Breed Focus: German Shepherd

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Many people are able to recognize the German Shepherd breed. Typically they are well as the primary dog used by police officers. Due to their extreme intelligence and strong will, they will require a firm hand and thorough training. This is not the breed for a first time dog owner. However once trained, they can become a great addition to many families.

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 German Shepherds do tend to shed quite a bit, so you will need to be prepared for regularly vacuuming or sweeping around the house. Just to re-iterate they will also need training starting at young age. This is a large breed that is intelligent and stubborn, it will be important to lay down the home rules early to avoid issues later on in their life. They will also need an active family that can provide adequate mental and physical stimulation for them.

 

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As a breed, there are several health concerns to be aware of prior to adopting your German Shepherd. Hip dysplasia is probably one of the most common health issues seen in this breed. It is important if purchasing a puppy to ensure that both parents were certified free of dysplasia. This will decrease the risk of your puppy developing this condition. For more information on hip dysplasia you can go here. Another condition that is seen in German Shepherds is degenerative myelopathy. This is a disease of the neurological system which causes a slow loss of the ability to walk. There is no cure but there are therapies that can help delay the onset. Finding a breeder that screens their parent dogs is one way to minimize the chance of your pet having this condition. You can find more information on degenerative myelopathy here. One other big thing to consider when looking at breeders is that there have been studies that show that temperament is to some extent hereditary. Make sure you meet both parents if possible and that they are friendly and approachable. This will again minimize the chance of your puppy being shy and scared of people.

 

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The German Shepherd is a great, sturdy breed. If you are looking for a dog to train and be a loyal companion this could be a great fit for you. For more information you can visit the following websites here and here.