by Alexa Steele

Created on: June 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

The German Shepherd Dog is a hearty, intelligent breed that is prized around the world as a police and military dog. Agile and alert he is cautious of strangers and naturally protective. But this is by no means an overly hostile breed and if you look closer you will find there is more to the German Shepherd than a mean old guard dog.

History

In 1899 the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde was founded to sponsor the development of the German Shepherd Dog. The idea was to hone the breeding of older herding and farm dogs to create an animal that was courageous, intelligent and loyal.

Starting in about 1914 the popularity of the German Shepherd Dog saw rapid expansion. Movies staring German Shepherds such as Rin Tin Tin helped make this one of America's most beloved dog breeds. During World War I the American Kennel Club, as well as dog clubs in Britain, changed the breed's name in order to disassociate obscure its German roots, but in the name German Shepherd was restored in 1931.

Today German Shepherds are one of the most versatile of breeds of dog. Beyond being terrific police and military canines, they serve in search and rescue, narcotics detection, herding, and as guide and show dogs.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is known to be affectionate with his family, but he can be aloof with strangers. The breed standard describes them as having a "direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships." Yet despite being somewhat slow to trust newcomers, once this canine's friendship is won he is a loyal and affectionate companion.

The German Shepherd's alertness and intelligence make them superb working dogs. As a family pet, however, they require an owner dedicated to providing adequate exercise and mental stimulation.

Size

A muscular breed, the German Shepherd has an athletic build. Males stand at about 24-26 inches at the withers and weigh between 75 and 95 pounds. Females range from 22-24 inches in height, but can also weigh up to 95 pounds. Additionally the body's length is usually even greater than its height.

Maintenance

The German Shepherd's double coat makes it possible for him to live outside in temperate climates. It requires regular brushing though trips to the groomer are optional. Also, the thick fur will shed with the changing of the seasons.

In terms of health the German Shepherd is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia. Other concerns include gastric torsion (a twisting of the stomach), panosteitis (a bone disease), von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disorder), progressive posterior paresis and cauda equine syndrome (neural conditions), skin allergies and several other conditions for which you should take your dog to annual vet exams.

In conclusion, the German Shepherd Dog is a versatile, smart animal that can be trained to work any job that requires stamina, assertiveness and intelligence. He can be aloof with strangers and protective of his home and family so proper obedience training is highly recommended. Finally, daily physical and mental exercise are required.

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