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than ten weeks of age, have flopping ears, which will usually become erect and pointed between ten and sixteen weeks of age. Be sure to ask the breeder for papers, if they're available, whether or not the animal has had its inoculations and if it's dew claws have been removed. The dew claw is found about a third of the way up the front legs, and is quite often removed when a career in show is desired. Registration papers, are also a must for show.

Another possibility to consider, is your local animal shelter. Quite often, a devoted and loving pet can be found there. Be sure to speak to the staff, in order to learn, under what circumstances, the animal was turned in.

German Shepherds, ideally, will have active and energetic owners, with a fair bit of space for the dog to roam. The German Shepherd owner, will also need to be willing to devote time to play with and train the animal.

Occasionally, there are problems with a breed, common ones for the Shepherd, being hip dysplasia, owing to the desirable sloping angle towards the rear, some have tried to exaggerate through breeding. With age, this dog is prone to diabetes. Life expectancy is quite high, most living up to fourteen years.

Being a large active dog, their caloric intake can go as high as 1700 calories per day. Often, guidelines on commercially prepared dog food, will give a new dog owner an idea, of how much to feed their new pet. A veterinarian, will also be happy to give advice in this area, and many others.

The German Shepherd dog, makes an exceptionally devoted companion, watchdog and tends to be good with children, though both should be supervised when together. Unlike some breeds of terrier or mastiff (which can often be stubborn and require a firm hand), the German Shepherd is eager to please their master, and as such, is easily trained. They make a fine asset to any single individual or family of owners and is a joy to own.

Bibliography:

Klever, Ulrich, "The Complete Book of Dog Care-How to raise a Happy and Healthy Dog,
Barron's Educational Series Inc. New York, 1986

Schneider, Earl (editor), "Know Your German Shepherd",The Pet Library Series Ltd. New Jersey,(no year given)

Stockman, Mike, "Dog Breeds of the World", Sebastian Keller, Oxford, England, 1997

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