German Shepherd Dog

[rexandbaby]

Country of Origin: Germany

History: The German Shepherd dog is descended from old farm and herding dogs. A fairly new breed, it was developed in the early part of the twentieth centuryfor herding and police and military use. It has been used as a guide and search and rescue dog and is a popular companion in the U.S. and elsewhere.


Physical Description: The GSD is a large, muscular dog that is longer than it is tall. It has prick ears; a black nose; and dark, almond shaped eyes. The neck is long and strong and the back slopes to the tail. The tail is set low and curves up slightly. The double coat has a short dense undercoat and a straight, full outer coat, which may be slightly wavy. There is longer hair at the neck and thighs. The coat comes in a variety of colors, although some registries will not accept white dogs.

Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 60 to 140 pounds

Termperament: The GSD is a self-confident, even-tempered dog. It is affectionate and playful with its friends and family but reserved with strangers, although it warms up quickly. It is intelligent and highly trainable. The GSD is good with children and with most animals.

Activity Level: High

Best Owner: The GSD can adapt to city, suburban, or rural life. It does best with an active family or individual who will provide it with ample exercise.

Special Needs: Exercise, socialization, training.

Possible Health Concerns: Bloat, epilepsy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, hip and elbow dysplasia, panostetis.

I have owned GSDs all of my life. I would never again wish to be without one.
If you have any questions about the breed, post here.
Donna

[snoopygirl]

I love GSDs but I would hesitate to get one because of the 'aggressive' stereotype. My cousin had the most beautiful, gorgeous, friendly GSD called Kai but then he bit somebody in the park and they had to give him up, so that's why I would be very hesitant to own one. I suppose it's in the socialisation and training, it's just that I knew what a wonderful dog Kai was and then he bit someone.

[rexandbaby]

As I said, I have owned GSDs all of my life, even when I was a young child. So, that said, if a GSD would randomly bite someone, well, I would first think bad breeding, but if that is not the case, then I would then think bad human!!!! GSDs always know who is good and bad, and that is not a book thing, that is what I say. I had a person come to my door and was mad at my husband who was not at home. This guy, was mad, and my dog sat quietly until he made his point, and made me upset. At that point, my dog, growled and let the guy know that he could not come closer. I just love this breed, it seems that they can read what is on your mind!!!!!!

[alexalou]

Named Kai Snoopy Girl????


That's the name of my family's male shepherd! So strange! Well, not too strange since it is a German name after all.

That's too bad he randomly bit someone. I'm sure though, like rexandbaby, it was not randomly. People pretty much NEVER ask if you if they can pet your dog. Some do, but there's quite a lot who don't. Once we were at the vet's office and I had Kai on a pretty tight leash. He hates the vet, so I didn't want him taking his anger out on any unsuspecting dog. This lady holding a small dog in her arms walks up and reaches out to pet him. I shout "Don't!" and she jerked hand back. Just in time too. Kai was NOT happy. He was going to snap at her. I don' think he would have actually bitten her, but better safe than sorry.

German Shepherds are wonderful dogs. Pretty much all Shepherds. I've only had the honor of owning 3 kinds (if you count a white shepherd as a different breed) but they've all been wonderful.

[snoopygirl]

I really like GSDs, they are just so handsome and noble and smart.(And GSD pups are so gorgeous!) I would consider owning one in the future but probably after I had some experience of easier going dogs.

[rexandbaby]

It is hard to find a good GSD now a days, at least here in the States. But, any dog with GSD in them I believe is a better dog, that is how much I love this breed. You remember Doggymommy? I am getting an Echo puppy from her maybe this fall, if not then next year, depends on when she lets him breed. I can't wait!!!!

[RubyJeansMom]

But, any dog with GSD in them I believe is a better dog, that is how much I love this breed.

I totally agree.
Our dog Joey is 3/4 GSD and 1/4 Husky. He's one of the best dogs we've had.
We love the breed, but mixes are just as good!!

[Dailypuppy Dallas]

I grew up with a GSD, and I will never forget how amazing the breed is. She would lay outside my room every night to protect me.

[4 the Dogs]

It is hard to find a good GSD now a days, at least here in the States.

Hi Donna! just curious why you say this? Is it breed standards, health, disposition? Could you please elaborate. Thanks!!

[rexandbaby]

I think that it is all of the above. Temperament issues, health problems galore, and I also think that the breed standards have gone downhill. Of course, if I were willing to pay over $2000. for a puppy, then maybe I would get what I could find anywhere 20 years ago. This is just my personal opinion, and from what I have seen in the North east.

[kapers]

LOL My dad is extremely partial to GSD's. So much so that he regularly checks with his local shelter to see if they have any pure or mixes he can adopt

My ex had a GSD mix and it was a great dog, quirky!!, but a terrible shedder! Small puppies would be brushed off her daily!!

[rexandbaby]

Yes they German Shedder Dogs. If I don't vacuum everyday, I could knit everyone a sweater in just a week!!

[Blinkme_xx]

my grandparents had 2 GSDs (Cossack and Sheeba) and there some of the best behaved dogs i no.
i think there a brilliant breed. Theyve never hurt anyone
although sheeba uesd to be a bit nippy towards Cossack, but that was only for attention and she grew out of it.
there now 12 and 10 years old
i may even have a picture ....

[rexandbaby]

Beautiful healthy looking dogs, I love the long and or plush coats, but yes, they do shed even more.

[demler91910]

hey all. well im DEFINATELY sold on the breed. my baby girl just turned 4 in late august, and she truely is my bestfriend, and co- worker as well. we are in the security field and Miranda Jean never ceases to amaze me. im not affraid to admit that she is the brains of this partnership. altho i do have a question. my baby girl was diagnosed with mild hip dysplasia. she is on anti inflammatory meds as well as otc glucosamine/chondritin. is there anything else i might give her so it wont progress???