German Shepherd, An Amazing Breed

Also known as the sheep dog, this breed from this German country is quite “new”. In fact, emerged in the late 19th century, developed to gather and watch over sheep, the German Shepherd is very loyal, obedient and caring. We’ll tell you more about it later in this article.

German Shepherd Story

The army captain Max von Stephanitz is considered the “father” of the German Shepherd, since, thanks to him, the development of this breed began. As we said, their objective was to protect and guide the flocks of sheep. These dogs were the “bodyguards” of the sheep to prevent them from being attacked by wolves.

In 1889, the Association of Friends of the German Shepherd was created, and this is the official date of origin of the breed. Since then, a selection of specimens has been carried out to improve the crossings, both physically and mentally.

The first German shepherd enrolled in this association was called “Jack”. He was very vigorous, with gray fur, a real stallion and looking like a wolf. Von Stephanitz sought to make his descendants into working dogs, ideal for the agricultural and livestock society of the time.

He soon tried to persuade the government to use this race by law enforcement and the military. Due to his intelligence, physical strength and reliability, he also took on other important roles, such as that of a guide dog for the blind.

During World War II, both the German army and police used it to track, and as a result they gained international respect and admiration.

Physical Characteristics of the German Shepherd

It is a medium to large dog with a robust appearance, muscular body and jaws that cut like scissors. The common colors of the German Shepherd are: black with coffee, reddish or brown fur.

Adult males can weigh between 30 and 40 kg, and females, between 20 and 30 kg. The height from the paw to the neck is 65 and 55 cm, respectively. They have a life expectancy of 13 years and, when they are born, their ears fall out. Therefore, they “stay up” from 3 months of age. If they are not fully upright, many owners choose to attach them.

Its eyes are almond-shaped, medium in size and dark in color. The head is proportional to the rest of the body. He also has a large, dark-toned muzzle.

Its coat is thick and divided into two layers. The outer is thicker to resist the elements and the inner is soft and dense to retain heat. They change their fur every year, but mostly every fall and spring. It is essential to brush it lightly every day.

Among the working skills of the German shepherd, we can highlight: that of guardian, policeman, guide, drug detector, sheep herder… it is still used for herding in the United States and Great Britain.

As for the health of this breed, it should be taken into account that, if they are not vaccinated in time and properly, they can contract the canine distemper virus. As they enter the aging phase, it is common for them to suffer from hip dysplasia and, to a lesser extent, from Von Willebrand’s Disease and pancreatic deficiency.

German Shepherd Personality and Temperament

In its history of just under a century and a half of life, this breed knew how to establish a very close relationship with people. This draws attention if we take into account that he was bred as a working and herding dog. For this reason, the German Shepherd is very protective and obedient, as well as trustworthy and caring.

In addition, her intelligence and her ability to act as a “nanny” for the children at home stand out. Unlike your behavior with those who are not at home. In this case, he acts cautiously towards strangers, until he realizes that they are accepted by their owners.

Although he is completely loyal to one person, you don’t need to be with him all day. But we must have a space of its size, as it requires a certain physical exercise routine (it is a very active animal). A house with a garden is the ideal place for a German Shepherd, a perfect pet for families with children, but also for single people or couples.