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German Shepherd |
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Description... |
 Although
initially developed as a sheep-herder, the German Shepherd Dog is
the world's leading guard and police dog. Ranging in colour from
black-tan, bicolour (black with tan points), golden sable, grey
sable, all the way to solid black, the German Shepherd is a sharp
looking, discriminating breed.
Bigger is not better in this breed, however, as the
German Shepherd Dog's frame is not equipped to be bred large. What it
lacks in size, it more than makes up for in intelligence. Normally, the
breed has ears that prick up, dark eyes, a black nose, and teeth that meet
in a scissors bite. While good with children, the breed should be handled
by experienced owners only, as this dog requires commitment to proper
training and socialization. Socializing is important, especially for pups,
as it prevents the German Shepherd Dog from becoming shy and fearful. If
not socialized properly, a dog may become aggressive or a fear biter.
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History...
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 The
German Captain Max von Stephanitz developed the German Shepherd
Dog in the 1890's to be a dog with excellent herding and guarding
capabilities. Stephanitz and companion Arthur Meyer would later
form the Verein für Deutsche Schaferdunde to help develop the
breed. Stephanitz was the organizations first president, presiding
until 1936. The breed is, therefore, relatively new to the
breeding history of dogs, having most of its breeding
characteristics refined in the 1900's. Von Stephanitz would
eventually oversee the expansion of the breed's usefulness to
include, amid some initial amusement, working with the police and
the military. The German sport of "Schutzhund," meaning
"protection dog," has become a vital part of the dog's necessary
training and socialization. In Schutzhund, the dog's natural
abilities to track, protect, and be taught control through
obedience are assessed and developed. The three stages of
Shutzhund are novice (SchH1), intermediate (SchH2), and advanced
(SchH3).
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Traits...
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Because German Shepherd Dogs are herders by nature,
long walks can be a special experience for both you and your pet.
The dog will naturally try to "herd" you and your companions in
order to better protect you. In addition, the German Shepherd Dog
is extremely intelligent, and games that require mental and
physical agility are especially well-suited to this breed. Games
that require tracking, or hiding a familiar object would be ideal.
In addition, the dog enjoys large amounts of space to run and
explore. But be cautioned: never play physical games with you pet
immediately before or after eating, as this may increase the
possibility of bloating, or gastric torsion.
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Good aspects...
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The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent
and make excellent companions and watchdogs, as well as a good
family pet, if trained properly. By training your dog well, and
encouraging family members to establish a position of authority
over the dog, you will foster a protective, mutually enriching
experience for both you and your pet. They are excellent
protectors of their "pack," often trying to "herd" your family for
your own protection. In addition, they do not require clipping.
Max Von Stephanitz, the father of the German Shepherd
Dog, is quoted as saying that "The most striking features of the correctly
bred German Shepherd are firmness of nerves, attentiveness,
unshockability, tractability, watchfulness, reliability and
incorruptibility together with courage, fighting, tenacity and hardness."
With that in mind, you can't go wrong with a German Shepherd Dog!
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Health...
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Genetic and other health problems can be especially
devastating in the German Shepherd Dog. Some common problems to be
aware of include hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Also of special
concern in the German Shepherd Dog is bloat, or gastric torsion.
Because of its deep-seated chest, the dog's stomach may twist so
that nothing can past through the esophageus to the stomach or
through the stomach to the intestine, causing gas to build up. A
large amount of activity before or after eating can exacerbate
bloating. Your dog must be taken to the vet immediately as bloat
is an immediate health concern.
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Be aware...
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This breed requires a lot of space to exercise. In
addition, two genetic disorders - hip dysplasia and epilepsy - are
often inherited in this breed and can cause severe problems if not
detected before selecting your puppy. As adults, these dogs shed a
lot, and if trained improperly as puppies, the results can be
devastating in an adult dog. Therefore, it is vital that, as a
puppy, your German Shepherd Dog be given obedience training.
Another important point to watch out for is the nationality of
your German Shepherd Dog. There are two bloodlines, an American
and a German. American bloodlines are longer and leaner, and often
taller than those from the German bloodline. While those dogs from
the American bloodline are normally calmer and less dominant than
their German counterparts, the American line of the breed often
lacks drive or working ability.
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Summary...
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Training at an early age is vital for this breed,
and socialization with family members, other humans, and other
breeds is a must.
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source: petcare information centre-
petcare.umn.edu
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Further resources... |
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