• Size: The German Shepherd is a large dog breed, with the adult dog typically weighing between 22 and 40 kg, and measuring around 55 – 65 cm at shoulder height
• Lifetime: German Shepherds typically live to be 7 – 10 years old
• Fur color: Black and brown, sandy or silver, with the black color typically covering the back like a saddle and the face like a mask. German Shepherds can also be completely black
• Group: Sheepdogs and cattle dogs
• Origins: The German Shepherd was bred in 1899 in Karlsruhe, Germany and was originally a herding dog
• Behavioral traits: Intelligent, friendly, affectionate, outgoing, agile, protective, hardworking, conscientious, dutiful, task-oriented, fearless and strong

Fact: German Shepherds are fearless, protective and strong, but also a little reserved and distant – especially with strangers. All of this has made them some of the world’s most popular guard dogs

 

German Shepherd behavior, temperament and well-being

• Behavior: German Shepherds are both fearless and confident without being hostile. They are also intelligent, devoted and eager. These qualities, combined with their somewhat reserved and aloof nature, give them a special personality
• Wellbeing: It’s in the nature of German Shepherds to perform a variety of tasks and they generally thrive best when kept busy. However, all of this assumes that they have been raised to be obedient, to train and to perform tasks. German Shepherds are active dogs that need to be kept busy playing, learning and/or working. Daily stimulation – physical and mental – in the form of walking, running, fetching, training, etc. is a necessity
• Temperament: A German Shepherd’s temperament is largely determined by its upbringing and the attitude of its trainer/owner. Therefore, it is again important that it is raised and trained correctly from day 1
• Versatility: The German Shepherd’s many behavioral qualities make it suitable for living in a family as well as in a work environment
• Tasks: Well-trained German Shepherds can be capable of a wide range of tasks such as companion, guide dog, avalanche dog, tracking dog, guard dog, police dog, military dog, herding dog and more.
• Guard dogs: German Shepherds are known to be good watchdogs and have been used for this purpose for many years – but they shouldn’t be chained to a tree to keep watch (no dog should!); this will only lead to aggression, frustration and stress! A German Shepherd thrives best when they live indoors with their owners, but have access to a large fenced garden where they can expend their energy
• Presence: German Shepherds are not suitable for you if you are away from home frequently or for extended periods of time. When German Shepherds are left alone, they can become anxious or bored, which usually results in unwanted behavior – i.e. barking, chewing, digging, etc.
• Upbringing: German Shepherds can be suspicious and reserved around strangers. To raise a German Shepherd to be sociable, make sure you expose them to new people, new experiences, new places, etc. Obedience training – starting from puppyhood – is important to get them used to other people and dogs and to teach them the basic manners of the canine world
• Potty training: Cage training is generally a good way to potty train your puppy. For German Shepherd puppies – who can be prone to separation anxiety or anxiety when left alone – crate training is an extremely good and practical way to potty train
• Shedding: German Shepherds shed a lot – and this should always be taken into consideration before getting a German Shepherd. Brush your German Shepherd several times a week and buy a good vacuum cleaner; you’ll need it!

 

Historical facts about the German Shepherd

• Max von Stephanitz: The German Shepherd Dog was bred by German Captain Max von Stephanitz in Karlsruhe, Germany in 1899, as a cross between various herding and cattle dogs. The German Shepherd was specifically bred as a working dog capable of performing tasks that require strength, courage and intelligence
• Military dog: During World War 1, German Shepherds were used by both France and Germany as military dogs
• First guide dog: The German Shepherd was the first dog breed to be used as a guide dog in world history