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| German Shepherd Dog |
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The stunning, imposing German Shepherd may be a dog of the past. Overbreeding and excesses, like a fascination with overdoing the exaggerated flying gait of the German Shepherd has left most of the purebred representatives of the breed in the US as mere shadows of their ancestors only 20 years ago. This weakness is especially apparent when one realizes those weak rears combined (or as a result) of hip dysplasia often leaves the dogs crippled in need of serious surgery, or worse, at an early age. Even so, one can still find wonderful, and noble examples of the breed but there is likely no other breed that requires more careful research into finding a responsible party for a good example. The true German Shepherd Dog, confident, proud, intelligent, well cared for, well bred and happy may very well be the pinnacle of the canine world but that example is rarer and rarer. |
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| General Information |
| Group(s):
Herding |
Height: 22-26 inches at the shoulder |
| Weight: up to 100 pounds is typical |
Longevity: up to 12 years |
| Colors: most colors are acceptable except white and washed out colors (like blues) |
Coat type: outer coat is dense, straight of medium length and harsh, undercoat is dense, short and soft |
| Recognized Registries: NCA, UKC, FCI and others |
| Overall Appearance: An impressive, intelligent expression on this naturally prick eared, long muzzled dog only adds to the overall impression of power and capability when coupled with a correctly made athletic body. Longer in body than leg and with a bushy tail, it is common for the rear to be lower than the front. Excessive and mis-interpretation of the distinctive "flying trot" of the GSD has lead to the near destruction of the breed by overzealous and irresponsible breeders in North America. |
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| Personaility - Behavior - Training |
| Energy Level: generally high |
| General Nature: |
unpredictable, highly dependent on influences like responsible handling, training and socializing |
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with Children: can be exceptional but requires knowledgable rearing and socializing to achieve |
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with other pets: can be exceptional but requires knowledgable rearing and socializing to achieve |
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with dogs: can be exceptional but requires knowledgable rearing and socializing to achieve |
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| Socialization requirements: very high |
| Ideal home characteristics: One of extensive successful experience training working dogs. Resources of time and space for training and exercise and socializing needs. |
| Temperament Notes: powerful, intelligent, independent |
| Training requirement: rather high; like many similar breeds both herding and working, the GSD demands a job and will often determine undesirable self motivated behaviors if left without guidance and structure |
| Trainer notes: Few breeds possess the distinction in training that the German Shepherd has. From Rin Tin Tin to highly trained K9s used by the military to Search and Rescue, German Shepherds have set the standard that is still held aloft to teams today. Unfortunately it appears that the custodians of the breed in the US have fallen in their responsibilities. With alarming rates of hip dysplasia (often to the point that dogs are destroyed prior to reaching adulthood) many serious German Shepherd devotees are turning to Europe with its stricter breeding practices for their German Shepherd training partners. Considering the variability also found in American German Shepherd temperaments, that seems to be the wisest course for anyone seeking to live and train with a German Shepherd Dog. |
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| Background Information |
| Year range of first recognition: late 1800s |
| Country of Origin: German |
| Original Function: Herding |
| History: Developed from Herding dogs by Max von Stephanitz. Hugely successful as a breed focused on intelligence and working ability. These priorities appear lost on most North American breeders. |
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| Adoption Information |
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| Deviations from Standard: excessively large, fluffy coats, seriously compromised rears |
| Health Notes: hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart problems, bloat, esophageal defects, pancreatic insufficiency, bloat, myelopathy, thyroid issues |
| Health Testing: OFA, CERF, thyroid panel, |
| Questions to ask Breeder: http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!
How long have you had German Shepherds?
Why do you have German Shepherds (show, performance, hunting, etc.)?
What do you consider to be the most important single characteristic of a German Shepherd?
What health issues have you seen in the breed?
What criteria do you set for your breeding stock?
Do you plan to keep a puppy from this litter?
How often do you have puppies?
Do you have a written contract and puppy guarantee?
At what age do you sent your pups to their homes?
How would you describe the ideal German Shepherd?
How would you describe the ideal German Shepherd Dog home?
Are your puppies whelped in your home?
What advice would you offer someone in raising and training a German Shepherd Dog?
How do you assist or help German Shepherd Dogs in need of rescue? |
| Web Sites: http://www.nwk9.com/rescue.htm- National Network for German Shepherd Rescue
http://www.gsdrescue1.org/- German Shepherd Rescue
http://www.magsr.org/- MidAtlantic German Shepherd Dog Rescue
http://www.gsrne.org/- German Shepherd Rescue of New England
http://www.gsdrescuehouston.org/-German Shepherd Rescue Houston
http://www.shepherdrescue.org/- Virginia German Shepherd Rescue
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