German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courageous nature. These remarkable dogs make excellent guard dogs and cherished family pets. If you’re wondering whether a dog embodies the traits of this distinguished breed, this guide will help you identify a German Shepherd.
Physical Characteristics of German Shepherds
General Appearance: German Shepherds exude strength and purpose with their medium to large stature and robust build. Their athletic physique includes a longer snout, distinctive triangular ears that stand erect, and deep, dark, attentive eyes.
Size and Weight: German Shepherds typically stand between 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 80 pounds. They are classified as working dogs with a strong, well-balanced physique.
Coat: A German Shepherd’s fur can range from medium to long, providing protection from the elements. The standard coat is double-layered, dense, straight, and short, closely fitting to the body. Long-haired versions are also common. German Shepherds shed year-round and require regular grooming.
Color: While some German Shepherds sport a solid coat color, you are more likely to encounter those with the classic sable or bicolor patterns, displaying combinations of shades like black and tan or black and red. The most common color combination is black and tan; where the tan fur covers most of the body, while the black fur is concentrated on the face and stretches along the back, forming a saddle-like shape. In rare cases, German Shepherds may have white, blue-black, or red-brown coats.
Ears: German Shepherds are known for their distinctive upright ears. The base of the ears is long, and the ears point forward, forming a triangular shape. When they are young, the ears may droop slightly, but as they mature, they stand erect.
Tail: German Shepherds have long, bushy tails that usually droop when they are resting. However, when they are alert or in motion, the tail curls upward and lifts.
Behavioral Traits of German Shepherds
Loyalty: German Shepherds can be reserved and cautious when meeting new people. However, once they form a bond with their owner, they become extremely loyal. They are usually friendly and devoted to their family but will stand their ground if they sense a threat.
Energy Levels: German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that require daily exercise. If left alone for extended periods, they can become bored and depressed, which can lead to excessive barking, chewing on objects, or digging. Ensure your German Shepherd gets at least an hour of physical activity each day.
Trainability: This breed is very intelligent and easily trainable. They enjoy having a job or task to do and can be trained to perform a variety of tasks. For example, German Shepherds are often used as working dogs in roles such as search and rescue, narcotics detection, security, and assisting people with visual impairments. Consider enrolling your German Shepherd in a training class to help them learn commands and complete tasks, as it’s both fun and stimulating for the dog. To prevent over-guarding and aggressive behavior, German shepherd dogs should have socialization and obedience training at a young age.
Sense of Ownership: This breed is used for herding and protecting flocks. Their strong sense of ownership makes them ideal for guarding families. This instinct helps German Shepherds distinguish between family members and intruders. They have a natural protective instinct and are often employed as police dogs.
German Shepherd Temperament
The German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. They are loyal, confident, courageous, and steady. German shepherd dogs get along well with children and other pets if raised with them, but in keeping with their guarding instincts, they tend to be leery of strangers. Some poorly bred German shepherd dogs can be high-strung and nervous. Coupled with poor socialization and inadequate training, over guarding and aggressive behavior are risks.
German Shepherd Care
German shepherd dogs are active and like to have something to do. They need ample exercise daily; otherwise, they can get into mischief or become high-strung. The dog sheds heavily about twice yearly, and the rest of the time sheds a lesser amount continually. To control shedding and keep the coat nice, brush at least a few times a week.
History of the German Shepherd Breed
German shepherd dogs are, as their name implies, a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed beginning in the late 1800s by crossing various herding breeds. The breed was subjected to stringent selection, and it progressed quickly. In the United Kingdom, the dogs are known as Alsatians because fanciers of the breed there wanted to protect the dog from anti-German sentiments after World War I. German shepherd dogs were introduced in the United States by soldiers returning home from World War I. The breed caught the public eye because of movie stars Strongheart and later, Rin Tin Tin. By World War II, German shepherd dogs were the military breed of choice. The first guide dogs were German shepherd dogs. Today, they are one of the most popular dogs in America.
Confirming the Breed
If you are still uncertain after evaluating the dog’s physical and behavioral traits, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian. They possess the experience to accurately assess the dog’s breed. DNA testing can also confirm a dog’s breed.