Features and description
When we hear “ German Shepherd breed ” the first thing that comes to mind is loyalty, endurance and courage. Such associations exactly correspond to objective reality. Representatives of the breed have gone through a long development stage. It is said that their descendants were timber wolves.
A person actively involved in the issue of breeding efficient and beautiful dogs in the 19th century was Max Emil. Before the modern representative of the breed was born, this breeder crossed many popular shepherd dogs with each other.
The result of such experiments was a dog with good working abilities, but an unpresentable appearance. The selection continued. Only at the end of the century did the world become acquainted with a loyal, strong and very cute dog.
Interesting fact! Almost immediately after being bred, the German Shepherd became the national symbol of Germany.
The representative of the breed is universal in nature. It can be used by a person as a security guard, bodyguard, rescuer, guide, cattle breeder and simply a faithful comrade. He copes well with each of these types of “work”.
He is distinguished by responsibility and love for people. If you are used to a person, you will never betray him or leave him in trouble. He might give his life defending him. He will not be afraid even of weapons. This dog is observant and careful. She will never attack a person without a reason, but if he seems dangerous to her, she attacks. She is very smart and capable of making independent decisions.
The main feature of the animal is the presence of a deep sense of justice. Despite its warlike appearance, it is very vulnerable and affectionate. Strives to honestly serve a person, but in return requires a lot of attention and care. Being ignored greatly upsets him.
This set of service and psychological qualities of the dog served as the reason for its exploitation at customs. She has an excellent sense of smell, good observation and responsibility. All this helps to quickly identify a criminal, perhaps even a drug dealer.
Nature has not deprived the dog of artistic talent. The German Shepherd regularly takes part in filming advertisements for dry food, collars, veterinary hospitals, etc. Moreover, she is also invited to appear in TV series and films. In cartoons, it symbolizes courage and bravery. Children love this dog because it is friendly with them. She always inspires confidence and is capable of affection. Very contactable.
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.
Breed standard
The German Shepherd dog is medium in size and weight. Her body is elongated, and her bones are rather dry. Height at withers - from 59 to 65 cm, weight - from 32 to 38 kg. The weight of some large males reaches 40-42 kg, this is not considered a deviation.
Gives the impression of a strong beast. The muscle corset is very developed. In purebred German Shepherds, the lower part of the body should be inclined towards the ground. This is a feature of their exterior. The fact is that the dog’s hind legs are quite long, and the front legs are much shorter. Therefore, it seems that he is practically dragging them along the ground. The dog's hip muscles are very strong. In the same zone there are strong bone cartilages.
The tips of the paws have hard black pads. The claws are medium in length and dark. Over time, they wear down, especially if the animal moves a lot. The chest is well defined, the abdomen is sunken. The tail is long, reaching to the ground. When the dog is calm, it hangs down, and when excited, it rises to the level of the waist.
The shepherd has a rather large head, the shape of the skull is round. The forehead is well defined. The distance between the ears is not wide. The eyes are round, with light brown irises. There are long thick black eyelashes. The nose is large and dark.
Important! Pedigree German Shepherds should have 5 moles on their face: 4 on the cheeks and one on the neck (throat area).
The coat of such dogs can be long, short or medium in length. But it must be direct. There is a thick undercoat. The fur on the muzzle, paws and belly is short, but on the sternum, back and withers it is the longest. There are many colors:
- Black-and-white.
- Zonal.
- Pure black.
- Pure white.
- Reddish-gray.
- Grey-white.
Of course, the German Shepherd in the photo in most cases is depicted as black-haired. This color of her coat is the most common. It is extremely rare to find a purely white or black representative of the breed. The black-backed dog's back is black, as is the top of its tail and the tip of its muzzle. There are also dark marks on the dog's cheeks. There is delicate white fur on the lower thigh. By the way, shepherd puppies are born dark, becoming lighter around 4 months.
Langhaar
These long-haired pointers were developed in Germany by crossing several different breeds. In all likelihood, they have common roots with kurtshaars and drathaars. But unlike the latter, the blood of water spaniels, Irish and Scottish setters flows in their veins.
The Langhaar is a German hunting dog that is not particularly gigantic in size. The average height of an adult varies from 61–64 cm at the withers with a weight of 25–35 kg. On an elongated, dry head with a moderately wide forehead and smooth stops, there are small dark eyes and high-set, hanging ears, covered with decorative hair. The bony body with well-developed muscles, a straight topline and a deep chest is covered with thick, shiny, wavy hair of a light brown color.
The Langhaar is a hardy, balanced and good-natured hunting dog that is easy to train. He does not require complex care, but does need long walks. Due to his innate lack of aggression towards people, he gets along well with children and is not suitable for the role of a guard.
Character
Those who were the owner of a German shepherd rarely get dogs of other breeds. There is an explanation for this. The fact is that a representative of this breed is not only efficient, but also very smart. His intellectual abilities are amazing.
This dog always understands what mood its owner is in, and he can also adapt to it. It is well trained, but is willful. Every smart dog needs proper and consistent training.
If you don’t teach her the rules of behavior from childhood, she will become angry and difficult to control. The German Shepherd is very self-confident, knows that it is smart and strong, so it often becomes self-centered. Quite proud, prone to independence. But, despite all these shortcomings, she is affectionate and responsible.
The love of this breed for its owners is limitless. He is filled with joy when he looks at them. When household members pet or kiss the dog, he rejoices. She never skimps on her feelings and strives to demonstrate her love and tenderness to her loved ones. In everyday life he is very affectionate. Can sit next to people for hours. Doesn't like loneliness or isolation. Prefers to be the center of attention.
Naturally strong and resilient. He is prone to competition, because he knows his own worth and can challenge any opponent. He is ready to fight for the attention and love of his owner by any means. If he gets another dog, the shepherd will bully it, maybe even bite it. It is important to pay attention to this in time and correct her behavior.
It is a mistake to think that a representative of this breed is exclusively a “working” pet. Yes, he will faithfully guard his household and the territory in which they all live, but this does not prevent him from showing tenderness and affection. It's cute to watch a large guard dog roll over on its back in front of a person, inviting him to pet him.
Note! When a dog bares its belly, it shows its trust in you. This part of her body is the most vulnerable, therefore, showing it, she says: “Man, I’m not afraid, but I love you, you can stroke me.”
Thanks to its full range of positive character traits, the German Shepherd is an ideal family dog. She serves her family faithfully, looks after the children responsibly, and loves to play and have fun. But you should not expect that such a dog will be friendly with every person, especially with strangers.
Do not forget that, first of all, this is a guard dog that protects and protects the members of its pack. There is no point in teaching her how to guard, since she herself knows and feels how to do it.
This is why the German Shepherd will express aggression towards every person standing outside its territory. But as soon as the owner appears and greets the guest, the dog’s attitude towards him will immediately change.
He will understand that since the owner is friendly with the stranger, then he does not pose a threat. She always relies on him, but sometimes she becomes obstinate and decides on her own. By nature he is merciful. Protects those who are weaker than him. Never gets involved in conflict without reason. Seeks the owner's approval. Loves sports and active recreation.
Wachtelhund
This breed was developed thanks to the hard work of a German forester named Rudolf Fries. The result of targeted selection was the emergence of unusually hardy animals, endowed with good health and excellent hunting qualities.
Wachtelhunds are German hunting dogs, the name and photo of which many of you have never met until today, growing up to 45–54 cm at the withers and weighing between 18–25 kg. The slightly flattened head with a poorly defined nape and thin dry lips has slightly slanted dark eyes and high-set drooping ears. The muscular body with strong bones and a moderately tucked belly is covered with thick, wavy hair of red, brown or piebald color.
The Wachtelhund is an affectionate and extremely friendly dog, endowed with high intelligence and an active temperament. He is easy to train, but can be stubborn under certain circumstances. He is not afraid of water and can become an excellent hunting assistant.
Care and maintenance
The German Shepherd is in great need of exercise. She is strong, but can weaken if she is not trained regularly. The dog loves to run cross-country or sprint. Can live both in a house and in an apartment. But keep in mind that you need to walk with her outside the house a lot and often.
It is much easier for those who live in a private house. A dog who prefers active recreation can live comfortably on the street. It's better for him to sleep in a booth. In winter it can be insulated with hay or cotton wool. There is no need to worry that your pet will catch a cold. It has a very dense undercoat that warms well. By the way, in the summer he actively sheds.
We do not recommend putting the “German” on a chain. This is a very smart and strong dog that needs to be given freedom of movement. We also do not recommend locking her in an enclosure for a long time. Of course, it is better for the animal to sit there if there are a lot of people in the yard. Get him accustomed to the enclosure in the first days of your acquaintance.
The dog's fur is very dense and can get tangled, so it needs regular brushing. You can purchase a separate comb for it. It must be cleaned periodically with alcohol for disinfection purposes. If your pet has too long fur on his thighs, it is better to cut it off in the summer. Without this, it will become tangled and dirty.
Bathing such a dog too often is highly discouraged. It is advisable to do this as it gets dirty, but not more than 2 times a year. The best time of year for swimming is summer. The dog should be soaped, rubbed and rinsed with clean water. She will shake off the excess water herself and begin to move, which will allow her to dry faster.
If you are forced to carry out this procedure in an apartment, you will have to wipe it with a towel. If your dog's nails grow too quickly, they will have to be trimmed. Otherwise, he will start to hurt himself when he washes himself or scratches himself.
You also need to take care of the animal's teeth. Plaque will form on their surface; it can simply be removed with a human toothbrush. Large ears are wiped with cotton wool from the inside to remove wax. Well, the last moment is washing. If you notice souring in your dog’s eyes, wipe his face with a damp cloth and rinse with water.
Pride of Russia
There are domestic breeds in our country that are best adapted to the local climate and are used as guards almost everywhere - in the private sector, cottages, enterprises and areas with increased control (strategically important objects, places of deprivation of liberty.
First of all, these are the famous and popular Caucasian, Asian, South Russian and East European shepherd dogs. They are distinguished by their impressive appearance, that is, they are capable of not only signaling danger, but also seriously frightening a burglar. Their thick fur helps them withstand the harshest weather conditions, which is not uncommon in Russia. These are the best guard dogs you can imagine. The list continues with beautiful breeds - the Moscow Guard Shepherd and the Black Russian Terrier. Next we will talk in more detail about the characteristics of the most famous breeds, so that the reader can make the right choice.
Nutrition
A German Shepherd puppy needs a complete, balanced diet. If fed incorrectly, he will grow up weak, sad and distant, and his coat will not have shine. It is important that the baby receives amino acids and proteins every day. These nutrients are found in milk, cereals and meat.
A complete list of foods that should be fed daily to a puppy from 2 to 8 months:
- Buckwheat or wheat porridge.
- Chicken (preferably raw).
- Milk or semolina.
- Cucumbers, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes.
- Bananas, strawberries, apples, melon.
Never feed your pet raw sea fish, as it contains bones and possibly parasites. It is also recommended to permanently eliminate pork, smoked lard, sharp bones (especially beef), chocolate, biscuits and marmalade from his menu. Eating such foods can cause digestive dysfunction in dogs. Dry food can be given to an adult “German” over 1 year old.
Imposing commander
This is a real king among dogs, majestic, stately and serenely calm. A guard dog of the Commander breed was used in mountainous areas to protect herds from wolves. They cultivate such qualities as wisdom, the ability to analyze a situation and make independent decisions, fearlessness, courage and vigilance 24 hours a day.
This makes the commander one of the best representatives of guard dogs. Their unique coat grows in the form of cords, it does not shed and is absolutely odorless, dry or wet, and protects from heat. In the cold season, you can’t leave it outside, it will freeze.
Just imagine all the difficulties of caring for such wool, because you have to choose thorns and grass that are tangled in long cords. Brushing and bathing the commander is problematic; you can cut it, but then he will lose all his natural beauty until the fur grows back.
Reproduction and lifespan
A reliable guard, a loyal friend and just a beautiful pet - all this describes the German Shepherd perfectly. She lives from 12 to 14 years, but only with good care. Breeders planning to breed these types of dogs should be well aware of their standard. It is also advisable to breed individuals of the same color. Only in this case can one raise offspring that are correct in every sense.
A male dog can be the same age as a female dog, the main thing is that each of them is over 1.5 years old. It is not advisable to have dogs over 7 years old. Each of the potential parents must be psychologically stable and of high breed.
They are mated in the male's territory. This happens when the bitch is in heat. If she becomes pregnant, then by 8-10 days after reproduction her tummy will be noticeably rounded. You can expect puppies in 70 days (plus or minus 3 days).
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.
Price
If you dream of becoming the owner of one of the most popular dogs in the world, we recommend going to a kennel for her. No, you don’t have to go to Germany; there are high-bred “Germans” in almost every country in the world, including Russia. The price of a German Shepherd from a kennel is from 15 to 25 thousand rubles. It depends on the age of the puppy, as well as on its compliance with the standard.
The cost from private breeders is lower (from 6 to 12 thousand rubles). If you do not need full compliance with the dog’s breed standard and its pedigree, we recommend saving money and using their services. However, before purchasing, be sure to inquire about the vaccinations that the puppy received.
Good Newfoundlands – photo
Large dogs of this breed are known all over the world as good nannies , rescue dogs and loyal friends. A large pet is different:
Loving, calm and obedient, Newfoundlands are easy to train and always try to please their owner. They are very sensitive, so they need to be trained gently . The large animal loves to swim and will take every opportunity to swim.
When planning to get a gentle giant, you need to remember that in small apartments they should be kept only if they are walked frequently.
Education and training
Let's start with the main thing: if you want to raise a “German” who is successful in work and social terms, then get ready for the fact that it will take a long time to train him, especially in the first year of his life. It is believed that a working dog is more successful if it is raised by 1 person. By the way, it is he who is perceived by her as the owner.
It is necessary to build a hierarchical and trusting relationship with her. She must understand that she is in a subordinate position. You cannot gain the authority of a service dog by force. You need to prove your superiority to her humanely. Teach her the rules of behavior in the house, be consistent, do not spoil her and do not allow her to misbehave with impunity.
When you bring your Shepherd puppy into your home, it is a good idea to let him explore the area. It is important that he sniffs every corner. This is how he adapts to new conditions of detention. Control this process. Don’t let your baby get scared of something; in this case, protect him. For example, you can pick up your puppy or lean down to pet him.
Teach commands early, within a week of home socialization. The representative of the breed is definitely not deprived of intelligence, so he learns new things quickly and effectively. When training classic teams, don't forget to treat him with something tasty as a reward. Don't let him get overtired. If the dog gets tired every time, he will develop a negative attitude towards training.
The next important point is leash walking training. Remember, a leash is a connection between you and your pet. He must learn to walk next to his owner and not be distracted. To do this, put a collar on your pet, attach a leash and practice walking together near your home. Avoid meeting other dogs.
Important rule! Never take your German Shepherd outside until he is at rest. You can sit with her near the front door for a few minutes, waiting for her level of arousal to subside.
It is also impossible to allow the development of so-called food aggression in a shepherd dog. This phenomenon involves the dog showing anger while eating food. Some service dogs try to protect their food from theft in this way.
But a representative of the breed should be trusted by members of the household. A simple way to prevent food aggression is to pet a young dog while it eats. This way she will get used to the fact that there are kind people nearby who do not pose a threat and will begin to calmly eat in their presence.
How to raise your friend
Guard and security dogs are slightly different areas, primarily in training. This needs to be taken into account when you come to classes in a canine group. Intelligence and a balanced nervous system are very important for a watchman. Even height does not always play a role, since the watchman’s task is to notice the danger in time and warn the owner. This is why aggression is considered an undesirable quality, otherwise the dog will react to any noise and bark constantly. A good watchman, on the contrary, is neither seen nor heard until his intervention may be required. He perfectly distinguishes between ordinary noise and sounds that pose a threat.
Below we will look in detail at what guard dog breeds exist, but for now let's define the role of a guard dog. Its function is a protective guard service. Just active actions, attack, persecution and detention are their strong point. They receive a much more in-depth training course, but this is often necessary for special security structures, police or border services.
Possible diseases and methods of treating them
You cannot call a German Shepherd a weak and sickly dog, but there are factors that will certainly undermine its health. The main one is unhealthy diet. If your pet sleeps a lot, defecates frequently and refuses to eat, this is a warning sign. His digestion was probably disrupted.
A sick dog should be taken to an animal clinic and seen by a specialist. In most cases, digestive dysfunction in dogs is treated by taking sorbents. The veterinarian will prescribe the medicine and determine the dosage. You can give sorbents to your pet yourself at home.
Almost all German Shepherds have a genetic defect - weak, inelastic leg joints. When the dog is not injured, the pathology does not manifest itself in any way, but if it falls, for example, on ice, it will easily damage a limb. Painkillers will help the animal.
The German Shepherd is not only a fearless bodyguard, but also a loyal and affectionate friend. She will always come to the aid of people who love her and will never leave them of her own free will.
Bullmastiff
This is a real sleepyhead, an incorrigible phlegmatic who will not annoy you with endless jumping and requests to play. Children's best friend, he allows you to crawl on him, pull his ears and jaws. If the pestering gets too annoying, he will try to sneak away to his place.
The Bullmastiff is silent, you will never hear him bark, but in an extreme situation he will not wait for a command, but will immediately take action. This is a soft, sleepy “ottoman”, but we must not forget that at the same time it is a serious guard dog. He needs basic obedience and training. Initially, it was bred to protect forest lands and detain poachers. Qualities such as strength, perseverance, endurance, good learning ability and the ability to cope with several armed people at the same time were polished from generation to generation.
Brave Spanish Mastiff – photo
Famous for its courage and excellent watchdog qualities, the Spanish mastiff is capable of rushing into battle with a bear, wild boar and wolf . With proper upbringing and training, the pet will become a great companion and family friend. Features of the breed include:
Spanish Mastiff puppies look like bear cubs waddling on thin legs. An adult dog has amazing performance and will do whatever the owner asks of it. A big dog needs love and understanding, then he will become a reliable friend and faithful assistant.
Second place – Staffordshire Terrier
Some people believe that Staffords are angry and unbalanced dogs. However, this is not entirely true, or rather, not at all true. The character of the Staffordshire Terrier depends directly on its upbringing. If you raise a dog correctly, it will be a good friend and even a “nanny” for children. The Staffordshire Terrier is ideal as a guard dog. Dogs of this breed do not like and do not accept strangers.
Read more about the Staffordshire Terrier breed
8). Chow chow
These teddy bears create such a pleasant impression with their appearance that no one will suspect them of aggression. Despite their melancholic character, chow chows are capable of showing aggression when a stranger tries to make close contact or pet them.
They can also be aggressive when defending their opinions or defending their food. If a chow chow bites under these conditions, it will not feel remorse. Otherwise, they are sweet, loyal creatures and wonderful companions.
Eighth place – Alabai
This breed of dog is a good guard, but a difficult learner. Alabai is difficult to train and rarely listens to its owner. To ensure that problems never arise with a dog of this breed, it should only be owned by a person who can easily find a common language with every dog.
Read more about the Alabai breed
Small
Even the bravest compact dog is much inferior in size to its large “colleagues” as a watchman. Small pets serve more as a “bell” about the approach of a stranger than as a guard.
Schipperke
Schipperke is a shepherd dog of Belgian origin, despite its modest size (the weight of an adult dog is from 4 to 9 kg) - a real protector. The Schipperke is a desperate, brave dog with developed intelligence. It is easy to train and is used as a guard pet. A small fearless dog is able to fight back against humans and large dogs.
Schipperkes are used as “alarm bells”, but can bite when in danger. The Belgian Shepherd treats its owner and family with love, but treats strangers with distrust and unfriendly.
Regardless of their size, guard dogs are devoted protectors, ready to protect their owner until the last breath. Guard dogs are united by devotion, the ability to perceive information, and analyze the situation. Guard dogs are rightfully considered the most intelligent and loyal animals, ready to serve their owner.
Next: Dog breeds with photos and names
Sixth place – Doberman
The Doberman is an excellent home guard dog. This breed is a service breed, so these pets are very smart and quick-witted. The house is under the supervision of a Doberman and never receives unwanted guests. Having such a dog, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your money and other valuables. In addition to its security abilities, the Doberman is an excellent companion and loyal friend.
Read more about the Doberman breed
Fifth place – Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a very expensive and rare breed of dog. Animals of this breed are very kind, well-mannered and patient. But when it comes to the life and health of the owner, Cane Corsos turn into a ferocious beast that is capable of tearing anyone apart. That is why this breed of dog is suitable for guarding apartments and private houses.
Read more about the Cane Corso breed
