Breed Info - German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian)
|
|
Overview
|
Breed Group
Herding Size Large How much exercise? More than 2 hours per day Length of coat Short How much grooming? More than once a week |
Sheds?
Yes Town or Country Country Type of home Large House Minimum Garden Size Large Lifespan Over 10 Years |
Description
Smart, confident, courageous
Smart, confident, courageous
Arguably the most popular breed worldwide, the Shepherd, as he is known to most people, provokes fiercer loyalties in enthusiasts’ hearts than virtually any other breed. The German Shepherd as we know it today was founded at the very end of the 1800s and a German cavalry captain, Max von Stephanitz, has been credited with its development. A group of people led by him promoted the Shepherd for 35 years to bring it to a position of respect. As demand for German Shepherds as herding dogs diminished, Stephanitz encouraged their use by police and the military, and in the First World War alone, 48,000 were enlisted in the German army.
It is difficult to talk about German Shepherds without being drawn into the discussion on type; the style of the dog varies tremendously even if the wording of the standards throughout the world is based on that of the country of origin. The appearance of the animal may vary according to the attitude of the fancier, but one thing will be agreed by all: a genuine German Shepherd must be possessed of a truly steady temperament, greeting all he meets with a calm firmness. He ranks with any breed in his trainability for a veritable plethora of purposes. From his original work as a shepherd, acting as both herder and flock guard, he has become by far the most widely used military and police dog for forces all over the globe. He rates with the best as a guide dog for the blind; he is a tracker of great quality; and his devotees consider him the ultimate as an obedience worker. In short, temperament is deemed the most important single attribute, but conscientious breeders strive also for physical perfection.
In spite of his thick double coat, he is not a difficult dog to keep groomed, provided his owner is vigorous and determined. In truth, determination may well need to be an important facet in an owner’s make-up, as a Shepherd needs a firm, consistent hand. He is a highly intelligent creature and, like many highly intelligent creatures, he needs to be kept occupied if he is not to become bored and, in turn, mischievous.
It is difficult to talk about German Shepherds without being drawn into the discussion on type; the style of the dog varies tremendously even if the wording of the standards throughout the world is based on that of the country of origin. The appearance of the animal may vary according to the attitude of the fancier, but one thing will be agreed by all: a genuine German Shepherd must be possessed of a truly steady temperament, greeting all he meets with a calm firmness. He ranks with any breed in his trainability for a veritable plethora of purposes. From his original work as a shepherd, acting as both herder and flock guard, he has become by far the most widely used military and police dog for forces all over the globe. He rates with the best as a guide dog for the blind; he is a tracker of great quality; and his devotees consider him the ultimate as an obedience worker. In short, temperament is deemed the most important single attribute, but conscientious breeders strive also for physical perfection.
In spite of his thick double coat, he is not a difficult dog to keep groomed, provided his owner is vigorous and determined. In truth, determination may well need to be an important facet in an owner’s make-up, as a Shepherd needs a firm, consistent hand. He is a highly intelligent creature and, like many highly intelligent creatures, he needs to be kept occupied if he is not to become bored and, in turn, mischievous.
| |||