The German Shepherd Dog (known also as the Alsatian) is an intelligent breed of dog. Because they are eager to please, they are easily trained in obedience and protection. German Shepherd Dogs are often used as working dogs in many capacities, including search and rescue (SAR), military, police or guard dogs.
German Shepherds are valued around the world for their work as police dogs, trackers, drug detection dogs, search and rescue dogs, seeing eye dogs , mine detection dogs ,armed services dogs ( Army ,Navy ,Airforce ) and Security dogs.
When provided with regular training and attention, the German Shepherd can also make a great family pet. They are very loyal and protective of their own family, but tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers, especially when not in the company of their master.
In America you will find two distinct types of German Shepherd Dogs: the American line and the German line. While there is notable controversy between breeders of the two types, in general, the American line is considered to have strayed from the original herding function to create a more graceful dog with a flying trot, while the huskier German line is considered to emphasizes the original "working dog" capabilities which include sheep herding and protection.
Photo courtesy of Von Ravenwolf Shepherds
German Shepherd Dog Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Germany
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| Classification FCI: |
Group 1: Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs). Section 1: Sheepdogs. With Working Trial. |
| Utilization: |
Sheep Herding - Sheep Guardian |
| AKC Registration: |
Herding Group
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Size: | Large |
| Height: | 22-26 inches
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| Colors: |
Base color should be black with markings of brown, red-brown, blonde and light gray. Alternatively a gray base-color with "clouds" of black markings and a black "saddle" and "mask". Inconspicuous white markings on the chest, and "brighter" shades on the under - and inner sides of the dog are permitted but not desirable. |
| Other Names: | GSD, Alsatian |
| Average Litter Size: | 9
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Life Span: | 10-12 years
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| Personality: | Highly intelligent, highly adaptable, extremely responsive to training, devoted, protective and fearless. These dogs are known to build a strong bondage with their owners.
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| Grooming Requirements: |
The GSD is a "double-coated" dog with an undercoat and guard hairs. The guard hairs will be shed all year. The undercoat is "blown" twice a year. German Shepherds shed heavily all year round and need weekly brushing. As a matter of fact, the more you brush the less they shed. |
| Shedding: | Heavy all year round. |
| Social skills: |
When not properly socialized at an early age, GSDs can develop unruliness or lack of self-confidence. |
| Suitable for Children: | Good with children of their family, but because they are naturally wary of strangers, they need close supervision when introduced to visiting children and adults. They are reserved but not aggressive toward strangers.
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| Exercise Needs: | GSDs are high energy dogs and need 2 hours vigorous daily exercise, preferably 3-4 times a day. |
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| Train Ability: | Extremely responsive to training, especially to voice commands. If well-trained, they can
do almost anything. |
| Health: | Most common diseases are hip dysplasia, bloat, aortic stenosis |
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