The German Shepherd Dog is an active, athletic breed that needs long play sessions or walking every day in order to avoid boredom, depression and behavioral problems. If exercised properly, this breed will adapt to living in almost any environment.
The German Shepherd Dog has a medium-length, double coat consisting of a dense outercoat with a softer undercoat. They are a medium shedder daily and require a brushing every few days, however twice a year they do become a heavy shedder. They also only require the occasional bath.
The German Shepherd Dog is a playful, sociable breed that gets along well with children. The breed has a strong ability to focus and responds well to training. However, German Shepherd Dogs must be socialized early. It is an extremely loyal, protective breed that will not retreat if its family is threatened. This breed tends to be wary of strangers.
The German Shepherd was developed in the late 1800s as a herding dog by Max von Stephanitz using traditional German herding dogs.
As the name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany in the late 1800s. The most intelligent, responsive and obedient local shepherd dogs in Germany were bred to create what is now known as the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). This breed was responsible for herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. Their intelligence, speed, strength and keen sense of smell made them the perfect choice as sheep herders. When herding started becoming obsolete with the invention of railroads, the dog became the go-to breed for law enforcement.
Due to the breed’s reputation for being courageous and easy-to-train, GSDs were welcomed as police and military dogs.
The breed was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and was formally recognized by the AKC in 1908.
These outstanding qualities and characteristics make GSDs a wonderful domestic companion, protector and friend. The breed is reserved with strangers at first but will eventually warm up to the new relationship. This characteristic makes them excellent and loyal watch dogs.
