Important Things to Know about German Shepherds

Dogs are wonderful creatures with so much love and joy to offer. If you like these furry companions, then the chances are you want to bring one into your life.

A popular choice of breeds is the German shepherd. However, it is essential before getting any dog that you learn more about the breed to enable you to make an informed decision and ensure that the breed is a good fit for your family.

Background on the breed

German shepherd puppies imported from Germany were the way this breed came to be in the United States. They retain “German” in their name to signify this origin.

According to PetMD, the first breeder of these dogs was a German man, Max von Stephanitz. To create the breed, he crossed shepherd dogs with wolves. There is no clear percentage of wolf in the breed today, but some of the characteristics remain.

The goal was to incorporate the good traits of each dog. He wanted them to be good workers, intelligent and strong. German shepherds quickly took off as a popular breed and are one of the top breed choices in the U.S. today.

Important Traits

If you want to add a German shepherd to your home, there are three things to know about this breed.

Personality and Temperament

German shepherds make wonderful family dogs because they are very loyal. They have a protective streak and will protect you and your home. They do not warm up to strangers very quickly, though, so initial introductions will take some time to become comfortable. 

This breed is also incredibly intelligent. You can easily train a German Shepherd to do almost anything.

Health

German shepherds are medium-size dogs. As such, the lifespan is usually 10 to 12 years. The breed does have some known health conditions to watch out for. Canine hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s Disease, panosteitis, hemangiosarcoma, elbow dysplasia, hot spots, gastric torsion, perianal fistulas, cataracts, and skin allergies are all conditions common in German shepherds. You should make sure to take your dog in for routine veterinary visits. 

Care

German shepherds have thick coats but do not require excessive grooming. You should not shave them or cut their fur. They do well with regular brushing to help with shedding. They also need regular exercise. While they do well outdoors, you still need to ensure they have time to run and play.

Buy Your Pup Today

If the German shepherd sounds like a breed that would make a good fit for your family, then you should start looking for a reputable breeder. Bringing home a new pup is welcoming a new family member and is such an enjoyable experience.