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Petland Overland Park, Kansas
The German Shepherd originated in Germany in the late 19th century. It was initially bred to create a highly versatile working dog that could perform various tasks such as herding, guarding, and police work.
The German Shepherd quickly gained popularity due to its intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. Over the years, the breed has become one of the most well-known working dogs worldwide, excelling in police, military, and service roles.
In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc.
During this time, shepherds bred all kinds of dogs ranging from a mix with, the French Berger Picard, Bergamasco Shepherd, Cane Paratore, Lupino del Gigante, Pastore d’Oropa and the Pastore Della Lessinia e del Lagorai.
These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another.
Max Von Stephanitz an ex-calvary captain and ex-Phylax Society member (a society create solely to standardize dog breeds) attending a dog show in 1899, acquired a dog after being enthralled with the dog’s magnificence, strength, and intelligence and called the dog Horand von Grafrath.
This particular breed was originally named Deutscher Schäferhund by von Stephanitz (which translated means “German Shepherd Dog”). The name was coined from the breed’s ability to assist shepherds on herding and guard duties.
It was general thinking in some parts of Europe (especially in the UK) that the word ‘German’ in the breeds original name would decline the breed rising popularity due to the role that the Germans played during the world and for this reason, the breed was renamed ‘Alsatian Wolf Dog’.
The breeds’ original name “German Shepherd” was officially restored in 1977.
German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has been described as Confident, Courageous and Smart.
The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases.
If the German Shepherd isn’t trained in a social circle, it can and will show extreme aggression towards strangers.
The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. The German Shepherd needs space for plenty of daily exercises so confining the dog in a tight place isn’t necessarily good for the dog.
German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities.
The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development.
If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors.
The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush.
The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine.
Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. It’s imperative that if overly long nails are observed they are trimmed immediately.
It isn’t required that the German Shepherd baths every day, however once a week to twice a month at least would suffice in keeping the dog clean and healthy. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you?
Considering the breed’s high levels of intelligence, it’s unquestionable loyalty, trainability, and the dog’s prowess; the german shepherd has proven to be a good breed to double as a guard dog and friendly companion.
German Shepherds are large dogs, typically weighing between 50 to 90 pounds and standing about 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Yes, German Shepherds are great with children, especially when they are properly socialized from a young age. They are protective and gentle, making them excellent family pets.
Yes, German Shepherds are an active breed that requires regular exercise. Daily walks, runs, and mental stimulation are important to keep them healthy and happy.
Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years.
Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations.
The German Shepherd must get all required nourishment in its daily meal, which includes all types of animal protein (this enables muscle development and growth), Calcium-rich food, MultiVitamin supplements, and glucose water. Real meat, bone and organ meat (liver, heart, kidney) is the best food for your dog.
The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd.
Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year.
In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between 18-24 months (i.e. 1.5 – 2 years). There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years (i.e. 36 months) to reach full maturity.
During the early puppy age (0-20weeks) German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. The standing ears also help in improving the breed’s sense of hearing.
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