Could a German Shepherd be the right dog for you?

 The German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian or Schafer(hund)) is an intelligent breed of dog. Because they are eager to please, they are easily trained in obedience and protection. The German Shepherd Dog is a large, strong, substantial-looking dog.

Ever since Rin Tin Tin became a famous television personality, the German Shepherd has gone from an already popular dog breed to one of the most well known breeds on earth. This versatile dog breed seems to be everywhere that a dog can be of help, from war torn countries to areas where natural disasters have occurred. The powerful German Shepherd will strike terror in the hearts of criminals one minute and endure the overly affectionate attention of little children the next.

German Shepherds were bred to be guardians and the breed still has a very strong protective instinct. A dog that is high strung or nervous should never be bred, as the resulting puppies can be untrustworthy. However, most German Shepherds are wonderful dogs and devoted to their families, including children and other pets.

The German Shepherd is a fairly large dog, weighing from sixty to seventy five pounds and standing twenty two to twenty six inches tall. This breed has erect ears, dark, intelligent eyes, and a graceful tail. The German Shepherd is most commonly black and tan, although gray and tan or black and gray dogs are also available. A striking all white dog, commonly called an Alsatian, is popular with many people. If you like the look of the Alsatian, be sure you meet the puppy's parents, as these white German Shepherds can sometimes be a bit high strung. Although German Shepherds are high energy animals, they can live in the city. Just be aware that you will have to exercise your dog frequently and that he will be miserable if you leave him alone for long hours without giving him a job to do. Of course, a house with a big yard in a rural area is ideal.

Since your German Shepherd will rapidly grow into a big, powerful dog, you may want to enroll him in obedience classes while he is a puppy. It is much easier to control a small puppy than a full grown untrained dog. In addition, puppy obedience classes also help provide another important benefit for your German Shepherd puppy, socialization to other dogs and people. Many people who own these intelligent dogs make the unfortunate mistake of thinking that their dogs need to be trained as guard dogs. However, this training can lead to aggression if your dog is not trained properly. Since German Shepherds are naturally protective, they do not need attack dog training to guard your home.

The German Shepherd's coat requires very little grooming. The dense coat is coarse and does not mat easily. Brush your dog once a week to remove dirt and debris. If you live in the city, concrete will probably wear down your Shepherd's nails. However, if your dog lives in a rural area he may need to have his nails trimmed several times a year.

German Shepherds need to eat a nutritional food that is formulated for large breed dogs. If your Shepherd is a working dog, you may need to feed him a high protein food. A good dog vitamin is also a smart idea.

This loyal, smart breed commonly suffers from hip dysplasia or epilepsy. To see one of these dignified dogs suffering from either disease is heart breaking. Please be sure that your puppy's breeder has had the parents tested to be sure they do not carry these diseases.

German Shepherd Dogs are often used as working dogs in many capacities, including search and rescue, military, police or guard dogs. They are also used as assistance dogs or service dogs (such as guide dogs).

If you want a dog who will be protective and loyal, then a German Shepherd may be the right dog for you and your family.

About the author:

Clive Chansa writes for the Dog Care Guide at http://www.dog-care-help.com / and the Pet Care Supplies Uk website at http://www.pet-care-supplies.co.uk/ which offers a wide range of pet products and supplies.

 Clive Chansa

More Articles 

Unique Gifts For The Dog Lover - Dee Marie
Run out of ideas and trying to find that extra special gift for the dog lover in your life? Don't worry any longer. Have a look at these unique dog lover gifts and let them spark your creativity. You could even combine a few ideas and make...

Providing Good Dental Care Can Extend Your Dog’s Life - Lee Dobbins
Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of his overall health and maintenance. Sure, you may feel funny brushing Fido’s pearly whites every night before bed, but good dental care for dogs is much more than just having white teeth and good breath....

The Dog's Internal Anatomy: Part 2 Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments, And Joints - Richard Delgado
For the next topic of the dog's musculo-skeletal system, I will be talking about four things. I will go over the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. These four tissues help tie together the skeletal system, which supports the animal, and allows...

Can Dogs See Dead People? - Bill Knell
Can Dogs See Dead People? By Bill Knell “I see dead people.” Uttered by actor Haley Joel Osment in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense, it has become one of the most famous lines in movie history. Although the film was based on a fictional story,...

How To Train An Abused Dog - Adam Katz
Many people who've adopted older dogs-- especially stray dogs or dogs from the animal shelter-- assume that their dog has been abused in the past. So, how do you train an abused dog? Let's get right to the heart of the matter and state that-- in...

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ - A Grignard
1) Why should I crate train my dog? Crate Training is the fastest and most humane method of housebreaking dogs. Have you ever seen a dog under a table, chair or bed? The reason is that dogs naturally want to seek shelter, even in a house. If...

Putting A Dog To Sleep - Jeff Cuckson
I was talking to a friend of mine today and I asked him how his kids (dogs) were. He lives on his own and the standing joke is - "does he want to do a swap with his dogs and my kids?" He informed me very sadly that he had to get the older dog put...

Worried About which Breed of Dog is Best for Your Family? Find Some Answers Here. - Niall Kennedy
Ask ten experts how many breeds of dogs exist and you will get ten different answers. However, many estimate there are more than 300 breeds of dogs. Each is valued by someone or by a group of people. In fact, they exist because they were bred to...

Body Language Before Dog Bites - Adam G Katz
Dear Adam: After catching up on doggy email, I've noticed your reference to submissive posture. Your book helped more than a professional trainer I hired for my adopted Golden. We went through biting and dominance issues. The problem I am having...

The Facts You Need To Know About Adopting A Dog - Niall Kennedy
Mum, dad, can we get a puppy? Its a plea that may parents will know only too well. How do you go about adopting a dog to make suure that the dog is happy and there isn't too much upheaval in your home? If you are thinking of adding a dog to your...