German Shepherds: An Impressive Breed

Did you know that German Shepherds are a quite “new” breed? They came onto the scene at the end of the 19th century. Bred to herd and guard sheep, German Shepherds are very faithful, obedient and loving. Read on and learn more about this spectacular breed.

The History of German Shepherds

An army captain named Max von Stephanitz is considered the “father” of German Shepherds. They were bred to protect and herd flocks of sheep, acting like as “bodyguards” for them and defending them from wolf attacks.

In 1899, an association called the Friends of German Shepherds was formed, which also marked the breed’s date of origin. At that time, they very precisely selected specific dogs needed to improve the breed, both mentally and physically.

The first registered German Pastor was named “Jack.” He was very lively, with a grayish coat, and looked like a wolf. Von Stephanitz made sure that the German Shepherd’s descendants were working dogs and ideal for the agricultural societies of the era.

He then tried to persuade the government to make German Shepherds the official breed for law enforcement and the military.

Because of their intelligence, physical endurance and reliability, German Shepherds perform other jobs, too. For example, they also serve as seeing-eye dogs. In World War II, both the German Army and the German Police used them as tracking dogs.

Physical Characteristics of German Shepherds

German Shepherds are medium to large dogs and sport a robust appearance, a muscular body, and jaws that are stronger than most. They tend to have three types of coloring: black and tan, reddish or tan.

Adult males weigh between 30 and 40 kg, and females weigh between 20 and 30 kg. They tend to be 65 cm and 55 cm tall, respectively. Their life expectancy is 13 years.

German Shepherds have droopy ears, but they “perk up” once they turn three months old. If they’re not completely erect by that point, (some German Shepherds have such large ears that they can’t stand up on their own) some owners tape them up to help the natural process along.

Their eyes are brown, almond-shaped, and medium-sized. Their heads are proportional to the rest of their bodies. They also have a large, typically dark-colored snout.

German Shepherds have thick fur in two layers. The outer layer is thicker and weather-resistant, while the internal one is soft and dense and helps retain heat. They shed all year long, but especially in the fall and spring. They need a light brushing daily.

As far as work-related capacities are concerned, German Shepherds are known for being guard dogs, police dogs, guide dogs, attack dogs, drug-detecting dogs, and sheep dogs. To this day, they still work as herding dogs in the United States and Great Britain.

German Shepherds: Personality and Temperament

Over the breed’s history, just under a century and a half long now, German Shepherds and humans have gotten close. It makes sense, because they’re protective, obedient, defensive and reliable due to their breeding.

In addition, many highlight their intelligence and the natural ease they have with children in the house. However, German Shepherds are very cautious with strangers until they’re sure that their masters are okay with them.