The German Shepherd is a breed of dog with a balanced temperament and nerves of steel. The shepherd dog combines dozens of qualities that are irreplaceable both at home and at work. The dog loves his home and treats all members of the household equally. He is an excellent bodyguard, guide, rescuer, watchman and shepherd. The shepherd's ability to learn and undergo regular training is explained by its high intelligence and hard work.
History of the origin of the breed
People first started talking about the breed in the 17th century. Farmers in Germany had dogs that looked like wolves. It was they who helped them graze the cattle, guarded the owner during trips, and tirelessly watched over the house.
Herding dogs that lived in Southern and Central Germany differed in appearance. The first ones were taller-legged, with light bones. And the latter are stocky, massive and powerful.
According to German farmers, their dogs should be brave, selflessly loyal, incorruptible, obedient and intelligent. Therefore, during the selection, hysterical, cowardly and evil individuals were rejected.
At the same time, such a quality of the dog as the ability to make decisions independently in the absence of the owner was valued. The shepherd's ancestors clearly knew the border of the territory they protected, so they did not touch anyone outside it. Individuals that caused harm to domestic animals were also removed.
By the end of the 19th century, cynologists began professionally breeding the German Shepherd breed. As a result of the selection, a group of heterogeneous working dogs was formed. The first breeders set a goal: to combine the main 2 types into one breed in order to improve their working qualities and conformation.
When developing the breed, Max von Stefanitz put the dogs' service and working qualities in the first place. Thus, he believed that it was precisely such features that would create the unique and recognizable appearance that he would like to see in German shepherds.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the breed became a faithful assistant to the police, and a little later it helped in the army. In Russia, after World War II, they began to develop a new breed with a wolf-like appearance, a strong build, and tall stature. Thus, the East European Shepherd breed was developed.
Interesting Facts
- The German Shepherd was the second most popular dog in the country in 2014, according to the American Kennel Club.
- The animals are known for their intelligence and for good reason: they are considered the third smartest dog breed in the world.
- Some German Shepherds may have pituitary dwarfism. As a result, dogs look like puppies all their lives, have short hair and remain small in stature.
- German Shepherds have played leading roles in many Hollywood films. One of the first individuals to reach the heights of fame was a dog named Strong Heart. The animal made its film debut in the 1921 adventure film called A Silent Call. The dog then starred in Brown of the North in 1921, Master of Love in 1924, and White Fang in 1925.
- Rin Tin Tin was a German Shepherd who was rescued from a World War I battlefield. His savior, an American soldier named Duncan Lee, trained the dog to work in silent films.
- The first guide dog for the visually impaired was the German Shepherd. The Seeing Eye organization was founded in 1929 by Mrs. Harrison Eustis. Her goal was to train dogs to accompany the blind.
- The breed is very popular in Germany. More than 250,000 purebred individuals are registered here.
- An estimated 150,000 German Shepherd puppies are born in Germany each year.
- One of the pet's most famous tasks is to be a police officer. Dexterity, strength, good sense of smell and intelligence are just some of the dog’s traits that make it an ideal animal for organ work.
- If you dream of a shepherd, it means that a sincere and kind person will appear in your life. The dream says that he will become your faithful friend and support in any situation.
- Some popular films with the participation of an animal: “Commissioner Rex”, “K-9 Dog Work”, “Mukhtar”, “Border Dog Scarlet”, “Spartak and Kalashnikov”, “Strangers Don’t Walk Here”, “I Am Legend”.
- The running speed of individuals can reach 50 kilometers per hour.
- In winter, the breed can withstand temperatures down to -30°C.
- Shepadoodle is a mix of German Shepherd and Poodle. This is a rare species. Dogs can be used both as a companion and for work in law enforcement and the army.
- Their ears may become floppy during the “teething stage.” This lasts for 16 to 20 weeks until the cartilage in the ears becomes hard.
- A cross between a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky is called Shepsky. Pets are energetic and loyal, as they inherit both genes from their parents.
- A dog's bite has a force of more than 1060 newtons. It can cause serious injuries that will require medical attention or even surgery.
- Few breeds can boast their own sport. The Schutzhund (a German word) was invented in Germany to test the many natural abilities of the German Shepherd. These include desire to work, intelligence, courage, bonding with the owner, general trainability and much more.
Description of the breed with photos
Initially, the German Shepherd was used to protect livestock from predators. After dog handlers noted the dogs’ agility, strength and intelligence, shepherd dogs were used as rescuers during emergencies, defending borders, and guarding property. The Germans coped with this task excellently, which is how they earned their authority.
Purebred German Shepherds are of medium size, so in a one-room apartment there will be little space for a puppy to play, and when he grows up, it will be very difficult for the dog to have his own corner.
Breed variety
Due to its popularity in different countries, many varieties of German Shepherd have appeared, which have differences in appearance and character.
West German Exhibition – High Lines
The breed is close to the standard, bred for the purpose of participating in exhibitions. High lines are excellent guides, excellent hunters and shepherds. A feature of the breed is its creeping walk. Disadvantages: they have an uneven back, weak character in a male, lack of pigmentation.
Working lines
They were bred as service and sport dogs. The breed easily detects explosive devices and drugs. Standard: tri-color, black or sable, aggressive disposition.
East German Line
It was developed by crossing dogs that remained in the East after World War II. The Germans are famous for their excellent physique and working qualities.
American line
A breed with a mild temperament and variable activity. It has several disadvantages: it has poor health, the nervous system often malfunctions.
English line
Dogs have heavy massive bones, a soft character, a long body, and an unstable temperament. Used as companion dogs. However, the English line was replaced by exhibition and working lines.
Size and weight
A male German Shepherd weighs 30–40 kg and has 60–65 cm at the withers.
The height of the bitch at the withers reaches 55–60 cm, while the weight is 22–30 kg.
Color and coat type
The German Shepherd is characterized by a classic saddle color - a combination of black and tan. Thanks to the breeding of varieties, there are individuals with shades of red, zoned gray, black with and without tan, brown, sable. Depending on the type, shepherd dogs are either short-haired or long-haired.
Among breeders, the brighter saddle coat color is especially popular, however, zoned shepherd dogs are used to produce offspring.
Types of German Shepherd by coat color
Another way to separate the types of German Shepherds is by taking into account coat color:
German Shepherd Sable
The German Shepherd Sable is the most famous. It is also known as the Alsatian Shepherd. The coat may be black or gray on the back, sides and part of the tail, while the rest of the body is reddish in color.
In addition, this species has a black mask on its face. This is an intelligent, protective and playful species.
White German Shepherd
The white German Shepherd is a rare species and is still not recognized by international associations. The body shape and proportion are the same as other German Shepherds, but the coat is smooth and completely white.
This type of dog is loyal, protective and playful. He is friendly with people and loves games.
German Shepherd Panda
The German Shepherd Panda has a white and black coat: the belly and legs are white, and the back and face have chestnut, black and brown tones.
This type of German Shepherd has a muscular and strong body, ideal for active outdoor activities as it has a lot of energy. Like his companions, he is friendly and plays a good role as a guard dog.
Health and illness
When buying a puppy belonging to the lines, you can be sure that he will be free from hereditary diseases. If the owner carefully monitors the health of his pet, he gets sick less often. However, representatives of the breed may be prone to:
- food allergies;
- demodicosis, dermatitis;
- degenerative myelopathy;
- corneal dystrophy, cataracts;
- diabetes mellitus;
- otitis;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
If the shepherd dog does not have enough growth hormone, the dog will be stunted in growth and remain short in stature. It was these dogs that gave the name to the breed variety, the dwarf shepherd.
Natural vices:
- malocclusion;
- absence of some teeth;
- drooping ears;
- unusual structure of the head and body;
- ring tail, bob tail;
- weak nervous system;
- Blue eyes;
- unusual coat color.
Natural defects include excessive phlegmaticity or, conversely, excitability, excessively long, harsh hair and lack of undercoat.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of German Shepherds ranges from 9 to 14 years.
Character
The German has a balanced type of nervous system. The pet remains calm and reasonable in any situation. Shepherd breeds are not inclined to show aggression simply; they attack quickly and swiftly, only in those cases that really require physical impact.
The dog is hardy, has acute hearing and developed sense of smell. Shows enviable courage and will rush to defend its owner, regardless of the size and power of the enemy. Germans are distinguished by excessive vigilance and distrust of strangers, which is the only drawback of the breed (and quite subjective). In the first years of life, the shepherd is characterized by increased playfulness and activity. By a more conscious age, the dog calms down and begins to obey its owner unquestioningly.
Character and intelligence
Dog handlers describe the character as calm. The German, a purebred German Shepherd, does not show aggression. However, if a dog perceives an attack on its owner as a threat to his life, it may become aggressive. The speed of reaction is influenced by upbringing and individual perception. Young representatives of the breed are prone to rebellion and show willfulness, but with good training, all these nuances can be eliminated.
A special feature of the German Shepherd breed is its high intelligence. According to dog handlers of the American Kennel Club, this breed is the most intelligent, capable of being quick-witted in extreme situations.
You should start training a German Shepherd puppy as early as possible, preferably when he reaches 3-4 weeks of age. Anyone can train, even without special training.
Before buying a purebred German Shepherd puppy, you should remember that an adult dog is of impressive size, so it needs a lot of space for normal development and functioning. Therefore, for keeping it you need to equip an enclosure. As a last resort - a booth.
Attitude towards children and others
The dog gets along well with all family members.
Relationship between a German Shepherd and children under 3 years of age
If there is a small child in the family, then it is better to postpone buying a dog for a while. The fact is that both the baby requires close attention and education, and the puppy, so you will have to spend a lot of effort.
To accustom an adult dog to a baby, you need to let it smell the baby's clothes.
When there are small children and a shepherd in the house it is necessary:
- Limit the pet's access to the baby's room.
- To avoid the development of allergies in the house, you need to do wet cleaning daily.
- You can’t leave your baby with a shepherd; they need to be constantly monitored.
If a child is born in a family, it is recommended that the acquaintance of an adult German with a newborn be carried out gradually: first you need to let the dog look at the baby in the stroller and only then in the arms of the parents. Germans are not capable of harming a baby, however, you should not abuse the patience of a shepherd dog.
Friendship of a German with children from 5 to 14 years old
It depends only on the child himself whether he will make friends with the dog or not. If yes, then the German will play with the child.
Children must understand and be prepared for the following:
- the dog needs to be cared for daily, meeting its daily needs;
- you must take into account the wishes of your pet, because this is not a toy;
- During games, you need to be careful not to hurt the animal.
If the guys get along well with the shepherd, there is no need to be afraid of leaving them alone. Part of your daily pet care can be entrusted to your child.
German Shepherd and child
A four-legged friend can develop discipline and responsibility in a teenager. They get along great with each other. A growing personality simply needs a true friend, and the pet copes well with this purpose. A young dog breeder will be happy to conduct training and teach his pet commands.
Training and education
The German Shepherd is one of the smartest breeds in the world. This fact can be confirmed by works of cinema, in which you can often see obedient, smart and well-trained dogs.
In order for a German to really show everything he can do, it will not be enough to buy a purebred puppy; constant training is necessary.
To get such a four-legged friend, “like in the movies,” training at home will not be enough. It is necessary to undergo special professional training courses. However, the dog must receive initial skills from its owner.
The German Shepherd is naturally endowed with the ability to work, intelligence, and the desire to learn and develop. Therefore, you cannot miss the chance and not develop her natural abilities.
A German named Julbars was awarded medals “For Military Merit.” The dog took part in battles and cleared mines. During the war years, it discovered 150 shells and 148 mines.
Purpose and application
The working German Shepherd is a universal dog, the scope of which has no boundaries. Due to their exceptional character and intelligence, dogs are used in the army to deliver messages through minefields or under fire. Shepherd dogs are used by the police to find a person following a trail left even a few days ago. The Germans play the role of a rescuer when they save people in the mountains, on water and in fires.
They serve with a shepherd on the border, it can become a guide for a person with poor vision, a shepherd, it can easily find weapons and drugs. The German is a good orderly, rescuer and security guard. For a shepherd dog, the main thing in life is to have some kind of business in order to devote his whole life to it.
Representatives of the breed can become excellent watchdogs. They have a good reflex, so they are ready to make a lightning attack.
Training and education
If a German Shepherd has undergone early socialization, going through further training and training courses with it is a pleasure! The fact is that this breed is on the list of the most trainable and most intellectually developed dogs. Naturally, the owner will need patience and consistency. For positive results during training, your pet should be rewarded with praise or tasty bonuses.
Be sure to read our articles:
Raising a puppy. Where to start and how to succeed
The dog doesn’t listen or “Who’s the boss?!”
From an early age, the puppy must learn the simplest commands. After this, from about 5-6 months of age, the pet must undergo professional training courses, preferably under the guidance of an experienced dog handler. The course is selected by the dog owner himself, based on the purpose for which the shepherd was purchased. The most popular are:
- Course “Controlled city dog”.
- Companion Dog course.
- Course "Protective city dog".
- Course "Sentry Service"
Nature has rewarded the German Shepherd with a sharp mind and quick wit. From puppyhood she is easy to learn and train. You need to seize the chance and develop her natural abilities.
Interesting facts about the German Shepherd breed
- The Monument to Devotion was erected in Tolyatti, it is dedicated to the memory of a German shepherd who had been waiting for its owner for 7 years.
- A shepherd dog suffering from deafness saved a girl drowning in a pond. The baby was only 5 years old. The dog felt that the child needed help, rushed into the water and was able to drag him to the shore.
- A male named Rin Tin Tin has his own acting star in Hollywood on the famous alley. This dog starred in more than twenty-five films, most often he had to play the role of a wolf.
- During military operations, a German shepherd named Julbars was able to detect more than four hundred mines and about one hundred and fifty shells. The dog actively participated in the battles. For this he was nominated for the award “For Military Merit”.
Pros and cons of the breed
Before buying a puppy, it is recommended to analyze all the advantages and disadvantages of the breed to understand whether you are ready to give the dog as much attention as it requires. And also whether you can create comfortable conditions for her maintenance and development.
Advantages:
- high intelligence;
- learning ability;
- versatility;
- a friend for the child and the whole family;
- good guard.
Like all other breeds, the German Shepherd has its disadvantages:
- excessive mobility, activity;
- when kept in an apartment, the pet needs walking for several hours a day;
- the pet has a good appetite, so you will need to spend part of your budget on food;
- Until the puppy matures, some things will be damaged during games.
When purchasing a dog, you should remember that for a German to be a good friend and guard, you need to give him a lot of attention and care.
Maintenance and care
How to properly care for a German Shepherd to raise a healthy, loyal and active dog. Owners of Germans know that they do not require labor-intensive care. Shepherd dogs, thanks to their endurance, are not picky about food and living conditions; they can easily adapt to anything.
Care and hygiene
Daily care for your four-legged friend includes brushing the coat (if the dog has long hair), as well as preventive examination of the mouth, eyes and ears.
If the pet is smooth-haired, it will be enough to comb the fur 2 times a week using a special brush. Long hair is best combed with a comb.
During the molting period, the combing procedure must be carried out daily, otherwise the hair will form clumps and will have to be cut. Dead fur during shedding is easier to remove with a special mitten or furminator.
It is not recommended to bathe a German Shepherd more than 2-3 times a year. When bathing, you must use special shampoos.
If, upon examination of the eyes and ears, it is noticed that they are dirty, they need to be wiped with a cotton pad soaked in a special means for cleaning them. For inflammatory diseases, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.
The dog cleans its teeth independently. This process occurs while eating solid food.
During the manufacturing process of dry food, many manufacturers give their granules an unusual shape, which helps remove plaque.
Nails should be trimmed as needed. However, if you walk a German often, the dog itself wears down its claws while walking on the asphalt. To trim claws, it is recommended to use a special nail clipper designed for large breeds.
Caring for a puppy and an adult dog includes timely vaccinations, treating the fur of your four-legged friend against ticks and fleas, as well as antihelminthic therapy.
German Shepherd diet
When breeding a German Shepherd dog breed, you need to know that the food must be varied, and therefore, you will have to spend a lot of money.
It is necessary to ensure that natural nutrition is balanced, food is rich in fats, proteins and carbohydrates. You cannot do without mineral supplements and vitamin complexes. If you start feeding your puppy correctly from an early age, you will be able to avoid many problems in the future.
Shepherd dogs are bred artificially, so they are prone to diseases such as hip dysplasia, diabetes, myelopathy, so it is important to follow the dog’s feeding regime and not overfeed it. You shouldn’t think that if you feed your dog a variety of foods, for example, today you give it rice with fish for lunch, tomorrow – buckwheat with veal, the day after tomorrow – oatmeal with offal, then you don’t have to worry about its health. It is necessary to understand that all German Shepherds need a balanced diet: the diet should be formulated in accordance with the needs of the pet.
Natural nutrition
A small puppy should not be given dry food; at this age it is preferable to stick to a natural diet. Babies love to drink milk or formula.
Veterinarians are against alternating artificial and natural foods. However, if the dog’s body calmly accepts dry food and, say, vegetable stew with beef, you can pamper the dog with it and, thus, diversify the diet. If the stool is not disturbed, then the treat has benefited the dog.
Authorized products:
- From 4 months of age, fish can be introduced into the diet. Fish days should be 2 times a week. It is recommended to use sea fish to feed the shepherd dog.
- Among the porridges allowed, buckwheat, rice, millet and oatmeal, cooked in milk or water.
- It is advisable to boil beef, pork and chicken, but the meat can also be raw.
- As for vegetables and fruits, they should be introduced into the diet when the pet is 3 months old.
- Boiled eggs are given 3 times a week.
- The diet should include fermented baked milk; the Germans also love cottage cheese and kefir.
During cooking, do not add salt, pepper or sugar! One third of the diet according to the rules consists of proteins. Calculation of fats is carried out as follows: the daily fat intake is taken at the rate of 15 g per 1 kg of pet weight.
Prohibited products:
- sweet, fried foods;
- smoked meats;
- pickles;
- foods high in starch;
- bakery;
- fatty foods.
Proper nutrition is the key to a long life, so it is important to monitor your pet, pay attention to how she eats and her well-being.
Dry food
An active and cheerful breed requires a balanced diet. For your pet to feel great, it needs a lot of energy. No matter how much the dog owner tries to independently create a diet for the shepherd dog, taking into account all the vitamins and microelements, it will still not be possible to do it accurately. A lack of proteins, fats and carbohydrates can lead to underdevelopment of the dog or, conversely, to obesity.
Specialized food contains a clearly balanced amount of microelements and nutrients necessary for the full development of a dog.
The amount of daily feed should be per 1 kg of weight. It is better to buy premium and super premium dry food:
- Nutra mix;
- Royal Canin;
- Acana;
- Hills.
These foods contain all the necessary vitamins and microelements that a German needs for development.
To provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet, it is important to take into account the pet’s health, growth and development. All industrial food is divided into types based on the pet’s activity, its age, chronic diseases, and sensitivity to certain ingredients.
Rules for choosing food
- It is necessary to choose food in accordance with the age of the animal.
- The food must not contain preservatives.
- Meat should be listed first on the ingredient list.
- You should only buy food in original packaging.
When choosing food, you need to review the composition of several foods in order to buy one that is suitable for your pet.
Vitamins and supplements
For shepherds, it is recommended to buy fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. The first group includes vitamins A, E, D, K. They can accumulate in the shepherd’s body, but the second group, which includes B vitamins and vitamin C, do not accumulate, and if they are in excess, they are excreted in the urine. This nuance should be taken into account and the shepherd dog should be provided with the necessary set of vitamins and microelements.
For the normal functioning of a dog, 12 vitamins are needed, each of which performs a specific function and is responsible for certain processes. With a deficiency of vitamins, the dog becomes lethargic, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism are disrupted, which is reflected in deterioration of vision, wool, and the skin becomes dry and flaky.
Nutrition
German Shepherds have food preferences. If the dog is passive or elderly, fatty foods are excluded from the diet. Young workers must consume a lot of protein to replenish expended energy.
Useful article: What to feed a German Shepherd puppy: the best dry food for shepherds
Dog handlers recommend sticking to the following percentages and product use:
- protein – 70%;
- meat without skin, bones;
- cottage cheese, chicken egg, offal;
- carbohydrates – 40%;
- cereals, vegetables, fruits;
- fats – 20-40%.
It is prohibited to overfeed a German with meat. The diet should be balanced.
A shepherd puppy is fed according to the following scheme (type of food: natural or dry, does not affect the ratio):
- 1-2 months – 1 glass of food for 6 meals;
- 2-3 – 1.5 tbsp. 5 times a day;
- 3-6 – 1 liter for 4 times;
- 6-12 – 1.5 l for 3 doses per day.
At the age of 1 year, a German Shepherd pet eats the same as adults - 2 times a day. It is important not to overfeed a growing dog. This can lead to obesity and related diseases.
A properly formulated diet is the key to your pet’s health. If his body receives a sufficient amount of microelements from puppyhood, then in the future he will not only look good, but also feel good.
| Puppy age in months | Number of feedings per day | Meat/g | Cereals/g | Vegetables and herbs/g | Milk/g | Chicken egg/pcs. (in 2-3 days) | Fish oil/h. l. | Salt/g | Bone meal/g | Calcium phosphate/finely crushed eggshell/g |
| 1-2 | 6 | 100-200 | 80-100 | 130-150 | 400-450 | 1 | 0,5 | 5 | 10 | 0,5 |
| 2-3 | 5 | 200-300 | 100-150 | 150-170 | 450-500 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 0,5 |
| 3-4 | 5 | 300-400 | 150-200 | 170-190 | 500 | 1 | 1,5 | 8 | 13 | 1 |
| 4-5 | 4 | 400-450 | 200-250 | 190-210 | 500 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 13 | 1 |
| 5-6 | 4-3 | 450-500 | 250-300 | 210-250 | 500 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 13 | 1,5 |
The table provides general recommendations. The breeder can change the diet to suit the individual characteristics and weight of his pet.
Adult German Shepherd dogs can be fed both natural and dry food. When choosing the first option, patience will be required from the owner. Despite the fact that these shepherds are unpretentious in food, it will not be possible to cook once a week for 7 days in advance. Everything must be fresh.
This is interesting: What foods should you not feed dogs?
Natural food
Products that can be used to prepare food for a German Shepherd:
- lean pork, beef, chicken, turkey, goose;
- offal (heart, stomach). Rarely liver and kidneys;
- eggs of all birds;
- low-fat fish;
- cottage cheese;
- cereals (buckwheat, oats, rice, pearl barley);
- potatoes, cabbage.
The following ingredients should be excluded from the diet:
- bones;
- sausages;
- beans;
- millet, semolina, corn porridge;
- pasta, bread;
- sweets (sweets, cakes, pastries, chocolate);
- grapes, nuts (walnuts, pistachios), raisins.
When cooking for your dog, it is prohibited to use seasonings, spices and other flavor enhancers.
Dry food
Packs of ready-made food are sold in pet stores. The dog's weight and age are written on the package. The volume of one serving is also indicated.
The advantage of dry food is that experts have already calculated and included the amount that a dog eats per day and there is no need to add additional vitamins and minerals to the food. They are included.
The only thing you need to pay attention to is the production time and date of manufacture. Giving an animal a late treat is fraught not only with health consequences, but also with the life of the pet. Otherwise, dry food is perfect if you don’t have time to cook.
How to choose a puppy
German Shepherds are very loyal dogs, so you should not expect special affection from your pet if he comes into the house as an adult dog. Only by raising a dog can you turn a small puppy into a loyal friend.
When starting to choose a puppy, it is recommended to start from the goal being pursued, from what kind of dog you would like to see in the future: a guard dog, a show dog, or a reliable friend.
Puppies from champion parents, competition winners, cost from $1000, the same price for puppies from show parents. A simple puppy will cost $150–300. Such a dog will become a wonderful family friend and a good protector.
When choosing a puppy, you need to pay attention to its appearance. The limbs should be straight, the eyes should be dark, without a bluish tint, there should be no feathering in the ear area, a correct bite and a normal jaw.
A one-month-old puppy weighs up to 4 kg. The height and weight of young animals depends on the number of puppies in one litter.
A baby under 3 months should not have the tips of their ears standing up. The puppy should have a fairly strong skeleton, large paws and a straight, even back.
You can separate a puppy from its mother at 1.5 months. However, if the baby is still feeding on mother’s milk, then it is worth waiting, since with mother’s milk he will receive all the necessary substances for normal development.
At 3-4 months it is already possible to determine psychological and physical qualities.
Similar breeds
FCI – Federation Cynologique Internationale, has registered over 20 breeds of shepherd dogs. Let's look at the most common of them.
Australian Shepherd. Aussies were bred in the USA. Companion dog. Gets along with everyone around him and is used to search and rescue people.
Belgian Shepherds. The group includes 4 varieties, differing in coat type and color:
- Malinois;
- Tervuren;
- Groenendael;
- Laekenois.
The described species are wary of strangers, although they are considered good companions. Nature rewarded them with a kind and flexible character.
Hungarian Shepherd. The commander's coat is worthy of attention. It looks like thick felt cords. The Hungarian variety was an excellent guard; the Hungarian variety protected sheep from wolves. The fur smells strongly of a dog, but this does not mean that the dog needs to be bathed every day.
Dog character
The dog is known for its courage. Initially, her task was to protect sheep from wolves. These genes are still in the animal's blood. Therefore, he makes an excellent watchman.
This is an intelligent breed. Fortunately, they are very willing to use their intelligence when learning. Therefore, animals need regular mental stimulation.
The typical German Shepherd temperament is an indifference towards strangers combined with a strong protective instinct for its family.
The breed is loyal – especially to its owner. It is important to socialize your animal from an early age so that the protective instinct does not turn into overt aggression. A dog can be dangerous to strangers without proper socialization and training.
German Shepherds can be wonderful companions for children with proper socialization and training.
Dogs can generally coexist peacefully with other animals if they are willing to do so. Introduce your pet to cats at a young age.
German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and motivated. This makes them an excellent breed for training. They are attached and loyal to their owners. They like to please their owner. Training your German Shepherd should be fun for you and your dog.
