German Shepherd Dog

Size: Large
Other Names: German Shepherd, Shepherd, Alsatian Wolf Dog (obsolete), Alsatian (obsolete)
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Herding
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Herding
United Kennel Club (UKC): Herding Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Working Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Pastoral
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Working Dogs

Height:

Male: 24-26 inches; Female: 22-24 inches

Weight:

Male: 66-88 pounds; Female: 49-71 pounds

Color(s):

Most common are tan and black, and red and black varieties, with black masks and saddles; less common is all black

Coat:

Double coat; close and dense outer coat; thick undercoat

Description:

Part of the herding group, shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding and protecting sheep.  Their strength, intelligence, and obedience often sees them employed in police and military roles in forces around the world, and makes them excellent Search and Rescue Dogs.  One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Shepherds were bred specifically for their intelligence, a trait for which they are now renowned.  The Intelligence of Dogs, author Stanley Coren ranked the breed third for intelligence, behind Border Collies and Poodles.  German Shepherds are a very popular selection for use as working dogs, due to their keep sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions..  They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas, detection and holding of suspects, narcotics detection, explosives detection, accelerant detection, Search and Rescue, and cadaver searching.  Additionally thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military.  Usually trained for scout duty, they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards.  German Shepherds also have been trained by military groups to parachute from aircraft.  German Shepherds have featured in a range of media.  Strongheart the German Shepherd was one of the earliest canine film stars and was followed by Rin Tin Tin, who is now acclaimed as being the most famous German Shepherd.  Both are credited with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Temperament:

The German Shepherd Dog has a self-assured, loyal and protective nature, and bonds with people he knows, including children.  However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly.  An aloof personality makes them approachable, but not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers.  German Shepherds have a reputation for aggression and have been banned in some jurisdictions as a result.  In the United States, German Shepherds are responsible for more random bitings than any other breed, and have a known tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs.  Reports have found that statistically German Shepherds are the breed third most likely to attack a person.  Another report found that German Shepherds accounted for almost half of the dog bites that required medical attention.  These claims have been refuted on the basis that German Shepherds represent a higher proportion of the population than other breeds.  However, reports indicate that Shepherds are over-represented even when controlled for differences in population.

Training:

German Shepherds require training and socialization as early as possible.  They are marked by a willingness to learn, and easily trained.  Shepherds are highly obedient, and not easily distracted, but due to their strong self-will, must be trained by a firm hand.  They have the ability to learn simple tasks quickly, and obey the first command given most of the time.  They are able to interpret instructions better than other large breeds.

Care & Grooming:

German Shepherds are a highly active dog, requiring both physical and mental stimulation.  They have an eagerness to have "a purpose".

Shedding:

Seasonal and heavy when the dense undercoat blows.

Health:

German Shepherd Dogs have a high rate of hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat.  Keep the dog lean, and do not exercise hard right after meals.

Lifespan:

9–13 years

Litter Size:

6–8 puppies