The German Shepherd, occasionally also known as an Alsatian, is a type of canine that came from the European land of Germany. It is a new dog type but an increasingly popular as well. The canine's extreme loyalty and work ethic means that it is a perfect candidate for police and service work. German Shepherds are also recognized by their large stature, distinct bark, and strong herding abilities.
The practice of standardizing canine breeds began in the early eighteen hundreds. In Germany, large shepherds were selectively bred for their sheep herding skills, intelligence, strength, sense of smell, and other traits. In 1899 a large shepherd, the product of four generations of selective breeding techniques, was officially dubbed the very first registered German Shepherd.
The large animals are typically at least twenty two inches tall and weigh at least forty five pounds. They have domed foreheads, long muzzles, bushy tails, and large ears that stand erect. The most recognizable shepherds are a mix of black and tan but the dogs can feature other fur colors as well, such as mixtures of red, black, and white. Other colors such as blue and liver are more rare and, in many cases, are considered grounds for disqualification from the registrar.
The dogs are also known for its large double fur coat, which makes them victims of year round hair shedding. The outside fur can be short or long, the second being a rarer, therefore more unique, trait. Longer hairs are fine with British and German Dog Clubs but are still considered defaults by clubs in America.
Contrary to widely held belief, they actually have reputations for safe mentalities. The animals are not inherently forceful but will occasionally become aggressive when they are defending their masters and family. They are not known to resort to using their teeth but the canines should still undergo the proper training and peer socialization since their jaws can have nearly two hundred and fifty pounds of force.
The animals are extremely smart and posses an intense eagerness to learn new things that is unmatched by other breeds. When introduced into a home or work environment, an Alsatian will develop a very strong bond with everyone who it sees regularly but will take a little longer to warm up to strangers. If not socialized and trained properly, the breed will likely develop a tendency to be fiercely overprotective of its family, sometimes to the point of attacking.
Due to the animal's first ancestor's serious inbreeding, today's German Shepherds are more susceptible to arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other diseases than other dogs. Because of their massive size and open ears, the creatures are more prone to stomach bloat and outer ear problems too. Many breeders have started breeding their dogs with other big canines, such as Labradors and collies, in order to put a stop to these genetic ailments, even though it means the resulting generations will be banned from joining any official breeding clubs.
When most people think of this breed, the words "working dogs" variably comes to mind. Their intelligence and strong senses of smell make them ideal candidates for search and rescue work, drug detection, and servicing the handicapped.
The practice of standardizing canine breeds began in the early eighteen hundreds. In Germany, large shepherds were selectively bred for their sheep herding skills, intelligence, strength, sense of smell, and other traits. In 1899 a large shepherd, the product of four generations of selective breeding techniques, was officially dubbed the very first registered German Shepherd.
The large animals are typically at least twenty two inches tall and weigh at least forty five pounds. They have domed foreheads, long muzzles, bushy tails, and large ears that stand erect. The most recognizable shepherds are a mix of black and tan but the dogs can feature other fur colors as well, such as mixtures of red, black, and white. Other colors such as blue and liver are more rare and, in many cases, are considered grounds for disqualification from the registrar.
The dogs are also known for its large double fur coat, which makes them victims of year round hair shedding. The outside fur can be short or long, the second being a rarer, therefore more unique, trait. Longer hairs are fine with British and German Dog Clubs but are still considered defaults by clubs in America.
Contrary to widely held belief, they actually have reputations for safe mentalities. The animals are not inherently forceful but will occasionally become aggressive when they are defending their masters and family. They are not known to resort to using their teeth but the canines should still undergo the proper training and peer socialization since their jaws can have nearly two hundred and fifty pounds of force.
The animals are extremely smart and posses an intense eagerness to learn new things that is unmatched by other breeds. When introduced into a home or work environment, an Alsatian will develop a very strong bond with everyone who it sees regularly but will take a little longer to warm up to strangers. If not socialized and trained properly, the breed will likely develop a tendency to be fiercely overprotective of its family, sometimes to the point of attacking.
Due to the animal's first ancestor's serious inbreeding, today's German Shepherds are more susceptible to arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other diseases than other dogs. Because of their massive size and open ears, the creatures are more prone to stomach bloat and outer ear problems too. Many breeders have started breeding their dogs with other big canines, such as Labradors and collies, in order to put a stop to these genetic ailments, even though it means the resulting generations will be banned from joining any official breeding clubs.
When most people think of this breed, the words "working dogs" variably comes to mind. Their intelligence and strong senses of smell make them ideal candidates for search and rescue work, drug detection, and servicing the handicapped.
About the Author:
German shepherds make awesome guard dogs but they are much more than that. If you look at the history of this breed, you will find that they are also great family dogs. They are very interesting.. Free reprint available from: The History Of The German Shepherd Breed.
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