German Shepherd Dogs are intelligent, loyal, and active. They have a strong sense of duty and work hard to please their owners. German Shepherd Dogs are very protective of their homes and families.
The German Shepherd Dog was originally bred in Germany to herd sheep. They were also used as guard dogs to protect herds from predators such as wolves. The German Shepherd Dog is a very versatile breed that can be trained to do almost anything its owner wants it to do, including being a loyal companion or aggressive guard dog.
7 Facts about German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds are natural herders
German Shepherds are natural herders and they have been used to herd livestock for centuries. They are often used as guards and police dogs because they have a strong sense of duty.
This instinctual behavior is what makes them such good working dogs. They have the ability to herd animals without any formal training on how to do so, which makes them perfect for herding sheep or cattle.
German Shepherds are gentle by nature and will not hurt an animal, even if they are not being supervised.
Their gentle nature also means that they can easily control animals without harming them or scaring them away.
Alternate names for German Shepherds
These canines are now known as German Shepherds in the United States, but they were not always known as such. Because many countries shunned anything German after WW1, the AKC began calling them Shepherd Dogs in 1917. This occurred in Europe as well, where they became Alsatian Wolf Dogs. Many years later, both Americans and Europeans reinstated the old name, and the breed is now officially known as the German Shepherd.
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German Shepherds come in a variety of colors
Most people associate German Shepherds with black and tan coloring, however, the AKC accepts 11 colors as standard.
White, blue, and liver are disqualifying – or undesired – colors. The AKC considers these colors to be significant flaws. These dogs can be registered, but they cannot compete in conformation classes at dog shows. White German Shepherds are always disqualified from conformation classes by judges. Dogs with undesired colors, on the other hand, can compete in obedience and agility classes, which do not entail conformation judgments.
- Black and Tan
- Sable
- Bi-Colored
- Black
- Black and Red
- Black and Cream
- Steele Blue
- Gray
- Panda
- White
- Liver
They are the third-smartest dogs
If you own a German Shepherd, you are aware of its intelligence. But did you know they’re the third most intelligent dog breed? Poodles and Border Collies are more innovative than them, but you’d never know it.
According to Stanley Coreen, author of “The Intelligence of Dogs,” German Shepherds can learn a new activity after only five repetitions and respond to directions 95% of the time. This helps to explain why they’re so popular as police dogs.
Size and lifespan of German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is a large dog breed. Males can reach heights of 24-26 inches and weights of 65-90 pounds. Females are smaller than males, standing 22-24 inches tall and weighing 50-70 pounds.
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, though they do have a few inherited health issues. Their lifespans range from 7 to 13 years if they receive regular veterinary care, exercise, and consume well-balanced, healthful diets.
Coronavirus Detection as well
Just when you thought the German Shepherd had done everything, along comes the coronavirus. German Shepherds are currently being trained to identify the coronavirus in humans. In Finland, a training program for them will begin in September 2020.
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Intelligence
The German Shepherd breed’s slogan is Intelligence, and it has led to them participating in the military, and police forces, and as guide and service dogs. It has earned them numerous notable honors for their dedication to serving.
Nothing should overshadow how lovely they are as family members. The German Shepherd is the second most popular breed among the 193 AKC registered breeds, as well as the second most popular breed worldwide. 130,000 new German Shepherd parents register their dogs and introduce them to their families yearly.