German Shepherd: overview of the dog breed, appearance, color, character, training, size, maintenance, habits, nutrition

Review author: “ZooVita”

The German Shepherd is a dog breed that is very popular all over the world. She lives next to a person for many years and not only gives him her love, but also helps him in every possible way. This breed has a special friendliness and a sharp mind, so it is often adopted as a family friend and used as a service dog for work in the army, police and the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Description of the German Shepherd breed

Popularity 5th among 263 dog breeds

Lifespan:

11-13 years old

Breed group:

Service

Height:

males: 60-65 cm, females: 55-60 cm

Country of origin:

Germany

Average price:

5-30 thousand rubles

Weight:

males: 30-40 kg, females: 22-32 kg
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German guard dogs

Dogs have always been used primarily as guards. And there are many German guard breeds. For example, this:

• German Shepherd;

• German boxer;

• Doberman;

• Rottweiler;

• German dog;

• Leonberger;

• Giant Schnauzer;

• German Pinscher.

True, not all of them are equally good. Some are able to make noise, attracting the attention of their owners, while others can easily stop an intruder due to their strength and size.

As you can see, the choice of German dog breeds is large enough for even a picky connoisseur to find what he needs among them.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Pros:
• have high intelligence;
• are capable students;
• quickly amenable to training;
• have a quick reaction;
• friendly, loyal;
• are naturally endowed with a lot of useful skills;
• do not show aggression for no reason.

• Minuses:
• hyperactivity;
• the need for frequent walks;
• not suitable for keeping in small apartments;
• without appropriate education they can be extremely dangerous;
• shed heavily;
• require constant attention and communication.

Key facts

The characteristics of the German Shepherd breed are as follows: they are large, strong and incredibly smart dogs with innate guarding, fighting and hunting skills. “Germans” are immensely devoted to their owner, very smart, and given proper upbringing and training, they are efficient and well prepared to perform dangerous tasks. These dogs are friendly and kind to others.

You can keep them in an apartment, but the best option for a pet is fresh air, plenty of space for movement, games, and training. They are very active, inquisitive and smart.

Dogs of this breed will be both excellent guards, “co-workers”, and excellent furry friends, protectors in the family. The most important thing for them is a person’s authority. They are ready to obey unquestioningly, learn, and carry out any commands. The process of training them goes quickly and clearly, because the “Germans” are one of the smartest dogs in the world. An important task for the owner is to start training and training as early as possible.

Interesting

: German Shepherds are wonderful actors, playing leading roles in action-packed films or luxury food commercials.

They do not provoke empty collisions with other animals; first they carefully study the surrounding environment and sniff. Of course, this behavior is achieved through hard training, strict education and the necessary attention.

Germans have a hypersensitive sense of smell. That is why they are used by dog ​​handlers, various military intelligence services, military structures, and the police. They are naturally strong, fast and very agile.

Shepherds are truly incredibly active. It will not be difficult for them to run for hours after a stick or actively play all kinds of games. They need constant communication. For people who love regularity, calmness, or even passivity, this can be a huge inconvenience.

The description of the German Shepherd breed is based primarily on its working qualities. Therefore, the dog certainly needs constant attention from the owner. The lifespan of a German Shepherd depends on properly distributed physical and mental activity - without them, the dog quickly fades away.

Shepherd dogs for universal purposes

German shepherds were the first to appreciate the watchdog qualities of German shepherds and began using them to protect their flocks. The dogs coped well with herding functions: they not only protected the flocks from the attacks of thieves and predators, but also made sure that the animals did not wander off and leave the herd.

With the development of large cities and the growth of industry, there were fewer and fewer places for pastures, which led to the decline of agriculture. It would seem that in the new world of stone megacities there would be no worthy use for shepherd dogs, but the opposite happened. The decline in the agricultural industry has opened up shepherd dogs to new areas of activity where their guarding and protection skills have come in handy.

Representatives of the German breed were involved in the protection of important government facilities. Hardy, strong, with a stable psyche and excellent sense of smell, dogs have become indispensable assistants for police and border guards. Together with the police, the animals patrolled the streets, helped in catching criminals and identified the location of drugs and explosives.

Gradually, shepherd dogs even replaced the favorite dogs of German policemen - Dobermans and Rottweilers, because unlike them they did not have uncontrollable rage and aggression. And the German breed also had one unique quality: the dogs unquestioningly followed the orders of all intelligence officers, and not just the owner, which is typical for most service dogs.

German Shepherds were the first dogs to be used as guide dogs. Four-legged pets do an excellent job as assistants to blind people, thanks to their calm and patient nature and ability to navigate even in unfamiliar terrain.

During the First and Second World Wars, German Shepherds were active participants in the fighting. Brave dogs pulled wounded soldiers out of shelling, brought medicine, covered many kilometers of distance as messengers and messengers, and even planted mines under enemy tanks. The dogs fearlessly rushed from the very thick of the battle and died, saving people from inevitable death. This is exactly what a dog named Strelok Khan did when the boat with his owner came under enemy fire. The faithful pet swam almost 200 meters under a shower of bullets and managed to pull the owner ashore. For his accomplished feat, Strelok Khan was awarded the Mary Deakin Medal.

Representatives of the German breed cope with any task assigned to them. Regardless of the dangers and consequences, these amazing animals always fulfill their purpose: to protect, protect and save people, even if it costs their own life.

History of the origin of the German Shepherd

Archaeological research indicates that as early as the 4th century BC. e. In the places where Poland, the Czech Republic, and the former Austria-Hungary are located today, there were animals similar to modern shepherd dogs. They were tamed by humans, subsequently becoming protectors in primitive tribes. There is information that already at that time they began to engage in conscious breeding. This led to the improvement of the physical and mental qualities of dogs.

Gradually there was a separation of domesticated dogs from their wild relatives. Over time, people began to become more and more active in agricultural, economic, and hunting activities, settling in a certain area. And tamed animals fulfilled new roles: guards of livestock, protectors of people, game hunters, detectives, assistants. The so-called Hovawarts (translated from German as “court guards”) appeared.

The smartest, most intelligent, and dexterous yard dogs became companions of tribal hunters or guard assistants to shepherds. It was at that time that people began to purposefully engage in breeding, selecting the best qualities of different four-legged representatives. Then came death penalties for killing or harming “selected” breeds.

Of course, animals of the primitive, medieval, and other millennia had very few similarities with modern dogs. The main task of the first shepherd dogs was to constantly stay with the shepherd; they had to not only protect the shepherds, but become one, unquestioningly obeying, accompanying, protecting.

In the 17th century, two local species of Germanic dogs appeared. They became: long-haired Thuringian fawn-gray with a curled tail and Württemberg with long black or red hair with erect ears. The main differences concerned temperament and character. The former were active and often barked, while the latter were distinguished by their measured movements and general calmness.

Dog breeders have managed to breed the ideal breed, combining the best features of appearance and character. Towards the end of the 19th century, at a dog show in Hanover, Baron von Knigge showed people his two wonderful shaggy companions, males Greif and Kiras. Then other owners, the owners of the Hanau kennel, brought into the world strong, stately shepherd dogs: the male Palux and the female Primma. These events created a real sensation in the world.

In the 90s of the same 19th century, the first club for German Shepherd lovers was opened. And by the end of the century, a certain Hector von Lierkeinhain on the streets of Germany demonstrated to passers-by the skills of his favorite, endowed with the most perfect features. Max von Stefanets passed by, who, together with his friend Arthur Mayer, was breeding German shepherds. A week later, they persuaded the man to give the animal to them.

The ideal “German” was the first to be included in the breed book. A persistent search began for similar females. The efforts were not in vain: as a result, the breeder bred puppies with the desired characteristics.

During the 30-40s of the 20th century, many nurseries were destroyed and a large number of well-born pets were killed. They stopped monitoring the preservation of the standards of the remaining animals. At the end of the 40s, selection and breeding were restored. In the 1970s, the International Association “World Union of German Shepherd Associations” was founded, which includes 82 states.

Best nicknames

When choosing a nickname for a German Shepherd, you should take into account its large size and serious character.

Choosing a name for your four-legged pet is a question that every animal owner should decide. At the same time, the nickname given to the German Shepherd should be easy to pronounce and liked by both the owner and his ward.

Table: names and nicknames for German shepherds - boys and girls

Appearance of a German Shepherd

Adult dogs have a fairly large body and a strong, muscular musculoskeletal frame. Despite their large body size, they look very cute. You can often see a photo of a German Shepherd sitting friendly next to small kittens - indeed, well-mannered dogs never show aggression, especially towards those who are smaller than them.

General impression

German dogs have large, expressive eyes, an inquisitive look, triangular ears, always a cheerful face with a smile and a funny hanging long tongue.

Head

The head is large, the skull has an elongated, wedge-shaped shape. The forehead is straight with a slightly convex central part. The transition from the forehead to the nose is smooth, smooth, with a small gap between the eyes.

Ears

Puppies are born with soft and floppy ears, but their setting should occur no later than 5 months.
If a six-month-old animal (or older) has soft ears, this is considered a defect. A shepherd's ears should be hard, erect, with sharp corners at the top. Unevenness and non-parallelism are not allowed.

Nose

The nose of a “German” should be straight and parallel to the frontal line. A Roman (humped) nose bridge is not allowed.

The lobe must be black, regardless of color. Duality is considered a marriage.

Teeth and jaws

The jaw is massive, very tenacious, strong. The mouth is wide, with white, sharp teeth and a long pink tongue.

Eyes

Large dark eyes are very expressive. They are located strictly proportionally. They are framed by a dark gray outline, similar to shadows. And there are even small black eyebrows near the bridge of the nose.

Neck

The neck is moderately long and very mobile. It has a wide diameter and is also covered with a mop of thick hair.

Torso

The physique is strong and fighting. The back is wide in the thoracic region, the chest itself is voluminous, the ribs seem to be elongated. The withers are quite massive, and the flowing croup smoothly passes into the beginning of the tail.

Forelegs

Strong, straight forelimbs positioned strictly parallel to each other. The elbows are in a straight position relative to the body. The shoulders meet at a 90-degree angle with slightly protruding shoulder blades.

Hind limbs

The hind legs are noticeably shorter than the front legs. They are rounded, slightly set back. The thighs and lower legs are of equal length, with an obtuse angle of approximately 120 degrees visible between them. The metacarpus of the four limbs are smoothly rounded, the fingers have a slight arch.

Tail

The relatively long tail is carried slightly upward. In a calm position, it is below the line of the spine. According to standards, it should be dark, black. There is quite a lot of fur on it, especially in the lower part.

Movements

The nature of the movements is sweeping. Quadrupeds move very actively, as if jumping while running or walking. They have a quick reaction, can pick up speed up to 50 km per hour, and climb heights 5-6 times their own height.

Wool

The coat is two-layered, thick due to the heavy, tight hair with a dense texture and voluminous undercoat. Petting your furry friend is a great pleasure.

Color

The exterior is based on a black shade with red, ash, and dark gray lines. Pure black or gray colors are allowed. The fur on the belly is lighter. The colors of the German Shepherd cannot be called varied, but they serve as a good identification mark of the breed.

Size

The average height of a male German Shepherd is 60-65 cm, the female is smaller, her height is about 55-60 cm. Similarly, the weight of a male German Shepherd (30-40 kg) exceeds the weight of a female (20-30 kg). Females look more graceful and slender. The size of the German Shepherd allows it to be kept in an apartment - but only in one where there is enough space for it.

Main types of colors

The usual color of the German Shepherd is black and red, but there are three types of color that are provided for by the standard.

• Cheprachny

The most popular color in the breed. Such individuals have a large black spot on their back, which extends to the stomach, sides, and upper part of the tail.

The neck, chest and paws are painted in light shades (gray, beige, fawn) . The dog's face and ears are covered with a black mask - this is a mandatory condition, since its absence is considered a defect.

• Zonar (wolf)

A rare type, only 5% of the total number have this suit. The coat color is light at the base, then dark, gradually turning into yellow, and black at the tips.

The muzzle, tail and back are most brightly colored; on the sides and on the paws the color becomes less saturated . The standard also allows brown and yellow shades, provided the color structure is observed.

• Black

This type of “German” is considered exclusive and has a spectacular black coat without inclusions. Any light stains are not allowed.

Personality of the German Shepherd

Dog breeders and trainers praise shepherd dogs for their valuable qualities: deep loyalty, sharp intelligence, quick wit, and instant reaction. It’s impossible to list all the advantages. Under conditions of proper upbringing, the right approach to training and education, they grow into ideal family companions, dexterous fighters, and reliable helpers.

Dogs are not stubborn, but are always open to training and learning new commands. Most of all, they do not tolerate spending time alone: ​​four-legged friends constantly need the caring attention of their owner or teacher, they love noisy, cheerful companies, and are ready to continually give their love and protect people.

By temperament they are closer to choleric people. Mobility, running, play, speed tasks are the main components of the excellent mood of such an active dog. The character of the German Shepherd is genetically based on developed protective instincts. Therefore, during walks, you should keep the shaggy beauty on a thick leash with a strong collar, and a muzzle is also required. The dog does not show aggression in vain, but sudden actions near him can provoke anger.

For the sake of their household, they are ready to make any sacrifice. By raising a puppy from childhood, you can be sure of his sincere devotion only to you, your family, and your close circle. With such a protector, calm, peace, and security in the home are 100% guaranteed.

A well-mannered “German” is careful with children. But you shouldn’t leave a small child alone with him. If a new pet appears in the house, the little friend will quickly get used to it, but an adult will treat it with great disapproval.

The difference between a bitch and a dog

Boys tend to be dominant and stubborn - this can cause problems during training. But people leading an active lifestyle prefer to have males, as they are more active and hardy than females. It is also better to choose male dogs for protection and escort - they are distrustful of strangers and in case of danger they will be able to confidently fight back.

Girls are softer, calmer and more flexible. They are much more trainable and become more attached to humans. And if boys are more suitable for service, sports and accompaniment, then girls are natural nannies, companions and guides. But bitches also have a minus - they can be cunning and insidious in a feminine way.

Keep in mind that the inclinations of a dog, the character of its parents, the upbringing and attitude of the person are of great importance. In the wrong hands, even a quiet female will become a real monster, and a good attitude and affection will turn a potentially aggressive male into an exemplary favorite.

It is worth taking into account that a male dog constantly experiences sexual desire, therefore, when he smells a dog in heat, the dog will suffer and be sad, and may even show aggression and refuse to eat for a long time. And on a walk, a guy can break off the leash and run to where he smells a bitch.

Girls during heat (which occurs 2 times a year) also begin to behave inappropriately: they can be stubborn, disobey their owner, and run away from home. During this period, the dog needs a special approach, but in no case cruel.

Attitude towards children

For a very young child (from birth to 3 years), it is better not to get a dog - especially a puppy, which also requires a lot of time and attention. But, if the German Shepherd already lived in the house before the baby was born, you need to follow several rules:

• limit the animal's access to the child's room - the dog should not go there whenever it wants;
• do not occupy the place that previously belonged to the dog with the child’s things: the pet may become jealous;
• carry out wet cleaning daily at least once a day: this will prevent the child from developing allergies;
• show the “German” the baby, let him smell his things so that the dog gets used to the smell;
• do not leave the child and the dog alone: ​​be sure to be present during the interaction between the animal and the little person, closely observe the reaction and behavior of the dog.

Typically, properly trained German Shepherds do not harm children, even if they pull their fur or tail. But it’s better not to test the four-legged man’s patience – he may growl.

If the child is between 5 and 14 years old, then the question of whether they will get along with the dog depends entirely on the child and his parents. Explain to your child that a dog, especially a small puppy, is not a toy, but a family member who needs to be taken care of. Let your child understand that with the advent of a dog, your family’s life will change, and everyone should be prepared for such a turn of events.

“German” will become a wonderful friend for a child with whom he will play, run outside and play sports. Some shepherd dogs are even sent to meet children from school or section in the dark.

Relationship with other pets

If you socialize your German early and introduce him to your other pets, the dog will never harm them. The Sheepdog will protect its four-legged neighbors as well as people.

Difficulties may arise if you bring an adult dog into your home. In this case, it would be a good idea to hire a specialist to help your dog learn a few rules for safe cohabitation with other animals.

A well-mannered “German” who knows commands and respects his owner will not run into conflict with another dog, even if he is provoked. The dog will begin to attack another male only in a critical situation.

Is there a difference between a bitch and a dog?

Regardless of gender, the German Shepherd is a loyal, intelligent pet and a reliable guard who is always ready to protect his family. But still, there are several differences between a female and a male in appearance, psychology and behavior.

Distinctive characteristics of male and female:

• male German Shepherds are larger and more impressive compared to females;
• The color of boys is brighter and more saturated than that of females;
• males emit a specific and rather unpleasant odor, while females have practically no smell;
• girls are easier to train, as they are smarter, more focused and more obedient than males;
• German Shepherd females are more tolerant and affectionate towards children than males;
• boys can show aggression towards strangers and other animals, while females have a calmer and gentler disposition;
• Males are leaders by nature and prone to dominance. Therefore, the pet often shows disobedience to the owner, as if testing his strength. Bitches do not have such a feature; they recognize the authority of the owner and completely obey him.

Important: during pregnancy and nursing puppies, the character and habits of females can change dramatically. Some bitches begin to show aggression towards people and other animals, considering them a threat to their babies. Or vice versa, a nursing mother becomes affectionate, friendly and good-natured even towards strangers. Therefore, during such periods, females are not able to fully perform the duties of a guard.

Intelligence

The German Shepherd is considered to be one of the smartest dogs known to man. Poodles and border collies also share this title with the “German” - these dogs are among the three smartest.

Training for a shepherd is always a joy. She willingly learns new commands and performs tricks. This breed can memorize up to 20-30 different commands, and some “tailed geniuses” master over 50 commands. It’s not for nothing that “Germans” are often used to film films and TV series - they can fulfill any whim of the director.

Classification of breed by coat length

There are two types of German Shepherds based on their coat type: short-haired (smooth-haired) and long-haired.

Dogs of the first category have thick, hard fur, with an undercoat that fits tightly to the body. The hair on the tail, neck and hind legs is softer and longer than on other parts of the body.

Shepherd dogs of the second type differ from their short-haired counterparts in the length and structure of their fur. The dogs have long, soft, slightly wavy hair with a faint undercoat. The fur on the chest, neck and tail is especially long and fluffy. At the base of the ears and on the back of the paws, so-called fringes are formed from tufts of hair, giving the animals a playful and perky appearance.

Education and training

Developed skills for quickly perceiving new information have been mentioned more than once. It is important to start raising an animal from early childhood. Even in puppyhood, one should not be allowed to act without permission, scratch a lot, chew things, or bite during play. Often kids quickly get carried away, starting to involuntarily strengthen their grip, without noticing it, tightly squeezing the person’s hands with their tenacious teeth. Starting from the first months of life, such behavior must be stopped.

After reaching four to five months, it is better to start taking your pet to professional trainers. The course of education and training of a German shepherd for a period of 15 months consists of 9 complexes. Understanding the authority of the owner is the main sign of a well-mannered animal. Without shouting, sudden movements, or anger, negative behavior or failure to comply with a certain command should be indicated. Professional trainers recommend becoming a commander for your furry soldier.

During walks, a six-month-old friend must be muzzled and know the basic commands: “Place!”, “Come to me!”, “Ugh!” An important fact is that “Germans” achieve full emotional awareness only at the age of three. Big, strong on the outside, the “shepherd” on the inside remains a puppy that requires a lot of attention and affection.

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Head

The not very massive wedge-shaped head is in harmony with the size of the body, accounting for 40% of the height of the breeding dog.

Top part

This part of the head, constituting 50% of the total length, when viewed from above, tapers equally towards the nose and has a wedge shape.

Disadvantages: A head that is out of proportion is a defect.

Forehead

The forehead, slightly convex when viewed from the side, has a faint furrow in the middle.

Cheekbones

Cheekbones that do not protrude from the sides are rounded.

Lips

Thin, dense lips should be dry to the touch.

Jaw

A healthy jaw should have a full set of strong teeth - 42 pcs. (22 in the bottom row, 20 in the top). A scissor bite is required; in this form, the upper incisors cover the lower ones . Replacement of dairy products (28 pcs.) with indigenous ones takes place within five months.

Disadvantages: The defect is a yellow plaque and broken, worn-out teeth that are not age-appropriate, interfering with the correct bite. A light lower jaw indicates a deviation from the desired body type.

Ears

The high-set ears, wide at the base, are medium in size. They are directed with the shell forward and have a pointed appearance. Although puppies of this breed are up to six months old, when their teeth are replaced, they may hang, with an inward direction. When excited or lying down, a breeding dog may flatten its ears. This is not considered a violation.

Faults: Semi-erect ears hanging on soft cartilage.

Eyes

The asymmetrically set almond-shaped eyes are medium in size. Their tone matches the coat color, presumably dark. The intelligent expression in the eyes is slightly expectant.

Disadvantages: Deep-set, bug-eyed eyes that are too light in color.

German Shepherd Health and Diseases

Possible diseases

On average, shepherd dogs live 13 years, some reach the age of 15 years, in rare cases - 17 years. There are a number of diseases characteristic of them. Pathologies most often affect the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and digestive systems. Possible diseases:

• growth hormone deficiency;
• leukemia;
• lameness;
• diabetes;
• pyoderma (pustules on the skin);
• intestinal obstruction.

Various inflammations on the skin, ears, and eyes are also likely. If you have any suspicion, you should immediately contact the clinic. It’s better to play it safe and have your four-legged family member examined in time.

Reproductive health

Sexual maturity in females and males occurs no earlier than one and a half years, although the first estrus in females occurs between 6 and 12 months. If you are planning to have puppies, you need to wait until at least the third heat and choose the best day during it.

Ideally, the age of the female shepherd dog at the time of bearing the first offspring is from 2 to 4 years. The first pregnancy at a later age will bring complications, and the puppies are unlikely to be viable.

It is not recommended to breed males before 18 months, and his first mating should take place with an experienced bitch.

If you do not plan to continue the family of your pet, you can undergo surgery to sterilize the animal. This is done between 1 year and 3 years.

Disease Prevention

Conventionally, diseases of German shepherds can be divided into two types: infectious and genetic.

The animal will not get sick if you comply with the main condition of keeping the room clean and dry. Next, it is important to monitor the dog’s diet so that the food is varied and the diet is complete and without any harmful foods from the human table. Systematic walking also affects the dog’s immunity and health.

As for vaccinations, the owner needs to vaccinate the shepherd against distemper and rabies once a year, deworm it and bring it to a veterinary clinic for examination. The first vaccination is given to the animal at 2 months of age.

Vaccinations are only given to completely healthy dogs. Therefore, 14 days before vaccination, you need to worm the puppy and treat it against fleas, ticks and other external parasites. Females are vaccinated a month before mating.

Some diseases of the “Germans” cannot be identified immediately, but you should pay attention to the animal’s behavior. If it is playful and active, then everything is fine. Another indicator of a dog’s health is an excellent appetite. As soon as the dog begins to refuse food, including his favorite treats, this is an alarming signal.

Also pay attention to the dog’s nose: it should be moist and cool. However, a dry nose does not always indicate an illness - it can become this way immediately after waking up or if the pet has been running a lot.

Here are a few symptoms of the disease that are visible to the naked eye:

• lethargy, apathy;
• hair loss and the formation of bald patches on the body;
• lack of appetite and problems with bowel movements;
• cloudy eyes with discharge;
• pus in the ears.

Often a sick dog stops responding to his name, preferring to lie quietly in one place or huddled in a far corner. In this case, you must take the dog to the veterinarian.

If you notice that your dog has started to behave strangely, is fidgeting, trying to shake something off, and is itching all the time, it most likely has scabies mites.

But ticks attack not only the dog’s body, they also get into the ears, causing otitis media. A sick dog often scratches its ears, which become swollen and hot to the touch.

Fleas are frequent “guests” of pets, even if the owner carefully cares for the animal. As soon as you notice fleas, you need to purchase a special spray, drops or shampoo from a pet store. But if ulcers have already formed on the skin, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Diseases, life expectancy

Thanks to careful selection of individuals for breeding, purebred German Shepherds have good health. Their life expectancy is on average 10–14 years. At the same time, there are diseases characteristic of the breed:

• Hip dysplasia. With this disease, the hip joint develops incorrectly. It appears as the dog matures. Dysplasia can cause lameness and disability. The disease is hereditary, therefore, if present, individuals should be removed from breeding programs. Puppies are tested for a tendency to dysplasia; you can ask the breeders for the results.

  Hip dysplasia in dogs is an irreversible pathology requiring surgical intervention.

• Bloating, gastric volvulus. A dangerous pathology that occurs when a dog engages in physical activity after eating. If you suspect this illness (vomiting, lethargy), you need to urgently contact a veterinarian, otherwise the dog faces death within 3-4 hours.
• Hemophilia, a blood clotting disorder. The disease is typical for males; its carriers are females. Identified by genetic tests, carriers are excluded from breeding.
• Degenerative myelopathy. It is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. It is an incurable disease and is detected only symptomatically (gait disturbances, inappropriate or atypical behavior for a dog).
• Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the nervous system. The attack manifests itself as convulsions, after which the dog may lose consciousness. The pathology cannot be cured, but can be suppressed with medications.

Features of feeding and diet

A well-designed diet is the key to good health for your pet. The best choice would be balanced premium food, which contains all the necessary microelements and vitamins for the harmonious development of the body. If preference is given to a diet made from “live” foods, then some rules should be followed.

Proteins make up the first third of the diet, the second third is carbohydrates in the form of porridge (best from rice, buckwheat), another third of the daily intake is allocated to various vegetables and fermented milk. Veterinarians do not recommend whole milk as it causes digestive upset in adult dogs.

List of foods useful for shepherds:

• lean poultry meats;
• beef, boiled pork, rabbit;
• raw eggs, omelettes (1-2 times a week);
• fish (once a week);
• cereals;
• potatoes, corn only in raw form;
• vegetables, stewed, boiled cabbage;
• porridge with water or with the addition of milk (half with water).

Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir) will be beneficial. Berries, nuts, and peeled seeds are allowed in small quantities. Food temperature should be room temperature.

It is advisable to exclude:

• smoked products, semi-finished products in the form of sausages;
• spiky, tubular bones;
• sweets, dough products;
• grapes, raisins, walnuts, acorns, pistachios;
• too salty, peppery foods;
• millet, semolina, corn grits.

You need to feed at the same time twice a day. Puppies are fed about six times a day. Water must always be available. These principles will help keep your furry friend in good condition, maintaining his health and strength.

Violations in the breed standard

A German Shepherd may have appearance faults that are considered serious but do not lead to immediate disqualification. These include:

• incorrect pigmentation;
• deviations in the structure of the dental system. This is an incorrect bite (different from a scissor bite), a lack of certain dental units (however, this does not apply to all teeth);
• visible deviations from the standard strong constitution of the German Shepherd;
• defects associated with the ears. For example, excessive or insufficiently high landing of the ears on the head, non-pointed tips or ears directed at each other.

In addition to serious deficiencies, a German Shepherd may exhibit defects that lead to immediate disqualification.

So, disqualifying defects in appearance and character include:

• height is more than one centimeter above or below the standard;
• excitable nervous system, weakness of temperament, biting;
• deformations of the ears and tail;
• the presence of developmental defects;
• albinism;
• white “shirt” on the wool. Even in combination with dark corneas and claws, this sign is a defect;
• very long topcoat hair that does not fit well to the body;
• soft fur, feathering behind the ears, excessively fluffy “pants”, tail with a dewlap;
• lack of undercoat, appearance of a parting in the middle of the German's back;
• absence of certain dental units;
• the presence of defects in the development of the jaws;
• malformations of the testes in males, namely their failure to descend into the scrotum. The pathology is called cryptorchidism.

Care and maintenance

In the conditions of country life, an aviary and a warm booth are suitable for the “Germans”. But it is possible to keep them in a spacious apartment. The dog should have its own place with a bed, playing bones or balls. These things will be needed to ensure that furniture, shoes and other things are not damaged.

Hygiene procedures

The dog should be bathed as needed, using special shampoos. The fur should be combed 1-2 times a week. To do this, you can purchase special brushes and combs at the pet store.

Veterinarians recommend periodic cleaning of ears, eyes, and paw pads. For oral health, you can buy bones with a mineral complex suitable for cleaning teeth in pet stores.

In general, caring for and maintaining a German Shepherd cannot be called troublesome. Accustomed to hygiene procedures since childhood, the dog will not be stubborn while combing, bathing and brushing his teeth.

Walk

It is strictly forbidden to walk a puppy until 3 months of age and before vaccination. The babies are still very weak and susceptible to various infections. The duration of stay in the fresh air should be based on the age of the pet:

• 3 months – no more than half an hour with mandatory physical activity;
• 4 months – from 40 minutes to 1 hour;
• 6 months and older – 2 hours twice a day.

Make sure that until the puppy is six months old, he does not jump over obstacles or go down stairs on his own - this is harmful to the pet’s bones and back.

Try to have your walk during daylight hours - let the dog enjoy the sun's rays. It’s good if there is a park nearby or any other place where walking dogs is allowed.

It is impossible to let the “German” off the leash, as he can run away or harm another animal or person. Since 2022, the German Shepherd has been included in the list of breeds that are prohibited from going outside without a muzzle. Free walking is possible only in a special fenced area, including on your private property.

Experts advise accustoming a puppy to a leash as early as possible so that the pet gets used to the foreign object and does not try to remove it as an adult.

Popular types

• Classic exhibition

This species is most often used in military service and as guide dogs.

The color is black, sometimes with red markings . A weak character and an uneven back are considered major faults.

• German Shepherd, working line

This type is not related to the German line. This includes Danish Shepherds and Belgian. The breed was bred for sport and the search for drugs and explosives.

The color is tricolor, black, sable, but you can also find brown-black dogs . Due to his hot-tempered nature, he is not suitable as a pet or guide, although he lives quite comfortably at home.

• German Shepherd, East German line

The species was created in East Germany. Currently, such dogs are crossed with other working areas.

The color is black, zone-black and with red markings.

• German Shepherd, Czech (Slovak) line

The breed was bred in Czechoslovakia from a German line and is externally similar to its ancestor. Dogs with a strong-willed character, energetic and hardy. The color is zonal gray, black, black.

• German Shepherd, American line

The species does not have working standards and standard hip parameters, because the breed was originally focused on walking. He has a delicate psyche and poor health, but is well suited as a pet .

The color is sable-red.

• German Shepherd, English line

The species is characterized by an unstable temperament and a mild disposition. The physique is elegant, the color is black with fawn markings.

Breeding German Shepherds

Breeding animals, including German shepherds, is a very responsible and labor-intensive process. Ignorant people should not do this, as there is a possibility of harming the health of both adults and puppies.

During pregnancy, the female should receive special care from the owner, and give birth under the close attention of an experienced dog breeder or veterinarian.

Before mating shepherd dogs, it is necessary to carry out kerung (breeding selection). This will help determine whether a particular individual is suitable for breeding or not.

How is breeding selection carried out?

1. An invited specialist (kermaster) checks the mark and examines the animal’s documents for their authenticity.
2. The kermaster enters the necessary information about the dog into the kercard.
3. Next, the specialist examines the dog and checks it for congenital defects. After this, the pet is weighed, height and chest volume are measured.
4. After this, you need to observe the dog’s behavior during the shot: normally, the shepherd will not show aggression, worry or get scared.
5. The “German” must pass the test of courage and acumen. To do this, invite a person who will act as a target. The dog must grab his sleeve, demonstrating a strong grip, and withstand blows from the stack. As soon as the owner gives the command, the dog must immediately stop grabbing.
6. It is important to evaluate a shepherd based on external parameters. To do this, the dog must stand in a stance and then move in a circle together with the owner. This is necessary for the kermaster to study the nature of the animal’s movements.

After all the events, the German Shepherd is awarded Kerclass 1 or Kerclass 2. The first - if the dog can participate in breeding without restrictions, and the second - if the presence of a kermaster is necessary for breeding work.

Breeding selection is possible when the animal reaches 18 months. After 1-2 years, you need to repeat the kerung procedure.

It is important that the kerung be handled by a specialist who can study the pedigree of the individuals and follow all the rules. If dogs are each other's closest relatives, this will have a detrimental effect on the offspring.

If one of the parents has some kind of congenital defect, then the second parent must be chosen without it so that this trait does not become established in the puppies. Before mating, dogs are fully examined for diseases, including those that can be sexually transmitted.

Under no circumstances should you breed a female during her first heat cycle at 8-9 months of age. The ideal age for pregnancy is from 1.5 to 2 years. Typically, one female is used for breeding for no more than 9 years, males - without restrictions.

The fact that females come into heat twice a year does not mean that she can give birth twice a year. Usually girls give birth once a year, and the rest of the time they recover. It’s great if there is a gap of at least 300 days between births.

The average period for bearing offspring is two months, but if this is the female’s first birth, then the pregnancy may drag on a little. The duration also depends on the puppies: if there are many of them, the birth may begin earlier.

A dog in position needs care, comfort and affection from its owner. It is important that the expectant mother does not worry, does not engage in active physical activity and eats well. To do this, you can purchase super-premium food or holistic food marked “for pregnant and lactating dogs.” If a “German woman” eats natural food, the amount of animal protein and vegetables needs to be increased, but carbohydrates should be reduced.

From the 8th week of pregnancy, meat in the diet is slightly reduced, replenishing its amount with fish and cottage cheese. This is necessary in order to prevent calcium deficiency in the animal’s body.

German hunting dogs

If you love hunting, then you can rest assured that German breeders have created many worthy assistants with whom your favorite hobby will become more comfortable and productive. Hunting breeds include:

• dachshund - badger, fox, hare and other burrowing animals;

• drathaar - a universal device that is useful when hunting hare and pheasant, wild boar and duck;

• shorthaired pointer - useful if you like to hunt waterfowl and forest birds, as well as small and medium-sized animals: hares, roe deer;

• Weimaraner - forest and waterfowl;

• Bavarian mountain hound – duck, hare, wild boar;

• Jagdterrier - bird, wild boar, fox, badger, hare, roe deer;

• German Wachtelhund – hare, wild boar, roe deer, deer;

• Lesser Munsterlander - duck, partridge, quail and other birds.

As you can see, many German breeds are universal and will be useful to any hunter.

Tips for choosing a puppy

You can verify the purebredness of the baby using official certificates. Often the breeders themselves sell small purebred German Shepherd puppies. You can also contact a reputable breeding kennel to be sure of the puppy's health and development.

Signals confirming good health are a good appetite and good appearance. There should be no obvious aggression or too slow reaction to the environment. It is important to see the parents of small animals, take a closer look at their appearance, general condition, and observe the behavior of other kids.

How to choose?

When choosing a German Shepherd, cynologists recommend adhering to several rules.:

• choose a place to take the puppy. It is not worth buying on the market; most often the sellers do not have documents, or they are fake. It is better to take puppies from kennels where dogs are bred according to mating rules;
• look at all the dogs in the litter, not just one. If they are all active and healthy, eat properly and are not afraid of people, then you can adopt a puppy;
• take a closer look at the animal, take it in your hands. It would be a good idea to pay attention to the weight; for a one-month-old puppy it should be from two to four kilograms;
• don't be afraid to ask questions. It is worth finding out the pedigree of the animal and viewing supporting documents.

Every German Shepherd has good potential, for the development of which you need to systematically work with your pet..

Proper upbringing will make him a loyal friend and helper for the whole family. However, remember that before purchasing you should weigh all the pros and cons, because any animal is not only a joy, but also a great responsibility.