German Shepherd - The Family Dog - Recently Updated Pages

Caring For A German Shepherd Pup

JanRyan — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:46:16 CDT

Bringing a German Shepherd pup into your home is both an exciting and challenging time in anyone's life as there are many new adventures and learning processes to go through. While German Shepherd Puppies are fun loving pups, they do need proper care and guidance so they do not end up being large and mean animals. With the right combination of love, compassion and guidance, your puppy can grow into a well-behaved and tame dog that no one has to fear.

Even though many raise the German Shepherd breed to be a guard dog inside the home, you do not want him or her to be too mean, so that they will never turn on a family member causing them both emotional and physical harm. Training them right from the beginning can mean a lifetime of friendship and your dog will grow to alert you of danger to protect you, not in order to harm another person.
Dogs are pack animals and the German Shepard pup is no exception to this rule. Within every pack there is a pack leader and it is vitally important to establish who the pack leader is from the beginning. A human adult should always be the pack leader and never the dog. When raising your pup, it is important to know that proper German Shepherd puppy care should be taken into consideration in order to achieve the results that will make for a wonderful pet and possible guard dog.

Never be violent with your dog when trying to raise them to view you as the leader. The leader must be someone the dog respects so that you have a smaller chance of the dog turning on you in the future. Your German Shepherd pup should be trained with care and if the need arises, seek a professional trainer's advice before its too late. As soon as you see a problem that you do not know how to deal with, it is better to seek help then to wait until it gets out of hand.
If you want to make sure that you have a well-behaved and well-trained dog, it is important to make sure that proper training is done during the puppy stages to achieve this. EveryGerman Shepherd pup should be able to sit, stay, come and heel on command. Along with potty training and other house breaking sessions, your pup must learn to listen to you.

Raising a well-behaved pup is easy as long as proper training and nutrition are given. Nutrition is something that a lot of people do not seem to always link to behavior problems. If your pup is suffering from something due to the lack of proper nutrition, then they may act out in order to tell you something is wrong. Since dogs can't speak, it is up to you to give them everything they need. By doing a few simple steps, you will help not only yourself but your pup as well.

The German Shepherd pup is not only a wonderful friend to have in the house but a great alarm, as they are ready to bark at any sign of danger.German Shepherd Puppies must be taught though who is in control though.German Shepherd puppy care is something that should be given with great care and caution. This will make sure that your German Shepherd pup grows into a trust worthy adult.

Locating German Shepherd Puppies

JanRyan — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:14:43 CDT

When looking at different German Shepherd puppies for purchase or an adoption, it is important to try and weed out any puppies that may pose a problem to your house or family if they have been exposed to neglect or abuse. While bringing an abused dog into your home may not always have a negative outcome and even though all puppies need love, if you have a family or any small children at home, even a small risk of something going wrong because of abuse is better left avoided. There are many signs to look for when looking over a puppy, which can give you an idea of its overall personality. You want a puppy that will fit in perfectly with your family and the type of lifestyle that you have. By taking these small little extra steps, you are making sure that bringing home that puppy will not be a decision that you will regret any time in the near future.
When shopping for German Shepherd Puppies, it is important to understand what it is you need to look for in a puppy. To get a feel for what they have been experiencing the last couple of weeks, take a look at the breeder and the location where the puppies have been raised up to that point. If there is something there that alerts you or causes you any reason for concern then it is best to look somewhere else. You want to make sure that the puppy that you are considering is one that is as active as the others and seems to be physically up to speed with his or her siblings. Looking at these few things will help make sure that your purchase is the right one and that you can avoid problems later down the road, which can be extremely stressful. Most importantly you must take your time and never make any snap decisions.
Although you don't get to pick your family, you do get to pick your puppy. And when looking at a litter ofGerman Shepherd puppies it is important to make sure that you already have a good understanding of the type of puppy that would fit well into your home and lifestyle. If you are wanting a dog that is more independent, then a puppy who clings to you may not be the best option as puppies behavior is often a good indication of how they will act once they are full grown. Take your time and really look at their individual personalities to make sure that you are making the right choice. Look over everything from how the puppy acts with you and with other animals as you want a puppy that is comfortable meeting new people and you never know when you want to bring another new pet into the home.

Picking the right one from a litter ofGerman Shepherd puppies is an important decision as you have to live with it for a long time. This article explainshow to choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will be a perfect fit for you and your family.

Happiness Is A Trained German Shepherd Puppy

JanRyan — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:09:45 CDT

German Shepherds have an image problem of being inherently vicious when, in fact, they aren't. They were never bred to fight other animals or human beings. They were bred, however, to be extremely obedient and willing to please. So, if you ever read about a German Shepherd attacking a human being, it was because the dog was trained to attack, not because the dog is mean.

When thinking up German Shepherd puppy manes for your special furry friend, don't use aggressive names like "Killer" or "Cannibal" This promotes the negative stereotype that German Shepherds are mindless killing machines. You never know whom you and your German Shepherd puppy will be meeting. There are many people frightened of dogs and urging breed specific legislation to outlaw the ownership of some breeds of dog including the German Shepherd. You and your German Shepherd puppy need to be ambassadors for this breed. The right for you to own your German Shepherd puppy is at stake.
Never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a pet store or from an Internet sight that will ship a pup to you without asking you any questions beyond, "Check or charge?" These puppies will be from puppy mills. They will not only be sickly, but they will have missed a major learning period for basic training and will be harder to train and more uncontrollable. The best German Shepherd puppies are from breeders, from animal shelters or from German Shepherd rescues. One of the times German Shepherds are most abandoned is when they are six months old and past the cute stage.

Encourage the German Shepherd puppy to lie down and sleep to lessen the shock of a car ride. Go to the vet within 24 hours of bringing the puppy home, even if the puppy has passed a vet's inspection at a shelter. When you get the German Shepherd puppy home, take it where you want it to relieve itself. Praise the puppy highly when they go in the right place. Keep using that place for toilet training and use verbal commands.
AGerman Shepherd puppy tends to learn faster than most other breeds of dogs, but they still learn at their own rate. Instead of yelling at a puppy for chewing, promptly give them something acceptable to chew and praise highly. In time, the German Shepherd puppy will seek out appropriate things to chew in order to get your praise. Keep your training sessions short and frequent.

Please give a lot of thought into your German Shepherd puppy's name. If they have papers, the breeder will have given them a moniker longer than the puppy. This is impractical for pet German Shepherd dog names. Make them only three syllables long or less and easy for you to pronounce. Please don't make the name sound similar to a command, else the dog will get confused and just think you are babbling. The name you choose needs to get the puppy's attention and hold it.

German Shepherd puppies make very loyal, protective and loving pets. This author is currently working on a book about dog names, including a chapter onGerman Shepherd puppy names.

Life With A German Shepherd Puppy

JanRyan — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:23:58 CDT

German Shepherd puppies come in several varieties of colors. They can be black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, black and brown and sable. A German Shepherd puppy for sale that has tufts of hair in his ears and between his toes will be considered a long coated black German Shepherd and are not accepted as standard by the AKC, neither are completely white German Shepherd dogs.. However, the black long coated German Shepherd puppy will become an excellent family pet.

The easiest way to find German Shepherd puppies for sale is by looking on the Internet. That at least is a good start. There are several things you must consider when looking for a German Shepherd puppy for sale and locating a good breeder is one of the main considerations. You must do your homework by researching about the breed before you start any search for German Shepherd puppies.
Be aware when looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale. You must first research the breed well so you know everything you possibly can about German Shepherds. When researching the breed you will find out all of the information that you can expect from the breeder. The breed must be exceptionally knowledgeable about the breed and the AKC. He must give you all of the medical information on the puppy, as well as any social behavior problems or advantages. He must show you where the puppy has lived during his short life and he and his family must be interacting currently with the puppy as if it were their own. German Shepherd puppies usually come in litters of ten and the breeder must know characteristics about each and every puppy in the litter. He must also ask you specific questions that you will expect from reading the information about the breed.

Owning an American Kennel Club registered puppy means your puppy has a specific pedigree. The breeders are very aware of this and should abide by the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Council. There are many breeders and doing your homework on these breeders will save you a major headache when you are looking for aGerman Shepherd puppy for sale.

Each of these breeders should provide your puppy with the appropriate American Kennel Club papers, be wormed and have it's shots. The puppy should also come with a very good health guarantee. If the breeder does not provide you with all of these items, then he is not a reputable breeder and spending your money with him will be a major waste of your time. Search the Internet for German Shepherd puppies for sale and contact the American Kennel Club for a list of reputable German Shepherd breeders.

You must find a reputable breeder ofGerman Shepherd puppies before you begin the process of purchasing a puppy. Locate a good pet store when buyingGerman Shepherd puppy supplies. Your breeder can help you in this endeavor.

Where To Find German Shepherd Puppies For Sale

JanRyan — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:14:54 CDT

For both the individual and family owner the German Shepherd puppy is an excellent pet since they are athletic, energetic and bonding. The breed is also trained for search and rescue roles as well as police dogs. When you are choosing between German Shepherd puppies for sale you should consider the health and breed standards. Set up an initial meeting with your puppy once you know which one you are considering buying. Carefully observe how the puppy reacts to your voice and touch, make sure they are eager to make friends and affectionate.

It is important to train your puppy early in life or at the very least find one with a good temperament since they can become aggressive later in life. Any methods the former owners have used in socializing are important to the early socializing of the dog. You want to start the puppy out early with interacting with other dogs and humans.
If you are buying from a breeder you next want to ask to see both of the parents of the puppy you are considering. You will want to carefully observe how the parents react to you as a stranger, as they shouldn't have any signs of unwanted aggression. The temperament of the parents will be present in the litter. You also want to make sure the parents move easily and unencumbered for health reasons. Ask to see the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for the puppy's parents.

Hip dysphasia is common in German Shepherds and it is a genetic condition so it can be passed on to the litters. When you are considering German Shepherd puppies for sale it is always important to consider the rating that the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals gives to all registered canines as a result of X-rays showing the dogs bone structure. Dogs who are prone to hip dysphasia shouldn't be bred and if the owners can't give you Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for their dogs you should consider purchasing your puppies from someone else.
The final step when consideringGerman Shepherd Puppies for sale is to consider the appearance and health of the puppy. You want a puppy with clear and alert eyes, pink and healthy gums and ears that are free of any foreign matter. The puppy shouldn't be overly energetic but it is important that it is at least playful. It is also a good idea to consider the puppy's lineage. If the breeder is a member of the American Kennel Club they should have family charts that not only show the puppy's parents but also traces the ancestors for several generations on both sides.

Then after purchasing your puppy you should take them to the veterinarian right away in order to have them de-wormed and get all their immunization shots. When socializing your puppy you should walk them with other dogs or humans, have play dates with dogs or friends and take them to pet stores if it is allowed.

When you are looking forGerman Shepherd puppies you will need to take several steps in order to find a healthy and good puppy. After getting a new puppy it is important to know properGerman Shepherd puppy care.

German Shepherd Information

JanRyan — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:10:42 CDT

When purchasing a purebred German Shepherd, a great deal of research must be performed in advance of buying. Key questions a potential buyer must ask include the following. What is the history of the German Shepherd? What is the breed standard and what are potential health concerns of this breed? Where do I find a reputable German Shepherd breeder? How do I care for a German Shepherd? What should I look for as far as a warranty or guarantee for my purebred German Shepherd? What other German shepherd information is available to me?

Additionally, buyers should ask themselves why they want a German Shepherd. Some may desire this breed for its utilitarian nature. Others may want a dog that is a good protector. Others may just want a household companion. If the dog is to be used as a working dog, buyers will need to buy from specific breeders that handle dogs with a family history of training in relevant tasks.
Because German Shepherds are large dogs with unlimited intelligence and trainability, it is important that they begin life in optimum conditions. German Shepherd breeders specialize in this breed and know its history, characteristics and potential medical problems. German Shepherds can be trained to work in a variety of tasks. Many are guides for the blind and members of the police force. This makes it doubly important that a buyer purchases a German Shepherd from an appropriate breeder.

The only place to buy a purebred German Shepherd is from a certified, reputable German Shepherd breeder. They will have thorough German Shepherd information and will actually care for the dogs they are selling. German Shepherd breeders will provide evidence of pedigree and certification of ancestry (preferably AKC certified) and also medical records information. All other sellers of purebred German Shepherds cannot or will not provide this information. Good German Shepherd breeders do not sell to pet stores. They do not use brokers to deal puppies. Rescue centers are the only other appropriate place to purchase a German Shepherd because they are usually run by or affiliated with ethical breeders.
A badGerman Shepherd breeder only breeds dogs for cold hard cash and nothing more. They see the puppies and the parents as merchandise, not as living creatures. The term puppy mill or backyard breeder is the name given to these illicit breeders. The females are bred each and every season leading to shorter life spans and ill health. They are confined to very small cages and have no socialization of any kind. The puppies are kept in the same kind of conditions, which can lead to physically and emotionally unhealthy litters. These are the kind of puppies found at pet stores.

The best advice is to find a reputable German Sherperd breeder that really cares about the puppies they produce. This kind of breeder will ask questions of potential buyers to ensure the well being of the puppy in it's new home. They will have all the appropriate paperwork such as American Kennel Club registration and veterinarian health reports as well as plenty of care information to pass on to the new family.

One main difference between good and badGerman Shepherd breeders is that a good German Shepherd breeder will never sell puppies to a pet store.German Shepherd information about locating a reputable German Shepherd breeder is provided in this article.

Reputable German Shepherd Breeders

JanRyan — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:13:14 CDT

The history of the German Shepherd dog is relatively brief compared to other breeds. A version of the sheepdog, the first German Shepherd was classified as such by a German cavalry captain named Max von Stephanitz. The dog, Hektor, was renamed Horand von Grafath, and in 1899 was the first German Shepherd registered by the Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde, or The German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany.

The German Shepherd dog is wolfish in appearance and has been bred to retain its lupine beauty, intelligence and utility. This breed is one of the most popular dogs in the world. It was renamed the Alsatian Wolf Dog briefly in the 1900s due to anti-German sentiment surrounding World War II. Though this breed is classified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as part of the herding group, German Shepherds perform many other functions. Though other breeds may be able to defeat the German Shepherd in specific tasks, the Shepherd is one of the best-rounded dogs and is capable of being trained to do many tasks. German Shepherd breeders may often train these dogs. The breed is commonly used in police work, as guides for the blind, and as security for many families and businesses.
Purebred German Shepherds have specific characteristics. Max von Stephanitz inbred the first German Shepherds so that certain traits would be guaranteed in the line. The German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany sets the breed standard. It defines characteristics from body measurements to character to gait. German Shepherd breeders should be familiar with the breed standard as well as what health problems to expect and to have dogs evaluated for. For example, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and other skeletal disorders.

Good German Shepherd breeders will also have registration papers or some form of pedigree for each Shepherd they sell, preferably from the American Kennel Club. German Shepherd breeders will also provide medical records and offer a guarantee against the dog developing hip dysplasia at least within the first year. Good breeders have their own kennels, and dogs should receive daily socialization as well as being well fed and groomed. Unfortunately, there are many German Shepherd breeders who may attempt to sell Shepherds with false registration papers. They may also sell unhealthy German Shepherds. It is important to know how to avoid bad German shepherd breeders.
How does a buyer avoid bad or illicitGerman Shepherd breeders? There are some obvious signs by which to recognize bad breeders. Unlike good breeders, bad breeders often do not have their own kennels, or if they do they refuse to allow buyers to visit. This is a clue that the breeder does not want the buyer to see the environment in which the German Shepherd has been raised or that the breeder does not have a kennel at all. Some so called breeders are actually brokers who take a fee for finding buyers for German Shepherd breeders.

Another sign is that the breeder cannot or will not provide health information. Some may have ties with specific veterinarians and may want a buyer to get medical documentation only from certain vets. A buyer should be able to take their puppy for evaluation at the veterinarian's office of their choice. A final sign of a bad breeder is not asking the buyers for any information about themselves. Good breeders interview buyers to make sure the household their puppy is going to will be appropriate and have adequate discipline, care and training. Breeders that don't ask questions don't care about their German Shepherds.

It is important to know how to locate reputableGerman Shepherd breeders. This article providesGerman Shepherd information and gives a history of German Shepherd breeders.

The Fake German Shepherd Breeder: Bad To The Bone

JanRyan — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:43:27 CDT

The German Shepherd dog is one of the most beloved and honored dogs in the world. Though this breed is classified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the herding group and began as a herding dog, German Shepherds perform many other jobs today. Because of their inherent courage, work ethic, intelligence, loyalty and overall trainability, German Shepherd dogs are commonly used in police work, as escorts for the blind, and as security for many families and businesses. There is no better protector than a German Shepherd.

German Shepherds are native to Germany. The first of the breed was a sheep-herding dog. This dog, given the name Horand von Grafath, became the first German Shepherd registered in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany in 1899. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1911.

German Shepherd breeders are common in North America due to the high demand not only for purebred German Shepherds, but for Shepherds with specific training. A German Shepherd breeder may specialize in training this breed for the visually impaired, for the police, and for use in tracking and protection. The Germans have a special training program for Shepherds to become "Schutzhunds," or protection dogs.
There are a few precautions any potential German Shepherd buyer should take before making a purchase of a purebred German Shepherd dog. First, know what you are looking for. Second, know what purpose you plan to utilize the German Shepherd for. Third, know what it takes to care for a German Shepherd. Fourth, know where to find a reputable breeder.

Purebred German Shepherds have specific characteristics. They should also have registration papers or some form of pedigree, preferably from the American Kennel Club. Because German Shepherds are trained in various tasks and graduate from training programs, their lineage should reflect the rankings and accomplishments of their parents. The German Shepherd breeder should have his or her own kennel, and dogs should receive daily contact, grooming, socializing and training.

Unfortunately, a German Shepherd breeder may attempt to sell faulty German Shepherds. Make sure you obtain a complete copy of your German Shepherd's medical records including health history, immunization records, results of blood tests, and any other relevant health information. This breed is prone to hip problems and a reputable German Shepherd breeder will give you some form of warranty or guarantee that your German Shepherd has been evaluated.
An alternative to buying a purebred puppy from aGerman Shepherd breeder is buying from a rescue center. Rescue centers save purebred dogs from abuse and abandonment. The centers socialize rescues and foster or adopt dogs out to appropriate, loving owners. Rescue centers are often either run by or affiliated with reputable breeders. A sure-fire way to tell a good breeder from bad is to see how involved they are with their dogs. Good German Shepherd breeders love German Shepherds!

Unfortunately, many German Shepherds, among other dog breeds, are raised in what are termed puppy mills, where breeders continuously make the dogs produce litters with no regard for the adult's health and happiness. Breeders who run illegal puppy mills are even worse than those trying to sell fake purebred dogs.

To recap, a reputable German Shepherd breeder will have his or her own kennel, will provide documentation of lineage and health information, and will be affiliated with a rescue center, ASPCA, or other agencies that support animals.

It is important to know how to locate reputableGerman Shepherd breeders. This article containsGerman Shepherd information and gives tips on how to find a good German Shepherd breeder.

Serious Questions For A German Shepherd Breeder

JanRyan — Sun, 11 May 2008 21:36:08 CDT

You and your family have made your decision and plan to get a German Shepherd as the new family pet. Now that you have made that decision the time has come for an even more important decision and that is choosing the right German Shepherd breeder for you and your family. This part of the process is extremely important so take it very seriously and make sure you do a thorough check of all the available breeders before you settle on just one.

You will be talking to a lot of breeders and this is necessary because any reputable breeder will expect you to talk to a lot of breeders. You are not going to hurt a good breeder's feelings by exploring options. Don't just settle for the first breeder you talk to, branch out and talk to more. You will be needing to feel comfortable talking with your breeder for many years to come so make sure you feel like you can really talk to the breeder you choose.
In most cases a reputable German Shepherd breeder is going to be affiliated with one of the national breeder registries. Find out which one the breeder you are talking to is affiliated with and check out that organization's breeding standards. If you see some things that concern you then discuss them with the breeder. If the breeder you are talking to is not listed on a registry then ask them why they chose to not be listed and ask them what they use for breeding standards.

A good breeder does not allow you to leave with your new pup empty handed. A good breeder is going to supply you with a lot of care and feeding information that is vital to the health and well being of your dog. A good breeder will also see to it that you leave with a sample of your dog's food so that you know what to feed your dog. If you do not get these things from the breeder you are dealing with then you will want to question that.
It is not uncommon for a reputableGerman Shepherd breeder to offer a free six-week pet insurance policy for you and your new pup. The breeder gets these policies for free from insurance companies and you can use this policy with your pup's first vet appointment. If you find the policy helpful then the insurance company hopes you reinstate it before it expires while the breeder is just happy he was able to help you with your first vet appointment.

It is so important to feel comfortable with your breeder so make sure you take the time to talk to them and really get to know them. If you feel comfortable and able to talk to a breeder then you may have found your breeder, but if you are not comfortable then you will need to move on because a breeder will be in your dog's life for years and a good relationship is very important.

This article contains useful information aboutGerman Shepherd breeders. There is some very useful and importantGerman Shepherd information in this article.

Advice You Need To Find German Shepherd Breeders

JanRyan — Sun, 04 May 2008 21:41:13 CDT

The family has decided that it is time to get that German Shepherd pup you have all been talking about for a while now so all you need to do is contact the German Shepherd breeder of your choice and get your dog. What? You have no idea how to get in touch with a good German Shepherd breeder? Well that is no problem. There are many steps you should follow to find a breeder that you will very happy to work with. Some of the methods are obvious while others are not so obvious but you should try them all to find the right breeder for you.

As simple as this may sound you can start your search by looking in the phone book. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that contrary to popular belief not all reputable business people advertise in the phone book. Some of the better breeders only do business with referrals from people they know and that may be better than anyone you can find in the phone book. But it is worth a try.
You will never get better pet advice than the advice you get from your vet. If you already have pets and go to regular vet then be sure to ask them to recommend a good German Shepherd breeder that you can talk to. If this will be your first pet then the best time to find a vet is while you are looking for a breeder. This way your vet can refer you to the breeders that they do business with, trust and refer you to. It is a large network of referrals and the only way into that network is to keep customers happy so you should be able to get a great recommendation from your vet.

You will also want to see what the national breeder registries have listed for breeders in your area. The national registries like the American Kennel Club have their codes of breeding that their member breeders use as their breed guidelines and standards. So not only will you find the names of breeders that care enough about their business to adhere to a national standard but you can also see what that standard is.
The Internet is a great resource all around and sometimes even the most reputable ofGerman Shepherd breeders do not list themselves with registries. They may, however, have a website for you to look through. So the Internet is yet another source where you can do your German Shepherd breeder research. The Internet is full of a lot of very useful information that can help you decide if a breeder is right for you or not. You can also use the Internet to see the list of all of the breeders in your area regardless of whether or not they are listed with a registry. It is a great tool to use.

Using just one source to find your German Shepherd breeder is not a great way to go about finding the right one. You need to use a combination of resources to help you find the breeders that you will want to talk to. Remember to take your time and make the right decisions, as the breeder you choose will be the breeder you are with for many years to come.

This article is a great resource if you are looking forGerman Shepherd breeders. There is helpfulGerman Shepherd information in this article.

Standards Of The Noble German Shepherd Breed.

JanRyan — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:25:56 CDT

The body that establishes standards of dog breeds in the United States is the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Kennel Club decides what qualities make a dog a show quality German Shepherd. German Shepherds in dog shows are judged against these standards, and the dog that comes the closest to matching all the standards of the breed wins the dog show. German Shepherds that win certain prizes in American Kennel Club dog shows can earn the rank of American Kennel Club champion, a designation that appears on a dog's pedigree.

The categories that make up the standard of the German Shepherd breed include: appearance, temperament, size and proportion, coat and color and gait, the way the dog moves. A German Shepherd who meets the appearance standard of the breed gives the impression of a strong animal, alert and full of life. A good German Shepherd looks substantial and muscular, with an expression of nobility and quality breeding. The standard of the German Shepherd breed calls for a confident personality, slow to make friends. German Shepherds are alert and eager, ready to be report for duty as guide dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, herding dogs or loyal family companions.
The standards require that German Shepherd males should be twenty four to twenty six inches tall at the shoulder; females should be twenty two to twenty four inches tall. The German Shepherd head is noble, strong, and in proportion to the body. Males should look masculine, and females should look feminine. The face includes dark eyes, moderately pointed ears and a long, strong muzzle. A dog with cropped or hanging ears will be disqualified from competition, as will a dog with a nose that is not predominantly black. The neck should be strong, muscular and relatively long, carrying the head high and forward. The body should be deep with long ribs, a firmly held abdomen and a high, bushy tail. The forequarters are well muscled, with short, compact feet. The upper thigh should run parallel to the shoulder blade. The hindquarters are broad, with dewclaws removed from the hind legs.
The German Shepherd standard of the breed calls for a short, double coat with an extremely dense outer coat on the main body and a short coat on the head, legs and paws.German Shepherds with soft, silky, wooly and curly coats are disqualified. Variations in color are permissible, although a white dog must always be disqualified. Rich colors are preferred, and a tan face with black body is a commonly accepted color combination. A good German Shepherd, according to the American Kennel Club, trots without effort while smoothly covering territory with minimal effort. Faults of the gait are serious and can lead to disqualification.

These are the American Kennel Club standards of the German Shepherd breed against which show dogs are judged. Many of these traits have no bearing whatsoever on what kind of pet a German Shepherd will make. Usually, German Shepherds who don't meet American Kennel Club standards make excellent pets and working dogs.

American Kennel Club standards for aGerman Shepherd cover a dog's appearance and temperament. Maintaining high standards requires breeders to follow practices that promote healthy German Shepherds. IfGerman Shepherd information interests you, go to a dog show to meet German Shepherd breeders and see dozens of German Shepherds that meet the standard of the breed, all in one place.

What You Need To Know About German Shepherd Dogs

JanRyan — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:38:41 CDT

You need to know as much information as you can about any breed of dog before you adopt one. And, since the German Shepherd is a lot of dog, you need to know a lot of German Shepherd information before adopting or purchasing one! Not all dogs are alike. If you've never lived with a large dog or a very active dog before, then you are going to be in for a surprise with a German Shepherd. Hopefully, this will be a welcome surprise.

German Shepherds are not a placid, sedentary breed like the cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In order to be healthy, happy and respond to training, they need to be exercised regularly every day – including a walk of at least a half hour, plus a romp in the yard. You live in an apartment? Then you really should consider another dog. Otherwise, they will damage your apartment in boredom and to burn up excess energy.
Let's look at the biggest reasons for owners abandoning German Shepherd dogs – the dog's energy, the dog's intelligence and the dog's health. First, let's take a look at how energetic this breed is. Although this will vary from individual German Shepherd to individual German Shepherd, these are dogs bred to be on the go all day. They need to be active and to find things to do. If they don't get this exercise, they will use their extreme intelligence to find things to do in order to get your attention. These efforts from such a large dog may or may not be destructive.

Getting a German Shepherd is a commitment to giving them regular exercise – and for you to get regular exercise, as well. They make excellent jogging, cycling or horseback riding partners (The dog jogs next to the horse – you don't ride the dog!) A thirty-minute brisk walk even once a day is not much to ask for. They also need room to run free in a yard, so living in an apartment is usually not good for them.
German Shepherd dogs need to feel they have a job in order to be well-adjusted. They love company and to be part of the family. They hate being left out of anything. They use their intelligence to find ways of doing things they think you will like and praise them for. Whether you will like these actions is another matter. German Shepherds need supervision and training.

Because of their popularity, German Shepherd Dogs have been over bred, which has lead to health problems. Although responsible breeders would not breed an animal with health problems, which can be inherited by their puppies, many still do. The most common health problems with German Shepherds are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and cancers. Even though many of these health problems can be easily treated, the previous owners do not want to or cannot pay the vet bills and instead abandon the dog. When you get a German Shepherd keep in mind that they may need frequent visits to the vet.

Many people love collecting anything and everything having to do withGerman Shepherd dogs. There would be less German Shelters in rescues if people knew basicGerman Shepherd information before getting one.

The Noble German Shepherd Dog

JanRyan — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 21:37:02 CDT

The personality of the German Shepherd (or Alsatian) is one of the biggest reasons why they are so popular – for the right reasons and the wrong reasons. Since they make great police and military dogs, some people rush to get a German Shepherd thinking it will make a vicious guard dog. The German Shepherd is so eager to please, that it can be easily taught to attack. But the German Shepherd is not a vicious dog by nature – they are just doing what they've been taught to do.

People who get German Shepherd dogs for the right reasons also keep the German Shepherd's personality in mind. They are serious, active, highly intelligent dogs that need a job to do in order to stay calm and healthy. If they are trained to do anything (good or bad) and are rewarded for learning this, they will keep on doing the behavior. However, if you are patient and persistent, German Shepherds are intelligent enough to unlearn a behavior.
German Shepherd dogs are loyal, alert, emotional and probably more intelligent than most people. They are capable of learning very complex behaviors and can solve problems. German Shepherds are even capable of learning commands in two languages. Once they learn something, it sticks. They are known to be very easy to housebreak. Once they have gotten the idea, any accidents are usually due to illness and require a trip to the vet to be easily cured.

This incredible ability to learn and remember can get the German Shepherd in trouble. One director of an English German Shepherd rescue had a desperate phone call from a woman clearly at her wit's end. "My son taught the dog to turn in circles and he won't stop!" When reminded that she shouldn't have let the son teach this trick to the dog, she wailed, "He's 37!" Patient and persistent retraining are the only ways to get a German Shepherd to give up a bad habit.
AGerman Shepherd dog needs regular exercise, attention and grooming. Getting them spayed or neutered will also not only lengthen their life span, but also make them more willing to pay attention to you. German Shepherds really are not suitable for apartment life, unless they get a lot of outdoor exercise. They learn to leash train very well (and can often be voice trained), whether their owners are walking, jogging, riding a bike or riding a horse.

Hopefully, armed with this German Shepherd information about their basic personality, you will know if a German Shepherd dog is right for your home and lifestyle. There are variations in each dog's individual personality, as there are with each dog's physical traits. Some are more timid than others. Some are more serious than others. Some seem more psychic than others. But they need a lot of activity and attention in order to really become a member of your family.

This author hopes that one day humans will act as good asGerman Shepherd dogs. New dog owners should know basicGerman Shepherd information before bringing home a German Shepherd rescue dog.

German Shepherd News

JanRyan — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:45:48 CDT

The History Of The German Shepherd

JanRyan — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:03:48 CST

All the credit for the development of this highly intelligent, loyal and obedient breed goes to Max von Stephanitz. It was exclusively his idea that fused a great range of sheep herding dogs into one single breed. He envisaged a dog of principled character, wise working ability, faithful and extensively trainable. Shepherd dogs used to be the true working dogs during 18th and 19th centuries. In Germany, the shepherds used their dogs to guide their group of sheep or domestic animals. These dogs did not have any particular origin. For those dogs, the only necessity was their working ability, but not their looks.

During late 19th century a movement initiated in the process of guiding sheep, which was led by Captain von Stephanitz with an idea to establish his organization, Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde for breeding dogs combining both talents and looks. In his breeding technique, although the primary emphasis was given on improving the working efficiency, Max von Stephanitz also put his effort to improve beauty of the German Shepherd.
In the historical timeline, the evolvement of German Shepherd was not always that smooth. In fact, there was a time when there was a reduction in the demand of the shepherd dogs. During that phase, the great innovator Captain von Stephanitz shaped his idea of breeding the German Shepherd in absolutely a new direction as police service dogs, where these dog were increasingly trained as police dogs in order to serve the nation. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, an increasing number of dog shows actually started influencing the breeders to take both appearance and efficiency into account.

During 1899, the idea of the contemporary German Shepherd came into existence with the continuous contribution of von Stephanitz and the formation of Verein. England discovered German Shepherds in World War I and took it back to the U.K. under the name of Alsatian. Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde regulated all the breeding in Germany during that phase. However, Germany was devastated and ruined following World War II, and the same was true with the breeding organization and policies. During that period, the credit of breeding the best German Shepherds went to North America.
However, in the late 19th century, von Stephanitz tried to find out new arenas of breedingGerman Shepherd dogs with the help of his extensive experience and application of knowledge. He kept his faith about many ideas used in England by that time. During 1899, von Stephanitz participated in a dog show, where he bought Horand von Grafrath. This is the time when Verein was founded and it was Horand who took his entry in the studbook as the first registered German Shepherd. Captain von Stephanitz was most impressed by the qualities of Horand.

Horand was a medium size dog with a blend of liveliness and activity. An obedient, brave, defensive and energetic type of dog was mostly adored for its mental alertness. Additionally, it had beautiful lines all over the body. These were the qualities that made the German Shepherd acquire such a universal acceptance. In modern days, German imports of German Shepherds are highly desirable to everyone for their incredible sense of smell, extraordinary obedience, sound temperament, and excellent physical structure and working efficiency.

TheGerman Shepherd is an active breed with elegant beauty. It has a universal appeal due to its excellent obedience, loyalty and working ability.German Shepherd information is available in this article along with a brief history.