German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a natural working dog known for its strength and agility. They require training and daily exercise, or they may become stubborn and difficult to handle. The breed does not do well in a cities or apartments, due to the lack of space and inability to exercise. German Shepherds do best when they are performing a task, but can make an ideal family dog if daily exercise and play are conducted regularly. Having your Shepherd accompany you on a long walk or hike will benefit you both!

The German Shepherd was bred to be a working dog and to maintain a level of health and fitness. They require a higher calorie diet and exercise, which helps them maintain their strength and muscular build. As with most breeds, obesity is always a concern, especially if adequate exercise is not administered.

You’ll need to brush your Shepherd daily to help keep their coat clean and healthy. The thick undercoat may be difficult to clean, but you should only need to bathe your Shepherd infrequently. Be prepared to find tufts of fur around the house during shedding seasons!

German Shepherds are generally healthy, but poor breeding practices may lead to temperament and health issues. Diseases like hip and elbow Dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy (DM), gastric torsion, panosteitis, perianal fistulas, and epilepsy are some of the most common among the breed. The German Shepherd’s average lifespan is 9 – 13 years.

German Shepherds are predisposed to: gastric torsion, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, panosteitis, pyoderma, hot spots, pannus, corneal dystrophy, degenerative myelopathy (DM), intervertebral disc disease, diabetes, pancreatic insufficiency, malassezia dermatitis, food allergies, perianal fistulas, aortic stenosis, pericardial effusion, congenital idiopathic megaesophagus, lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis (LPE), anal sac adenocarcinoma, dwarfism, cataracts, lens luxation, and hemangiosarcoma.

It is recommended that training begin early in life, in hopes of establishing control. German Shepherds are avid students and perform well in police work, tracking, obedience, herding, agility, search and rescue, and assisting the disabled.

The German Shepherd is a natural working dog known for its strength and agility. They require training and daily exercise, or they may become stubborn and difficult to handle. The breed does not do well in a cities or apartments, due to the lack of space and inability to exercise. German Shepherds do best when they are performing a task, but can make an ideal family dog if daily exercise and play are conducted regularly. Having your Shepherd accompany you on a long walk or hike will benefit you both!