The characteristics of a working dog German Shepherd of a Large Breed. The German Shepherd Dog is considered by many to be the quintessential dog breed either because of its characteristics as a faithful dog, excellent guardian, and defender of its own or because of its popularity due to its appearance in films or as dog Police.
When looking at a German Shepherd, few people would think that he was raised to lead and protect a herd. Most people see in the German Shepherd a police or rescue dog, a guide dog, a friend of the children and a faithful companion.
In this article, we provided all the information about the German Shepherd characteristics, whether this German Shepherd is a family dog or not. Many more things can be learned from this article for sure. Check the complete article.
History of the German Shepherd
Already in the seventh century, there were several ancestors of the German shepherd dog in Germany and throughout Europe. As the name “Pastor” already suggests, these strong and powerful animals were used for the herding and driving of the flocks and also for the guarding of the possessions of their owners.
The German Shepherd breed appeared at the end of the 19th century in Germany and was first exhibited at a show in Hannover in 1882. Max von Stephanitz and other breeders produced a sensitive, obedient and slender dog breed using local grazing hair breeds long, short-haired and farm dogs from the areas of Bavaria, Württemberg, and Thurginia. The goal was to create a working dog to care for herding herds and to be able to jog for long periods of time following the cattle.
The dogs were presented for the first time in Hannover in 1882, although the variety of short hair was not presented until the year 1889 in a Berlin exhibition and in April of this year, Von Stephanitz registered “Horan” as the first dog ” Deutsche Schäferhunde” which means “German Shepherd “in Spanish. Until 1915, varieties of both long hair and short hair were shown. However, at present in most countries, only the short hair variety is recognized as an authentic German Shepherd breed.
However, those dogs were not exactly like the current specimens and the German shepherd dog as we now know it did not really appear until after the Second World War. Since then, the breed has grown enormously in popularity and is now one of the most popular pedigree breeds in the world as a pet. As well as the favorite dog breed for many fields such as grazing and especially the police. They are widely used for security purposes due to their strong protective instincts. Along with History of German Shepherd, you can also know the history of a few best Siberian Husky Dog Breed and French Bulldog Breed
German Shepherd Dog Character
The German shepherd dog character is balanced, very resistant to nerves and self-confident. Throughout the world, the German shepherd is known for his virtues such as loyalty, reliability, perseverance, and courage. It is a dog always willing to work and intelligent and so it is suitable almost for any task assigned to it.
The German shepherd lives for his family is loyal, protective and attentive. With strangers who behaves mostly neutral but always vigilant. To this end, the breed of this shepherd dog is distinguished by its good character, pronounced protective instinct as well as its loyalty and attachment.
German shepherds are very intelligent and attentive animals that are easy to guide. If dogs are well socialized, educated with a lot of empathy, patience and loving consistency then they are able to fully develop their kind nature.
For example, the German shepherd keeps a playful character throughout his life and enjoys keeping the house and the yard. It is a working dog and to be used accordingly. A well-educated and busy pastor is also a very good family dog and is also compatible with other pets.
The Guardian Instinct of a German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is widely used as a watchdog in all kinds of situations such as police and security companies as well as within rural homes and farms. This breed of dogs is very territorial and soon becomes familiar with the boundaries of their area and often patrol their territory independently observing any sign of intrusion by strangers, other dogs or other potential problems! If they see something they do not like, they will bark and make a fuss. Both to inform that they come and see what is happening and to act as a deterrent.
This means that in the domestic home, the German shepherd must be well socialized with people and other animals from an early age and be well trained on the limits of what is acceptable behavior when they come into contact with someone or something new!
Is the German Shepherd a Family Dog?
A well-educated and socialized German shepherd can also be used as a working dog for a wide range of activities such as a family pet in a home with children. In this sense, aspects such as his control of the nerves, his obedience, his pronounced protective instinct as well as his loyalty and affection are particularly beneficial to integrate into the family environment.
As a family dog, however, it must also be treated properly. Like you should exercise regularly and be able to access ample outdoor spaces. If we want our German shepherd to be happy we should make sure that he exercises regularly. Nothing better than to take him out for a walk in ample spaces or go out with him or keep him in a farm with enough space to run.
Once a German sheepherder joins with family, he will become his protector when strangers or friends approach. This protection may be appropriate or inappropriate depending on the situation and the dog may not always be able to discriminate between those situations. This is why it is very important to train you to recognize welcome guests and unwanted strangers. A German shepherd can bark when strangers or friends approach our home. But proper socialization and training from an early age will help this intelligent and proud race to properly integrate into a normal social routine.
German Shepherd is a Very Intelligent Dog
The German shepherd is among the five most intelligent dog breeds. This factor is essential to make an effective working dog! Only the smartest breeds of dogs are efficient to develop jobs, so the German shepherd became a natural choice for a working dog.
The high levels of intelligence presented by the German Shepherd make it possible to be trained to retain and repeat a wide range of tasks. But high intelligence does not make the German Shepherd easy to train! Smart dogs can be complex and challenging. They can go one step ahead of the trainer in terms of taking bad habits or learning things by mistake! They are also likely to get bored easily from repetitive training and will not thrive unless they remain active. That is why it is important to follow the proper guidelines in training.
Education of the German Shepherd
The configuration of the character of a dog should be worked on since it is a puppy. Although you should not expect too much from your puppy too quickly. Impatience and quick successes will not lead you to achieve your goals by educating and training your dog. It is not very difficult to educate a German Shepherd since the race is really very capable of learning. But be careful the dog’s trust should never be betrayed!
The dog is not a machine that has to work when a button is pressed. Education means patience, following a plan but also acting consistently on the dog. The force should remain absolutely at the bottom and should (if it really is necessary) be used only in small doses and very considerate. With love, consistency and above all positive reinforcement. For example with food rewards, the German Shepherd will quickly become a partner and develop all his talents.
The control and training of “obedience” are vital when it comes to getting a balanced dog. This refers less to the maximum physical performance and more about the concentration, self-control and absolute social compatibility of the animal. Harmony and trust between the dog and the trainer or owner of the dog are reinforced by the obedience exercises.
Accuracy is paramount in obedience. The obedience exercises are multiple, diversified and intensify the link between the human and the animal through permanent communication. Such training can be given without hesitation to any dog that enjoys new tasks and mental exercises.
German Shepherd is a Working Dog
The German Shepherd is a very active breed of dog, who needs constant exercise and loves to overcome challenges. And not only loves it but also help you socialize and be a better dog.
Sport and Work Creates Balance in the German shepherd
Active German shepherds who perform sporting activities are not only more robust and healthy than physically inactive dogs. But they are also generally more balanced and have a calmer character. The sport of working dog with its three sub-disciplines of tracking, obedience, and protective service also provides a sporty and at the same time controlled outlet for an active and energetic German shepherd. Since these traits are part of the nature of their race and willingness to face challenges and be stimulated with new objectives. In this aspect, neither training as a working dog nor for sports activities present any danger to their environment.
German Shepherds Dogs with a Strong Character and Great Physical Hardness
The requirement for the training of a German shepherd as a working dog especially for the protection dog is that it is a completely healthy, capable and resistant dog. Character traits such as self-confidence, driving predisposition (not to be confused with aggression) and pleasure at work must be distinctive in a future work dog.
Advice to Get a Good German Working Shepherd
The dog owner and the trainer can determine if a young dog meets these requirements after test workouts and/or character and behavior exercises. If it is suitable for the training demanding protection service. If the vet also agrees then the dog and the owner are free to start with dog sports.
Breeding of the German Shepherd
The breeding of German Shepherd puppies is a responsible and beautiful task in which one can collaborate in the development of a dog breed in a goal-oriented manner. Apart from idealism and love of the animal, the breeding of German shepherds requires mainly extensive experience and clear objectives. It requires ample space for kennels and a neighborhood of understanding as other basic conditions. Apart from the training of breeding dogs and their presentation in breeding programs. The puppies need to be constantly looked after and cared for.
The financial side of breeding cannot be forgotten. The costs of the facilities like the food, the veterinarian and all the costs related to the registration of the dogs for the breeding and maintenance of the puppies of the German shepherd until they are sold.
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Planning Leads to the Goal: The Right Choice of the Couple
The prerequisite for successful reproduction is the quality of the parents and their ancestors. The choice of a suitable puppy for the individual bitch depends on the advantages of the breeding companions.
Additional Criteria: Degree of kinship, type, line, type of layer, quality of the already existing progeny and finally also the will of reproduction of the dog considered. It is recommended that you consult with experienced breeders and with the breed guards of the Association of German Shepherds.
The female German Shepherd must have at least 20 months before it can be covered for the first time. An important principle for each breeder it must be ensured that the puppies that are sold later are of better quality than their parents.
Responsibility in Breeding
Dog breeders have a great responsibility. They are the basis for the development of the dog during the first weeks of life. This imprint by the breeder forms the basis for the subsequent man dog relationship. They are also an irreplaceable consultant for buyers.
Life Expectancy of the German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd normally lives between 10 and 13 years although there will be specimens that have a shorter life and others that are longer lived. There are different factors that can mark the life expectancy within the same race such as attitude, diet, health conditions, medical care or exercise.
Responsible breeding can also help to prolong life expectancy. For example, you should avoid breeding with sick animals or dogs with hereditary problems. The selection is then an important factor and highlights the importance of controlled breeding in the constant improvement of the German Shepherd breed.
However, some hobby breeders or large-scale dog productions are often not subject to any control. Therefore, more likely dogs are born more susceptible to diseases or already sick which may present problems later on…
The Pedigree
The “Certificate of authenticity of inheritance” this is the most important document that a buyer of a German shepherd must have. Only an association recognized by the World Canine Organization (FCI) and the German Kennel Club (VDH) can issue this certificate. No dog can be classified as a purebred German Shepherd without this verification.
In contrast to the pedigree, which goes back four generations. The family tree leads back to the origin of the race – back to the parent. The pedigree is prepared and issued by the SV (more than 2 million dogs are currently registered) and records the 30 direct ancestors of the animal.
Health and Diseases of the German Shepherd Dog
Unfortunately, the great popularity of the breed has encouraged indiscriminate breeding for purely commercial purposes. Indiscriminate reproduction has had a negative impact on the health of the breed. It is for this reason that the German Shepherd is prone to develop hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, digestive problems, epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and dwarfism.
It is important to take the dog to the veterinarian every 6 months and respect the vaccination schedule. The life expectancy of the German Shepherd is approximately 13 years.
Diet of the German Shepherds
A German shepherd is an extremely mobile and agile animal, tends, in principle not to be overweight. However, it does not imply that we should not take care of the feeding of our German shepherd dog. As an owner, but often tend to humanize the dog and even share food with him. Which can lead to significant imbalances in his diet.
This, in turn, can cause important consequences for the health of the animals. Since the accumulated fat can be difficult to eliminate even following an adequate diet. A healthy diet and good food can greatly affect the life expectancy of your pasture. Therefore, the correct choice of diet is very important.
There are some who consider that wet food or natural BARF food is better while others prefer dry food. Those who wish can combine both types of food and combine the advantages of both styles together. The dog is happy when it has a bit of variety in the dining room.
Summary of characteristics of the German Shepherd dog:
The characteristics of this impressive breed are summarized here, in a brief description:
- Size or Height at the Cross: Up to 60 cm
- Weight: According to Sex from 22 to 40 kilograms
- Age: Up to 15 years
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Usage: Family use, Guard, Companion, Service, Protection, Rescue and Pastor
- Colors: Different (black, gold, white)
- Coat: Abundant fur. It is weather resistant, easy to maintain and defies heat as well as cold and rain
- Character: Nerves-proof, Balanced, Without Prejudice, Willing to Learn, Faithful and Self-Confident
Conclusion:
Hence, you have got all the information about the German Shepherd and its complete info. We hope you like this article by knowing the complete German Shepherd Dog Breed. Feel free to ask your doubts in the comment section. We will help you out by answering the questions. Share this article and like us at social media networks. Stay tuned to Dogsfud for more dog-related articles.
