more difficult task if she had no contact with others before dogs or cats. You may need help professional trainer to get advice or specific training course.
Key Features
- German shepherds are not suitable for owners if they are often found far from home or for a long time. When they left alone, they quickly become anxious and bored, leading to barking and other behavior problems.
- German Shepherds are active and intelligent dogs. They have to regularly receive both physical and mental activity.
- German shepherds instinctively suspect all strangers people. To raise a social and well-balanced dog, the puppy will need a large number of diverse experiences: places, sounds, people and other animals.
- These dogs molt very much. They are also sometimes called “German molting.” Combing out several times a week and good a vacuum cleaner is the minimum you need.
- Training a dog for a cage will help her to be calm and fun, when the owner will not be around. This is especially important for German. a shepherd dog that often suffers from separation and can be extremely disturbing.
- These dogs have a reputation for being excellent watchmen, however, are German shepherds should never be chained or tied to stand on guard in one place. This leads to frustration and aggression. German shepherds need access to a large fenced yard, where they will be able to burn their excess energy.
German shepherd puppy price
The cost of puppies, as a rule, depends on the documents, certifying the genetic potential of their family tree. Average The cost of a German shepherd is:
- Without pedigree: from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles
- From the pedigree: from 15,000 to 40,000 rubles or more
