Meet the Dog Shepherd: German Shepherd

This breed is so named as it was originally used to protect, and herd the sheep. In the ending years of nineteenth century "Captain Max" developed this particular breed. However, at present due to discriminating breeding, they are able to perform tasks or work in environment involving obedience, protection and tracking.

They are very versatile animals and have proven so in a variety of tasks. They have been involved in jobs like protecting people and guarding their properties/possessions; guide the handicapped like blind; or helped those in distress or in need of treatment. They have worked for the military, police, rescue teams and helped in detective work. Despite being involved in above, they are faithful, loyal, loving pets and love to socialize with people plus other animals. As per the 2006 figures of the Kennel Club, it is the most popular among others in United Sates and the United Kingdom.

It is a sturdy, strong and powerful one with a strong and muscular body. Its height from the shoulder can vary between twenty-two inches and twenty-six inches. Their weight can range from sixty pounds to a maximum of hundred ten pounds. They have a medium length coat which is coarse but beautiful. They also have an undercoat which is softer and requires daily brushing due to frequent shedding of hairs from the coat. The coat color varies and can be black-tan and black; golden or grey color with hairs being black at the end. Their required diet consists five cups of dog food (dry) complete with minerals and vitamins or can be one and half cans to two and half cans of good quality meat mixed with biscuits of equal parts.

When things are normal, they have a balanced, poised, and calm personality. However, once the situation changes, they become alert, on guard, and protecting in nature. Besides that, they can quickly change their roles as per the circumstances, they can be companions (playful), herding dogs (watch sheep), watch dogs/guardians (protect), or guides for binds (helping).

They can be lovable social house pets provided they are given proper socialization training; especially the young ones or puppies. They are intelligent, forever alert, observant, and eager. They are sensitive to the changes of the surroundings and to the moods, and attitudes of the people around them. Therefore, training and socialization is imperative for honing their natural skills of observing and adapting to the various and varied circumstances. If proper training is not done they can be aggressive and dangerous. If puppies are not trained they can grow into vicious adults with a bullying, and hostile behavior. They can become aggressive suddenly and get scared of certain people or surroundings.

Since, they were bred to be protectors, they have a natural tendency to fearlessly protect anything that it considers within its own territory or den and pack. Considering the home situation, where they are pets, the den can be house property or car; whereas the pack can be members of the family.

Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on chew toys online.

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