German Shepherd Pups Facts and Health Problems Information
The German Shepherd has long been one of the most popular dog breeds in our culture. From Rin Tin Tin to their current role as police dogs, these animals are remarkable and instantly recognizable. Appearance With their tall erect ears, dark eyes and incredible intelligence, the German Shepherd is typically black and tan, although they can be gray and tan or gray and black as well. They have a graceful, fluffy tail and can weigh up to 75 pounds and standing 26 inches tall. There is another version of the German Shepherd called the Alsatian, which is all white, but these dogs have a tendency to be high strung and difficult. Characteristics German Shepherds are versatile and can help in a range of situations. They are known for striking terror into criminals and can be extremely affectionate to children or helping out in disaster zones the very next minute. The German Shepherd is a very protective dog. They can be the most loyal guardians of the family. If the dog is high-strung or nervous, it should be bred and definitely be watched carefully as it can become untrustworthy and use its power in the wrong ways. German Shepherds have a lot of energy, but they can live in the city if the owner is willing to take them on a lot of long walks. They will love a big yard in a rural area preferably to release all of that pent-up energy. Enroll your German Shepherd into obedience classes when they are small puppies. These dogs grow fast and with their incredible intelligence, they can get out of control quickly without guidance. Puppy obedience classes are great for German Shepherds because they need to be socialized a lot as puppies. You might think that all German Shepherds have to be trained as guard dogs, but that is definitely not the case. In fact, if this training is not properly implemented, it can lead to aggression in an otherwise happy dog. They are naturally protective animals, so you will most likely not need to encourage this behavior in them. Grooming and Health Problems The German Shepherd has a dense, coarse coat that doesn’t tangle easily, but you still need to brush them regularly to avoid shedding. The German Shepherd will probably wear down its nails on their own, but if not, you should take them in to be cut regularly as well. You need to feed your German Shepherd dog food that is specifically made for large breeds to ensure they are getting all of the nutrition they need. If they are a working dog, you will need to feed them a high-protein diet and vitamins can also be a great supplement. This breed suffers from hip dysplasia and epilepsy. You can have your puppy tested for these diseases before you bring him home and become attached. If you want a loyal and smart dog for your family, the German Shepherd can be a great choice for you. More Dog Breed Articles: |