German Shepherd: Best At Everything
Facts About German Shepherd Dogs
Are you looking for the perfect dog breed? If so, you may want to consider a German shepherd. German Shepherd dogs are some of the most popular on the planet, and for a good reason – they’re amazing animals that can do it all. Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a best friend, or protection, a German shepherd will surely be up for the task.
German Shepherd Dogs as Pets
German Shepherd dogs are trendy pets and consistently rank in the top three most popular breeds, along with the Labrador and Golden Retriever. German Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent and have an undying devotion to their master.
You can’t go wrong with a German Shepherd if you’re looking for an intelligent, devoted, and all-around great pet. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and they consistently rank in the top three most popular breeds.
German Shepherd dogs make excellent companion animals thanks to their intelligence and trainability. They are also incredibly loyal and will always prioritize their master’s safety. A German Shepherd is a perfect breed for you if you’re looking for a dog that will be a faithful family member.
The first dog I had as a kid was a German Shepherd mix. When I look at pictures now of that great dog, Lucky, he looks more mixed than a German Shepherd, but he is the reason I have such great affection for this breed. When I started the first grade in school, Lucky would always walk me to the bus stop and wait for me until I returned. He was always by my side as my best friend and protector.
History of the German Shepherd Dog
The dogs we know as German Shepherd dogs were developed from German working dogs by a German dog breeder Max von Stephanitz (1864 – 1936). Stephanitz set the breed standards and founded the first German Shepherd dog club, the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, with his colleague Arthur Meyer in 1899.
Stephanitz aimed to develop a better and more intelligent working dog for all of Germany. His dog, Horand von Grafrath, was the first breeding stud and is the great-granddaddy of today’s German Shepherd dogs. The dogs were also bred to do more than be shepherds. They were used to deliver messages, rescue, do sentry duties, and guard dogs during the First World War.
Although they wanted a good-looking dog, their primary goal was to produce a breed that did its job well. They excelled in both areas because modern German Shepherd dogs are beautiful dogs trained to do almost anything.
Before Getting a German Shepherd
When buying a German Shepherd as a pet, it is essential to talk to experienced owners first. German Shepherds can weigh up to 90 pounds, so they are not a small dog breed. They are also not naturally aggressive but can be trained to be effective attack dogs. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you are prepared to handle a German Shepherd before committing to purchase one. Experienced owners can give you valuable insights into what it takes to care for a German Shepherd and help you decide whether or not this breed of dog is right for you.
If you’re considering adding a German Shepherd to your family, you may be wondering where to find a German Shepherd for sale. One option is to visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many shelters have German Shepherds available for adoption, and you can often find dogs of all ages and temperaments. Another option is to purchase a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder.
Researching beforehand will help you find a breeder with healthy, well-socialized puppies. Expect to pay around $500-$1000 for a German Shepherd from a breeder; however, prices can vary depending on the breeder’s location and the dog’s lineage. No matter where you get your German Shepherd, be prepared to provide plenty of love, exercise, and training. Your new dog will quickly become a treasured family member with proper care.
Are German Shepherds Hypoallergenic?
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for a good reason. They’re intelligent, loyal, and make great protectors. However, they’re also known for being heavy shedders, which can be a problem for people with allergies.
So, are German Shepherds hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, the answer is no. German Shepherds have a dense double coat that traps allergens and shedding hair. Even though they don’t technically shed more than other breeds, the amount of hair they lose can be enough to trigger an allergic reaction in some people. If you’re considering getting a German Shepherd, you must talk to your allergist first to see if you can tolerate them.
German Shepherd Dogs as Working Dogs
Von Stephanitz’s vision for the German Shepherd was as an intelligent working dog. And they are that. They rank very high in dog intelligence, just behind the Border Collie and Poodle.
There are few dogs more versatile than the German Shepherd. They are excellent herding dogs but also well-known for their work as guard, rescue, and attack dogs.
And because they make such great pets, they are one of the best all-around dogs in the world. German shepherds are loyal, protective, and intelligent, making them ideal companions and guardians. They are also fiercely brave and have been known to put their lives on the line to protect their families. For all these reasons, it’s no wonder that German shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. A German shepherd is worth considering if you’re looking for a fantastic dog to add to your family!
German Shepherds are excellent scent dogs and help to control drug traffic. One Mexican German Shepherd, Zuyaqui, captured most Mexican police and military history drugs.
German Shepherd Appearance
I’ve always loved German Shepherds. They’re such noble-looking dogs, with their robust features and intelligent eyes. And, of course, they’re very loyal and protective, which makes them great family pets. I must admit, though, that I’m a bit of a purist regarding the breed. I think a German Shepherd isn’t truly a German Shepherd unless it’s either tan and black or red and black.
Of course, some rarer color variations exist, like sable or all-black German Shepherds. But to me, those aren’t the real deal. Something about the classic tan and black coat screams “German Shepherd” to me. Maybe it’s because that’s the traditional coloration for the breed. Or perhaps it’s because I think it looks perfect. Either way, that’s my preference for German Shepherd dogs.
Dogs bred to show standards, such as those recognized by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom, are in conflict with German Shepherd breed clubs about the issue of soundness. The show strains have been bred with a highly sloping top-line back that causes poor gait. Working dogs, such as those used as service dogs, generally have the traditional straight back. I like the straight back.
German Shepherd Dogs as Entertainers
Strongheart, a German Shepherd, was one of the earliest dog movie stars and starred in his first movie in 1921. This was two years before Rin Tin Tin, the most famous of German Shepherd dogs. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
One of my generation’s best-known German Shepherd dogs is the famous [wiki]Rin Tin Tin[/wiki]. This German Shepherd helped the breed overcome the prejudice against the breed because of war.
Bullet, The Wonder Dog, was a character on the television series “The Roy Rogers Show” (1951 – 1957). The German Shepherd that played Bullet was also a family pet owned by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Connect With Other German Shepherd Lovers
AKC Breed Clubs are located in every state and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups nationwide. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America, formed in 1913, is the AKC Parent Club representing the breed. Those interested in adopting a rescue can browse the list of affiliated rescues on the American German Shepherd Rescue Association’s website.
Dogs Similar to the German Shepherd
German Shepherd dogs are very similar to Belgian Shepherds, especially the Belgian Malinois. These dogs are often confused. So why not introduce a German Shepherd into your home today? You won’t regret it!
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