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German Shepherds are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, but few know their rich history. The breed owes its existence to one man, Captain Max von Stephanitz, a former German cavalry officer with a passion for creating a superior herding dog. At the end of the 19th century, von Stephanitz noticed that no one had developed the region's sheepdogs into a separate breed.

His experimentation with dog breeding led him to purchase a wolf-like dog named Hektor Linksrhein, later renamed Horand v Grafeth, whose intelligence and physique so impressed von Stephanitz that he founded a society to create a race from its descendants. Although von Stephanitz intended the breed to work as herding dogs, he saw the need for them to serve as working dogs in police and military service as Germany became more industrialized. During World War I, German Shepherds served as Red Cross dogs, messengers, rescuers, guards, supply carriers, and sentries.

The breed's popularity grew worldwide, especially after US Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a puppy named Rin Tin Tin and turned him into a Hollywood star. Despite the breed's success, the American Kennel Club changed the breed's name to Shepherd Dog during World War I, and in England it was renamed Alsacian Wolf Dog. In recent decades, some American breeders have begun to emphasize breed ability rather than appearance by importing working dogs from Germany into their breeding programs.

history

The German Shepherd is a breed that owes its existence to Captain Max von Stephanitz, a man with a passion for creating a superior dog breed that would be unrivaled in herding. While German farmers had long relied on dogs to lead and protect their flocks, no one had developed the region's sheepdogs into a distinct breed until von Stephanitz arrived on the scene.

In 1898, von Stephanitz retired from military life and began experimenting with dog breeding. He studied the breeding techniques of the British and observed German-type sheepdogs at dog shows all over Germany. Although he saw many athletic, intelligent, or capable dogs, he did not see one that embodied all of these traits.

In 1899, von Stephanitz bought a wolf-like dog named Hektor Linksrhein, later renamed Horand v Grafeth. Impressed by the dog's powerful physique and intelligence, von Stephanitz formed the Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde to found a breed from Horand's descendants.

Although von Stephanitz had intended to put his breed to work as herding dogs, he saw the need for such dogs waning as Germany became more industrialized. He was determined that his breed would continue to be a working dog and decided that the dog's future was in police work and military service.

During World War I, the German Shepherd served as a Red Cross dog, messenger, rescuer, guard, supply carrier, and sentry. The Allied military noted the dog's bravery and intelligence, and a number of dogs returned home with these soldiers.

One of those dogs was Rin Tin Tin, a puppy snatched from a bomb-ridden kennel in France by an American corporal. The corporal took the pup home, trained him, and turned him into one of Hollywood's most recognizable four-legged stars.

Although the breed became popular in the United States after the war, the AKC changed the name of the breed to Shepherd Dog due to stigmatization of all things German. In England, the dog was renamed Alsacian Wolf Dog. The AKC reverted to using the original German Shepherd Dog name in 1931.

Von Stephanitz remained closely involved in the development of the breed and developed a rigorous quality control system. However, American breeding was not as regulated, with breeders placing more emphasis on appearance and gait than on the breed's abilities.

After World War II, American and German-bred German Shepherds began to diverge significantly, with US police departments and military importing German Shepherd working dogs because local German Shepherds were failing performance tests and were plagued with genetic health issues.

In recent decades, some American breeders have begun to re-emphasize the breed's abilities rather than its appearance, importing dogs from Germany and other countries to improve the breed's working ability. The German Shepherd remains a beloved and versatile breed, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and bravery.

size

Male German Shepherds have a height range of 24 to 26 inches, while female German Shepherds have a height range of 22 to 24 inches. The weight of a German Shepherd typically falls between 75 to 95 pounds.

Personality

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courage. They are also very trainable and obedient, making them excellent companions and working dogs. They are fiercely loyal to their families and will do whatever it takes to protect them.

German Shepherds are also very energetic and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They like a challenge and enjoy learning new things, which is why they are often used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs.

Although generally good-natured, German Shepherds can be wary of strangers and protective of their territory. Early socialization and training are important to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults.

Overall, German Shepherds make wonderful pets for those who are willing to invest time and effort in their care and training. With the right guidance, they can become loyal, loving companions for many years to come.

Health

Although generally healthy, German Shepherds, like all breeds, can be susceptible to certain health conditions. If you're considering this breed, it's important to be aware of these potential health issues, even though not all dogs will experience them.

One common problem is hip dysplasia, a heritable condition where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. This can result in pain and lameness on one or both rear legs and, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Elbow dysplasia is also common in large-breed dogs, and may require surgery or medication to manage the associated pain.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus : or bloat, is a life-threatening condition that is more common in large, deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds. Feeding one large meal a day, rapid eating, drinking large amounts of water after eating, and vigorous exercise can all contribute to bloat, which causes the stomach to distend with gas or air and then twist. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, excessive salivation and retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, weakness, and a rapid heart rate. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial to save the dog's life.

Degenerative myelopathy: is another concern, as it is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that can cause a loss of coordination and hind-leg weakness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease, although vitamin supplements may help in rare cases.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: a genetic disease of the pancreas in which digestive enzyme-producing cells are destroyed, is another condition that can affect German Shepherds. This condition can lead to weight loss, gas, and changes in stools. However, with proper medication and supervision, most dogs can recover.

Finally, some German Shepherds may suffer from allergies, ranging from contact allergies to food allergies. If your dog is constantly scratching, licking at their paws, or rubbing their face, it's important to have them checked by a veterinarian for allergy symptoms.

Care

German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, and as such, they have a lot of energy that needs to be expended through exercise. Without proper exercise, they can become bored and inactive, leading to negative behavior such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking. It's crucial to provide both physical exercise, like jogging or playing at a dog park, and mental exercise, such as training and agility competitions, to keep their minds sharp.

As a herding breed, German Shepherds tend to be vocal and bark frequently. While this isn't necessarily a problem, it can become an issue if they're left bored and idle. Thus, teaching them the "Quiet" command should be a part of their obedience training.

German Shepherds have a strong urge to chew and their powerful jaws can destroy many objects. Chewing on the wrong thing can damage their teeth or cause them to swallow something harmful. Providing safe chew toys and bones is important to keep them entertained and prevent destructive behavior.

Feeding

To meet the energy and exercise requirements of a large breed like German Shepherds, their diet should be specially formulated. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian or professional nutritionist for recommendations on feeding your German Shepherd, including the correct portion sizes. As they age, from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age, their dietary needs will vary, and you need to keep track of these changes.

It's essential to take extra care with feeding and exercising a German Shepherd puppy, as they grow very quickly between four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. It's best to feed them high-quality, low-calorie diets that prevent rapid growth.

Avoid letting your German Shepherd puppy run, jump, or play on hard surfaces such as pavement until their joints are fully formed at least two years old. However, playing on grass and participating in puppy agility with low jumps is fine.

Overfeeding your German Shepherd can lead to joint problems and other health issues. Therefore, it's crucial to limit treats, keep them active, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out at all times.

 If you're looking for information on German Shepherds, you've come to the right place. Our blog is your ultimate guide to this loyal, intelligent, and versatile breed. From their history as working dogs to their modern-day roles as family pets, we cover everything you need to know about German Shepherds. Whether you're a current owner or considering adding a German Shepherd to your family, our blog is the go-to resource for training tips, dietary advice, health information, and much more. Join our community of German Shepherd lovers and discover why these dogs are among the most beloved breeds in the world.

FAQS

What is a German Shepherd?

 German Shepherd is a breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. Originally bred in Germany for herding and guarding sheep, they are now commonly used as police and military dogs, as well as family pets.


What is the lifespan of a German Shepherd? 

The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is around 9-13 years. However, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle, some German Shepherds have been known to live up to 15 years.


Are German Shepherds good family dogs? 

Yes, German Shepherds can make great family dogs. They are loyal and protective of their families, and are known for their ability to get along well with children. However, they do have high energy levels and require a lot of exercise and training.


How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?

 German Shepherds are high-energy dogs and need a lot of exercise. They should be taken for daily walks, and also benefit from activities like running, hiking, and playing fetch. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive.


Are German Shepherds easy to train? 

German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and are generally easy to train. They are often used as police and military dogs because of their trainability and ability to learn quickly. However, they do require consistent training and socialization from an early age.


Do German Shepherds shed a lot?

 Yes, German Shepherds are known to shed a lot, especially during shedding season. They have a double coat which sheds heavily twice a year. Regular grooming can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.


Are German Shepherds prone to any health problems? 

Like all breeds, German Shepherds are prone to certain health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. It's important to choose a reputable breeder and keep up with regular vet check-ups to monitor their health.