German Shepherds

The german shepherd dog originated in the Alsace region between Germany and France. In the 1800’s the German army started breeding these dogs for use in the military. At first to carry ammunition and medicine but later during the two world wars they were used to hunt down and guard hostages under military orders. 

German shepherds are so intelligent  and eager to work that their popularity soared after the first ones were brought to the US by soldiers. They are now used worldwide by the police and military; as trackers, guards, search and rescue, seeing eye and companion dogs.

One specific German Shepherd called Rin Tin Tin was a worldwide cinematic star, so famous indeed that it is said to have contributed to the success of Warner Bros. They made multiple films and later on TV shows featuring this very loyal and smart German shepherd. Throughout they years there have been many other German shepherds featured in films, from comedies to dramas and action films, probably due to their amazing capabilities and intelligence.

They have a double layer coat  that is good for all weather. The top layer is usually a couple of inches long and lays flat while the under coat is fluffy and usually lighter colored. Breeding shepherds tend to be mostly black and tan, black and white or all black, however they can also be found in grey, white, brown, sable and combinations of colors. German shepherds have a strong, muscular body.  They usually weigh between 60 and 90lbs though some males can be up to 100 or more lbs. They have a strong, long, v shaped muzzle; high set erect ears, and a slightly curved bushy tail. They  have a similar body type to its ancestors, wolves. Expect these pups to shed year round so regular brushing will help with some of the shedding.

They are extremely intelligent and can be trained to handle multiple responsibilities.

Although they can sometimes be weary of strangers, german shepherds completely trust and are devoted to their families. This dog is known for saving family members from all kinds of danger. Whether it is blocking a child from wondering into the pool, fighting off a bear so their human can escape, putting themselves in front of a rattlesnake to avoid its path into its home, and even taking a bullet for their partners. This dog is extremely loyal. 

Training and early handling is essential with this breed. Lack of proper handling and training of a german shepherd can result in a shy, weary, mischievous, noisy dog  that can become territorial and hard to handle. The German shepherd jaw is very powerful, their scissor like bite can be quite dangerous which is why professional training and early handling must be taken seriously.

To have a well rounded shepherd they must have space to run around in, have lots of exercise and planned activities or chores throughout the day. They thrive in work environments but can also be one of the most loyal family pets around. It's also important to remember that they are after all natural shepherds, which means that they can be used to keep a flock of sheep together. This also means that they can sometimes have a tendency to herd children or even some adults when they are not properly stimulated.

Since this is a very powerful dog there are some areas which might have them under the restricted breed lists. It is always a good idea to read up on your local rules and regulations to make sure you are allowed to give this wonderful breed of dog a home.