German Shepherd Dog: Breed Focus
German Shepherds are a versatile working dog breed that excels at herding, protection and intelligence. They are large in size, protective in nature and extremely loyal. The breed is highly intelligent, easy to train, but can be head strong. Due to their size and intelligence, they are favourable for working with the Police, Armed Forces, performing Guard duties and Search and Rescue.
Group: Pastoral
Life Expectancy: 10 - 13 years
Professional Grooming: 8 - 12 weekly
Exercise: 2+ hours a day
Health: Elbow / Hip Dysplasia, Gastro Dilation
Brushing: 2 x weekly
Breed Standard Traits
Confident
Loyal
Courageous
Obedient
Energetic
Protective
Intelligent
Self-Assured
The History of The German Shepherd Dog
The name German Shepherd Dog is taken from the direct translation from Deutscher Schäferhund. After World War 2, German Shepherds became known as Alsatians as name ‘German’ had negative connotations. Alsatian comes from the German / French border of Alsace-Lorraine, where the French gave the land to Germany. Alsatian stuck as the breeds name until it was dropped in 1977.
Max von Stephanitz developed a herding dog that was able to protect the flocks from predators. As herding dogs varied from region to region, he sought to standardise a breed with particular traits that assisted with their working role. Sheepdogs were cross-bred for intelligence, speed, strength and smell. They resembled a mongrel in appearance, with their rough coat and short tail.
In 1899, von Stephanitz purchased a dog that fulfilled the criteria for what he believed a working dog should be; strong, intelligent, loyal and beautiful. He named the dog Horand von Grafrath and was recorded as the first German Shepherd to the breed register.
German Shepherd Dog circa 1895
Appearance
A German Shepherd has a lengthy muzzle, pointy ears and muscular / angular hindquarters.
Colours include; Bi-Colour, Black, Tan, Gold, Grey, Sable. Non breed standard colours include; White, Blue, Isabella, Liver.
There are 2 coat types: the traditional short coat and the long coat Shepherd. Short coats have a hard, straight top coat that is dense and close to the body, with a thick undercoat. Long coats have a long, fluffy top coat with distinguished long feathering and a thick undercoat.
Males: Height 60-65 cm, Weight 30-40 kg
Females: Height 55-60 cm, Weight 22-32 kg
Grooming Requirements
A German Shepherd has a weatherproof double coat, they shed all year round and have a full coat blow out twice a year (spring and autumn). Hair grows to a pre-determined length before shedding.
It is recommended you brush your German Shepherd weekly with a slicker/pin brush to remove excess undercoat. Your dog will benefit from a full professional groom every 3 months which involves bathing, de-shedding / matt removal and tidying up the feathers.
As German Shepherd Dogs have a double, fur bearing coat they shouldn’t be clipped as this can cause alopecia. This is why regular brushing of the coat is necessary to prevent matts building up. The only time a German Shepherd would be clipped is if the coat is too matted to salvage.
Training Requirements
German Shepherds should be socialised with other dogs and humans heavily from a puppy. This socialisation needs to be continued throughout their life as they are instinctively protective of their family. They require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. As they are highly intelligent, multi-purpose dogs they benefit from significant exercise, but preferably low impact as they suffer with their back legs later in life. Training should be ongoing to keep them mentally stimulated. German Shepherds are capable of continuously learning throughout their life.
They excel at: Track and Scent work, Obedience training, Protection / Guarding and Disability Assistance as they are highly trainable and sensitive to their owners.