Basic Things You Should Know About The German Shepherd

The German Shepherd (also known as the Alsatian) is a herding breed of dog. They feature a handsome wolf-like appearance. The breed first appeared in the late 1800s. They were originally bred for protecting and herding sheep. These days they are popular as a family pet, movie roles, police dogs or for search and rescue. They can be recognized by their high intelligence, dependability and courage. They are thought to originate from Germany and are a descendant of a mixture of German farm dogs.

They are classified as a large sized dog. The recommended male size is 24-26 inches high with a weight of 75-95 pounds, while the female size is 22-24 inches high with a weight of 60-70 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be fearless and protective. They are typically suspicious with strangers, and this makes them highly suitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be highly intelligent, and ranks 3rd compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are great with children, which can make them very suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as other dogs and cats they're raised with. Grooming them is a time consuming task. They need a high amount of brushing every day, and full grooming every 8 to 10 weeks. They enjoy having a large yard to run around in, but can be suitable for apartment life.

Like most large sized breeds, they are primarily shorter-lived with a life expectancy of 9-12 years. Their most severe health concern is hip and elbow dysplasia, and they are also susceptible to blood disorders, digestive problems or eczema. They enjoy hobbies like agility, tracking running or chasing after balls and frisbees. They have a medium level of energy, which means they need long walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the German Shepherd you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time grooming, walking, providing mental challenges and giving them attention. They are less suitable for less active owners, but highly suitable for active families or anyone with a job to give them. One of the best things about this breed is that it is a highly intelligent and dependable breed that can fit into almost any situation.

If you want to learn more German Shepherd information and other related topics take a look at this page.