Standard German Shepherd Characteristics

About the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd Dog, also known as the Alsatian, was first created in Germany in the 1800's for use as a sheep herding dog.

Today, these dogs are used in a variety of ways such as companion dogs, security dogs, and service dogs.

Known for their no nonsense attitude, German Shepherds are fearless animals who rise to any occasion. They are always alert and are confident in their demeanor. They love to work and protect their families. Their high intelligence makes then easy to train though they should be trained from an early age to prevent any bad habits from occuring. In some dogs, timidity and aggression can be a problem so early socialization is important. These dogs are excellent with children and are great protectors of their homes. These dogs are happiest when they have a job to do so they should be given a job to make sure that they don't become destructive.They are great with other animals and will protect them as much as they protect their human family members.

The head of the German Shepherd is very distinct in appearance. Their almond shaped eyes set to the side of the head and are colored as darkly. Their ears are pointed and are pointed forwards. They are carried standing up when the dog is alert and are lean somewhat to the sides when relaxed. The dog's muzzle is long and very strong. It nicely runs into the black nose, tighlty fitting lips, and powerful jaws. The neck is very muscular as well and is carried high when alert and is somewhat arched when relaxed. Thei topline is somewhat arched and sloped downwards to the backend. Their chest is deep and carried forward which gives the impression of a larger size. Their tail is very bishy and extends down to the hock. When relaxed it will hang with a slight curve but when alert the tail is riased and the curve is more prominent.The front legs of the dog are well toned and are straight while the back legs are curved at an almost perfect right angle. Their feet are short and very compact with well developed toe pads. A double coated dog, the outer coat is very dense and straight with hair that lies close to the body. Along the ears, face, and legs the hair is short while it is longer throughout the rest of the body. The undercoat is shorter and helps to protect the dog against various elements of nature. Most commonly shown is the short haired rough coated dog though this breed does come in long haired and long rough coated. Common colors are black, black and tan, sable, cream, black and grey, and white.

Unfortunately this breed is plagued with health problems. Bad breeding has filled this breed with problems such as dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, epilepsy, allergies, eye diseases and personality disorders.

German Shepherds will do fine in an apartment if they have sufficient exercise. They do need a job though so even in a home with a yard, these dogs should have something to do so they feel needed.