Dog Breeds: The German Shepherd

Originating in Germany in the 1800's, this dog was originally used for herding sheep, but now it is used for police and security work, as guide dogs, sniffer dogs, tracking dogs, guard dogs and companion dogs. It is the world's most numerous dog breed. Litters are usually large in number. Also called the Deutscher Schaferhund and by its original name Alsation.

This dog is 23 to 25 inches at the shoulders (57.5-62.5 cm), weighs 75 to 95 pounds (34 – 43 Kg) and has a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years.

Indiscriminate breeding has created many problems, both physically and behaviourally. Arthritis of the joints, eye disease, gastrointestinal disease, hip dysplasia and other problems are quite common.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police experienced so many problems with their German Shepherd police dogs that they discontinued using German Shepherds and switched to the smaller more agile Belgian Shepherds. Because of the extensive training given to their dogs, they could not afford to have them develop serious medical or behavioural problems requiring euthanasia after only a few years of duty.

German Shepherds come in black and tan, black and grey, solid black, yellow, cream and white. Dogs of the last three colours are not allowed to enter dog shows.

A German Shepherd's coat is short, straight and firm with a thick undercoat. When standing, a Shepherd's hocks are angled rather than perpendicular and the front legs are straight. Thighs are strong and muscular and the chest is deep. Erect high-set ears give the impression of alertness. Arched, round well-formed feet have large pads. The large black nose is extended to a flat tip.

Well-bred specimens of the breed are attentive, alert, resilient, steady of nerve, loyal, calm, obedient, responsive, self-assured, courageous and tractable. Lesser animals are nervous, fearful, timid or aggressive. So, as you can see, the quality of individual dogs varies considerably.

Mom and Dad had a German Shepherd – Keeshond cross that developed hip dysplasia, paranoia, arthritis and aggression. He had to be euthanized when he was 8 ½ years old. His brother, who had no behavioural or medical problems of any kind, is still alive at 15 ¾ years of age. So, even dogs from the same litter vary greatly in health and behaviour. This makes choosing a German Shepherd a difficult decision as you can never be certain of just what you will get.

However, if you get a good one, you will have a fabulous dog that will show you loyalty and devotion for many years.

Until next time,

Teia