German Shepherd Dog
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Average Height(“‘s)
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Average Weight (#’s)
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Personality
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Coat
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Grooming
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Notes for owners
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24
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80
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Calmly confident.
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Double coat, medium length. | Shed. Bath infrequently. |
True companion dog. Good house dog, but MUST have lots of exercise.
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The German Shepherd Dog is characterized by its superior intelligence, versatility, stability, energy and strength to do almost any task. Coupled with it’s high trainability, curiosity, classical beauty, and undying loyalty the German Shepherd is one of the most popular and widely accepted breeds of purebred dog in the world.
The extraordinary versatility of the German Shepherd Dog distinguishes it from all other breeds of dogs. The German Shepherd Dog is capable of assuming many different roles such as:
- family pet
- obedience worked
- show dog
- canine companion
- police dog
- guide dog for the blind
- search and rescue dog
- herding dog
- movie stars and TV actors
Adaptable as these dogs are they are not the perfect pet or companion for everyone. Because of their high intelligence and curiosity, German Shepherd Dogs have a genuine need to be INCLUDED in their owner’s daily activities. They truly NEED to be a part of your family and feel like they have a job. They do not make good kennel dogs or backyard dogs because the boredom can lead to destructive behavior.
German Shepherd Dogs need you to spend quality time with them every day both playing and training. A German Shepherd Dog is a big responsibility, like that of a 2-year-old child.
In any breed of dog there are distinct personalities, temperaments, abilities and levels of learning. Some dogs are more dominant and active than others. Some more easy going and eager to please. It is extremely important for you and your dog and your personalities and lifestyles be matched otherwise your expectations will be disappointing.
The German Shepherd Dog is a dog with an intense sense of bonding to his/her person. Without “their” person active in their lives, the German Shepherd Dog will think of a variety of ways to get that person’s attention — even if it’s negative attention. The German Shepherd Dog absolutely thrives on this intense bonding — and those of us lucky enough to be owned by a German Shepherd Dog value this deep affection.
The German Shepherd Dog is also noble and aloof — they usually outgrow that “snuggly fluffy puppy” trait when they start to mature, sometimes around 18 months. Just because they’re not affectionate doesn’t mean they don’t love and respect you — it’s their genetic nature to be regal and noble. But they will sometimes get goofy with you when no one’s looking.
The German Shepherd Dog must respect its owner. This respect does not come by way of harsh treatment. Love consistent messages from you and a lot of obedience training is how you gain this breed’s respect. James Thurbur once wrote in a book describing different dog personalities about the German Shepherd Dog “if you look into a German Shepherd’s eyes and he looks away, you need to examine your conscience.” This is the truest statement I’ve read about the German Shepherd Dog and I keep it in mind always — seems to help me be a better person.
The German Shepherd Dog, in addition to the roles mentioned above, can also do some of the following tricks:
- Answer the phone
- Carry stuff for you
- Find your keys in the front yard
- Always want to be in the front seat to help you drive
- Find all the leftover party food people dropped
- Lay by your side in your office for hours while you surf the net
- Never complain when you forget to take them out for his walkie
- Never blame you when you have to help them leave this world
If you can’t give a German Shepherd Dog the care and love it needs, the companionship it craves, and the training it deserves and needs, then find another breed of dog or better yet, wait until you have quality time to share with any dog you bring into your household. Dogs have feelings and needs like any other family member.
And please this holiday season don’t buy a puppy. I have fostered many Christmas puppies that get thrown out of their “loving” homes New Years Eve to end up in my foster home on January 1st.
Relevant Web Sites
German Shepherd Dog Club of America
German Shepherd Dog Training
German Shepherd Dog Working Dog Association
American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation
American German Shepherd Rescue Association
A Quick Overview: German Shepherd
German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada