Know Your Breed: German Shepherd Dogs
When anyone says the word dog, the image that pops up in most people’s mind is that of the German Shepherd. Also known as Alsatians (from the province in France where the breed was developed), the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the world. With their distinctive look, incredible intelligence and remarkable personalities, you would think the German Shepherd would be the perfect dog.
German Shepherds are not a placid, sedentary breed like the cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In order to be healthy, happy and respond to training, they need to be exercised regularly every day - including a walk of at least a half hour, plus a romp in the yard. You live in an apartment? Then you really should consider another dog. Otherwise, they will damage your apartment in boredom and to burn up excess energy.
Let’s look at the biggest reasons for owners abandoning German Shepherd dogs - the dog’s energy, the dog’s intelligence and the dog’s health. First, let’s take a look at how energetic this breed is. Although this will vary from individual German Shepherd to individual German Shepherd, these are dogs bred to be on the go all day.
You will need to brush your German Shepherd every day to keep out tangles and to keep shedding to a minimum. Most German Shepherds have thick, double layer coats, although there are many with single layer coats. Bathing the German Shepherd Dog too often can result in shedding and dandruff production beyond belief so only bathe when absolutely necessary. Train your dog to be still when brushed and do it after exercise.
German Shepherd dogs have thick coats that shed a lot. They need to be brushed every day. This is often not a problem for most dog lovers, but some people cannot stand a shedding dog.
This also cuts down in incidences of wandering, aggression and cancers of the reproductive organs. Leave the breeding of German Shepherds to the experts.
Another point not usually touted in German Shepherd information from the AKC is that they often have health problems. The German Shepherd Rescue of North Carolina has estimated that care of a German Shepherd Dog costs about three thousand dollars per year, and German Shepherds live into their teens.
If you take on a German Shepherd be committed to taking care of them financially as well as with affection, proper grooming, diligent training and proper nutrition.
Last 5 posts by Jan Ryan
- Do German Shepherd Dogs Make Good Pets? - July 17th, 2008
- The Noble German Shepherd Dog - July 14th, 2008
- Mean German Shepherd Dogs? Don't Believe The Hype! - July 14th, 2008
- What You Need To Know The Personality of German Shepherd Dog - July 12th, 2008
- The Best Diet For Your German Shepherd - June 6th, 2008
