German Shepherd Information
Ranked #1,324 in Pets & Animals, #35,540 overall
Learn All About German Shepherds
As a German Shepherd owner and a long time dog trainer, I thought I would gather as much information as possible on the breed and present it all to you here in one place. Here you will find a brief history of the German Shepherd breed, as well as breed standards for showing. We'll also discuss the personality of GSDs and whether it's a good choice for you and your family.
This is the place to learn about the best food, exercise, toys and training for your German Shepherd dog. Along with all of that information, I'll touch on the known genetic issues of the breed, and how to find the best quality puppy for your family. Are you ready to get your first German Shepherd, or are you looking for a friend for your current pet? This is the place to learn all kinds of info about German Shepherds.
This is the place to learn about the best food, exercise, toys and training for your German Shepherd dog. Along with all of that information, I'll touch on the known genetic issues of the breed, and how to find the best quality puppy for your family. Are you ready to get your first German Shepherd, or are you looking for a friend for your current pet? This is the place to learn all kinds of info about German Shepherds.
History of the German Shepherd Dog
GSDs Are a Man Made Breed
German Shepherd
Judy Gibson
Buy This at Allposters.com
The German Shepherd Dog was developed from a mix of the best herding dogs in Germany during the late 1800's, and in 1899 Captain Max von Stephanitz developed the final breed standards. The breed made it's first US showing in 1907, and was nearly an instant success.
Now used heavily in the military and police forces around the world, the German Shepherd is known as one of the hardest working dog breeds. Best known for their confidence and strict adherence to commands, GSDs are used in more dangerous situations than other dogs.
Thanks to movie star dogs like Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart, American's have embraced the German Shepherd Dog as a true family companion and friend.
References:
AKC: German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Breed Standards & Colors
What color is your GSD?
Appearance:
Well-muscled, strong, alert and agile, well proportioned from front to back, longer than tall and deep-bodied with smooth curves
Size:
Males height at highest point of the shoulder blade should be 24-26 inches. Females (bitches) should reach 22-24 inches.
Head:
The GSD head should be strong, without coarseness and never fine, and in proportion to the rest of the neck and body. The dog must appear noble.
Neck:
The neck should be long and without folds. It must be strong and in proportion to the head and body of the GSD.
Topline (back):
The back of the dog is strong and straight without sag, with withers higher and sloping gracefully into it.
Chest:
The GSD chest should be full and carried low between the front legs. When viewed from the side, the chest should just out in front of the legs.The sternum should reach the elbows in length with the ribs fitting easily to fill out the chest. Too round and the ribs hinder the gait of the GSD.
Gait:
The GSD is a trotting dog and is judged on the effortless look of the dog while running. The dog is also observed to see that all feet cover the ground at a very low and even level when moving at a walk or trot. This breed should look like a well oiled machine when moving.
Reference: AKC - "The Complete Dog Book" (19th edition revised)
German Shepherd Colors
Breed Standards and Disqualifications
German Shepherd Dogs vary in color in mixes of deep browns and blacks. All are fine for the show ring, except for washed out colors. Liver and blue colors are ruled as serious flaws and white GSDs are automatically disqualified from show. Though still gorgeous dogs, the white and pale GSDs usually indicate a genetic flaw in the bloodline. Don't let it hold you back from adopting a pet with a less than stellar coloring. As long as the dog shows no signs of other genetic flaws, including unwanted personality traits (fearfulness etc.), they still make great pets.
Photo credit: Ra Boe
German Shepherd Movies
Stars of the GSD dog breed
Lassie was a great dog, but Strongheart and Rin Tin Tin were two of the toughest and smartest dogs of Hollywood movies for many years. Check out some of these classic dog films.
German Shepherd Personality Traits
German Shepherds are a Confident Breed
German Shepherds are strong, confident dogs that exude enthusiasm and are ready to work. GSDs are energetic dogs and love to play and work daily. Also a highly sociable dog, the German Shepherd fits into families nicely. Once a bond is formed, it usually lasts forever.This dog breed does tend to be territorial. If you give a German Shepherd a fenced area, it's a guarantee that he will guard that area. This is one reason why the breed must be taken on long walks regularly. You must train the dog to understand that the territory they live in is large and others live there too. Most territory aggression in GSDs is due to them being tied up or kept in only a fenced in yard and not walked regularly for socialization and exercise.
As a herding dog by nature, nipping or herding of small children may pose a problem for an untrained dog. German Shepherds also become bored easily and need to have interactive toys or activity daily to prevent destructive behavior.
German Shepherds that are not well bred or that have genetic issues usually present in a lack of confidence and are not predictable.Temperament testing is recommended before adopting a dog of any breed.
German Shepherds: Working War Dogs
After WWI the stories came back about the trained war dogs the Germans had used. Their destiny as one of man's hardest working dog breeds was set forever.
US Air Force Military Working Dog Sits on a US Army M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle
Click Here to Get More Info & Buy Now at Allposters.com
Buy This at Allposters.com
More Great German Shepherd Pages
Get more detailed information on crate training and dog food on these pages:
- Best German Shepherd Diets
- As a new GSD owner, I set out to find the best diet for German Shepherds. No surprise there are millions of opinions, few backed by substantial facts. Get the facts here!
- Large Dog Crates
- The right dog crate is essential for safe travel with a dog. You also need to have one handy in case of emergency weather. Even leaving a puppy at home alone is not advisable without a dog crate to keep him safe from chewing cords or having "accidents" while you are away. Find out more here!
- How to Groom a German Shepherd
- Step-by-step instructions for grooming a German Shepherd at home. Broken down into small bits so you can get directions for whatever step you're on in the grooming process.
- Five Tips for Socializing a German Shepherd Dog
- Socialization is one of the most important parts of raising a well behaved and balanced GSD. Here are a few quick tips to get you started with socializing a puppy.
German Shepherd Books
Great Reading for GSD Owners & Lovers
Should I Get a German Shepherd Dog?
Questions to Ask Before Adopting a GSD
There are plenty of decisions to be made before adopting any dog. If you are considering a German Shepherd puppy or older dog adoption, here is a list of questions to ask you and your family.- German Shepherd dogs get large quickly, do we have the room for a large (80lb) dog?
- German Shepherds shed a lot of hair, there is no stopping the shedding, do we want to deal with that much hair?
- Do we have time to walk the dog every single day (long walks, and a fenced yard does not count as a walk)?
- Do we have time to train a German Shepherd?
- Large breed dogs need a lot of food, can we afford to feed a full grown German Shepherd?
- The first year is the most expensive in a dog's life, can we afford all of the expenses of a new puppy?
- German Shepherd Dogs require interactive tough toys, can we afford to buy enough toys to keep a dog busy?
- Hip dysplasia is a hereditary possibility in GSDs, are we prepared to deal with a major medical issue?
- Are the children in the home old enough and large enough to hold their own against a large breed dog?
Who Could Resist a GSD Puppy?
Tough Dog Toys for German Shepherd Dogs
Smart dogs need smart toys!
German Shepherd Dogs are intelligent animals that need toys to tease their brain and keep them interested. You can play with plush or stuffed toys with your GSD, but the toys will likely not survive long without complete supervision. Instead, try interactive dog toys that challenge the mind of smart dogs. Toys that contain treats and force the dog to move them or bounce them to release the treat are great for young dogs. Use care to offer only quality treats and monitor the amount your dog eats in a day.
As I said above, plush toys with squeakers are fun too, but will likely not withstand the tough play of a German Shepherd puppy. There are some made of extra tough material though. I've found them to hold up well to the toughest chewing puppies.
ThePaws.com offers the KONG Sitting Frog Dog Toy for $4.99 and free shipping with the code "frogme"
Of course, never forget the Kong toys. Toughest of the tough, I've only seen a full grown Mastiff able to destruct a Kong toy. You can also stuff a Kong with peanut butter or banana pieces and freeze it for hours of licking and chewing fun for puppies.
I've listed a few of my favorite tough toys below and you can see more at www.germanshepherdmerchandise.com
As I said above, plush toys with squeakers are fun too, but will likely not withstand the tough play of a German Shepherd puppy. There are some made of extra tough material though. I've found them to hold up well to the toughest chewing puppies.
ThePaws.com offers the KONG Sitting Frog Dog Toy for $4.99 and free shipping with the code "frogme"
Of course, never forget the Kong toys. Toughest of the tough, I've only seen a full grown Mastiff able to destruct a Kong toy. You can also stuff a Kong with peanut butter or banana pieces and freeze it for hours of licking and chewing fun for puppies.
I've listed a few of my favorite tough toys below and you can see more at www.germanshepherdmerchandise.com
How to Feed a German Shepherd
Nutritional Requirements and Suggestions for Feeding Large Breed Dogs
As a general rule for all dogs, caloric intake will lessen as the dog grows into adulthood. However, each breed has their own nutritional needs. Feeding your German Shepherd the right food in the proper amounts will help ensure a healthy growth rate and strong bones, teeth and ears. Always avoid overfeeding your pet, even when it's a puppy.
Protein and calcium are important parts of a German Shepherd diet. Whether you opt for a raw dog food diet, a homemade dog food diet or a premium dog food diet, make sure you choose high quality ingredients.
German Shepherd puppies need to chew on large beef bones (raw) for their ears to stand up strong and straight. The chewing action with their rear teeth exercises the muscles that help keep their ears up and the calcium helps build up the ears' strength all the way to the tips. So give that dog a bone! Get the largest bones your butcher has and give one per week to your GSD puppy, or give according to your vet's suggestions.
Protein and calcium are important parts of a German Shepherd diet. Whether you opt for a raw dog food diet, a homemade dog food diet or a premium dog food diet, make sure you choose high quality ingredients.
More info and full instructions on the best German Shepherd Diets can be found here:
The Best German Shepherd Diets
German Shepherd puppies need to chew on large beef bones (raw) for their ears to stand up strong and straight. The chewing action with their rear teeth exercises the muscles that help keep their ears up and the calcium helps build up the ears' strength all the way to the tips. So give that dog a bone! Get the largest bones your butcher has and give one per week to your GSD puppy, or give according to your vet's suggestions.
How to Groom a German Shepherd
Daily Grooming Cuts Down on Shedding
One thing is for sure when you own a German Shepherd, there will be fur flying. If you can't stand dog hair, do not get this breed. There is no way to eliminate the shedding of a double coated dog. There are, however, ways to control the shedding. Daily grooming is essential in shedding control, as well as a full grooming about four times a year.There are also tools that help with cutting down shedding on German Shepherds. The Furminator is one. Remember though, the tool is only as good as the person handling it. In other words, if you don't know how or don't want to use a tool, it won't work for your dog.
The actual grooming process for a German Shepherd is not that hard. A good slicker brush, shedding comb and strong toenail clippers are the essentials. Removing loose hair daily and taking it out of the home greatly reduces the amount of shedding on furniture and clothing. A pet owner that grooms their dog daily establishes a special bond too.
Learn everything you need to know about grooming a German Shepherd Dog here:
How to Groom a German Shepherd
German Shepherd Grooming Products
Find the Right Grooming Supplies for Your Dog
Genetics & German Shepherds
Known Genetic Issues for German Shepherd Owners
The work ethic of the German Shepherd breed is a drawback when it comes to their health. The dog is so willing to work they will often not show signs of illness or injury to their owner. The pet owner must be diligent in checking the pet daily for any differences in gait, appetite or personality which may signal a health issue.
Hip Dysplasia is the most commonly known issue for German Shepherd owners. The common explanation of hip dysplasia is a looseness in the hip joint that over time causes osteoarthritis. The good news is that the percentage of GSDs diagnosed with hip dysplasia has been decreasing over the last few years.
Canine bloat is another known issue for GSD owners. Also referred to as Gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV, if you suspect your dog of having canine bloat seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Read more about pre-disposed genetic diseases in German Shepherds here.
Taping a German Shepherd's Ears for Strength
One of the most loved attributes of the German Shepherd Dog are those huge ears that stand straight up when they are alert. They just make this breed look so interested, noble and intelligent. Of course those giant GSD ears are adorable when they wag from side to side on puppies too. Before the cartilage is well-formed, German Shepherd puppies look like they need to grow into their ears. It really is adorable.
The trouble is when an older GSD has floppy ears. While it may still look adorable on your pet, those floppy ears can pose an issue to show dogs. It's much harder for a dog to shake water out of floppy ears, which could lead to infections too. The dog's hearing could also be muffled if the ears are completely flopped over the front. For the most part, droopy ears on GSDs is a cosmetic issue, but there are some easy fixes for it.
The fixes do not require surgery and are relatively easy to have done. I suggest only a licensed veterinarian show you the procedure for taping a German Shepherd's ears before you attempt it on your pet. Here is the procedure, for you to get an idea, done by a professional.
*Please do not do this on your own without professional supervision.
Taping ears should not be painful for your pet in any way. The dog may shake its head more, especially after the first taping. Just try to keep your pet's attention on other things until they gradually forget about their ears.
The trouble is when an older GSD has floppy ears. While it may still look adorable on your pet, those floppy ears can pose an issue to show dogs. It's much harder for a dog to shake water out of floppy ears, which could lead to infections too. The dog's hearing could also be muffled if the ears are completely flopped over the front. For the most part, droopy ears on GSDs is a cosmetic issue, but there are some easy fixes for it.
The fixes do not require surgery and are relatively easy to have done. I suggest only a licensed veterinarian show you the procedure for taping a German Shepherd's ears before you attempt it on your pet. Here is the procedure, for you to get an idea, done by a professional.
*Please do not do this on your own without professional supervision.
Taping ears should not be painful for your pet in any way. The dog may shake its head more, especially after the first taping. Just try to keep your pet's attention on other things until they gradually forget about their ears.
curated content from YouTube
Glue Your German Shepherd's Ears Up
An alternative to taping ears
An alternative to taping a German Shepherd's ears up for strength is to glue them together. Most puppies have a problem with anything binding their ears up, so they will battle their taped ears and could cause bigger problems. Some dogs will violently shake their heads, so much so that they fall down or bump into things in the house. The dog could wind up scratching at the tape so much that he irritates the skin at the base of the ears or even cuts himself if his nails are sharp. Then there are the unlucky GSDs that end up wearing that huge embarrassing collar for months. Poor puppies.
If your pet is really having an issue with his ears being taped up as shown above, you may like to try gluing them instead. There is a particular type of glue recommended for this (and do not use any other kind of glue). Purchase only Tear Mender Fabric Glue for this procedure. That's the only thing you will need. No tape, no rolls, nothing. Get the full instructions on how to glue your German Shepherd's ears here.
If your pet is really having an issue with his ears being taped up as shown above, you may like to try gluing them instead. There is a particular type of glue recommended for this (and do not use any other kind of glue). Purchase only Tear Mender Fabric Glue for this procedure. That's the only thing you will need. No tape, no rolls, nothing. Get the full instructions on how to glue your German Shepherd's ears here.
The Nobility of the GSD Eyes
Search & Rescue Dog Training
Think Your Dog Has the Right Stuff?
Do you think your GSD has the stuff to be a search and rescue dog? There's a reason why so many German Shepherds are used in this line of work. The breed works hard and is built strong and agile enough to get or keep itself out of tight spots if need be. They can track on land or air and this book will help you train your German Shepherd to do it!
How to Train a German Shepherd Dog
Learn Dog Training From the Pros
automatically generated by YouTube
More Dog Training Resources
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byArtwork for GSD Lovers
Let's talk GSDs
Feel free to tell us about your experiences with German Shepherds. Do you like the breed? Do you have a question you need answered? Ask it here and I'll do my best to answer you, and thanks for reading!
submit
-
Reply
-
BillBarbin Oct 3, 2011 @ 3:17 pm | delete
- My GSD lived to be 15 yrs old. A beautiful female with black and sable. Best dog ever!
-
-
Reply
-
kar351
Aug 31, 2011 @ 4:20 pm | delete
- Off all the races the German Sheppard is my favorite. Besides them I love the Boxer and what we call here in Portugal "Serra da Estrela" a Portuguese Sheppard dog that has the name of the most tall mountain in Portugal.
-
-
Reply
-
sukkran
Jul 26, 2011 @ 12:49 pm | delete
- your info about german shepherds are really great. love your pics and vids. ~blessed~
-
-
Reply
-
pawpaw911
Jul 17, 2011 @ 4:17 pm | delete
- Well covered. Nice job.
-
-
Reply
-
JoshK47
Jul 12, 2011 @ 8:15 am | delete
- I love German Shepherds - lots of interesting information on this lens! Thanks for sharing. :)
-
- Load More
German Shepherd Talk Across the Web
Here's what people who love German Shepherds are talking about online right now. Look at what this fantastic dog breed is doing every day to help humans survive in crazy situations. These news updates are heartwarming and sometimes jaw-dropping, but always endear us more to the German Shepherd Dog.
- 'German Shepherd Dog' by Kim Downing book review
- I love my German Shepherd. Ever since Rin Tin Tin the beautiful German Shepherd has been a popular star in K-9 films, especially those featuring police dogs. Now, Animal Planet has come out with a series of breed oriented books that gives potential ...
- German shepherd chases big cat up a tree
- A German shepherd chased a mountain lion up a tree Tuesday morning in Los Altos. Cody, an 85-pound shepherd, was smaller, but apparently more fearless than the 110-pound cat, which sought refuge 30 feet up an oak tree at an upscale home in Los Altos.
- Some Sioux Falls area dog owners believe German shepherds are being targeted ...
- AP SIOUX FALLS, SD ? Some dog owners in the Sioux Falls area believe thieves are targeting German shepherds. Owner Stacy Rostyne tells KSFY-TV (http://bit.ly/w4pIUj ) that after she put up notices about two of her dogs missing, she got calls from the ...
- Looking for a Home: Adonis
- Check out the video for this 2-year-old German shepherd mix available for adoption through Help Save Pets. Adonis is a 2-year-old German shepherd mix available for adoption through Help Save Pets. Help Save Pets Adonis is a 2-year-old male German ...
More of My Dog Pages
I love dogs
I love dogs and have been working with them since I was a teenager. I've trained dogs and worked with professional racing greyhounds as well. Now I write about dogs and share any information I can to help pet owners.
by DogsRule
DogsRule
I have been working with dogs for over 20 years. I've trained dogs, groomed dogs and owned several different breeds.
I have worked with veterinarian...
more »
- 5 featured lenses
- Winner of 4 trophies!
- Top lens » The Best German Shepherd Diets
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- German Shepherd Collectible Dog Lover Gifts! German Shepherd Collectible Dog Lover Gifts!
- History of the German Shepherd History of the German Shepherd
- German Shepherd Handbook German Shepherd Handbook
- Training a German Shepherd: A 3-part plan for dog training Training a German Shepherd: A 3-part plan for dog training
- German Shepherd Training German Shepherd Training
- German Shepherd Dog Lover Gifts German Shepherd Dog Lover Gifts
More Info About German Shepherds
Best German Shepherd Book
German Shepherds For Dummies
Amazon Price: $2.59 (as of 02/23/2012)
Do you really need things spelled out for you when trying to raise a well behaved German Shepherd Dog? The "For Dummies" series has put their efforts into offering you a down to earth, easy to read instructional manual that even the most novice pet owner can understand and implement. Check out a copy today!
