Throughout the world the German Shepherd is a dog breed that is recognized as being adaptable and very physical. Of all the dog breeds they are perhaps the most known, they are renowned for their intelligence, devotion and loyalty. Despite their popularity, the breed itself has only been around about ninety years. The breed originally started in the late nineteenth century in Germany when the sheepherders came together to breed a dog with the desired working abilities.
This first group disbanded, but in 1899 another society came together that remained. The leader of this group Max von Stephanitz became known as the father of the German Shepherd. 1908 is the earliest recorded appearance of the breed in the United States. After World War I, the popularity of the breed increased dramatically.
Today they are used in a variety of special services. The breed is used by the police and military, as guide dogs, guardians, drug detection dogs and search and rescue dogs. However, they prove to be a versatile dog by still being a great family pet.
One of the most wanted aspects of the German Shepherd is their sound temperament. Their inherited temperament is one of self-confidence and nobility. While suspicious of strangers, they are often approachable and outgoing when around their caretakers. However, they are never an overly aggressive dog breed. Therefore, for those looking for a good temperament in a dog breed the German Shepherd is an excellent choice.
Many individuals think they need to select a German Shepherd that is a dominant and aggressive puppy in order to have one that will protect their family. However, this is not the case and many of them since the puppies will naturally become protective of their homes and families later on in life. Typically at five or six months of age the puppies will start to show an awareness of their people and space, this is when they will often start warning about the approach of strangers. If an individual needs more than an alert from their dog then they can train them for other roles as a puppy.
They are an excellent sized medium dog. They have enough weight to be effective as a patrolman or herder but yet they aren’t big enough to be cumbersome for the in house family pet. Typically a German Shepherd will weight around 75 to 95 pounds with the males weighing more than the females.
If you are considering getting a German Shepherd then you will need to make sure you have the appropriate household for the dog. These dogs will require a lot of attention, love and guidance if you are purchasing them as a puppy. They are also an active breed of dog that requires room to run and a lot of exercise.
No part of an article may be reproduced without the prior permission.
Nice blog. Good article. German Shepherds are a great dog. Love the breed
Comment by steve Drams — August 28, 2007 @ 9:51 pm