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German Shepherd Dog
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trotting dog, and its structure has been developed to meet the requirements of its work - covering the maximum amount of ground with the minimum number of steps.
Be aware, fearful or poorly socialized GSD's may bite and be aggressive - so socialization is highly encouraged.
This versatile breed has well-earned the reputation as family companion, guide dog, police dog, and, of course, herder. They excel at tracking, guarding, guide dog work, border patrol, and obedience work.
They are known throughout the world for their uncanny intelligence and faithfulness. These are focused, fearless dogs that love activity of all types. They are an excellent house dog, but if you live in an apartment or a small house you will need to give your dog daily exercise.
See one of these girls in action
They are excellent travelers and love to ride in the car for long trips. They are truly a companion that can be taken everywhere - fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, etc.
They can have the traditional shorter double coat as seen in the top photo to the left, "Coda", or can come in a longer haired version with feathering, called "coated", and can come in many color variations, however, white coated shepherd's are not recognized by the AKC.
They do shed all year long, especially if kept as an indoor dog, so if you have an aversion to dog hair, be forewarned. Regular brushing can keep this problem under control, however.
Country of origin: Germany
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Colors: Best known-black and tan "saddleback", also, solid black, sable, black and silver, black and red. AKC does not recognize solid white shepherd' s but the UKC does
Known health problems: Bloat, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, pancreatic problems, Cancer, Epilepsy, Anal fistulas
A Few Famous shepherd's: Strongheart, the first canine movie star; Rin Tin Tin, canine movie star; Major, pet of Franklin D. Roosevelt; Clipper, pet of John F. Kennedy; Blondi, pet of Adolf Hitler
Additionally, Did You Know This About The German Shepherd Dog?
• Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer,
developed this Dog breed in 1899.
• Buddy, a GSD, becomes the first Seeing Eye dog.
• Horand von Grafrath became the first registered GSD, with the number SV1.
• In 1921, the GSD Strongheart becomes one of the first canine silent movie film stars. Rin Tin Tin becomes canine film star in 1923.
• According to S. Coren, the author of "The Intelligence of Dogs", The German Shepherd Dog ranks as the 3rd most intelligent dog breed of all, just behind the Border Collie and Poodle
• The GSD is suitable for many different jobs: schutzhund, herding, police work, guiding the visually impaired, search and rescue, drug and bomb detection and tracking to name a few.
Here's current GSD news for you to learn even more:
Want GSD Wallpapers? Click Here.
More Photos to Enjoy
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New and Recommended Reading:
Inside the pages of " Your Total German Shepherd Dog, A Pet Owner’s Guide," you'll discover many new and exciting tips and secrets - everything from how to choose the right German Shepherd for you, to how to housebreak it, to the history of the breed, all about the health issues (so many are not often discussed), how to groom your dog thoroughly from end to end and so much more!
Here's just a small taste of what you'll find inside:
* Learn all about the history of the German Shepherd and where it originated.
* What exactly to look for in a GSD puppy? A breeder?
* How to make your home and yard safe for your adventurous German Shepherd!
* How to tape those floppy puppy ears (if you really need to!)
* Discover the best way to potty train your dog!
* The absolute best way for you to groom your "German Shedder".
* Learn the differences between the American and the German GSD bloodlines!
* The best kind of diet for your dog or puppy.
* The surefire way to puppy proof your home.
* Discover many of the health problems hardly ever discussed - until it's too late!
* Learn more about how to deal with your senior GSD.
* Which food is better for German Shepherds...canned, dry, or moist?
* Is it true that spaying and neutering helps prevent many diseases within the GSD?
* What is the ideal age to bring a new puppy home?
* What is the average life expectancy of a German Shepherd Dog?
* …and much, much more! Want to order your own copy? Just click on the book cover directly above.
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