German Shepherds are medium to a large size dog breed, originated in Germany. It is one of America’s popular dog breeds, which belongs to the herding dog group. The German Shepherd is famous for their loyalty, courage, intelligence, ability to learn, courage, and willingness to protect their owners. Other names of German Shepherd are Alsatian wolf dog, Deutscher, Berger Allemand, and Schäferhund.
German Shepherds are intelligent, smart, well-behaved, and easy to train. Its height ranges from 22 inches to 26 inches, and they weigh about 75 to 95 pounds. This dog breed is mostly associated with the protection and guard work, but they are also listed as good service dogs. German Shepherds are the first dogs to be used for service work. They have enough strength to apply for service works, and they are commonly used to help mobility-impaired owners move around. German Shepherds have a seizure alert, i.e., they have a powerful sense of smell, and they can notice if the person is feeling anxious or monitor blood sugar levels. The owners can lean on them in case of emergencies.
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Appearances of German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds have a domed forehead with strong jaws. The eyes are brown and medium-sized. They have a black nose, and the ears are large, open at the front and parallel, which stands erect. This dog breed has a long neck raised when excited and lowered while moving at a fast pace. German Shepherd is a well-balanced dog breed, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter.
The German shepherds have a dense, double coat with a thick undercoat. They are mostly tan/black or red/black. The dog breed also has an aloof and a suspicious nature sometimes. They look great as a watchdog, but they are not the family dog who’ll make guests feel welcome. And, they can become anxious and aggressive if not appropriately trained. German Shepherds enjoy physical challenges, and they require daily mental stimulation.
Types of German Shepherds breeds
German Shepherds comes in different sizes, colors, body styles, and collaboration patterns. There are many varieties of German Shepherd. The types are distinguished based on lines, working or show lines, and based on coat color.
Based on lines
Most recognized types of German Shepherd dogs based on lines are described below:
1. American and Canadian Show Lines
American and Canadian Show Lines have short-hair, and they are bred to be show dogs. They come in an assortment of colors: black, sable, bi-color, black and tan saddle, and white. Their coats are thicker than the working dogs.
2. West German Show Lines
West German Show Lines have specific appearances. They have larger heads and are skilled to be working. This breed comes in a variety of colors, and the two most common are black and red and black and tan.
3. West German Working Lines
West German Working Lines are bred for their ability to learn, listen, and work. They have a black body with brown legs and have the desire to please their owners. The most common color is black and red, but they are also found in sable, black and tan, and bi-color.
4. East German Working Lines
East German Working Lines are separated from the West German, as they are bred for workability as guard dogs or military dogs. They have longer legs and are usually dark-colored. As compared to West Germans, they are less susceptible to health issues.
5. Czech Working Lines
Czech Working Lines are strong and agile, definitely the most wolfish among their cousins. They are smaller than other lines, specially bred to be patrol guards. Their coat color is much darker and comes up in one color like black, grey, or dark brown. They have fewer health problems than any other line.
Beside them, some other variants of German Shepherd based on breeding sector include East-European Shepherd, King Shepherd, Shiloh Shepherd, White Swiss Shepherd Dog, and White Shepherd.
Based on coat color
Based on coat color, different types of German Shepherd are described below:
1. Saddle coat German Shepherd Dog
Saddle coat German Shepherd Dog is the most common type of German Shepherd. It is usually of two-color, black and tan/red. The patch of black fur lies over their back, so some people refer to this as a blanket pattern. They usually have tan legs and necks with a prominent black mask on their face.
2. Solid Color German Shepherd Dog
Black German Shepherd Dog is less common than the Saddle coat type. The Solid Color German Shepherd can be entirely black colored or white. They possibly can have powder blue colors in their coat. They are the result of recessive genes.
3. Sable German Shepherd Dog
Sable German Shepherd Dog has multicolored hairs over their bodies. The color can be the combination of tan, black, gray, or even gold. They are believed to be dominant over other variations in German Shepherd colors.
4. Panda German Shepherd Dog
Panda German Shepherd Dog has a white coat on the abdomen and legs but has black color on other parts. This combination gives them a sort of panda like appearances, and this is because of genetic mutation. They are not found commonly.
The appearance of German Shepherd
Average Height
German Shepherd Dogs have a high growth rate. They can stand as high as 26 inches at the shoulder. The head of German Shepherd is not included in the animal measurements. The standard height of male German Shepherd is 24 to 26 inches at the withers, while that of females is 22 to 24 inches at the withers. They are longer as compared to being taller.
Weight
The German Shepherd reaches its mature weight at the age of three. On average, the weight of the German Shepherd is 75 to 95 pounds. The male German Shepherd puppy weighs about 5 to 9 pounds, and the female German Shepherd puppy weighs about 4 to 8 pounds. The adult male German Shepherd weighs 78 to 90 pounds, and the adult female German Shepherd weighs 66 to 75 pounds.
German Shepherd’s coat color
German shepherds have medium to long length coat, straight or slightly wavy. Their coats should be brushed frequently, twice a week. They have a high shedding rate, so German Shepherds are also called as German Shedders. The coat of this breed resists dirt and debris, which results in the cleanliness of the dog.
German Shepherds are a double-coated energetic breed. The hard coat of German Shepherds is either red/black or tan/black. Some common color varieties have black masks and black body markings. A rare color variation of German Shepherd includes pure-black, liver, silver, pure-white, gray, blue, and panda varieties.
The Lifespan of German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large, smart dogs having an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years.
Cost of German Shepherd puppy
The German Shepherds are not cheap, but the love and happiness they bring to the family are worth it. On average, the cost of German Shepherd ranges from $500 to $1500, depending upon the breeder. There is a cost difference between purchasing and adopting this dog breed. Adopting the Golden Shepherd is less expensive than buying one from the breeder. While selecting a pet, the price of adoption ranges from $350 to $600.
How to groom German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are large, robust, and easy-going breeds, but grooming is not as simple as you think. The process of grooming German Shepherd is natural. They have medium to long, dense double coat. German Shepherds are also called German Shedder as they shed mostly in spring and fall. You should groom your pet from time to time. Grooming a German Shepherd is an enjoyable bonding time. A good quality slicker brush or pin brush, a steel comb, nail clipper, and spray are some of the essential grooming suppliers of German Shepherd. The grooming suppliers should be of good quality one.
Some of the steps to groom your German Shepherd are:
Set Up Your German Shepherd Grooming Station
The first step of grooming your German Shepherd is setting up a grooming station. Choose a comfortable place to groom your German Shepherd. Some people select the place where they can sit to watch television and groom their dog while watching TV. Other people prefer to groom their pets in a bathroom, balcony, laundry room, or additional space to clean the floor afterward easily.
Inspecting
Begin each grooming session of your German Shepherd with a head to toe massage. Massaging a dog helps to loosen dead hair and skin. Pick up each foot, wiggle each toe, and gently rub each ear to make your German Shepherd feel pleased.
Prepare your German Shepherd for grooming.
This step involves two processes, brushing and bathing German Shepherd. Spend some extra time for the German Shepherd’s body where the fur is thick. Brush the coat from head to toe once a week with proper care. Remove matted hair with the help of a sharp pair of scissors. The brushing action simulates the natural oil in the skin and keeps their coat glistening.
The bathing shampoo is available in the dog store or some supermarkets. If your German Shepherd is smelly and dirty; then, bath it before grooming. Bath your German Shepherd with a quality shampoo and warm water, once in every two months. Frequent bathing can dry out their skin. After bathing, comb, or brush your German Shepherd again to straighten out the coat.
Trim your German Shepherd’s coat
A German Shepherd is a double-coated dog breed that keeps the dog at a comfortable temperature. So, avoid trimming your dog’s entire skin and use a pair of thinning shears or a sharp pair of scissors for fur trimming. Trim the German Shepherd’s coat from toe, feet, leg, body, chest, neck, ears up to its tail. Do not trim the fur too short. Trim the length by tapering the coat from base to its tip.
Complete the grooming of German Shepherd
The grooming of the German Shepherd is not complete without paying attention to its ears, eyes, and nails. These three parts are sensitive organs of a dog. If your pet’s ears look dirty, clean the visible parts with a cotton ball. Check your German Shepherd’s eyes daily for discharge or irritation. Use mineral oil and cotton ball to clean your dog’s eyes, but do not apply directly in the eyes. Take your time and cut the toenails of German Shepherd using a good pair of dog nail trimmers. If you don’t want to bath your German Shepherd, then apply dry shampoo. To complete the grooming rituals, remember to use flea and tick preventive. Also, apply pest control products on the body.
Health issues of German Shepherd
German shepherds are generally healthy like other breeds. But, they are prone to some of the health diseases. If you are planning to get German Shepherd as a pet, you must be aware of their health problems and take good care of them. Not all German Shepherds will be affected by all or any of these diseases, but you should be known to them.
Some of the severe health conditions are:
1. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the severe health conditions in dogs. It is an abnormal formation of the hip socket, which eventually causes arthritis and lameness of the hip joints. The word dysplasia refers to the faulty development of bones. Difficulty in jumping and running, lameness in the hind end, narrow stance, and loss in thigh muscles are symptoms of hip dysplasia. This health issue can be diagnosed with radiographs of the pelvis. There is no complete cure for this problem, but it can be controlled with medications, routine exercises, and physical home therapy. If the problem is not cured through medication, then surgery is considered.
2. Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is one of the most common causes of lameness in young dog’s forelimb. It is a heritable disease. Difficulty in getting up, swollen joints, reluctancy to go on walk or play are some of the causes of this illness. You can diagnose this health problem through radiographs. If you suspect that your German Shepherd is suffering from elbow dysplasia, visit the veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment options of this disease depend on how severe your pet’s condition is. If the problem is mild, it can be controlled with medications, routine exercises, and physical home therapy. If the problem is not cured through medication, then surgery is considered. Most commonly, fiber optic scope or arthroscopy is used as a surgical method.
3. Diabetes
Another common disease in the German Shepherd is diabetes. It is a severe problem, which needs to be diagnosed and treated in the early stage. German Shepherds are unable to regulate the metabolisms of sugar and require daily insulin injection. The symptoms of this disease include weight loss, along with excessive eating, drinking, and urination.
4. Epilepsy
German Shepherds are mostly affected by epilepsy. There are three different types of seizures: reactive, primary, and secondary. Reactive seizures are caused by the brain’s reaction to problems like organ failure or low blood sugar. Secondary seizures are the result of stroke, trauma, or brain tumor. And primary seizures result in no other cause. If your German Shepherd has a seizure, prevent it from injuring himself, and he/she may bite you accidentally. Long medication helps to keep these seizures under control.
5. Allergies
In addition to the loving nature of German Shepherds, they develop some allergic problems. They can be allergic to various substances like house dust, food, chemicals, bacteria, and pollen. In response to these allergies, the dog’s immune system produces a protein called immunoglobulin E, which makes their skin itchy, causing inflammation and irritation. The feet, folds of skin, belly, and ears are most affected. Some common allergies in German Shepherd include flea allergies, food allergies, inhalant allergies, and bacterial allergies. The allergy symptoms in a dog are similar to those in humans. Licking the paws, hot spots, frequent ear infections, and rubbing the face are the most common signs of allergies. There are many treatment options available for the allergies, and get your pet checked by your vet.
6. Bloat
It is also known as Gastric Dilation-Volvulus. Bloat is a common condition in dogs that can be dangerous, even deadly. This health issue is common in German Shepherds too. Those dogs that are affected by this problem need to treat it right away. This problem arises when your dog’s stomach is filled with gas, food, or fluids, making it expand. Symptoms like acting restless, having swollen stomach, vomiting, anxious look are observed. If the condition worsens, your dog may be short of breathing, collapse, or have a rapid heartbeat.
How to care for your German Shepherd?
You should take special care if you are raising a German Shepherd. Make a schedule to care and help your pet to stay healthy and live longer. Proper diet and exercise routine are also crucial for their health.
- German Shepherds have good teeth, so brush them at least twice a week to keep them perfect.
- Be sure your dog has access to clean and fresh water.
- The eyes and ears are sensitive organs, and they should be cleaned weekly.
- Brush the medium to long, dense coat from head to toe once a week.
- They have a passion for water, and swimming is a perfect form of exercise.
- Feed them a high-quality diet appropriate according to the age.
- They are an active breed. Exercise your dog regularly for about an hour, but do not overdo it.
- Do not let your German Shepherd puppy play on the harsh substances until the joins are fully formed.
- They are built for action, and they love outdoor games.
- German Shepherds are mouthy, and they love having something to carry in their mouths. Try giving them a ball, newspaper, or a soft toy but not hard ones.
- If your pet shows any kind of pain, then visit the vet as soon as possible.
- Keep your German Shepherd in good shape.
Can the German Shepherd be mixed with other breeds?
The answer to this question is yes. The purebred German Shepherds are noble, diligent, and beautiful, and its mixes are amazing too. This versatile breed can be mixed with many other adorable kinds to make some pretty cross-breeds.
Some of the German Shepherd mixes are:
- German Shepherd x Golden Retriever = Golden Shepherd
- German Shepherd x Pug = The Shug
- German Shepherd x Chow Chow = Chow Shepherd
- German Shepherd x Labrador Retriever = Labrashepherd
- German Shepherd x Siberian Husky = Siberian Shepherd
- German Shepherd x Collie = Shollie
- German Shepherd x Corgies = Corman Shepherd
- German Shepherd x Pitbull Terrier = Shepherd Pit
- German Shepherd x Rottweiler = Rottweiler Shepherd
- German Shepherd x Akita = Shepkita
- German Shepherd x Poodle = Shepadoodle
- German Shepherd x Alaskan Malamute = Alaskan Shepherd
- German Shepherd x Bernese Mountain Dog = Euro Mountain Sheparnese
The preferred food for German Shepherd
German Shepherds are prone to specific health issues as listed above, and choosing high-quality food may reduce the risk of health problems. They need a protein-rich diet with moderate fat and calorie content. Avoid giving cooked bone and high-fat foods. Some human foods are safe while others are not, so check it with your vet concerning its diet. The German Shepherd food should be made from natural ingredients, and nutritionally balanced. Feed your dog twice a day in a proper amount. Dry kibble, wet canned, semi-moist, freeze-dried, and frozen-then-thawed food can be given to German Shepherds.
German Shepherd puppies require high-quality, balanced nutrients to support muscle and bone growth, a robust digestive system, and a healthy immune system. They should have about 500 calories per day. Feed your German Shepherd puppies about three times a day with a small amount of food content. The dog foods are available in Pet shops, online stores, or in some grocery stores.
Some of the best dog foods for German Shepherd puppies are listed below:
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy
- Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Food
- Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Food
- Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food
Some of the best dog foods for adult German Shepherd are listed below:
- Orijen Adult Dog Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food
- Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free
- Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
- Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog Food
- Dr. Gary’s Best Breed German Dog Diet
- BLUE Wilderness® Adult Large Breed Grain-Free