A loyal and intelligent dog

The German Shepherd is one of the most beloved dogs by man today. Its many qualities make it one of the most loyal companion dogs in the animal kingdom. It is a complete animal. Energetic, docile, vigilant and affectionate.

The origins of the German Shepherd

Also known as the Alsatian Shepherd, Deutscher Schäferhund or German Shepherd Dog , the German Shepherd originated in Germany. It was created in the 1890s by Captain Max Fréderic Emile Von Stephanitz. It is actually the result of a cross between shepherd dogs from central and southern Germany.

The captain's goal was to design a working dog for herding livestock that would be both strong and highly intelligent. To achieve his goal, he also developed a breeding program that brought together the best German farm dogs available. Mission accomplished!

The German Shepherd breed was officially recognized in 1899. Closer to us, it was at the beginning of the 20th ^century. century that the German Shepherd crossed the Atlantic to arrive in North America. Then the breed became popular because of the exploits of Rin Tin Tin in the television series of the same name.

Did you know?

German Shepherds were used by the German military , acting as sentries or to detect gas odors. They even helped rescue wounded soldiers during World War I.

A versatile dog

The German Shepherd is a magnificent animal. With a harmonious body built for physical effort, it is robust, athletic and enduring. Evolution has caused the functions of shepherd dogs to diminish over the years, in parallel with the decreasing number of herds.

As one of the most versatile and talented dogs, it has since been successfully used in several types of functions. We only have to think of its work as a police dog or guide dog for blind people, for example. It is also used for tracking, drug detection or as a rescue dog for searching for missing people in the forest, or following an avalanche or an earthquake.

Physical characteristics

Size and weight

On average, a male German Shepherd stands 60 to 65 cm at the withers and weighs between 30 to 40 kg. The female varies in height from 55 to 60 cm and her weight varies from 22 to 32 kg.

Coat

There is the short-haired German Shepherd and the long-haired one, lying on the body. The only difference between the two is the hair and the maintenance of the latter. However, the most common coat is the short and hard-haired one. In both cases, it also has a thick undercoat.

Dress color

The German Shepherd's coat is most often black and tan (or fawn). It can have different shades of reddish brown, brown or yellow and even light gray. It can even be completely black.

The head and eyes

The head is of a good proportion to the size of the German Shepherd. It is quite long, with a muzzle that is also elongated and powerful. Above it stand very straight medium-sized ears, wide at the base, symmetrical and pointed.

We look for the darkest possible almond-shaped eyes in this dog. But what definitely charms us is its frank and intelligent gaze!

Body and tail

Like his head and muzzle, the body is quite elongated and straight, with a very muscular and slightly sloping back, ending in a slightly oblique croup. His movements are ample and his gait, harmonious, suiting his talent as a trotter.

Its tail goes down to the hock and the hair is longer on the underside. Generally drooping, it stands up horizontally under the effect of action or excitement.

An active dog

This is a dog known for being cheerful and playful, not to mention its incredible intelligence. It is one of the most loyal, patient and courageous dogs. But it is also very protective of children. Even if it has a temperament, let's say, quite flexible, it remains lively and dominant and is unfailingly devoted to its family.

He also appreciates rewards very much. after a good blow. Be attentive to him, because he is endowed with great sensitivity.

He is relatively easy to raise given his intelligence and docility, but he will only recognize one master as such. This is why the German Shepherd puppy must be accustomed to socializing and being around strangers very early on. Otherwise, his distrust of the unknown could become an important element to consider. Not to mention the fact that he can also suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead him to show his frustration by chewing what he finds or barking excessively. In addition, like most members of the canine breed, he does not tolerate prolonged solitude well.

Good to know: its developed guard dog instinct, representative of shepherd dogs, makes it an animal prone to barking frequently.

An active dog!

The German Shepherd is a sporty animal that loves the outdoors, needs to exercise, play and run . It must therefore be taken out regularly. In fact, it needs physical and mental activity. Do not hesitate to introduce it to dog sports such as agility or canicross, for example. It loves, among other things: walks and some ball games .

Adapted to country life, it is however not impossible to accustom him to life in the city or in an apartment, provided that he is taken out for long enough several times a day and made to move.

Hygiene and maintenance

Its maintenance is just as simple. Just carefully cut its nails regularly. and to check his ears carefully to rule out the accumulation of wax or debris, since he is an animal that will seek to come and go freely outside. To prevent the formation of tartar, regular brushing of the teeth is recommended.

The German Shepherd sheds twice a year like most animals and must be brushed regularly. Ideally every day during the shedding season. Then, the rest of the year, a good brushing twice a week will help him have a softer and shinier coat.

Note that washing your dog too frequently can, as with many breeds, be harmful. Ideally, you should wash your dog every two months.

Food

As for the German Shepherd's diet For an average-sized adult, it is recommended to feed him between three and four cups of quality kibble per day. Be sure to adapt the rations and the choice of his food according to his weight, activity level, age and condition.

Health and life expectancy

Although the German Shepherd is a sturdy dog, it is still a medium to large sized dog; therefore, genetically, it can be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. There are a few diseases that can affect the latter. These include hypothyroidism and von Willebrand disease, a blood disorder that causes clotting and healing problems. 

Over the years, screening and care taken in selecting animals for reproduction have greatly reduced the risks of contracting these diseases.

For a dog of this size, the German Shepherd has an excellent life expectancy, typically ranging from 10 to 12 years.

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