Country of origin: Germany (19th century)
Height:
55-66 cm
Weight:
30-43 kg
Life
expectancy: 12-14 years
FCI Classification: Group 1, Section 1, Sheepdogs
German Shepherd Dog
appearance
Coat:
dense, abundant
Colour:
black with red-brown, brown and grey patches, also available in black or grey
only
Ears:
erect, set in
Nose
tip: black, large
Eyes:
dark
Tail:
covered with long fur
Hips:
strong, muscular
Abdomen:
retracted
Paws:
small, rounded, with broad pads
History of the
German Shepherd Dog
If
the most common version is to be believed, the German Shepherd Dog began its
history in the middle of the 13th century in south-western Germany. These lands
have always been famous for their well-developed livestock breeding. Farmers
bred the German Shepherd breed specifically to control their sheep and other
livestock. This dog was not only to protect the crops, but also the sheep and
other animals from wolves. Of course, in order to do this job, the German
Shepherd had to have many important qualities - endurance, diligence,
discipline and common sense.
The first German Shepherds were nothing like the present-day German Shepherds. They had large drooping ears and a long shaggy coat. There was no question of a principled 'cleanliness' of the breed. In the 19th century, the Germans began working on the breed with the aim of breeding a purebred German Shepherd. The key to the idealisation of the German Shepherd was to change its appearance.
The
German Shepherd that we see today became the German Shepherd that it is today
thanks to the work of a brilliant German cynologist, Max von Stephanitz. This
scientist thought that the German Shepherd was the pride and symbol of the
German nation. While working on the appearance of the dog, he also focused on
the physical and psychological aspects of the dog. Stefanic developed a
pioneering system of training and dressage. Thanks to him, the breed has become
an excellent service dog. The dog's obedience and intelligence are simply
amazing, which is why these dogs are now used by all government agencies and
carry out the most important and dangerous missions.
Sheepdogs
became the most important fighting dogs during the First and Second World Wars.
They were awarded medals, memorials and films were made about them.
Characteristics
of the German Shepherd Dog: German Shepherds are strong, confident, and
determined dogs. They are fearless defenders and devoted companions. Once a
German Shepherd recognizes you as its owner, it will always try to do its best
for you and will fight to the death for you, and the breed is strong enough to
do so.
German
Shepherds are wary of strangers and it takes time for their guard to be
relaxed. This dog is always on the lookout for what's going on, where it's
going, and how it's going to happen, never missing anything, which makes them
excellent watchdogs.
A
German Shepherd Dog will become a great friend if you have a good relationship
with it. Although many people associate this breed with dogs that are only
suitable for protection and service, they are unaware that if properly trained,
this breed can become an excellent family companion.
As a
result, the German Shepherd Dog is an excellent protector as well as a
wonderful, loving family member. They get along well with both children and
other pets. They should not be left alone for extended periods of time and
require constant human interaction. This breed has a calm and stable
temperament. A properly trained German Shepherd Dog will respond appropriately
to the situation.
German
Shepherds are well-suited to work and have long been used as service dogs. They
work as police officers, rescue workers, assist the blind and deaf, and
participate in military operations. Their intelligence, sense of smell, and
willingness to work aid them in any task.
German Shepherd Dog
Maintenance
A
German Shepherd should be brushed twice a week. If you do not regularly groom
your Shepherd's coat, there will be a lot of dark, short hairs in the house,
and the undercoat, particularly on the belly and neck, will become tangled.
Find a comb that both effectively removes hair and that the dog enjoys using.
To
prevent tangling, a long coat can be trimmed on the dog's back legs.
Bathing
your German Shepherd only once or twice a year is sufficient. Bathing the dog
frequently can cause the dog's natural oils to be lost and the coat to become
dull. When bathing the dog, it is beneficial to use a brush to help remove the
majority of the excess fur.
German
Shepherds are large, athletic dogs that need a lot of exercise. A large yard
for jogging and daily walks help the dog stay in good physical shape. Because
their intelligence necessitates constant psychological exertion, training is required
for these dogs. Grooming also provides the dog with the necessary exercise.
German Shepherd Dog
Diseases and Health
German
Shepherds, despite being a tough and hardy breed, are susceptible to the
following diseases:
Bloating
Elbow
dysplasia is a condition in which the elbow joint fails to develop normally.
Dysplasia
of the hips
Intervertebral
disc degeneration
Epilepsy
Pyoderma
Pannus
Corneal
dystrophy
Cataract
Degenerative
myelopathy
Diabetes
and pancreatic insufficiency
Food
intolerance
Fistula
of the isthmus
Aortic
stenosis
Perineum
adenocarcinoma
Tumors
that produce secretion
Short
stature, a lack of growth hormone, and so on.
Furthermore,
German Shepherds are prone to allergies, ear infections, and malignant cancers
such as lymphoma and angiosarcoma.