Is a German Shepherd Dog the Perfect Dog for You?

Due to their association with Germany and the fact that they were Adolf Hitler’s most beloved dogs, during and immediately after World War II, the German Shepherd name was suspended in favor of the more politically correct title of Alsatian Wolf Dog.

However, in the decades that followed, the GSD skyrocketed in popularity. There was hardly a kid from the 1950s who didn’t dream of owning a dog as loyal, smart and fearless as Rin Tin Tin and Roy Roger’s Bullet, The Wonder Dog. Because of that, the German Shepherd sadly also became an innocent victim of careless and hobbyist backyard breeding and nightmarish puppy mills; to meet an endless demand from pet stores.

Originating from Germany about 100 years ago, the GSD is a relatively new breed. He was specifically bred to herd and care for sheep. During World War I, due to their exceptionally high intelligence, agility, size, strength, and indefatigable endurance, they were found to be of enormous value to the military on both sides.

Today, we still rely on them for military and police backing. Due to their keen sense of smell, they are invaluable as tracking, search and rescue dogs, drug and bomb sniffing dogs, and corpse dogs. They are excellent guide and service dogs.

A large dog, from the herding group, will usually weigh between 45 and 90 pounds. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

The GSD is an energetic high-prey dog. If you do not socialize from the beginning, with children and small animals, there can be problems. Only behind the Border Collie and Poodle, his intelligence is legendary. Positive reinforcement is the best training method and it should start as soon as possible. Fair, firm and consistent leadership is essential. If they feel the slightest weakness in their owner, they will take over!

Their size and herding instinct can be a problem for young children.

Even if they are not going to be a family pet, Puppy Kindergarten ASAP, plus obedience training and socialization are imperative. A German Shepherd without responsible breeding, strong leadership, and proper training can become shy and fearful. They will usually overcompensate by being aggressive, overly self-protective, unpredictable, and possibly dangerous.

With capable training and lots of socialization, they generally make a good family pet. Even so, they are known to bond a bit more with a particular person.

A well-educated and well-trained GSD must be active, self-confident, eager to learn, eager to please, loyal, and protective enough. They are not overly friendly with strangers, they may appear distant or cautious. They make excellent watchdogs and guardians.

This is a dog that needs a lot of exercise. They are not addicted to television! Without it, they can be destructive and also develop inappropriate behavior problems. Challenge them mentally, not physically. They love to work, so make them work for whatever they get.

The GSD has more than its fair share of inherent health problems. Due to neglect and excessive reproduction, they are prone to Von Willebrand’s disease (bleeding disorder), hip and elbow dysplasia, gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, allergies, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea, ear infections, arthritis, degenerative spinal stenosis and degenerative disorders). myelopathy (neurological disease).

They come in long and short hair. Their thick double coat makes them great shedders throughout the year. Expect to do a lot of grooming!

Bottom line: do your homework. Learn all you can about them. Unless an animal has been neglected or abused, its general temperament is genetic. Fair parents typically produce fair-minded puppies. For decades puppy mills and backyard breeders have overbred German Shepherd dogs with one thing in mind … making money. They do not take the necessary steps to ensure that the animal is physically and emotionally healthy. You may have to spend a few dollars more, but look for a reputable and trusted breeder. Shelters and rescues are full of dogs labeled as shepherds. Black dog syndrome is often the reason so many wonderful GSDs are among the first to be euthanized. Look at them. You can find your new best friend there, patiently waiting for you.