German Shepherd

Dog:

appearance, character and care

one of the world's most

popular and versatile

dog breeds, and one of the most familiar in Britain. These clever, loyal and energetic dogs suit work and family life equally well. Thanks to their excellent working qualities, German Shepherds serve with the police, the armed forces and search and rescue teams, as well as being companion dogs. Here we look at the breed's history, character, standard, care and training, and at why the German Shepherd is still the choice of millions
of people.

Adaptability

Trainability

Care

Suitable for flats

Suitable for children

Shedding level

Friendly to dogs

Exercise needs

Protective instinct

Barking level

Health problems

Social needs

Energy level

Loyalty

Watchdog instinct

Friendly to cats

Intelligence

Friendly

to strangers

The German Shepherd was developed in Germany in the late 19th century as a versatile working dog able to handle many kinds of tasks. It was based on various German herding dogs, both short- and long-coated. The aim was a dog combining excellent working qualities, intelligence and loyalty.
The father of the breed is the German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz, who founded the breed club in 1899 and bred his dogs above all for working ability. The German Shepherd soon spread into many fields, including police and military work, rescue and explosives detection. In Britain the breed was long known as the Alsatian, and The Kennel Club only returned to the name German Shepherd Dog in 1977.

The head is in proportion and harmonious. The forehead is slightly rounded and the stop moderate. The muzzle is straight and strong. The nose must be black, the jaws strong and the bite a scissor bite. The shape of the head gives the dog an intelligent, confident expression.

The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely and as dark as possible. The expression should be intelligent, alert and bright. The eyes reflect the dog's great intelligence and its eagerness to learn and work with its owner.

The coat is dense and double. The outer coat is harsh and straight, the undercoat soft and dense. It protects the dog extremely well from weather and wind, especially in frost. The coat must be neither too long nor curly. German Shepherds moult twice a year, when the coat needs careful grooming.

The body is sturdy and muscular, with a deep chest. The back should be straight and the loins strong, which gives the dog an athletic, well-proportioned look. The neck is strong and blends smoothly into the shoulders. Thanks to its build, the German Shepherd is agile, hardy and well equipped for all kinds of physical work.

The tail is of medium length and strong at the root. At rest it hangs down; in movement it rises but is not carried over the back. The tail should be in proportion to the body and blend into the overall picture.

The movement is smooth and powerful. The dog moves surely, with a strong drive from the hindquarters, and the front legs move in step with the hind legs so that the gait is smooth and balanced. This coordination is typical of the German Shepherd and shows that the dog is in good physical condition.

The German Shepherd has a well-proportioned, muscular body that shows both strength and elegance. Its appearance reflects its working qualities and constant readiness for action.

Black and tan:

All black:

a dark, almost black back (the saddle) and lighter, usually golden-yellow or red-brown underparts and legs.

a less common variety that also occurs in the breed.

Colours of the German Shepherd

German Shepherds come in a few colours. The most common is black with tan markings, but there are also sable (wolf-grey) and all-black dogs:

Colour does not affect working ability or health, but certain colours are preferred at shows. White is not allowed under the breed standard.

The: The German Shepherd's head should be in proportion, with a moderate stop. The forehead is slightly rounded but not domed. The muzzle is straight and strong, with a black nose, strong jaws and a scissor bite.

Eyes: Medium-sized, almond-shaped, set slightly obliquely and as dark as possible. The expression should be intelligent and alert, showing intelligence and loyalty.

Coat: Dense and double. The outer coat is harsh and straight, the undercoat soft and dense. The coat should be neither too long nor curly, which gives the dog its typical look.

Body: Well proportioned and muscular, with a deep chest and a straight back. The neck is strong and blends smoothly into the shoulders. The back should be straight and the loins strong.

Tail: Medium length and strong at the root. At rest it hangs down; in movement it rises but is not carried over the back.

Movement: Smooth, powerful and well coordinated. The dog should move surely, with a strong drive from the hindquarters and smooth, regular steps of the front legs.

The German Shepherd is known for its outstanding intelligence, loyalty and devotion to its owners. It learns quickly, has a strong guarding instinct and is easy to train. German Shepherds are very energetic, love to work and need regular exercise. They become excellent companions for anyone who can give them an active life.

The German Shepherd also gets on well with children and can be an excellent family dog. However, it can be reserved with strangers and show its guarding instinct, which makes it a good watchdog. It has great social needs: it wants to be with its family and part of family life. In Ireland, the German Shepherd is on the list of restricted breeds: in public it must be muzzled and kept on a short, strong lead by someone over 16.

The German Shepherd needs careful care to stay healthy and fit. The dense coat should be brushed regularly, especially during the moult, when a lot of hair comes out. Regular vet visits, vaccinations and checking the teeth and ears are also important. The breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so choose a breeder who uses the BVA/KC health schemes.

German Shepherds also need regular exercise: without enough to do they can become aggressive or develop behaviour problems. Walks, training and mental tasks are an essential part of caring for this breed.

is not just a dog but a loyal friend and protector. If you are ready to give it an active life, good care and training, it will be your best friend for many years.