German Shepherd Dogs, or GSDs, have gained an unfair reputation as a violent breed.
The GSD, for the most part, is in reality a loyal, loving, playful family pet. Although
they can be protective of what is "theirs", this makes them no different from
any other breed, it is because of improper training, or worse yet, no training, that this
beautiful dog has developed it's bad reputation.
German Shepherds come in a variety of color patterns. There is the "traditional"
Black and Tan, but there are also Black and Silver, Black and Sable, solid White, solid
Black and solid Sable German Shepherds. GSDs are between 20 and 25 inches tall and between
75 and 95 pounds, females being smaller than the males. Generally speaking, the males will
be obviously more masculine than females, with broader faces, slightly larger ears and a
more muscular build.GSDs have what is called a double coat, with an outer layer of
coarse fur to protect them from the elements and an underlying layer which is softer to
provide insulation. Although they don't need excessive grooming, they shed constantly and
in great abundance. Don't get a GSD if you can't handle handfuls of fur floating around
your house! The best tool to combat this is an undercoat rake, which helps to pull away
dead hairs from the underlying coat, but even with a daily brushing, you're still going to
find fluffballs where ever your dog lays.
GSDs were originally bred as a working dog, and are also very loyal. Nothing makes them
happier than to please their owners. And although GSDs can be stubborn at first, once you
have gently but firmly established pack order (i.e. once they know you are in charge, not
them) they are easily trainable and enjoy doing their "job", whatever that may
be. Because of their ease of training and their high work drive, many GSDs are still used
as working dogs. This can mean being a police dog, a narcotic search dog, a Search and
Rescue dog who looks for people after disasters, or simply an agility dog, who loves to
run through obstacle courses showing off what they can do. Many also enjoy flyball,
companion work (Dogs for the Blind), and therapy work.
Owning a German Shepherd does not mean you have to participate in one of these activities,
however. A GSD who gets plenty of play and exercise at home is just as happy. It is,
however, very important to properly train your German Shepherd. Because of their great
intelligence, GSDs easily become bored, which is when many behavioral problems start. It
is important to keep your GSD challenged with something he or she finds fun and exciting.
They can also be rather vocal breed. They enjoy acting as a guard, letting you know you
have company long before the actual doorbell gets rung. They also make a wide variety of
what I call "polar bear noises", a series of grunts and coos to let you know
"Hey, that feels good!" or "Gee, I'm tired" or "Play with
me!". Some German Shepherds are also known to participate in midnight caroling with
the neighbor dogs, performing such hits as "If you're happy and you know it,
HOWL!". Not always a popular performance!
Although GSDs are not a vicious breed, it is not always wise to bring one into a family
with small children. As with any breed of dog, the child must be taught how to respect the
dog and it's "personal space" and must also know what is considered appropriate
play which is very hard to do with a small child.
NEVER leave a child alone with a German Shepherd. They are a large, powerful dog and
sometime good, playful intentions can cause an accident. It is not hard for a 80 pound dog
to accidently knock over a 40 pound child.
The German Shepherd Dog is not a dog for everybody. They do not get along well in small
confined areas, and are best suited with a family who is active they should never be kept
caged or chained. The GSD must be constantly challenged to keep their interest, but if you
have the dedication to keep your dog busy, it is certainly worth it! They will become your
best friend, willing to do whatever it takes to provide you with all the love, happiness,
and protection you could ever hope for in a pet.
BREED RATING GUIDE FOR GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS
1. Energy level (running room/backyard)
2. Good with children under 5 (no/maybe)
3. Good with children over 5 (maybe)
4. Good with children over 10 (yes)
5. Ease of care (needs to be stimulated mentally, but grooming is very easy)
6. Housebreakability (fairly easy)
7. Life limiting disorders (not more prone to any life limiting disorders than any other
breed would be)
8. Non-life limiting disorders: (Prone to Hip Dysplasia, which can be tested for before
breeding and after the age of two. Hip Dysplasia can be helped by several different
medicines and also corrected with surgery, but it is a costly one)
9. Length of average life span (10-15 years)
10. Trainability (brilliant)
11. Less than lovely breed quirks (Can be gassy and noisy)
12. Average weight/size (20-25 inches, about 75-85 pounds)
13. Personality: affectionate/stubborn/possessive/eager/loyal
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