German shepherd dog breed guide:
German shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in America and everywhere. They are loved by pet owners who have a liking for agile and working dogs. They are well reputed for their intelligence and athletic talents. They are (black and brown dogs) with agility and a strong muscular build.
Working and service dog :
They were originally herding dogs but now they can serve many functions like working as guide for visually impaired persons , serve as soldier in military and police , act as guards of house , they even have worked in movies.
Brief history of German shepherd:
This dog breed basically originated from Germany; that is why it is called a German shepherd. In 1899, Captain Max von Stephanitz introduced German shepherds by crossing old shepherds and farm dogs.They started gaining popularity during the 1900s, and the American Kennel Club recognized this dog breed in 1908.
World Wars:
During World Wars I and II, the initial name German was dropped; they were only called shepherds or Alsatians, which is commonly referred to in Europe now too.
Mixed breed:
Due to the popularity of German shepherds, a mixed breed was produced by crossing German shepherds with Shiloh shepherds.
Breed specifications:
Category: They are working dogs; services offered by them include herding.
Height: They are 22-26 inches tall when measured in a standing position at the withers.
Weight: German shepherds are medium-sized with a weight of 60-100 pounds.
Coat and color: German shepherds have thick and hard double coats. Coat color may be a combination of black and tan, black and silver, or black and red and others; a point to be noted is that blue, liver, or white is not desirable.
Origin: They originated from Germany.
Personality: German shepherds have good temperament with qualities such as loyalty, intelligence, and fearlessness.
Features of German shepherds:
They are good at playing with kids and family members, with other dogs and animals, as they are friendly and easy-going. They love spending time with people and other animals, but they may be reluctant to interact with strangers.
Considerations for pet owners:
This point should be kept in mind, they need attention and time from owners; they feel safe if they are under the protection of owners.
Fun activities :
They should be provided enough entertainment and exercise time, play with them, and, if possible, never leave them alone. When they are irritated, they show signs of aggression and excessive barking; try to figure out causes and soothe them by listening to them.
Care for German shepherd:
They are lovely pets who give many years of companionship; they need concerted training, exercises, and attention to survive to the fullest.
Exercise for German shepherd:
German shepherds are active and agile, full of energy, so they need regular exercises and fun activities. Provide exercise and playtime for them to break boredom and frustration.
Aggression:
A frustrated dog may show aggressive and destructive behaviors with barking and sometimes biting. They should be allowed to play outdoors, and heavy exercises can also be essential for them if they have a buildup of energy.
Nutrition and nutrient requirements:
Good-quality feeds fulfilling all the nutrient requirements of German shepherds should be used upon approval and recommendations of a veterinarian or pet nutritionist.
Diet for young:
Puppies have less developed digestive systems and are not familiar with heavy foods, so they should be provided puppy feed.
Adults and seniors:
For adults and old dogs, there are special feeds that should be used. Don't use cooked bones and food containing high fat content.
Mineral and vitamin:
If their feed lacks minerals and vitamins, provide them with mineral and vitamin supplements.
A small quantity of yogurt and vegetables may be supplied to maintain better digestive performance.
How to groom a German shepherd:
German shepherds have a thick and dense double coat, with an outer hard and inner soft coat.
Brush:
They tend to shed small amounts throughout the year that can be managed by gentle brushing once or twice a week. But once or twice a year, they shed heavily with the change in weather conditions. During heavy shedding, proper brushing and bathing is necessary to keep coat condition good.
Bathing:
Bathing can improve skin and coat health and prevent microbial infections and skin inflammation. It keeps animals hydrated, especially during the summer season; bathing is crucial; otherwise, they may pant and cause respiratory distress.
Nails:
Nails should be trimmed properly and regularly, as long nails cause discomfort for dogs and, during play, cause problems for kids.
Ear and eye:
Inspect ears and eyes to see for dirt or accumulation of hardened discharge. Remove dirt and debris by using antiseptic cloths or soft material.
Health concerns:
Many health problems interfere with the lifespan and performance of German shepherds. Here some diseases are discussed.
Keratitis:
Dogs living at high altitudes are susceptible to an eye problem called superficial keratitis or pannus, which causes extreme pain; if it is left untreated, it may lead to blindness.Visit a veterinarian to figure out the causes, and he or she will recommend preventive measures and a treatment plan to get rid of this eye problem.
Pancreatic insufficiency:
A very serious medical issue is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), which is a condition that develops when the pancreas can no longer produce hormones and enzymes necessary for digestion. This condition causes digestive problems with symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhea, gas formation, etc.
Hypersensitivity reactions:
German shepherds are prone to many types of allergies and hypersensitivity reactions. Symptoms of allergies are itching, diarrhea, eye redness, ear infection, vomiting, and digestive problems, etc.Whole body physical examination, testing for infection, and blood tests are required for diagnosis of allergies. Anti-allergic medications can do well with allergies.
Cancer:
Cancer can be a debilitating and disastrous condition for German shepherds; it affects different parts and organs like blood, bone, lymph, spleen, liver, lungs, intestines, etc.
It can be treated at the initial stage with treatment options according to the extent of cancer, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.
Conclusion:
German shepherds are lovely and wonderful pets and good companions. There are some liabilities and responsibilities for owners if they want to live happily and delightfully with a German shepherd. In this guide, we have discussed all of them with professional tips and recommendations.
