Introduction
Considered one of America’s most popular breeds, the German Shepherd Dog Breed is a large, agile, muscular dog with a noble character and high intelligence. Loyal, German Shepherds are truly a dog lover’s delight, as they are confident, brave, and persistent. They can stand up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Their normal gait is a free and easy trot, but they can turn it up a notch or two and reach great speeds. There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dog Breed are America’s number one, experts say their defining traits are character: willingness to put life on the line, courage, loyalty, confidence, and ability to learn commands for many tasks.
These large dogs are steadfastly loyal and protective of their humans but wary of strangers. German Shepherds have a long history as working dogs that have assisted military and police forces around the world. Their calm demeanor makes them great companions for active owners.
History of the German Shepherd Dog Breed
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in America, a breed that originally originated in Germany, hence the name German Shepherd. First appeared in Germany in the late 1800s. It then quickly became a popular dog breed in the United Kingdom. and introduced to the United States by US soldiers in World War I. Then because of Rin Tin Tin and movie star Strongheart, this breed caught everyone’s attention. And even during World War II, German Shepherds were considered the military breed of choice.
German shepherds were first selected as guide dogs. Because this breed makes an excellent guard dog, military dog, police dog, search and rescue dog, and guide dog for the blind. As a result, in 1999, the German Shepherd was third on the American Kennel Club’s list of top breeds.
Body Structure of German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd is a muscular and balanced dog. They seem confident, steady, and always ready for action. They have dry bones and a firm overall structure. This breed has a large, deep-chested, slightly elongated body with smooth curves (rather than angular outlines) and a firm overall structure.
Weight
They are fairly large compared to other breeds, but not as huge as you might think. An adult German Shepherd will weigh 66 – 88 pounds. And women will be 48 – 70 lbs. Here we present a male German Shepherd’s age, height, and weight growth chart. Which will help you understand when their weight can cause problems for their health.
| Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 4 – 6″ | 5.5 – 9 lbs |
| 2 months | 7 – 9″ | 16 – 20 lbs |
| 3 months | 9 – 11″ | 22 – 30 lbs |
| 4 months | 11 – 14″ | 35 – 40 lbs |
| 5 months | 14 – 16″ | 40 – 49 lbs |
| 6 months | 16 – 18″ | 49 – 57 lbs |
| 7 months | 19 – 20″ | 57 – 62 lbs |
| 8 months | 20 – 22″ | 62 – 66 lbs |
| 9 months | 21 – 23″ | 64 – 71 lbs |
| 10 months | 22 – 24″ | 66 – 73 lbs |
| 11 months | 22 – 24″ | 71 – 75 lbs |
| 1 year | 22 – 24″ | 71 – 79 lbs |
| 1.5 years | 23 – 25″ | 71 – 79 lbs |
| 2 years | 23 – 25″ | 71 – 84 lbs |
| 3 years | 24 – 26″ | 79 – 88 lbs |
But your vet or otherwise an experienced Shepherd breeder can tell you if your dog is the right weight for their age and height. German Shepherds can grow in length and are about 22 to 26 inches tall.
Colors
Like all other dogs, the German Shepherd Dog Breed comes in a variety of coats and colors. Generally, German Shepherds are only seen in black and tan colors. While these two are the main colors of German Shepherds, they have many other attractive and beautiful colors. If you want to be a proud German Shepherd owner, you should know all about the colors.
14 colors of German Shepherd Dog Breed
- Black and tan
- white
- Pure black
- The blue
- The liver
- Isabella
- Silver
- Gray
- Black and red
- Strong
- Black and silver
- The panda
- Double color
- Black and cream
Behaver of German Shepherd Dog Breed
German Shepherds are known for their bravery, intelligence, and loyalty. But like any dog breed, the German Shepherd Dog Breed has some quirks that owners need to be aware of—especially if you’re considering bringing one home as a pet. Read on for more information about the German Shepherd breed, including their behavior and common health issues.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent working dog that excels in many fields. As a breed, they are prone to anxiety around strangers and general suspicion of unknown people or places. They are also prone to fear-based aggression; Especially when it comes to other dogs or new people. The German Shepherd is known as the “couch potato” of the working dog world because of its tendency to be lazy and reluctant to exercise. It is important to understand these traits before adopting a German Shepherd because not all dogs will take kindly to this type of behavior from another member of their family!
Food & Nutrition
German shepherd dogs are among the most lovable dog breeds. They have a face that can’t stay angry and permanent puppy eyes that make you want to give them all the treats they want. But taking care of a GSD properly isn’t as easy as it sounds. These dogs come with some unique needs and habits – especially when it comes to their diet.
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about German shepherd dog food and what kind of food your dog should be eating.
Veterinarian-Recommended food for German Shepherd Dog Breed
Dog Food Advisor has chosen the brands below because they meet the safe calcium levels and other nutritional needs of adult German Shepherds.
Purina ONE High Protein, Natural Dry Dog Food
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 4.8/5
Purina ONE Height Protein food is specially formulated for Shepherd. It promotes healthy coat growth in shepherds. It contains taurine and healthy omega-3 fatty acids to keep Shepherd’s hearts healthy and has a high protein content of 30%.
Merrick Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Meat
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 4.7/5
From dry matter label analysis we found out that in the recipe. 22 lb bag – contains Merrick Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken, and Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food. And real deboned chicken is always the first ingredient in this large breed dog food with 60% healthy fat and protein content and 40% produce vitamins, fiber, minerals, and other natural ingredients. Which is a high-protein dog food with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs to help maintain healthy hips and joints.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – 4.7/5
From analyzing the dry matter label we learned that the recipe contains 17% fat, 38% protein, and 38% estimated carbohydrates… making for a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
This high-protein recipe with healthy grains contains complex carbohydrates from your dog’s favorite delicious oats, deboned salmon and barley, and antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits to meet your dog’s energy needs.
Health of German Shepherd Dog Breed
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in America, they are intelligent, smart, brave, and loyal. The list of qualities that the German Shepherd has to offer is as impressive as it gets.
But like any other breed, German Shepherds can also suffer from some health problems. If you want to become an owner of this wonderful dog, you should know about some of the most common health problems of German Shepherds. And it’s important for you to understand whether it could become a problem for your pet.
Common health problems of German Shepherd Dog Breed
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most in German Shepherd dogs. This is because the ball and socket of your dog’s hip joint are not properly developed. And your dog becomes restless. Due to this, it deteriorates over time.
Hip dysplasia is a very painful disease that can affect any breed. However, it is especially common in large breeds like the German Shepherd. Hip dysplasia is caused by many factors including poor nutrition, excessive exercise, and obesity.
Elbow dysplasia
Deterioration of the elbow joint is understood as the puppy grows older. This can lead to symptoms such as joint stiffness, pain, and loss of motion.
Elbow dysplasia occurs in all types of dogs but is more common in large breeds such as German Shepherds. Genetic factors play a role in the development of elbow dysplasia
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy is on the list of common health problems in German Shepherds. This devastating disease affects the spinal cord and is usually seen in dogs between 8 and 14 years of age. Symptoms include loss of coordination and weakness in the hind legs. As the disease progresses, paralysis of the hind legs may occur.
Bloat
A worrisome and very serious disease for German Shepherds is bloat. The condition begins when the dog’s stomach fills with air and twists in on itself. If this condition occurs, treatment should be given urgently. Otherwise, the dog’s life may be at risk.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a serious health problem on the list of common health problems in German Shepherds. Which affects breeds of all shapes and sizes. All types of dogs can have this problem. But this is a particular problem for German Shepherds.
There are several other factors that can lead to osteoarthritis, including aging, obesity, poor nutrition, trauma, and genetics. Such as the breakdown of cartilage in joints, resulting in pain, swelling, and loss of motion.
To be the proud owner of a German Shepherd, you must monitor your puppy at all times. And if you notice any of their health problems, contact your vet immediately.
Care of the German Shepherd Dog Breed
German Shepherds are active and large dogs that are extremely loyal and intelligent companions. They need thoughtful care to live long and happy lives. German Shepherds need to be properly fed and housed in addition to requiring regular healthcare. With some effort and care, your German Shepherd can live a long and happy life and be a constant companion for you in the future.
Feeding German Shepherd
Take care of your German Shepherd by feeding him an age-appropriate diet. Because their nutritional needs increase with age. Sometimes less food should be given, such as special food for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Consult your veterinarian to find out which foods are best for your dog. Because he knows what food is good for dogs of what age.
Frequent feeding of your dog can cause his stomach to bloat. Divide your German Shepherd’s daily meals into 2 or more small meals. In addition to feeding your German shepherd a healthy diet, the snacks he eats can affect his health. So choose satisfying low-calorie foods for your dog.
Make dogs drink plenty of water every day. Because this is important to prevent dehydration. Pour clean water in front of the bowl every day. And try to keep the bowl full throughout the day. If you notice that your dog is bloated, reduce the amount of water. Otherwise, your dog’s health may be threatened.
A checkup every year
You take your German Shepherd for regular checkups every year. When caring for a German Shepherd, ensure you give him preventive health care. By seeing a vet every year, many health problems can be avoided and emerging issues can be treated quickly.
Has your dog been spayed or neutered?
Spaying or neutering your dog helps prevent aggressive behavior in the future. And it’s important to do this to keep the numbers under control. But talk to your vet about the best time to spay or neuter.
Bathe your German Shepherd
Bathe your German Shepherd frequently when he is active. This will protect him from rashes and skin problems. Brush well while bathing, but don’t use too much soap. Because soap can disrupt their natural skin and fur oils. Find out from your vet exactly how often you should bathe your dog.
Keep physically active
Make sure there is enough space for your dog. Remember that German Shepherds are a large breed of dog. These breeds need large spaces to be comfortable. Where they have freedom of movement. And make sure your yard is clean, uncluttered, and hazard-free.
Since your dog is prone to bloat, avoid strenuous activity right after eating. So keep them calm before and after digesting their food. Do not engage them in strenuous activities such as jogging before eating or drinking. But it is perfectly fine to take a leisurely walk after eating.
German Shepherds do well in cold weather, as their coats insulate them well in low temperatures. If you live in the tropics, provide your German Shepherd with plenty of water and shade when outside. Do not subject your dog to excessive physical activity on extremely hot days.
You give attention and love to your dog. You form a lasting bond with the dog, giving them physical affection and love. Be friendly with your dog, love them and they will love you too. Show your love to your dog through your gestures. Then he will be loving and dear to you. And sincere and genuine love will develop between you two.
Training and Exercise of German Shepherd Dog Breed
German Shepherds are excellent guide dogs, rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. German Shepherds are very intelligent and loyal dogs, so they need a lot of mental and physical exercise as well as training. Continue to teach your German Shepherd new tricks and commands through continuous training. If you take the time to train your dog, you will bond. And it will be easy for you to teach him tricks and commands. This way, with consistent training and exercise, you can own a well-behaved and impressive German Shepherd.
We’re featuring some great German Shepherd activities that your pup will love.
German Shepherd Dog Breed love Hiking
German Shepherds love hiking. They are full of energy, so hiking allows them to go long distances. Hiking will help your dog stay fit. When traveling with your dog, you should definitely keep some first aid kits for you and the dog. German Shepherds love hiking. They are full of energy, so hiking allows them to go long distances. Hiking will help your dog stay fit. When traveling with your dog, you should definitely keep some first aid kits for you and the dog.
Swimming
Another great exercise for German Shepherds is swimming. You should give them a chance to swim regularly, as this will keep their limbs and body strong and help them burn off some of their built-up energy.
Finding Objects
German Shepherds love to find objects. You are in your home Hide some food. Then see if he can find the food by smelling it.
Walking or Jogging
Start walking or jogging with your German Shepherd. It will easily meet your dog’s walking needs.
Useful Tools For Training German Shepherd Dog Breed
- Puller Training Rings
- Leash and Collar
- HDP 18-Ft Dog Training Tunnel
- Dog Whistle
- Behavioral Training Clicker
- Nero Ball Classic K9 Ball on a Rope
- Flyer durable flying disc
Exercise Equipment for German Shepherd Dog Breed
- Ricochet Dog Toy
- Dog paper LF 3.1 Dog Pacer Treadmill
- GOPET Treadwheel
- PAW5: Wooly Snuffle Mat
- Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball
- Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball
- Babble Ball
- PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher
- VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot
- Hyper Pet Doggie Tail
- The Classic KONG
- IDOGMATE Ball Launcher
- Playball by Couch Potato
- iDig Digging Toy by iFetch
- Tumbo Tugger Tug-Of-War Toy
Frequently asked questions about German Shepherd
What are 5 facts about the German Shepherd?
1. German Shepherds are incredibly smart.
2. German Shepherds can explore everything with their noses.
3. German Shepherds are capable of protecting their loved ones.
4. German Shepherd dogs are known for their versatility.
5. The German Shepherd is known as a muzzle breed.
What is special about the German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are often used as guides, therapists, rescue and search, police, military, explosive, and narcotics detection dogs. However, German Shepherds are more famous for their loyal, intelligent, hardworking nature.
Is the German Shepherd the best family dog?
Allow German Shepherds to grow up with children and be well trained. Then you will see that they will become the best for your family. But their women are sweeter than their men.
What are the qualities of a German Shepherd dog?
The German Shepherd is a large, agile, muscular dog with high intelligence and noble character. And they are confident, loyal, brave, and steadfast. If you are a dog lover then German Shepherds are really delightful companions for you
What is the smartest dog in the world?
According to a recent statistic, the German Shepherd is the smartest dog breed in the world.
What are the weaknesses of the German Shepherd?
Like other dogs, the German Shepherd has some problems. They include hip dysplasia and epilepsy. Generally, dog diseases other than these problems are not much of a concern for dog owners
We have presented to you all the information we know about the German Shepherd Dog. How you can get detailed information about the German Shepherd dog breed. And with that, you can be a proud German Shepherd owner.
