The German Shepherd as seen by a dog trainer

Origin:

As we know today, this breed is relatively recent. It was late last century when the captain Max Emile Frederic von Stephanitz (cavalry officer of the Prussian army) wanted to evolve the shepherd of his country adding skills like durability. I think the first modern German shepherd came after very rigorous selection and breeding.

We can say that Sheepdogs already existed in Germany for centuries but their morphology was very different depending on the region they came from, their size, coat, fur texture etc.

Physical Attributes:

It is a multipurpose dog, serving in the field for detection, as guide dogs, rescue, pastor of flocks, guardian, as protection dogs with good skills for any sport, agility, ring etc. It is a strong and sturdy dog, ideal for an active person or an athlete.

Temperament:

It has a temperament overflowing with vitality, but it has to be obedient. The German shepherd is less impulsive than other breeds of similar type. It is important to consult an expert when selecting a puppy, as it takes a trained eye to understand the particularities of each individual dog. With proper education, love and firmness, it is for sure that the proper puppy can grow up to be an excellent dog.

Grooming:

Simple brushing, bathing and regular hygiene care.

Maintenance:

The cost of maintenance is reasonable, the amount of daily food this breed will need is about 500 g to 600 g, of course, this also depends on their physical activity and their metabolism which, like in people, defines their tendency for obesity.

Training:

All dogs regardless of breed, need training, but for the German shepherd this is very important. For a while now, I have seen that problems of insecurity often lead to aggression. Do not forget that it is a strong dog, bred to work. If we just leave them to act without correcting their behavior, this can turn against you and lead to very worrying problems, hence the importance of good training done by a professional.

Walks:

The German shepherd is a breed that needs daily exercise, therefore to meet their needs we need long walks and a lot of time playing with them. So, if you are very inactive person maybe this is not the most adequate for you.

More Breeds

You can check Mario’s advice on other dog breeds here

More information from experts of your German Shepherd

Care guide for the hygiene of your German Shepherd

In our blog you can also find a care guide for the hygiene of your German Shepherd developed by a group of experts. It explains how often you should bath your dog, trim its nails, clear its ears etc. and which are the most adequate tools.

German Shepherd Weight Chart

By analyzing thousands of datapoints, we have created the real-life weight distribution chart for German Shepherd which includes the typical range for males and females. In the same post, you will also find a tutorial that explains how to properly track its weight and identify problems using the 11pets: Pet Care app.