German Shepherd dogs are probably one of the most popular and easily recognized breeds, even by people who are not dog lovers. Often spotted beside police officers or the military, the German Shepherd is treasured for its courage and loyalty. The breed is known for its strength and agility, with a muscular body and gentle curves under a double coat of thick fur that can be medium or long.
German Shepherd dogs, or Deutscher Schäferhund, are also known as Alsatian Wolf Dog in the UK after World War 1 but became globally known as German Shepherd after 1977. Originally developed to help herd sheep, the German Shepherd’s intelligence, loyalty, and obedience made it an ideal working dog and is the second most-registered breed in the American Kennel Club.
The most common colors for the breed are tan/black or red/black, with sable or pure black as a rarer variety. The nose is black, with a long muzzle and a domed forehead with large ears. The neck is long and the back legs appear shorter than the front, and the tail is bushy.
German Shepherd dogs are known for their intelligence and are specifically bred for this characteristic. They are easily trainable and are able to understand commands much faster than other breeds. They are able to learn tasks at a quicker pace than most breeds and perform these tasks at a quicker rate as well because they are eager to learn. German Shepherds seem to have an instinct for working, because they function better when they are given a “mission” or a task, such as watching, guarding, or protecting. Some are still used for herding sheep, but the most popular work for the breed is with police and the military.
Because of their sharp sense of smell, the German Shepherd is most often used for scent-related tasks, such as detecting explosives or narcotics, search and rescue operations, or even search and retrieval. Another common task for a German Shepherd is being a guide dog. One of the important characteristics of the breed is its alertness and protective nature, making it an excellent guide for visually-impaired individuals or those with other special needs.
A German Shepherd is often aloof and passive and takes time to become sociable and make friends, but it is not an aggressive dog and is safe to be around children as long as it is properly trained. Because of the high levels of energy, the dogs need plenty of exercise and a yard with a huge space is an ideal area for them. With their level of intelligence, it is best to always provide them with some form of a task in order to keep them from frustration and boredom.
As with other working dogs, hip dysplasia is often a problem for the German Shepherd, so proper care and weight management are a must for them. Depending on their activity levels, GSD is often retired early from police or military work in order to preserve their health. Retired dogs, however, will need to still have a level of activity to keep them happy.
If you think a German Shepherd is an ideal dog for you and your family, reach out to VON WA-BO, a trusted name for German Shepherd breeds, and see which dog is best for you.
