Not only are German Shepherds quite active, but they can also become mischievous and high-strung if not given ample amounts of exercise and attention daily. Therefore, they must have socialization and obedience training at an early stage to prevent over-guarding and aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are also known as Alsatians, German Shepherd Dogs or GSDs.
The Different Types of German Shepherd Crossbreeds
Common German Shepherd crossbreeds include:
Alaskan Shepherd: Alaskan Shepherds are independent dogs that blend together two hefty breeds: the Alaskan Malamute and the German Shepherd.Beagle Shepherd: Beagle Shepherd is a strong and muscular dog which is a crossbreed of a Beagle and a German Shepherd.Bernese Shepherd: Bernese Shepherd is a big, powerful and affectionate cross breed between the Bernese Mountain dog and a German Shepherd.Chow Shepherd: The Chow Shepherd is a mixed breed dog between the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd dog.Corman Shepherd: Corman is a loyal crossbreed between the Corgi and the German Shepherd dog.Gerberian Shepsky: A Shepsky is an energetic mixed breed dog, and crossbreed between the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky dog breeds.German Sheppit: German Sheppit dogs are crossbreeds between a German Shepherd and a Pit Bull with highly protective instincts. Golden Shepherd: This is a mixed breed of the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd. Golden Shepherds are also called Golden German Shepherd.Saint Shepherd: The Saint Shepherd is a crossbreed between the Saint Bernard dog and a German Shepherd.Shepkita: The Shepkita is a crossbreed dog between the Akita and the German Shepherd. Shepkita dogs are usually very loyal and strong.Shepweiler: The Shepweiler is a large dog which is a combination of the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler.Shollie: Shollie is a mixed breed dog is a cross between the German Shepherd dog and Border Collie dog breeds.
Fun Fact
German Shepherds have a great sense of smell, better than many other dog breeds, which is one reason they are often used by the police and military.
Owning a German Shepherd: Pros and Cons
Before obtaining a German Shepherd, you should be aware of the following:
The Best Dog Food for German Shepherds
When looking for the best dog food for a German Shepherd, it is important to consider your dog’s age. German Shepherd puppies have a higher tendency to develop hip dysplasia if they are fed foods that contain a high calcium content. Also, it is important to note that the puppies should not be fed adult dog food until they reach 12 to 24 months of age. It is also important to avoid dog foods with potentially harmful additives such as artificial colors and flavors. This is important to avoid for any dog breed. German Shepherds are prone to allergies and sensitivities, so it is especially important to be extra conscious of what you are feeding your GSD. Dog foods that include probiotics can help to improve your dog’s digestive system’s function and the overall absorption of nutrients. According to our research, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition German Shepherd is one of the best dog foods on the market. This dog food is rich in fiber and supports muscle and joint health. It boosts the immune system and it is formulated specifically for German Shepherds.
Size and Weight
German Shepherds weigh an average of 65 to 90 pounds for males, and 50 to 70 pounds for females. They have an average height of 22 to 26 inches.
Common Health Issues
Like most purebred dogs, German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions. Of course, not all German Shepherds get these health conditions during their lifetime. Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition that exists with or without clinical signs. It affects the ball and socket joint in the dog’s hips and can affect its motion and movement. Hip dysplasia can be prevented at an early stage by screening breeding dogs for the disease. However, a remediating approach would be to engage in surgical hip replacement. Another potential health issue is osteoarthritis,an inflammation of the joint, commonly the limbs and lower spine, caused by a deterioration of cartilage. The cartilage cushion breaks down thereby causing pain, decreased range of motion and bone spur and it should be noted that osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints. It usually occurs as a result of injuries such as ligament damage, or broken bones and even hip dysplasia. Healthy feeding habit and weight management techniques are quite effective in minimizing the risks of osteoarthritis in GSDs. German Shepherds may also experience gastric dilation-volvulus, commonly referred to as “bloat.” Bloat is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach becomes swollen with gas or air. In most cases, overfeeding, a disorganized feeding routine, and exercising too soon after a meal, are known to be causes of bloat in GSDs. The dog becomes constipated and is unable to vomit or get rid of the excess air in their stomach, and the pumping of blood to the heart and other organs is hampered resulting in systemic shock. Bloat can be effectively treated with surgery. However, preventative measures can be taken such as managing the dog’s eating rate and anxiety, and not breeding dogs that have a hereditary condition of bloating. In addition, some GSDs suffer from both contact allergies and food allergies. Symptoms may include scratching, licking at paws, or rubbing faces. Bathing your GSD regularly with pet-friendly shampoos will help to minimize allergies in your dog. In summary, the common health issues associated with German Shepherds are:
Hip dysplasiaGastric dilation-volvulus (“bloat”)Arthritis Allergies
Temperament
German Shepherds are known to be loyal, protective, and fast learners. Their temperament and personalities make them a great choice for active homes. They are intelligent, obedient, watchful, confident and courageous. Because they catch on really fast, they are very good as assistant, emotional support, and rescue dogs. However, German Shepherds require more socialization than other dogs. If they are not given the right amount of attention, they may become defiant and start to express their dissatisfaction.
How to Take Care of German Shepherds
In taking care of German Shepherds, it is important to consider certain aspects of maintenance and grooming, training, and exercise.
Maintenance and Grooming
German Shepherds have a thick, dense coat and they shed quite a lot. You should brush your GSD several times a week to control shedding and give it an occasional bath.
Training
Since German Shepherds are versatile and trainable, they catch on very fast. Training should begin in their early years. They thrive on socialization, so enrolling them in a puppy school is advisable. Also, because they have a strong bite force, it is important to teach them as puppies not to bite.
Exercise
German Shepherds have a high energy level, and they need a minimum of two to three hours of exercise every day, focusing on physical and mental activity. Engage them with walks, sports, and other form of exercise to strengthen bonds and help them expend their energy. For mental exercise, you can feed them in creative ways or hide treats in puzzles for them to find.
German Shepherds and Children
German Shepherds are good with kids. However, it is important that they have early social interactions with children. It is also necessary to ensure that children are taught appropriate ways to engage with your GSD, to respect the dog’s natural boundaries and avoid invading their space.
Famous German Shepherds
The world’s most famous German Shepherd was Rin-Tin-Tin. This GSD was found by owner, Corporal Lee Duncan, during World War I, in a small French village. The dog’s remarkable intelligence made him very popular and landed him roles in a number of movies. The dog is considered to have greatly contributed to the success of the Warner Brothers Film Company.
Dogs Similar to German Shepherds
The dogs that are similar to German Shepherds in size and personality are:
Australian Shepherds are also loyal and intelligent, like a German Shepherd. Collies are roughly the same size as German Shepherds, but they have a longer lifespan.Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and highly adaptable like German Shepherds, but they do not require as much exercise.
Conclusion
While German Shepherds may seem a bit too high maintenance due to their high energy levels, they are still known as one of the best dog breeds in the world. While they are often used by police and the military due to their acute sense of smell and exceptional intelligence, they are also great family dogs and are wonderful with children, as well. Just remember that it’s always best to teach your big dog how to be loyal and hospitable, while they are still puppies.
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The cost of owning a German Shepherd may be about $85 per month (considering the rate of meal supplies and dog care), totaling at least $12,000 throughout the course of their entire lives. Are German Shepherds good with kids? Yes. German Shepherds are good with kids. However, it is important that they are introduced to children when they are still puppies. German Shepherds need lots of socialization, and it is best to do this while they are still young, so their naturally protective side doesn’t dominate their personality and make interactions with humans more difficult down the road. How long does a German Shepherd live? The average life expectancy for a German Shepherd dog is between 10 to 13 years. Popular names for German Shepherds Popular names for German Shepherds include:
MaxFrankieNalaRockyLuna
