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| Breed: German Shepherd |
| Also Called: Alsatian, Deutscher Schäferhund |
| Height: The German Shepherd is about 22-26 inches. |
| Weight: The German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 90 pounds. |
| Colors: The German Shepherd can be The German Shepherd can be black, black and tan, black and red, black and cream, sable-and-black, or white. |
| General Appearance: The German Shepherd is a strong, agile, well muscled animal, that is alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility--difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex. |
| Temperment: The German Shepherd has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character. |
| Care: German Shepherds do not need to be brushed daily or even weekly. They do not drop their coat. Females will blow coat about a month before they go into heat. They require virtually no bathing unless they get into the dirt. They do not generate an odor like other breeds of dogs. |
| Health Concerns: |
| Training: Obedience training will help improve the German Shepherd's social skills. |
| Activity: German Shepherd Dogs need frequent exercise and daily mental challenges. |
| Life Span: The German Shepherd lives an average life of 10-12 years. |
| Litter Size: The German Shepherd has an average litter of 5-10 puppies. |
| Country of Origin: The German Shepherd originated in Germany. |
| Brief History: In the first half of the twentieth century, German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz, created the German Shepherd Dog using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock. He soon wrote the first breed standard for the German Shepherd Dog with emphasis on "utility and intelligence". Before then the looks of a GSD could very from what they look like today to a Malenois. Their close relative that is still not nailed to a breed specification is the Dutch Shepherd or Hollander Hund. |
| Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI , KC (GB), UKC |
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