Is
the German Shepherd right for you?
German Shepherds’ have a very strong protective instinct,
they were bred as guard dogs. They are a very versatile breed and are
seen everywhere a dog can help. From police dogs, seeing eye dogs and
drug sniffing dogs. The German Shepherd is a great family dog. They are
affectionate and protective and devoted to their family.
They are a considered to be in the large dog category. They can weigh
any where from 65 to 70 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall. With
their dark intelligent eyes, erect ears and long tail you can see why
this is a favorite of many dog owners. The common German Shepherd is
black and tan, sometimes you will find gray and tan or black and gray
breeds. If you can find them the all white German Shepherd also known
as the Alsatian is a striking breed. If your looking into the all white
breed be sure to see the parents of the puppy. The white German
Shepherd is known to be more high strung.
This breed is not good in small places, such as an apartment. They are
a high energy dog and need room to roam. If you live in a city be sure
to let them out on frequent walks. Leaving them unattended for long
periods of time can make them miserable, if you have a house with a
yard they can run around in, all the better. (Click
here for a complete list of articles)
German
Shepherds are a good breed to get into dog obedience classes while they
are a puppy. They will grow fast into powerful, large dogs. They take
to training very well, getting control of them while they are still a
puppy will be much easier then when they are full grown. With the
natural protective instincts you do not have to take them to attack dog
training. This breed will be very protective of it's family without any
outside training in that area. Getting them out to socialize with other
animals while they are puppies will make them a much better family
pet.
Grooming the German Shepherd does not take a lot of effort or time.
They have a dense, coarse coat that does not mate. If you set up a
routine of brushing your dog at least once a week it will remove any
debris and dirt. Be sure to check the length of the nails, you may need
to have them trimmed every 2-3 months.
With all larger dogs they will need to eat more and do cost more to
feed. Always check with your vet to get a proper formulated dog food.
The German Shepherd is a great family dog, loyal and friendly and
protective. Like most larger dogs they need to get out and have some
room to run. Take them on frequent walks.
|
Quick Tip #1
Make
sure you can go to the dog breeders house or where they keep the
puppies. If they refuse, walk away from that breeder. They may have a
dirty place and the puppies are not properly cared for. Its better to
not take a chance then to have to deal with the heartbreak of a dog
that has health issues.
|
|
Quick Tip #2
One
step that many owners never think of when choosing the correct dog
breed for them is grooming needs. Short hair dogs will not need as much
time to groom, while long hair dogs will need much more time, up to an
hour a day. Make sure you know what your in for before you chose the
dog for your family.
|
|
Quick Tip #3
With
all larger dogs, they will need to eat more and do cost more to feed.
Always check with your vet to get a proper formulated dog food diet.
|
|
|