Description:
The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile, well muscled
dog, alert and full of life. He is extremely intelligent and makes a
wonderful companion, show or obedience dog. The German Shepherd is
exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, search, rescue
dog. He is one breed that becomes truly bonded to his family and may suffer
from separation anxiety when apart from his people.
Other Names: Alsatian, Deutscher
Schaferhund
Height:
Males are 24 - 26 inches; Females are 22 - 24 inches
Weight: 75 - 95 lbs.
Colors:
Solid black, gray, tan, gold. White is recognized by the CKC.
Coat:
Length is medium, straight and hard and close lying with a dense
undercoat
Temperament:
Intelligent, responsive, solid temperament, consistent behavior.
With Children: Yes, loves his own
children, but may be suspicious of other children.
With Pets: Yes, if trained from
puppyhood to accept other pets.
Special Skills: Family pet.
Watch-dog:
Very High
Guard-dog: Very High
Care and
Training: Daily brushing, bathing occasionally. Long, daily
walks. Needs a large open yard. Obedience training will help improve his
social skills.
Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience -
High, Problem Solving - High. Training is not easy as he is intelligent and
will try to think of ways to avoid doing what you are asking.
Activity:
Indoor - High, Outdoor - High
Living Environment: Country or city
living as long as adequate attention and exercise is given. Fenced yard is
essential. The owner of a German Shepherd should strong and confident.
Health Issues:
Usually hardy. Has potential to have hip dysplasia (abnormal development of
hip joints), skin disease, bloat, congenital heart disease, Von Willebrand's
disease, nervous condition and panosteitis (an inflammation of long bones in
the legs.)
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size: 5 - 10
Country of
Origin: Germany
History: Dates back to as
early as the 7th Century A.D. The German Shepherds roots are in the mountain
sheepdog of Germany. About 1880 the German army modified this breed for work
as a military dog. The first German Shepherd exhibit was in 1882 in Hanover.
Credit for the formation of the modern breed is given to German fancier
Rittmeister von Stephanitz.
First
Registered by the AKC: 1908
AKC Group: Herding
Class: Herding
Registries:
AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC
