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German Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Temperament

Adaptability

Owner Experience

Health

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

Did you Know

The German Shepherd is a strong willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a very playful spirit, making it a great family pet. German Shepherds can be a bit wary of strangers, so early socialization with people is vital to curbing their suspicious nature. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for its family, while its loving and lively personality will make it fit right in as your loving companion.

Being a dog that was bred to herd and work, the German Shepherd will not be fond of apartment living and it probably won’t work for this breed. They don’t like being alone, as they are happiest when they are with their family and being active. They can be very sensitive to their surroundings, so realize that they may be a little off during large gatherings, and people need to respect that. They have a long coat, so hot temperatures will not be comfortable for the GSD, as they prefer cooler climates if possible. Also, Failure to show this breed the proper amount of attention in the family unit can lead to a misbehaved German Shepherd Dog.

While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and trains fairly easily, they are no picnic for novice owners. If you do not have experience working with dogs, enroll in obedience classes and training, not just for the dog, but for you as well. This will help you to grow in experience, and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd Puppy. Keep in mind the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment, so continued training with your German shepherd throughout its life will be necessary.

The German shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some things to be aware of. As with many large breeds, proper screening for the health of this breeds hips, elbows, and the dogs general genetic history are important. Make sure you ask the Breeder of your German Shepherd Puppy about the health of the parents to get a good understanding of the lines history in regards to health.

The proper grooming of a German Shepherd Dog can appear to be a big job, but it isn’t. They will shed, but it can be controlled with daily brushings, and they will love you for it. Proper brushing of your German Shepherd’s teeth will control tooth decay, and get them used to having their nails trimmed while young, as holding on to an 80 pound dog that is squirming is no fun.

The activity level of the German Shepherd is a high one. They are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they will love having a job to do. If you are looking for a lazy 80 pound couch potato, this is not that breed. This is the breed that runs around the yard with your kids, insists on daily games of fetch, and needs to run to be happy and balanced.

The German Shepherd should weigh between 55 and 90 pounds and stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers.

The life span of the German Shepherd is between 9 and 12 years

The famous Rin-Tin-Tin was actually found by an American Corporal, Lee Duncan, in a bombed out kennel in France during World War 1. He was brought back to the states and became one of the most famous Dog actors in history. The emergence of Rin-Tin-Tin truly helped put the German Shepherd on the map in the USA.

When looking to add a German Shepherd puppy you should make sure you fully research the breed. Looking for a puppy to bring into your family is an exciting process, but having the knowledge of what to expect with any dog is the key to successful integration into your family. A puppy is a huge commitment, so being knowledgeable about how to train and care for your German Shepherd puppy is particularly valuable. For information on these subjects check our blog or a good book related to this specific dog breed.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the loyal and courageous German Shepherd Dog. You can take a look at our page below to view all of our German Shepherd Puppies for Sale!