The German shepherd breed is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, also known as the Alsatian shepherd.
Obviously of German origin, this particular breed has as its main endowment versatility.
It is a dog “used” in different fields, with great attention to that of civil protection. Physical structure and intelligence make the German Shepherd breed a dog particularly suitable for the search of people, both on the surface and among the rubble; for the blind; for the section of molecular and anti-drug dogs (do you all remember the TV series Rex?); for the guide of the flocks but also simply to be with the family.
History and things to know about the German Shepherd breed
The breed was selected in Germany by Cavalry Captain Friedrich Emil Max Von Stephanitz, at the end of the 19th century.
The idea was to have a working dog that could be easily trained and therefore two breeds were combined: the shepherd of Baden-Württemberg, a robust dog of medium-large size with long hair, and the shepherd of Thuringia, smaller in size.
The real and proper foundation of the German Shepherd was in 1899 whereas the first standard arrived in 1901.
The German Shepherd breed is a dog of medium-large size with a quiet character, therefore suitable for the family. Docile, endowed with great courage, it is an easily trainable breed, suitable for guarding and accompanying.
As far as physical characteristics are concerned, the German Shepherd reed has a wedge-shaped head, dark almond-shaped eyes, erect ears, a straight nose with black truffle.
It has 42 scissor-closed teeth, great musculature, and a strong neck. The forelimbs are straight unlike the hind limbs, which are slightly backward. The color is usually fire-black with a hard coat.
The males reach 65 cm in height and have a weight that varies between 30 and 40 kg, while the females reach 60 cm with a weight that varies from 22 to 32 kg.
German shepherds are also subject to various pathologies, among the most common being congenital dysplasia of the hip, elbow, and knee.
Looking at the character instead, the German shepherd breed needs to socialize since he is a baby and it must be stimulated sensorially to life experiences. It is a dog that adapts well to share with the human being even if, from the very first steps, it must be immediately clear who is the leader of the pack between dog and man.
As far as the maintenance of the dog is concerned, frequent washing is not required and in the case of grooming, dermatologically tested shampoos (PH compatible 8,2 – 8,6) must be selected.
Brush the hair once a day with a brush with semi-hard bristles and pay particular attention to ticks, as they tend to attach themselves to the dog’s ears and are dangerous for the general state of health of the animal.
Breedings and prices
Finally, many breeders deal with this breed, for prices, be wary of 500 euros and below.
conclusion
The article provides an overview of the German Shepherd breed, highlighting its versatility and various roles it can play, from search and rescue to family companionship. It also delves into the history and physical characteristics of the breed. Here’s the conclusion of the article:
The German Shepherd, also known as the Alsatian Shepherd, is a highly popular and versatile breed with German origins. Its main strengths lie in its adaptability to various tasks and environments. German Shepherds excel in roles such as search and rescue, guiding the visually impaired, working with law enforcement in drug detection and protection, and even herding flocks. Beyond their professional roles, they make wonderful family pets.
The breed’s history dates back to the late 19th century when Cavalry Captain Friedrich Emil Max Von Stephanitz selected and refined it. By combining the shepherd dogs of Baden-Württemberg and Thuringia, the foundation for the modern German Shepherd was laid in 1899, with the official standard arriving in 1901.
German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs with a calm and docile character, making them suitable for families. They possess distinctive physical traits, including a wedge-shaped head, dark almond-shaped eyes, erect ears, and a strong musculature. However, they are not without their health concerns, such as congenital dysplasia of the hip, elbow, and knee.
This breed requires early socialization and sensory stimulation, emphasizing the need to establish a clear hierarchy between the dog and its human owners. When it comes to maintenance, frequent bathing is unnecessary, but proper grooming and tick prevention are vital for their well-being.
German Shepherds have carved a niche in various roles and continue to be cherished companions, contributing to their enduring popularity.