German Shepherds are the most popular dog. For many centuries she has lived next to a person, protecting him and helping him. This is a service breed, but it is difficult to find another dog as loyal and intelligent. They call it universal because you can teach it anything: shepherd dogs work in the police, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, act in films, guard the house. This is a devoted friend and protector, kind to children, unpretentious. But proper upbringing is necessary, it is important to create the necessary conditions for the pet’s life. Therefore, before choosing a German Shepherd puppy, you need to study the pros and cons.
- Standards
- How to train
- Hygiene
Keeping a dog in an apartment
From the point of view of convenience, keeping a German Shepherd in an apartment environment has some difficulties, which is due to the large size of the animal. During a walk, people around them treat such dogs with some distrust and even fear, so to walk a German Shepherd you need to choose specially designated areas or dog areas.
The main rule for properly keeping a German Shepherd dog in an apartment environment is the obligatory allocation of a separate place for the animal in the room. In order to arrange such a place, it is necessary to purchase a bedding with a removable high-quality cover, which must be washed periodically
It is very important to socialize your pet from a very early age, and also teach him not to climb into electrical outlets, not to chew cables or laces, and not to climb on the bed or kitchen furniture.
As a rule, the German Shepherd quickly adapts to the peculiarities of apartment living, and therefore does not require the creation of any special conditions
However, in this case, greater attention should be paid to hygiene rules. German dogs have a very well-defined coat, so preventing the appearance of a very specific smell and clumps of flying hair in the house will only be possible by observing the entire range of hygiene measures.
conclusions
The German Shepherd breed is rightfully considered one of the most faithful and noble - that is why many of those who once got a representative of this breed get them again and again. However, before getting a shepherd, you need to think several times and make an informed decision - whether you can take enough care of it, or whether it is better not to risk it.
Sources used:
- https://domashnij-zapovednik.com/sobaki/porody-s/nemeckaya-ovcharka/otzyvy-o-sobake.html
- https://jdogs.ru/bolshie-sobaki/nemetskaya-ovcharka/plyusy-i-minusy-nemetskoj-ovcharki
- https://plusiminusi.ru/nemeckaya-ovcharka-osnovnye-plyusy-i-minusy-porody/
Advantages of German Shepherds from reviews from owners and dog handlers
- If you take a puppy into a family that already has a cat or another dog, then perhaps you will end up with a strong tailed family, but an adult shepherd dog has great difficulty accepting new animals.
- A frequent point in descriptions of life with a shepherd from their owners is stories about how the pets follow their tail. At the same time, they are not too lazy to do this all day long, since their energy reserves allow it. They also treat the family quite warmly, but having chosen the owner, they are unconditionally devoted only to him. The breed is tolerant of children, but it is not recommended to allow children to play one-on-one with the dog.
- The show type of German Shepherd is incredibly beautiful. Yes, they are a little inferior to the working type in terms of guard qualities, but for that they look like standard representatives of the breed.
- A shepherd dog that has completed a training course is the best guard. It is not for nothing that the breed is used in military and police service.
- The emotional mobility of the breed is noted by the owners as a definite plus. The dog has a reaction and even an opinion to everything; it can be seen that he is interested in the process of playing and training, or something is bothering him. In everyday life, this aspect takes on sweeter colors; some even note in their reviews that the pet behaves like a human and understands everything.
- A purebred German is the key to success at exhibitions and in sports disciplines. Owners of both show-class and working dogs note the high performance of the breeding pack in matters of the show ring, success on the grounds and as a service dog.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9tLR8298J2Q
Features of care and maintenance
The German Shepherd does not require special care.
- You need to give your dog a thorough bath several times a year.
- During shedding, the fur is carefully combed using a special brush.
- Ears should be cleaned with a slightly damp swab.
- To clean your teeth, you should purchase special bones with fluoride.
German Shepherds exude energy, so daily walks should last about 2 hours. For lovers of morning jogging, such a dog will be a good companion.
Features of feeding
The puppy's bowl should be placed on a raised surface so that it is at chest level. This method of feeding will contribute to the correct formation of the exterior.
Too cold or hot food can lead to dire consequences.
Starting from 2 months of age, the dog can be given veal cartilage and soft raw bones. Sometimes raw potatoes are given, which has a beneficial effect on the coat.
Since the puppy is growing rapidly, he needs to be given food frequently: from 6 times a day (up to 1.5 months of age), gradually reducing to 2 times (when he is 6 months old).
The diet can be natural (raw meat, bones, boiled fish, vegetables) or balanced dry, preferably premium.
Shepherd dogs - rescuers, guards and search dogs
Nuances of keeping and caring for a German Shepherd
When deciding to get a German, be prepared for the fact that you will have to devote a lot of time and attention to your pet. Dogs need daily walks and regular exercise. Animal hair that is thick and prone to matting requires careful care. Finally, the owner must take care of the German Shepherd's proper and balanced diet.
Keeping German Shepherds
Unpretentious Germans easily adapt to any living conditions. Therefore, the dog can be kept both in an apartment and in a private house. Naturally, a pet will be more comfortable in a house with a vast territory, where he can run and frolic to his heart's content.
But even in a small apartment, the dog will feel comfortable, provided that you provide him with the physical activity he needs and long walks.
If a German is kept in the yard, a spacious enclosure with an insulated booth will be equipped for him.
Pet care rules
- The main disadvantage of the German breed is that the dogs shed heavily all year round. Also, their fur gets tangled and rolls into tangles, which spoils the appearance of the pet. Therefore, the dog needs to be combed once every 2-3 days, and during the period of intense shedding (beginning of spring and autumn), the combing procedure is carried out daily;
- Germans are bathed no more than 2-3 times a year, using a special shampoo for large, wire-haired breeds of dogs;
- periodically inspect the pet's ears and remove dirt with a cotton swab (not a swab). The eyes are also regularly cleaned of discharge using a damp cotton pad;
- if the dog lives in an apartment, his nails are trimmed 1-2 times a month. When kept outdoors, dogs' claws grind down on their own, and such a procedure is not necessary;
- To remove plaque and prevent the formation of tartar, animals' teeth are brushed several times a week.
Minuses
- They require a lot of educational work . Indeed, a German Shepherd, into which the owner has invested a lot of effort and resources, can become not only a loyal friend, but also a protector. But what if you simply don’t have the time or skills to do it? For example, in order for a shepherd dog to guard a house, you need to take special courses - if the owner can still cope with standard training, then separate specialists are needed for this. Even basic rules of upbringing, if not taught in time, can affect the relationship between the dog and its owner - to the point that the shepherd dog imagines that it is she who is in charge, and not the owner.
- Sharp fangs . What is an advantage in protecting a home can also become a disadvantage if this point was missed during the upbringing process. In other words, if the dog is not explained in time that it is forbidden to bite (it may do this unintentionally, just playing and not understanding the pain it can cause), its bites can be dangerous to humans.
- Possible aggressiveness . Lack of training can also affect the dog's behavior, including uncontrollable attacks of aggression. You can combat this, for example, by purchasing a muzzle, but this will not solve the problem.
- The need to regularly exercise and walk in the fresh air . German Shepherds are very energetic, and it is impossible to waste energy while sitting still. Therefore, when getting a pet, you need to be prepared for the fact that he will pull you for a walk, no matter how tired you feel or what the weather is like outside. Of course, for those who regularly get up in the morning and go for a run, this is not a problem, but if this is not about you, why mock yourself and the animal? It’s worth noting that if a shepherd dog is not taken outside for a long time, it can become aggressive and may not obey its owner.
- Requires a lot of free space . The German Shepherd is ideal for a country house, which has room for games and walks, but in a city apartment the dog will be terribly bored, not to mention the fact that sometimes even the size of the apartment does not mean such a large creature will be in it. Of course, if you are willing to devote several hours a day to your dog, spending an hour or more on each walk three times a day, there will be no problems - but if not, you may have difficulties.
- The need to clean regularly . When a shepherd dog begins to shed, everyone who lives in the apartment immediately finds out about it, because wool appears everywhere in abundant quantities. You need to clean constantly. Moreover: clean people may begin to resent the specific smell of the dog, which requires constant ventilation or, if possible, a kennel outside.
Choosing a healthy puppy
You should not look for a full-fledged German Shepherd at the poultry market. Even litter from champion sires in a trusted nursery can be very heterogeneous. The most promising puppies are rarely given away, leaving them for breeding, and if they are sold, it is very expensive. Your task is to choose the strongest and most beautiful baby, which is extremely difficult in the absence of special knowledge.
General information
Find out how many puppies the bitch brought. According to FCI standards, German Shepherds should feed no more than ten dogs at a time, which is considered the key to their future health. And the bitch herself in this case is less susceptible to exhaustion.
Ask when the dog's previous birth was. If she was whelped less than a year ago, it is better to abandon the puppy: according to European rules, a breeding shepherd dog should give birth no more than once a year. Frequent childbirth weakens both the mother and her offspring.
Assess the litter as a whole. A high-quality litter is usually homogeneous - all puppies are approximately the same size (allowing for the difference between the sexes) and are similar to each other.
Compliance with standard
There are many anatomical details that allow you to understand the high class of litter. A good German Shepherd puppy has the following characteristics:
- strong bones and elongated body;
- straight (not sagging) back and strong (not short) neck;
- thick paws, gathered into a ball (hind paws without dewclaws);
- lack of fringe in the ear area;
- tail without kinks or bumps;
- ears without erect tips up to 3.5 months;
- scissor bite with a gap between the incisors of no more than 2 mm (without fused/double teeth);
- the muzzle is not sharp, the forehead is not too wide (with a pronounced transition between them).
In menstruating Germans, a bluish tint to the iris is allowed, which disappears as they grow older. The standard eye color is dark brown. Puppies come in black and tan or black: the more intense the tan color, the better.
Puppy health
Take a closer look at the environment where the puppies are growing up. In puppy nurseries, piles are quite acceptable, as long as there are no blood clots in them. Liquid feces will also indicate an intestinal disorder. By the way, sometimes diarrhea is indicated by characteristic marks near the anus and on the “pants”.
Puppies are expected to exude fun, optimism and curiosity. They should be free of flaking and scabs, and their coat should be plush and clean. Dull, tousled fur, complemented by a bloated belly, is a sign of helminthic infestation.
Warning symptoms include:
- large hernias (umbilical/inguinal);
- visible consequences of birth/postpartum trauma;
- thickenings on the ribs, indicating rickets (identified by palpation);
- purulent discharge from the eyes;
- odor from the ears;
- dry nose.
If you want to test your dog's hearing, clap your hands sharply and watch his reaction.
Puppy makings
A dog's character is no less important than its physical health.
Pay attention to the puppy, bravely exploring space, confidently interacting with littermates and people. The adaptive qualities of the “German” first appear precisely when weaned from his mother: at this moment he shows his fearlessness and willingness to communicate with a stranger
It’s bad if the puppy hides in a corner, runs away and hides. But the other extreme, when he tries to bite and growls angrily, does not characterize him from the best side. Developing a distrustful attitude towards strangers will become your prerogative and will begin after you take the dog home.
How to choose?
The most difficult moment is choosing a future pet. In order to identify a shepherd puppy, you need to:
- Meet the dog's parents, find out their pedigree and titles.
- Ask the owner of the bitch to find out her age, the time between the last two births (at least 12 months) and the number of babies in the litter (no more than 8-10).
- Be sure to examine the puppy and monitor its behavior around other animals.
The optimal age to bring a dog home is 2.5-3 months. Newborns are physically weak and completely dependent on their mother. By 2.5 months. breeding dogs receive a mark, which indicates compliance with the breed standard. The breeder is required to provide documentation of vaccination and anthelmintic measures.
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.
Useful video
From the video you will learn interesting facts about the German Shepherd dog breed:
2018-11-25
Have you decided to get yourself a German Shepherd? Very good choice. But as the future owner of this wonderful breed in all respects, you must understand with full responsibility what responsibility you are taking on. In this material we will try to tell everything about the good features and disadvantages of the breed. If you describe the German Shepherd in one word, then that word is “versatility.” The dog exhibits excellent adaptation to people and amazing performance.
German Shepherd.
However, despite the many positive qualities of the shepherd, the breed cannot be called ideal and problem-free. In order for it to become your faithful companion in life, a guard and a devoted friend, you will need to pay enough attention to the dog, work on it, care for it and, of course, above all, love your pupil.
Is it possible to keep it in an apartment?
It is possible to keep a German Shepherd in an apartment and it will not cause any difficulties, but only if several conditions are met:
- when choosing a place, it is necessary to take into account the size of an adult pet - the dog should be comfortable, it should be able to stretch out to its full height during sleep and rest;
- a bed, mattress or bedding should also be selected in accordance with the size of the animal;
- The place should be chosen so that the pet can see the entire room and doors from it - this need is due to the watchdog instincts of the German Shepherd.
However, the most important condition is regular walking of the pet, the opportunity to provide it with constant physical and mental stress. Otherwise, the dog will be bored and will find an outlet for accumulated energy through damage to property and other unpleasant moments for the owners.
Otherwise, the dog will be bored and will find an outlet for accumulated energy through damage to property and other unpleasant moments for the owners.
History of the German Shepherd
At the dawn of the history of this breed, it was believed that the shepherd was unsuitable for professional breeding, that its very “wild”, “wolf” appearance seemed to indicate that it would never be possible to make an obedient and devoted service dog out of it. However, it soon became clear that these arguments had no basis. And the fact that a couple of years after the official recognition of the breed, shepherd dogs began to be widely used in the army and police service is the best refutation of these speculations.
The history of this breed begins approximately in the 17th century, when dogs that looked like wolves already lived in Germany. They were faithful assistants to local farmers: they herded livestock, guarded houses, and also served as bodyguards when, for example, the owner needed to go to the city for a fair.
In central Germany, as well as in the north of the country, herding dogs were massive, stocky and powerful. And in Southern Germany there lived dogs of the same breed, but of a different type: high-legged, with lighter bones.
German farmers have always carried out strict selection of their dogs. Overly angry, cowardly or hysterical individuals were rejected from breeding and, most often, destroyed. And the right to further life and procreation was given to animals distinguished by intelligence, courage, incorruptibility, selfless devotion and obedience to the owner.
The ability of herding dogs to make independent decisions in situations when the owner was not nearby was highly valued. The ancestors of German shepherds understood perfectly well where the border of the territory they protected lay and did not touch either people or animals outside of it. It goes without saying that there was no question of such a dog causing even the slightest harm to the livestock or poultry that belonged to its owner, since a dog that dared to poison livestock would face swift and inevitable reprisals.
By the end of the 19th century, when professional cynological work on breeding the German Shepherd began, the method of folk selection had already created a fairly high-quality, albeit heterogeneous in appearance, population of working dogs. The main task of the first breeders was to combine the main two types of the first German shepherds into one breed in order to improve their working qualities and appearance.
Already at the beginning of the 20th century, shepherd dogs became very popular as police dogs. They began to be used in the army a little later.
In Russia, the development of the breed after World War II took a different path: real German shepherds began to be considered “fascist” dogs and work began on developing a new breed, albeit similar to them. Later, these dogs, which inherited from their ancestors such external features as a “wolf” appearance, but were distinguished by their taller height and stronger build, were called East European Shepherd Dogs.
General description, character
Initially, the German Shepherd was used solely to protect livestock from predators. But the excellent intelligence, dexterity and strength of dogs of this breed were noticed by dog handlers, as a result of which they began to be used as rescuers during military operations and emergency situations, to protect borders, search for criminals and protect property. The “Germans” coped with such functions better than representatives of other breeds, which ensured themselves well-deserved authority throughout the world.
Since this dog is slightly larger than average, in a small one-room apartment it will not have enough space to play, and when it reaches a certain age, it will not have its own corner in the house.
Lifespan
On average, German Shepherds live 12-14 years . If you follow the recommendations regarding a balanced diet, regular walks, and timely treatment, the life expectancy of a dog can be increased to 16-17 years.
Zone color
Intelligence, character and compatibility of dogs with small children
The German Shepherd is very smart and therefore easy to train and train . She has a strong physique and well-developed muscles. Dogs of this breed perfectly know the limits of the territory that needs to be protected. Any aggression, even sudden movements towards the owner or other family members, will be interpreted by the dog as a signal for an immediate attack by the “aggressor”.
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An adult dog has a stable and calm character . At a young age, the Shepherd can show independence and disobedience. At this time, it is necessary to demonstrate who is boss in the house , using moderate methods of physical pressure. Usually a few slaps in the face are enough for the dog to recognize the authority of the owner. For effective training, it is better to use “carrot” in the form of all sorts of dog treats.
Dogs are great with small children in the family, perceiving them as part of the pack. The dog tolerates moderate children's pranks quite well.
These dogs have a stable and calm character.
Training and education
The main upbringing should be carried out by one person . Under the supervision of adults, such upbringing can be entrusted to a child from the age of 10.
From the moment the puppy appears in the house, it should receive a name that the baby gets used to within a few days.
From about 2 months of age, the puppy is already able to understand and execute simple commands .
By 6 months he should know and execute all the basic commands: “come to me”, “sit”, “lie down”, “fetch”, “fu”, etc.
For each action performed, the puppy should be rewarded with a treat . Without such a bonus at the beginning of training, the dog will soon lose interest in following commands.
“Germans” learn much faster than representatives of other breeds, so they are actively used by the police (to search for drugs, weapons, criminals), the army (to search for explosives, guard borders) and to protect property.
German Shepherd puppy
Appearance of a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are medium in size. Male height at the withers is 60-65 cm, weight 30-40 kg, females are 5 cm lower and 8 kg lighter
The proportion of height and weight is important. The dog is slightly elongated, strong and muscular, strongly built, but the bones are not rough.
Head
Muzzle of a German Shepherd
The length of the head is 40% of the height of the dog at the withers. The shape is wedge-shaped, but not too elongated, moderately wide between the ears. The forehead is slightly convex. The ratio of the cranial and facial parts is 1:1. The transition between them is expressed smoothly.
Teeth and jaws
The upper and lower jaws of the German Shepherd are well developed. The teeth are strong, the dental formula is complete. The lips fit tightly to the jaws. Scissor bite.
Ears
The ears of the German Shepherd are large, erect, triangular in shape, and directed parallel. The ears are open forward. The ear cartilage is elastic, without creases or bends.
Torso
The chest is long, wide and deep. The line of the back goes downward from the withers to the croup. The withers are strong, the back is wide and strong, the croup is sloping, with an imperceptible transition to the base of the tail.
Tail
The tail of German Shepherds is relatively long, slightly curved, and in its normal position it hangs down. Fluffy, with longer hair on the lower part of the tail.
Black German Shepherd
The front legs are straight, parallel when viewed from the front. Strong and muscular. The shoulder blades and humerus are the same length and connect at right angles. The hind legs are slightly set back, straight and parallel when viewed from behind. The thigh and lower leg are of the same length, connected at an angle of 120°. Strong and muscular. The front paws are rounded and the toes are arched. The hind feet are compact, the toes are lightly arched.
Color
Black with reddish-brown, brown, yellow to light gray tan markings. Solid black or solid grey. Zoned gray shepherds display a black saddle coat and mask.
History of the East European Shepherd breed
Like most domestic service breeds, East European Shepherds were bred in the 30-50s of the 20th century, due to state necessity. By the way, the expression “state necessity” meant guard and escort service in the Gulag, which for obvious reasons was not advertised. The breeding material for creating the next superdog was German shepherds, thanks to which several breed lines were formed in the USSR. In particular, the most sought-after offspring were those from imported males such as Edu von Heisenhof, Edie von Blumenduft and Devete von Furstensteg.
After the Great Patriotic War, the VEO population in Soviet nurseries was reduced to a critical minimum, which is why work on the development and improvement of the breed had to start from scratch. However, already in the 60s, seven new breeding lines appeared in the country, the representatives of which demonstrated outstanding service and exterior qualities. The era of Stalinist camps and prisons had by that time become part of history, so animals began to be recruited for service in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and also used as guide dogs. Domestic cinema also fueled interest in the breed. After the release of the films “Come to me, Mukhtar!” and “Border Dog Scarlet” almost every second Soviet schoolchild dreamed of acquiring an East European Shepherd.
In 1964, the first full-fledged appearance standard was drawn up for the “Easterns,” which provided them with recognition first by the Union of Cynological Organizations of Russia, and later by the RKF. As for similar foreign and international communities, not all of them agreed to consider VEO as a separate breed. For example, FCI still positions East European Shepherds as the Russian branch of German Shepherds: updated and improved, but generally retaining the phenotype and psychological traits of their ancestor.
Varieties
The variety of types of German Shepherd was simply predetermined by the long origin and long history of the development of the breed. Today, among the types, experts identify the following.
- West German. The main breeding species. A classic German Shepherd that best meets the international standards of this breed.
- East German. Brought out after World War II in the GDR. It differs from its West German relatives in having a more powerful build.
- Eastern European. The result of the post-war work of Soviet breeders. It is distinguished by an even larger bone structure than that of East German Shepherds, and at the withers it can reach 70 cm.
- Belarusian. The USSR has another type of shepherd bred - the Belarusian or so-called black German shepherd. True, experts do not include it among the main types of breeds. Belarusian Shepherds were bred by crossing German Shepherds with a number of breeds characteristic of Russia to give the animal resistance to cold and large dimensions. Dogs were successfully used in the KGB system. Representatives of the breed can reach 90 cm at the withers. These are often dark or black animals, but there are also pure white or spotted ones. In other lines, black or white color is considered a sign of non-compliance with breed standards, but for the Belarusian Shepherd this is the norm.
- Long-haired. The long-haired German Shepherd is another example where dog breeders are “crowded” within the standards. As in the case of the “black shepherd,” it’s all due to a recessive gene that is present in all lines, but manifests itself only in some representatives. In the homeland of shepherd dogs, Germany, smooth-haired representatives of the breed are considered the standard, and other dogs cannot take part in exhibitions. In response, long-haired pet lovers are developing a species called the Old German Longhair, but without official recognition or specific genetic lines for breeding.
- Dwarf. The dwarf German shepherd is also not formally considered a separate line, since its significantly smaller size is the result of a genetic malfunction that can affect the health of the animal. But these dogs fully retain the working qualities of the “Germans”, protective instincts, learning ability and the ability to get along with children. And this, together with their compact size, makes dwarfs attractive to those who want to keep a dog in an apartment.
Attitude towards children
Some people's fear of getting a German Shepherd because of small children is completely unjustified..
Representatives of this breed get along well with children. Moreover, they perceive them as part of their flock, caring for which is in their blood.
IMPORTANT!
Therefore, these dogs become not only good friends for small children, but also excellent nannies and protectors.
