The German Shepherd, also known as GSD, is one of the most recognizable breeds. Whether it brings up images of a police dog, or a family guard dog, most people have seen one of these striking animals before.
What people may not know is that it is a relatively young breed. As hinted in their name, the German Shepherd has its roots in shepherding dogs from Germany. In 1899, Der Verein fur Deutsche Schaeferhunde was founded to breed this ‘all purpose’ working dog. A few years later in 1907, the first GSD was exhibited in the United States. The breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1908.
The best description for the appearance of the German Shepherd is found on the official AKC page, “The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility – difficult to define, but unmistakable when present.” It is impossible to see a German Shepherd and not see this as a dog to take seriously.
The most common coloring is black and tan, but the GSD can come in a variety of colors, including all black or all white. This breed features a black nose and ears that stick straight up. They will range in size from twenty-two to twenty-six inches tall at the shoulder.
As is common in most breeds, the males stand taller than the females. The breed is longer than they are tall. In weight, the males weigh approximately seventy pounds, and the females about sixty pounds. All GSDs shed profusely, and even more so in their shedding season. A commitment to daily brushing can help combat the over abundance of hair from taking over your home.
Temperament and Purpose for the Breed
The temperament of the German Shepherd is commonly described as intelligent and loyal. They are also seen as fearless and direct. The combination of these character traits lead this breed to be a very good guard dog, guide dog and police dog. They also make a good family pet, being very loyal to their family. The German Shepherd’s loyalty also leads to them being territorial. They will behave dominantly to unknown dogs, and will not be quick to accept strangers.
This breed is very protective, and it is important for an owner to realize their tendencies to be protective and to provide training in order that their German Shepherd knows to listen and obey his owner. Without training, you risk your GSD from being too protective against strangers, which could lead to aggressive behavior.
The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog, and prized for their intelligence. This intelligence combined with their energy level, leads to the necessity of their having room to run around. If they get bored, or do not have the chance to get any energy out, the GSD can be destructive and get into trouble. They can survive living in an apartment, if given enough distractions and opportunities to get outside.
Most larger dogs have shorter life spans, and the German Shepherd is no different. Their life span can be as short as 7 years, or at the longest, 13 years. This intelligent dog will never be considered useless, and whether a family pet or a working dog for the police, the German Shepherd will give you its all.
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