My dog is acutely aware of when I’m down and having a bad day. Whenever she notices me not being myself, she fetches her cheeseburger toy and places it on my lap. She also places it in front of every room I may be in. I’ll randomly hear that little squeak from her toy, and it’s just the cutest thing ever.
Freyja will be 7, March 17. The running joke we like to make, is telling people she’s not a German Shepherd she’s an “Irish Shepherd” since she was born on St. Patrick’s Day. ☘️
This big girl went to the vet yesterday for her last puppy visit! Ava weighs 45.2lbs and is officially fully vaccinated. She was also such a good girl during her visit, such good manners 🥰
One of the most well-liked dog breeds in America is the German Shepherd Dog. The ever-popular German shepherd is intelligent, simple to teach, highly active, and wants to be busy. They generally require a lot of daily movement; else, they develop mischievous or high-strung behaviour.
Breeder Overview
Weight: 75-95 lbs
Height: 23-25 inches
Coat: Medium Length Double Coat
Color: Most colors other than white, Black, Black & Tan, Sable, Red & Black, Black & Silver, Grey
Features: Naturally Upright Ears
Energy Level: Average
Tendency to Bark: Low
Age: 10-13 Years
Hypoallergenic: No
Personality
German Shepherd personalities tend to be distant but not typically hostile. If they were reared among kids and other animals, German shepherd dogs get along well with both. German shepherd dogs should begin socialising and obedience training early in life to help prevent over-guarding and aggressive behaviour. The breed is thought to be intelligent and simple to teach.
Health
The majority of German Shepherds are healthy, however like all breeds, they are prone to some health issues. It's crucial to be aware of these diseases if you're thinking about getting a German Shepherd even if not all of them will affect them. Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, degenerative myelopathy, and allergies are a few of these conditions.
Care
German shepherds need weekly brushing because of their double-layered, thick coats. German Shepherds are bred for action and were first developed to herd flocks all day. They must exercise every day to expend all of their energy, which they have a lot of. A early age should be chosen to start socialisation and training for your German shepherd due to their protective nature.
Feeding
Your dog's diet will vary depending on its size, exercise level, age, and other characteristics. German Shepherds need a minimum of 22% protein during growth phases and 18% protein for adult dogs in their diets. To meet their energy demands, puppies require 8% fat, while adults need 5% fat. Give your German Shepherd a high-quality, protein-rich diet that includes meats like beef, chicken, lamb, pork, eggs, fish, and plant-based proteins found in foods like grains, beans, and vegetables. The food should also be rich in minerals, vitamins, and fats.
History
In the late 19th century, German breeders developed the forerunners of the German Shepherd as working dogs, notably as sheepdogs and farm security dogs. Max von Stephanitz recognised the first German Shepherd dog, whom he named Horand von Grafrath, in 1899, after much debate over the traits to emphasise in the breed.
After World War I, the German Shepherd was renamed the Alsatian wolf dog (or just called an Alsatian) in the UK and the US, and this practise continued until 2006.
Getting a German shepherd from a breeder
It's easy to get a German Shepherd, but you should be ready. If you purchase a German Shepherd puppy, you should expect to spend a lot of time training it on critical behaviours like sleeping through the night and going pee outdoors, as well as preventing biting and barking.
Contact a reputable German Shepherd breeder, pay a visit before committing to the purchase, and make your own decisions to help you find a German Shepherd puppy or adult dog.