Black German Shepherd: long-haired and short-haired, price, care, photos and features

Black, shiny coat, intelligent look and wonderful character - the black German Shepherd is admired by all admirers of the breed.

She is incredibly smart and very trainable.

Black color of the pet?

Is it a marriage or a valuable rarity?

Is there any difference from standard German Shepherds? Let's find out!

Origin story

The general public first learned about black German shepherds in 1906, after a dog named Ronald von Stankerburg won an exhibition.

The animal was distinguished not only by its impeccable execution of commands, but also by its unusual color: its fur was pure coal-black..

People started talking about the appearance of a completely new and unique variety of shepherd dogs, which in fact was far from the truth. The black color of shepherd dogs belongs to the standard in the same way as the usual black-and-white or zonal.

The fact is, up to a certain point, only individuals whose color was “accustomed to the eye” were allowed to be selected and bred, while the rest were discarded.

Over time, breeders realized their mistake and, in the wake of the popularity of the color, decided to fill the gap by crossing black males and females.

At this point, it turned out that all German shepherds, regardless of their color, are carriers of the black recessive gene.

Black-haired puppies appeared at the same frequency of 3% in both standard and all-black shepherds .

Features of character and behavior

The Black German Shepherd is a unique gem among other breeds . A simultaneous combination of courage, strength, endurance, efficiency, a high level of discipline and security qualities. At the same time, she remains a reliable, devoted friend for the owner, a reliable and attentive nanny for the child.

The shepherd learns quickly and with pleasure, remembers commands for a long time - in the ranking of the smartest dogs it takes a well-deserved 3rd place.

Tolerant of all “pack members,” even if they are cats. With good socialization, he has a neutral attitude towards strangers, tolerates all manipulations with himself (even not very pleasant ones). Remains a vigilant watchman and reliable guard of the boundaries of the master's possessions.

The breed's temperament allows black German Shepherds to be used in any type of canine sport, military and police service, as a guard of private territory or simply as a companion dog - one of the most versatile breeds.

Unfortunately, the popularity of the breed has led to massive and unsystematic breeding by unscrupulous breeders . Which, in the pursuit of profit, undermined the mental health of shepherd dogs, such a fate befalls all popular breeds. Therefore, you need to be careful when buying a puppy - buy a black German shepherd only from trusted kennels.

Advantages

One can talk almost endlessly about the advantages of “black Germans,” but here are the main ones:

mind;
high level of obedience;
motivation in classes;
fast learner;
versatility of use;
aesthetic beauty;
force;
courage;
endurance;
unpretentiousness in content;
vigilance towards strangers;
Suitable for beginner dog owners.

It is almost impossible to find another dog that combines so many positive qualities.

Flaws

Despite the many advantages, there is also a downside to the coin:

Hyperactivity.
Poor health.
Excessive barking.
Heavy shedding.

All of the above can be avoided with decent maintenance and proper feeding.

Marriage or breed?

Contrary to all existing misconceptions, the black German shepherd is not a breed and not a separate breed. This is a standard German Shepherd whose coat color is much less common than the others.

Australia is the country where black German Shepherds are most popular.

It is noteworthy that in this country, until the 21st century, individuals with pure black fur were considered dangerous to humans - the color of the raven wing gave them an image of aggression and malice.

Exterior of a black beauty

Powerful, heavy and large bones, well-developed muscles. Male weight: 35–45 kg, female – up to 35 kg; height at withers - 55–65 cm and 53–58 cm;

The length of the body is always greater than the height at the withers.
Wedge-shaped head, elongated towards the nose;
Poorly defined cranial groove;
The transition from the muzzle is smooth, the jaw is strong with a full set of 42 teeth;
Bite – scissor bite;
The lips fit tightly to the mouth, full color;
The ears are erect, the cartilages are hard.
The body is straight, the back is of medium width and straighter, the loin is strong, not significantly shortened.
The tail of blacks is more bushy.
More susceptible to shedding than standard Germans;
Externally they are larger, but according to measurements there are no differences.
Only completely black color, uniform, glossy.

Description of pets

The German Shepherd is a dog distinguished by excellent physical endurance and developed muscles - the black-haired shepherd is no exception.

The main nuances of the breed are the stretched line of the body, strong bones, pronounced withers and a smooth line of the back turning into a rather thick and curved tail..

This body type allows dogs to be strong, but at the same time maneuverable. This makes them excellent shepherds, guards and bloodhounds.

Expert opinion

Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich

Expert dog handler.

“The black German Shepherd has the same disposition as a shepherd with any other color: it is brave, smart and quite willful. Its owner must understand that the pet needs education and training, and without proper effort, a promising dog will turn into an uncontrollable animal.”

Training

In addition to proper care and maintenance, a shepherd with dark hair must be trained and educated. It is necessary that it be exposed not only to physical, but also mental stress. After all, the breed was created for work. These are not ornamental animals. Such dogs serve their master well, guarding the house and yard.

Animals of this subspecies are easy to train. It is important to carry out regular training to keep your pet's brain constantly working. You can send your shepherd dog to guard duty courses and a general training course so that the dog can be taught by professionals.

It is also necessary to remember that the pet must not only be obedient in front of the owner, but also behave with dignity in front of strangers. He must be socialized, that is, he must treat other animals and people normally.

Animal character

For quite a long time there was a stereotype that the black German shepherd is an aggressive and cruel animal. This is nothing more than speculation based on his unusual appearance.

Black color does not affect the psyche and character of the animal in any way..

Representatives of this color are very smart, active, selfless and wary of strangers, but are not prone to displaying causeless aggression.

At first, as with all shepherds, it can be difficult: Germans don’t trust people they don’t know well, but once you make friends, the situation will change dramatically.

It's hard to imagine a more loyal four-legged friend than the German Shepherd.

Interesting Facts

In Australia, it was previously believed that an all-black dog was aggressive and ferocious. Now in Australia, coal German shepherds are the most popular.
There are snow-white German Shepherds, but unlike black ones, their color is considered a deviation from the norm. The white dog cannot participate in exhibitions and is not allowed for breeding.
German Shepherds are ranked as the third smartest breed in the world.
During World War II, shepherd dogs were actively used in military operations, which is why the breed was on the verge of extinction.

Varieties of color

According to canine statistics, black German Shepherds appear only in 3% of cases out of 100.

The reference color is pure, black without whitish spots or tan marks. Such individuals are much more expensive than their relatives due to their rarity.

The dominant and classic color is still considered saddleback or zoned red and tan . It was them who were constantly sectioned and brought their external parameters to perfection, without thinking about black dogs.

Short story

Developed at the end of the 19th century, the breed became the “national dog” and a great source of pride in Germany. Germans are dogs that were originally used to guard farmsteads and sheep flocks. It is believed that the Germans originated through natural selection, from the wild wolves of India, having the blood of the shepherd-like Rudens, small agile and agile dogs.

However, until the beginning of the 19th century, there was an opinion among dog lovers that the Germans had no prospects - there were already a lot of herding dogs, and the Germans did not shine against the background of the same border collies or Australian shepherds. In 1898, officer and veterinarian Max Stefanitz was puzzled by the search for the ideal canine travel partner. At one of the exhibitions, Max found that same dog - the progenitor of modern BUT.

The first German dog had a motley color

A dog with an easy-going character, easy to train, agile and resilient, became the prototype of a new breed. From a male named Harand came three lines of Germans: zone, black and saddleback colors. Seven years later, the German Shepherd became the winner of a prestigious exhibition in Germany, and BUT became known all over the world.

These dogs were brought to Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, but because of the war, selection became impossible. Twenty years later, new stock was brought to our country from Germany, and domestic dog handlers have been working with dogs of these bloodlines ever since.

Types of black German Shepherds and what they look like in the photo

As for the varieties, everything is exactly the same as in the case of the standard: a German shepherd with black hair can be short-haired or long-haired.

NOTE!

Short-haired black German Shepherds have slightly longer coats than standard ones.

In this case, the coat should be dense, with a thick undercoat, without bald spots or tangling..

Acceptable colors according to FCI

If we talk about the color of a German Shepherd, then it can be completely different. But some of them are included in the standard, and dogs can compete in various competitions. Among purebred Germans, black and zonal black colors are found. At the same time, the first variety is the most common.

Cheprachny

Black coloring is common in German Shepherds. The back is black, which is spread in the shape of the letter V. It extends to the sides and tail. On the bottom, light color predominates, and it can cover the chest, neck, and paws. A prerequisite is that there is a mask on the face.

Black-gray

Black-colored German Shepherd puppies are quite common and are used for showing. They are hardy, which makes them ready for competitions. The gray color of the shepherd looks more interesting than all the others in the saddleback variety.

Black and red

This is one of the most common types. Dogs win various exhibitions and competitions every year. This is explained by the endurance that is inherent in the breed.

Black and yellow

This option is rare. It can often be confused with black and tan, which is more common. Dogs also have good endurance.

Zonar

German Shepherd puppies, which have a zonal color, are distinguished by the fact that they are the very first representatives of the breed. It occurs in ring zones in the following order:

The base is light.
Black shade of the zone.
Yellow zone.
Black zone.

Thanks to the presence of different options on different parts of the body, you will get an interesting range. Depending on it, there are two types:

Zonal gray;
Zonar-red.

This type will dominate over all others. And when crossed with pets of any other colors, the result is zonal. This is due to the fact that black-colored dogs are often allowed into exhibitions. However, this type has several positive features. The percentage of dogs with this shade does not exceed 3%.

This is one of the most original shades, and all other colors come from it. More often, pets are compared to wolves. A distinctive feature can be noted that there are annular areas with alternating dark and yellow shades. The base will be lighter.

The birth of such puppies is possible if one of the parents is gray in color. If we talk about ability to work, then German Shepherds have the highest.

This is a peculiar shade that arises as a result of the dominance of red, black and black. This breed is valued in India, because according to some ancient sources it is believed that the Indian wolf is the progenitor of modern shepherd dogs. Such dogs have increased mobility, and some dog handlers distinguish them as the standard of the breed.

Black

The color is not often found, but it is distinguished by the glossy shine of the wool without inclusions. The dogs are found in a minimal number of cases, and their number is only 0.1% of the total number of German Shepherds. They participate in exhibitions and breeding. Black pets are beautiful, but cost a lot more.

Black and Tan

Found in fewer cases than black. There are areas of a red tint on the body. Tan is usually located on the eyebrows, chest, legs, and tail. Externally, the coloring is very similar to the Doberman. You can also distinguish black and tan shades by intensity. There are 3 varieties here:

Saturated;
Darkened;
Weakened.

Dogs with black tan are used for working breeding.

Non-standard colors

You can also find shades that are rare in everyday life. The dogs are considered defective. They do not compete and are not bred. The defect does not affect the state of health or character in any way.

White

White German Shepherd puppies can occur when both parents carry the recessive gene. But puppies cannot be classified as albinos. The dogs have a black nose, dark eyes and claws.

Roan

Sometimes, as a dog ages, he may turn grey. Light hairs will appear on the fur, and dark hairs will gradually disappear. When gray hair predominates, this is the roan option.

Grey

The color can often be heard called blue. It appears when the black color weakens. All puppies are immediately culled.

Spotted

The entire body is covered with multiple spots of different shades. They are scattered unevenly. The color is obtained by crossing individuals of different shades.

Red yellow

This is another non-standard look that looks very interesting. But German Shepherds of this color cannot be used for competitions. At the same time, zonal red may be allowed.

Golden

This type of red shade occurs when a certain pigment appears. The coat will be light and almost golden.

No matter how much you want to get a pet with some interesting color, you need to remember that the animal will not be recognized as standard. It can only be kept as a pet. If you want to take part in some exhibitions or in further breeding, then you need to take a dog with the desired color.

Dimensions, weight and other distinctive features

Black German Shepherds differ from their “classic” counterparts not only in their unusual color.

There are several distinctive features that are also worth mentioning:

They are larger - the height of cables varies from 60 to 68 cm, females - from 55 to 60 cm. The weight is also slightly higher than normal: males weigh from 45 to 50 kg, females - 37-40 kg.
Straight back - standard individuals have a more convex back.
Long coat - hairs on the nape and chest resemble a mane.

In other respects, these are all those classic German shepherds.

Breed characteristics

Short description
Origin:	Germany
Conditions of detention:	Private territory, apartment building
Purpose:	All types of canine services, companion
Color:	Black
Wool length:	Smooth-haired – 4 – 6 centimeters; Longhair – 8 – 10 centimeters
Adult dog size:	Height 53 – 66 cm; weight 32 – 39 kg
Average life expectancy:	Up to 16 years old
Walk:	Every day, at least 2 times a day
Physical activity needs:	Very high
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FIC) classification:	Group 1: Herding and guard dogs. Section 1: Shepherds
Puppy price:	Varies from 15 to 75 thousand rubles

Life expectancy and health

German Shepherds, regardless of color, are quite strong, strong and hardy animals.

However, like all other dogs, they have their own “breed weaknesses” - problems with vision, digestive tract, as well as elbow and hip dysplasia .

As for life expectancy, German Shepherds live from 9 to 13 years.

The better the living conditions and food , the longer the pet lives . The same goes for his health.

Which parents give black puppies?

Amazingly, black German Shepherd puppies can be born to either all-black parents or mixed ones.

The thing is that the dark shade of the coat is recessive and not dominant in individuals of this breed. Therefore, a bitch and a dog can have both zoned-red, black-and-white, and completely charcoal puppies in their litter at the same time.

If the pet's parents were black-haired, and he himself was born completely black, we can assume that his grandparents had the genes for black hair.

To obtain solid black puppies, breeders use a mixture of the blood of the following parents:

Black male + black female (or vice versa),
Zonar female + black male (or vice versa),
Black male + female (provided that the ancestors had a black color),
Zonar male + female of the same coloring.

These parents may have coal children with different probabilities. Are black puppies always born black?

How does he treat children and other pets?

German Shepherds are good-natured and non-aggressive creatures. Other animals, especially smaller ones, are treated in a friendly and condescending manner. They calmly and unemotionally endure all the attacks of cats and the loud barking of small dogs.

IMPORTANT!

In adolescence, especially among males, competition for the position of leader may arise, however, with proper upbringing, this situation is quickly corrected.

As for small children, the Germans perceive them as “younger members of the pack” and protect them in every possible way.

A shepherd dog can become your baby's first and reliable friend..

Caring for puppies

Usually the puppy moves into the new year at two months of age. Before the first two vaccinations have been given, he should not be allowed outside.

At first, the baby will have to be fed 5–6 times a day. Until the age of four months, milk is added to the diet; after reaching this age, low-fat fermented milk products are given.

For a puppy, you can put a small enclosure where the baby will stay while the owner is not around. A diaper is also placed there, on which the puppy can go to the toilet.

The baby should have a lot of toys. The baby is raised and trained from the first days of his arrival in his new home. The puppy is taught to respond to its name, know where its place is, and respect its owner as the head of the pack.

Recommendations for care and maintenance

Despite the rare “luxury” color, the black shepherd is also undemanding and unpretentious, like its standard-colored relatives. She will easily adapt to life both in a private home and in an outdoor enclosure. Dog experts consider the second option to be a higher priority.

So, to make your pet feel as comfortable as possible, you need:

Eliminate drafts and dampness - there should be a dry, warm and spacious booth in the enclosure. Make sure in advance that the roof does not leak in the rain and does not freeze through in winter. As for the floor, make the booth on a small foundation so that water does not flow inside.
Regularly inspect the ears and eyes for dirt and promptly clean them with a soft cloth soaked in a special antiseptic solution or strong tea leaves.
Brush the coat once a week. During molting - once every 3 days. And it is also very important to ensure that tangles and icicles do not form on the stomach, chest and nape.
Bath as needed - no more than 3 times a year, except in autumn and winter. Frequent water procedures cause the coat to become dull and brittle.
Trim nails once a month - this applies to domestic dogs. In individuals living outdoors, their claws wear down naturally.
Spend time on physical activity and training - take your dog for a walk twice a day. It is advisable that one walk include elements of training and education.

Aviary or booth? Is it suitable for living in an apartment?

As mentioned earlier, a spacious enclosure with a comfortable booth is an ideal option for such an active dog as a German Shepherd.

However, this does not mean that it cannot be kept in an apartment.

The main condition: provide the dog with a comfortable and quiet place to sleep and devote time to physical activity and walks outside.

The best names for a black German Shepherd

The nicknames of black dogs, and shepherd dogs in particular, often emphasize the color of their coat and the general image of the breed. When giving a name to a shepherd, try to choose a short and sonorous word that the dog can clearly hear during a walk or training - it is advisable that the name includes whistling and/or “growling” sounds.

By choosing a name for a dog, you are coding it for a long, happy life.

For boys

Successful nicknames for a black shepherd boy:

Africa;
Demon;
Black;
Barbarian;
Crow;
Moor;
Darkness;
Niro;
Gypsy;
Schwartz.

For girls

Successful nicknames for a black shepherd girl:

Alata;
Bagheera;
Giza;
Kara;
Layla;
Noir;
Svarti;
Suam;
Clubs;
Cloud.

Basic feeding rules

A balanced diet is the key to your pet's health and well-being.

Shepherds can be fed with both natural products and ready-made industrial food intended for large breeds of dogs..

In both the first and second cases, it is very important to comply with the KBJU. The animal should not suffer from nutritional and micronutrient deficiencies.

Economy class food is not suitable for feeding German Shepherds as it has extremely low nutritional value. The best choice is super premium and holistic products.

As for a natural diet, you need to focus on lean meat, high-quality offal, vegetables, herbs and cereals.

Starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets), baked goods and spices are prohibited. To avoid digestive problems, feed your dog before exercise, not after, as dogs' stomachs shift to the side when they run.

To maintain the rich charcoal color of the coat, add fish oil and dried seaweed to your pet’s diet.

Feeding the dog

The diet of a black shepherd should include natural food or factory-made food (dry and wet food).

How to choose?

In addition to the puppy’s appearance, it is also worth paying attention to its behavior and intelligence.

Basic selection tests will help you with this.:

Enter the enclosure with the mother and puppies - the mother should show alertness, but without obvious aggression.
Squat down and attract the attention of the puppies - mark the most curious and daring ones.
Watch the feeding process - which of the babies responded to the call the fastest and went to the bowls?
Throw the ball - pay attention to those who joined the game and began to study the subject. Cowardice and timidity are disqualifying characteristics for the breed.
Offer a new dog toy - show it on your outstretched palm. Celebrate those who showed courage and curiosity.

Signs of health and illness are also important. If puppies have festering eyes, ears, or bad breath, think about whether you should trust the breeder.

CAREFULLY!

An alarming signal is that you are not shown all the puppies from the litter, although you know for sure that none have found new owners yet.

Be sure to check out the pedigree of your future pet . It is advisable to look not only at the mother and father, but also several generations ago.

Read more about the rules for choosing a German Shepherd puppy here.

Dog character

All shepherd dogs, regardless of color, have an already recognized “ideal character”. They are calm, reasonable, and do not show aggression without reason. They rightfully occupy first place among representatives of service dogs.

The most important thing is that the dog gets along well with the family; there is no need to fear for your children. The ideal home for her would be a country cottage, where you can show off your skills as a security guard, as well as have fun frolicking on the premises.

They are fearless and very serious in battles with the enemy, they are accustomed to fiercely defend the property and home of the owner.

He is wary of strangers, but will not howl overtly with aggression. Shepherd dogs are highly valued all over the world for their loyalty, ability and balance; they are rightfully called one of the best breeds of working dogs.

Pros and cons of the breed

ProsCons

High intelligence	Large sizes, which makes it difficult to keep a dog in an apartment
Good attitude towards children and other pets	Strong dog smell
Easy to train, due to which it is widely used for official purposes.	Loud barking
Rare and unique color

The Black German Shepherd is an intelligent, beautiful and versatile animal. Due to their rare color, Charcoal Germans are in demand among dog breeders.

In addition to their unique appearance, they can boast of an excellent character, easy training, loyalty and low aggression. Breeders are actively working to increase the number of these unusual shepherd dogs.

Puppies

They are born with wavy fur. By the age of one month it will already become clear that this puppy is “fluff”. There are no other changes in appearance.

You can buy a long-haired German Shepherd puppy from a kennel. There are quite a lot of breeders of this breed in Russia.

The main disadvantage of long-haired dogs is their unbalanced psyche.

Buy a pet at the age of 2.5 months. Other breeders sell puppies when they are 30-35 days old. This is not entirely correct; such a dog does not receive sufficient socialization among its brothers and sisters, which in the future will lead to problems in communicating with other animals.

Origin

There are not so many versions about the origin of long-haired representatives of the breed. Speaking of this, it is worth touching on the topic of the origin of the German Shepherd.

It all started at the end of the 19th century. In Germany there lived a cavalryman named Max von Stephanitz. He was passionate about genetics and dreamed of breeding an exceptional breed. So that she has excellent working qualities, is obedient and beautiful at the same time.

It is assumed that the gene for long hair appeared in BUT as a result of a mutation

In the early spring of 1899, von Stephanitz and his accomplice Arthur Mayer went to a dog show. There he took a liking to a male named Hector. This was the canine ideal in the mind of a cavalryman. Max spent a long time begging the dog's owner to sell the dog. He agreed, and the deal became the starting point for the creation of a new breed.

In the same year, von Stefanitz approved the Union of German Shepherd Lovers and breeding work began to boil.

The male purchased by the young cavalryman was standard. Even professionals cannot answer where the gene for long hair came from. The German Longhair may have originated from a genetic mutation.

Vaccinations and susceptibility to disease

The first vaccination is given to the puppy at the age of 2 months. He is given a complex vaccine. After four weeks, revaccination against the same diseases is carried out. Ten days after this, the baby is released onto the street.

The rabies vaccination is given after all teeth have been completely replaced - at 6–8 months. The next time revaccination is done at 12 months.

The Black German Shepherd is renowned for its good health. Like all large breed dogs, they do not live very long - 9–12 years.

The Black Shepherd is prone to the following diseases:

Hip dysplasia.

Eye diseases.

Diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and volvulus.

Main characteristics of the German Longhair standard

Hairy Shepherd - according to the FCI, this is also a German dog, only with long hair. By and large, they have the same standard, except for the length and type of coat.

Head

Shepherd dogs are standard and long-haired, with a large, powerful, dry head, with a pronounced transition from forehead to muzzle. Its shape resembles a wedge. The eyes are medium, brown in color, the nose is black with full color. The jaw is powerful, with good strength, the bite is correct - scissor-shaped. Teeth – large, white, full set. The ears are triangles, set parallel.

Body

The neck is of medium length, powerful, without dewlap, the withers area is well defined. The back is elongated, strong with well-developed muscles. Sloping croup. The chest is externally powerful, slightly rounded. The abdomen is tucked, the muscles are developed, dry, without skin folds. The tail is set low, in a calm position at the level of the hock joint, the tail itself is powerful, and does not extend above the line of the back.

Paws

Powerful, straight, standing parallel, without turning out, with well-developed muscles. The thigh is wide and strong. The paws are collected in a dense ball, the toes are oval, with black strong claws. The pads are hard.

The standard provides: height at the withers for females - no more than 60 cm, males - no more than 65 cm;
Weight: 35 – 46; girls – 34 – 45 kg.

A fluffy shepherd dog, especially a black long-haired one, looks more impressive than fellow dogs of other colors. By gender, females are much more elegant and miniature than boys, but sometimes they are faced with the fact that they are of a small type.

Character

The main function of the “Germans” is to serve and protect, and they do it very well. And black German Shepherds are no exception. They are friendly, but at the same time always wary. They are not characterized by aggression, they are mobile, intelligent and able to make their own decisions. These qualities made her an indispensable assistant for police officers, customs officers, and investigators. Black representatives of the breed are very active, they constantly need movement, so they are not suitable as guide dogs.

The breed has many positive qualities, but the most developed are:

Confidence;
Determination;
Vigilance;
Sharp mind;
Learning ability;
Stability;
Friendliness;
Curiosity.

Shepherd dogs were bred to protect the herd, and they perceive their owner and his family as an object that needs to be protected. The pet will selflessly rush at every stranger if its behavior is not corrected by training. A trained, balanced dog will not cause trouble with causeless outbursts of aggression. It is recommended to take a general training course, especially if you have no previous experience with large breed dogs.

German Shepherds, regardless of coat color, are good service dogs and companions. They are not aggressive unless necessary, are easy to train, get along with other animals, and take on the role of nanny in families with children. They require regular training from an early age (2-3 months), especially black German Shepherds due to their hyperactivity.

In the family, the German Shepherd behaves affectionately and good-naturedly both with family members and with other animals. They get along with cats and very small pets. Owners need to be prepared for the fact that during the first 2-3 years their pet will behave like a puppy, because black shepherd dogs take a long time to mature. They are naturally inquisitive, and their quick mind pushes them to seek adventure. If you do not provide your dog with daily exercise, then furniture, shoes and other things in the house will suffer from excess energy.