GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG: RELIABLE, AND LOYAL FRIEND
67FRIEND AND GUARDIAN
THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
The German Shepherd dog, in its present form, has probably existed for thousands of years, along with its Dutch and Belgian shepherd relatives (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Dogalog). German Shepherd dogs became extremely popular in Germany during the beginning of World War II, a popularity that quickly spread to other parts of the world. As is often the case with extremely popular breeds, indiscriminate breeding for the sake of profit only, has produced both physical and behavioral problems in German shepherd dogs, creating animals with arthritis of the joints, eye disease, gastrointestinal disease, and aggressive behavior problems.
Among the behavior problems acquired are timidity, fearfulness, nervousness, and aggression towards other dogs; however, when German Shepherds are bred carefully, they are produced as reliable, calm, responsive, and obedient animals. As an Australian Shepherd owner and guardian, and adamant lover of herding dogs, the problems developed within this breed concern me greatly. German Shepherds have a rich history as service dogs, police assistants, search and rescue dogs, and loving companions.
APPEARANCE
German Shepherd dogs come in a variety of colors. Their ears are erect, and high-set, giving an impression of alertness, while the upper part of the head narrows gradually from eyes to nose. The chest is deep, and the body is solid and muscular, with thighs that are also well muscled, and leg bones carried slightly flexed. His feet are small, arched, and rounded.
BREED HISTORY
In the late 1800s, Max Von Stephanitz began the "superlative" breeding program, which has been responsible for German Shepherd dogs becoming the most numerous of dog breeds (Bruce Fogle, DVM, Dogalog). Combining long-haired shepherd dogs from Bavaria, Wurtemberg, and Thurginia, breeders produced an obedient, and handsome German Shepherd Dog, but today only the short coated version is recognized for show purposes.
OTHER INFORMATION
German Shepherd Dogs were originally used for herding sheep, though today they are used more often as security and companion dogs. They typically weigh around 75 to 95 pounds (34-43kg), and stand about 22-26 inches tall (55-66cm). Their life expectancy is from 12 to 13 years, and they are suitable for urban living and extremely cold temperatures. German Shepherds can also be happy outside dogs, given appropriate circumstances, and are easily obedience trained. They require much exercise, and are excellent watchdogs; however, due to behavior problems produced in the breed through irresponsible (for profit) breeding practices, they may not be a good asset to a family with other dogs. This problem may be resolved by knowing the history of other dogs within a particular breeding program before you buy, or adopting an older dog whose behavior is already established and well known.
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Thank you kowality, Being a die-hard shepherd fan, and owner of three Australian Shepherds, I was taking it quite personallly that no one had responded with a comment to this wonderful breed. You are definitely a man after my own heart, since the fastest way to my heart is through my pets.
god blessed pet hub terrific great amazing thanks
What a wonderful dog, I always take note when I see one of these beautiful creatures, they are amazing almost as if an icon. Thanks and Peace :)
Everything in this article is true I too have had a Shepard Called Tazmin like Kowality. I have just lost her due to issue with a nerve issue. She was the best dog I have every known loyal, frendly, protective, very clever and knew how to lighten up the room.
Shepards are wonderful Dogs and know Tazzie will be sorely missed by all that knew her!
Wayne, that is so sad. I dread the day I ever lose any of mine, and prefer not to even think about it. Dogs really earn a place in your heart. so sorry about your loss.
Many thanks for your Kind Word Valerie, your right they bond with the family and in most respects become a member of the family which is so hard because shepards are so inteligent and caring friends
You're so correct, Wayne. My Australian Shepherd is un-neutered, and went after an un-neutered poodle last year, after the poodle came on to my Goldern Retriever when she was in season. He got in trouble, and is classified as a "dangerous dog" for his pitt bull performance, LOL, but I willingly pay $100 to register him, and an additional $300 for his liability insurance, because I understand his protective nature, and will never allow him to be euthanized. Dogs don't think like humans. In his mind, the poodle violated dog herd rules. He protects all dogs and all humans in this house, and saw the poodle as out of bounds. He plays with a cat at night, but he also knows the cat belongs here. You gotta know your dog, and I know mine. he is not a dangerous dog, but a protective one, and I never have to worry about anyone breaking in at night, because they know Sambo is in my home. Thanks for your comments. You sound like someone who should give another dog a home. He or she will not take the place of your beloved, but will bring you happiness from a new source, and there are some shepherds that end up in shelters. (: v
Wayne, take your time, but check into the German Shepherd rescue organization. Plenty of German Shepherds need homes, and some are in danger of being put down in animal control shelters. You can save a life and make a forever friend. It is worth it. Give it some thought. (: v
Thanks V, I will give it a little time before making the plung and adopting a new friend.
i most definetly will give thought to rescue centre as all dogs should have a chance of a good loving life with a family that cares
Wayne, I would also like for you to know that you inspired another article from me. I titled it "Pets I've loved and Lost." Thanks so much for sharing with me. I know how truly difficult this is, because I have been there more than once, and not always under the best of circumstances. Hang in there buddy. (: v
again thanks for your words and if you need any more Inspiration just let me know
Here is the link to the article. Please click below if you'd like to read it. (: v
Completely love german shepherds - lost my boy 2 days before new year 2010 and miss him terribly (he was nearly 13) Loyal, loving and caring, not only to his human family but my cocker spaniel who he adored, she could have taken the food out of his mouth (except for his chews lol) and he would let her, protect us to the hills and back but also wouldn't hurt a fly (they were always too fast lol) Great breed - he done his breed proud and would always have another. My uncle writes poems and he's one he wrote about my boy and my dad http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId
Thanks Emma. Have never been owned by a German Shepherd dog, but suspect he might be similar to my Australian Shepherds. I'll read your Dad's poem. Thanks for leaving the link. (:v
Have always loved the GSD breed, they are an amazing combination of will and intelligence and (self)awareness.
When our first shepherd, Ola, was sick we took back and forth to Tufts Animal Hospital for treatment. Finally when all treatment options had been tried and there was nothing else they could do, we went and brought her home.
In the last week of treatment, Ola needed to spend an overnight there only once, it was after this overnight visit that we brought her home.
As my wife and I waited for the attendent to bring Ola out into the waiting room, we were standing in a position where we could see the double doors where she would be coming from. Now, being very sick, Ola was brought out on a gurney and had a muzzle on as they wheeled her towards where we were standing.
At first we could see Ola but she could not see us, and what we saw was a very angry (and not very sickly) GSD! Ola had her eyes focused on the throat of the orderly, everyone of her large teeth on display; the perfect image of her feral ancestors, total bloodlust!
The thing is, as they got closer, Ola looked around and noticed us watching her and managed to convey such a sense of embarassment, she clearly knew she should not be wanting to kill the attendent! For the next few seconds she wagged her tail, with a look of chagrin...but once or twice she would zero back in on the attendents throat...then 'remembered' that she was not supposed to kill the person who put the muzzle on her! lol
(I have a feeling this is the kind of story only dogs owners would find heartwarming, and maybe only 'large dog' owners at that!)
But the point of the story is the self-awareness that Ola evidenced in those few moments of going back and forth between the world of her ancestory and the world that she liveed in with us.
This is what I believe distinguishes the German Shepherd Dog as a breed.
As the owner of three gsds, I can't say enough good things about this breed. Responsible breeding of healthy dogs is vital to any dog breed. There's nothing like a healthy, well socialized gsd!
GSD's used to scare the life out of me a kid. Big, powerful dogs. None too keen on them now either.
Lost our beautiful Shepherd Otto last month, nothing will ever replace him but we will definitely adopt another. Wonderful dogs and very family oriented but you do not want them mad at you!!! LOL
kowality 2 years ago
My choice for the ultimate friend and guard dog. I had an incredible Shepherd called Tazmin. Your article and pictures brought back many fond memories. Thanks Valerie