Last Updated on 7 months by Dr. Shannon Barrett
As a vet, I love German Shepherds and I myself am a proud Shepherd owner.
As a pet parent, it’s fascinating to know about their history and special characteristics unique to German Shepherds.
German Shepherds aren’t just ordinary dogs, they have a rich history that adds to their charm.
- Where were German Shepherds Originally Bred?
- Are German Shepherds Protective?
- Why Are German Shepherds Used as Police Dogs?
- What health issues do German Shepherd's have?
- What are the types of German Shepherds?
- What is the Average Size of German Shepherds?
- What type of Exercise and Diet do German Shepherds need?
- German Shepherds' Double Coat
- Are There Famous German Shepherds?
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Where were German Shepherds Originally Bred?
These intelligent dogs originated in Germany in 1899.
Initially, they helped shepherds, herding and protecting livestock. Their keen intellect soon caught the eye of law enforcement and military personnel, leading to many roles worldwide.
Over the years, their popularity has only surged, making them one of the most loved breeds globally.
Are German Shepherds Protective?
Yes, many German Shepherds are protective but, in my professional experience, so are most dogs.
Most Shepherd owners know that they are big babies!
They are known for their unwavering loyalty, making them excellent companions. However my Shepherd, Griffin, might leave me for someone with more delicious treats!
Why Are German Shepherds Used as Police Dogs?
They possess a high degree of intelligence, which is why they’re often trained as service dogs, police dogs, or search and rescue dogs.
Despite their stern look, German Shepherds are known for their friendly and protective nature.
What health issues do German Shepherd’s have?
German Shepherds, like any breed, have their own set of common health issues.
One of the most prevalent is hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects the hip joint and can result in arthritis or even lameness if not managed properly.
Then there’s degenerative disc disease. This is a condition where the discs in the dog’s spine begin to break down over time, causing pain and potentially leading to nerve damage.
It’s a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.
German Shepherds also often struggle with allergies. These can be environmental, like pollen or dust, or food-based. Allergies can cause a myriad of symptoms, from skin irritation and itching to GI issues.
My Shepherd has pollen allergies which are seasonal and location dependent.
These are just a few of the health concerns I see in German Shepherd patients.
Being aware of these potential health issues can help keep your German Shepherd healthy and happy.
What are the types of German Shepherds?
The main 2 categories are working lines and show lines.
The “Working Line” German Shepherds are bred for their working abilities rather than their looks.
They’re often leaner with a more athletic build, making them ideal for roles in search and rescue, police work, and as service dogs.
These dogs need a “job” and tend to be high energy.
They have a straighter back and may be smaller.
The second type of German Shepherd is the “Show Line” German Shepherds. These dogs are bred with an emphasis on conforming to breed standards in terms of appearance.
They typically have a more laid-back temperament and are well suited to be family
What is the Average Size of German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are known for their impressive stature.
On average, males stand between 24″-26″ tall, while females usually range from 22″-24″ tall.
When it comes to weight, males typically weigh between 75-95 pounds, and females between 50-70 lbs.
German Shepherds are large breed dogs. But remember, just because they are large breed dogs, this doesn’t stop them from being great family
What type of Exercise and Diet do German Shepherds need?
German Shepherds need a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats and healthy carbohydrates.
A high-quality commercial dog food that caters to their specific needs is ideal.
I feed my dog Royal Canin German Shepherd Diet which is specifically formulated for Shepherds.
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German Shepherds require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
This can include walks, runs, or a good game of fetch.
German Shepherds’ Double Coat
Although most german shepherds do not need professional grooming, they do need regular grooming.
German Shepherds have a double coat which can shed heavily, so brushing at least once a week is crucial to keep their fur in check.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive on problem-solving and learning new commands.
Of course, regular vet check-ups are a must to prevent and detect any health issues early.
They’re great with kids and other
They are also quick learners, so positive reinforcement works wonders. They can live in apartments if properly exercised, but they do love a yard.
The lifespan of a German Shepherd is usually 9 to 13 years.
Related Content: Everything You Need to Know about Border Collies
Are There Famous German Shepherds?
Their charisma is what makes them popular in movies and TV.
“Strongheart” was One of the earliest canine movie stars, He starred in several films in the 1920s. His movies helped popularize the German Shepherd breed in the United States.
“Rin Tin Tin” is another early Hollywood star. He was rescued from a World War I battlefield by an American soldier. He went on to star in numerous movies and is credited with greatly increasing the popularity of German Shepherds.
“Apollo” was the first canine responder for 9/11. He searched for 18 hours a day for weeks until he was forced to stop because he was so tired. For his service, he received the Dickin Medal, which is considered the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
In the movie “I Am Legend,” the role of Sam, the German Shepherd was played by a dog named “Abbey”. Abbey was a female German Shepherd who portrayed Sam throughout most of the film.
Another memorable shepherd was “Jerry Lee”, from the movie “K-9.” Jim Belushi starred as a Detective and Jerry Lee was his unorthodox, four-legged partner.
The dog who played Jerry Lee in “K-9” was a German Shepherd named “Koton”. Before his acting career, Koton was actually a police dog in Missouri, where he was involved in more than 24 felony arrests and even discovered over 10 kilos of cocaine in a single bust.
Whether you’re a current German Shepherd owner or considering becoming one, I hope this information helps you understand and appreciate this remarkable breed even more.
Dr. Shannon Barrett brings an exceptional blend of academic excellence and professional expertise to the world of veterinary medicine. With a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences, where she graduated with honors, and dual Bachelor degrees in Biological Sciences and Psychology, her depth of knowledge is extensive. A member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Dr. Barrett's insights and contributions to pet health have been featured in leading publications such as Rover, MarketWatch, and Newsweek.
