The German Shepherd is currently listed as the third most popular dog breed registered with the AKC. This dog resembles that of its ancestor, the Wolf, and was originally bred to be the ideal hurting Shepherd and guard dog. Although this breed went through several name changes during World War I, mainly due to its…
One of the most potentially serious conditions a German Shepherd can suffer from is something called Bloat. In scientific terms, it’s more commonly referred to as GDV, or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. The stomach becomes bloated with air or fluid, often accompanied by a twist (volvulus), as it rotates around the esophagus and the duodenum. The…
German Shepherds require only modest grooming effort. They have a double layered coat, with the outer layer composed of medium-length, coarse hair and an undercoat that is soft and dense. The outer section provides protection against bushes and ground while the inner layer keeps the dog warm and protected from sunlight. Proper care for a…
Depending on where your German Shepherd walks the most, nail care may be needed often or only very rarely. Long walks on city sidewalks can slowly wear down a dog’s nails to an acceptable level. But if you live in the country, or the dog spends almost all its time in the house or the…
German Shepherds by and large are very healthy, no more prone to illness than any other breed and healthier than many. But there are certain conditions that tend to occur among some breeds more often than others. Ear inflammations are a case in point. As a long-eared breed a condition called Otitis Externa, an inflammation…
The German Shepherd breed was developed over 100 years ago, as the name suggests, for herding sheep. That activity is less common in the world today, but the basic skills are still much in demand. GSDs, as they’re sometimes known, will patrol a border for hours, keeping strangers at bay and protecting those within. Seeing…
German Shepherds, like all dogs, are primarily carnivores. Their digestive systems are relatively straight and some parts are shorter than even other large breeds. That makes digesting vegetable or plant matter more difficult. As a result, the German Shepherd’s diet should be chiefly meat-based. That doesn’t mean German Shepherds have to be fed nothing but…
German Shepherds are strong, agile and intelligent. Those attributes create special needs when you’ve made the decision to train your dog. A collar is fine for ordinary walking. But during training, a chest harness will work out better for both dog and trainer. They’re made of leather or very strong nylon with either metal or…
As with any breed, individual behavior will vary. But, also as with any breed, there are common characteristics that are typically shared by all members. Among German Shepherds those behaviors revolve around their ‘instinctive’ patterns, patterns that reveal a dual personality. Bred at the end of the 19th century to serve, as the name suggests,…
Within dog lover circles there is an ongoing controversy about whether it’s better to acquire a pure bred German Shepherd or one of mixed ancestry. The issue may never be settled to everyone’s satisfaction. But where you stand may depend heavily on the reason you acquired your dog. For show dogs, police dogs and other…
