German shepherd
Origin: German shepherd, also known as ‘GSD’ and ‘Alsatian’ in some parts of the world, was first bred in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The ultimate goal was to create a German breed that can serve as a herding dog as farmers in Germany relied on dogs to protect and drive their herds.
Size: A male German shepherd stands 24-25 inches, whereas; a female German shepherd has a height of 22-24 inches. The weight of a German shepherd ranges from 77-90 pounds. It has a sturdy, muscular body, black nose, erect ears, powerful scissors bite, oval-shaped eye, solid bone structure, and a keen sense of smell.
Coat: A German shepherd dog has three recognized coat types; coarse and long-haired coat, rough and short-haired coat, and wavy and long-haired coat. A long-haired German shepherd may or may not have a double coat. The coat types can be seen in various colors like black, grey, brown, silver, and tricolor coat, but the most common ones are tan, sable, and a mix of brown and black. A German shepherd sheds an average amount of hair constantly throughout the year, but they are heavy shedders seasonally.
Temperament: A German shepherd carries the tag of being a dangerous dog, but this is not the truth. They are unresponsive towards strangers, but they are not aggressive. If they are not trained politely, they can be aggressive and unstable sometimes. They have a reserved nature and do not get friendly with everyone quickly, but they can be considered the most loyal breed once they do. They are pretty approachable and easy-going with their family, but if threatened or used a harsh tone with them, they might become aggressive. Their excellent sense of smell, intelligence, and brave nature makes them an excellent watchdog. They can be trained to do any job as they are quick learners.
Care: A German shepherd’s energy requirements are high. German Shepherd is a breed of dog that was built into action. They have got a lot of energy which they need to burn through daily exercise and physical activities. If you leave them alone for a longer period of time without any exercise, they might get unstable and cause trouble for you. There’s no permanent solution to shedding. However, brushing the hair twice or thrice a week will help the hair come out on the brush rather than your household goods. Bathe your pet only when you feel the necessity, as bathing too often strips the coat of oil that keeps it healthy. Make sure to divide meals throughout the day to avoid bloating and obesity.
Health: German Shepherds have a lifespan of 10-14 years. A German shepherd has been bred indiscriminately, resulting in a number of inherited diseases. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy, Blood disorders, Obesity, Corneal Inflammation, Flea Allergies, Eczema, and Degenerative myelitis are some of the illnesses a German Shepherd is prone to in its lifetime. Many of them can be treated or wholly avoided. Before getting one to your home, ask for a health clearance from the breeder.
