German Shepherd
By: Zack Bradley
History
Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, and associated for centuries with man as servant and companion, the German Shepherd Dog has been subject to intensive development. Sponsored by the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde, the parent club of the breed founded in 1899 in Germany, the cult of the Shepherd spread rapidly from about 1914 onward in many parts of the world. Interest in the breed has been fostered by specialty clubs in many lands.
Physical Characteristics
The German Shepherd has a double coat, which is comprised of a thick undercoat and a dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Its hair, usually tan and black, or red and black in color, is medium in length and is shed all year round. Other rarer color variations include all-Black, all-White, silver and blue.
Temperament
The German Shepherd is very protective and devoted to its family and home, maintaining a suspicious and aloof demeanor around strangers. It can be dominating and assertive towards dogs, though it is normally friendly with other pets in the home.
Height and Weight
Male - 66-88 lbs, 60-65 cm (24-26 in)
Female - 51-73 lbs, 55-60 cm (22-24 in)
Feeding/Exercise
The German Shepherd dog is a muscular working dog with a high energy level and a hearty appetite. To prevent obesity and to help avoid some hereditary health problems that occur in the breed, provide your dog plenty of exercise and feed them a high-quality. Look for ingredients that help to maintain a healthy coat and that are easy to digest. This will help to prevent gastrointestinal upset and ensure that your German shepherd dog properly metabolizes the vitamins and minerals in the food.
Grooming
German Shepherds need to be
- Brushed 3-4 times a week
- Bathed frequently
- Toenails, ears, and teeth need attended too
Facts
- Aloof
- Protective
- Energetic
- Intelligent
- Agile