German Shepherd are not only strong but also agile and intelligent. Because of the qualities they have, this dog breed holds a special place in police and military and are often tasked with duties like tracking, patrolling, and dominating anti-social elements.
Characteristics and Size
Originally developed as herding dogs, German Shepherds or Alsatians are best acknowledged for their strength, intelligence, trainability, and loyalty. The standard height of this medium to large-size dog largely varies between 60–65 cm in males and 55–60 cm in females
Group: Hybrid Group
Height: 16-22 inches
Weight: 65-85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-13 years
Coat and Color: Medium and Short in Length and Colors – Black, Black & Tan, Sable, Grey, Red & Black, Black and silver
Temperament: Intelligent, Obedient, Curious, Alert, Loyal, Confident, Courageous, Watchful
Energy Level: Active
This dog has a flexible long neck and a bite force of 238 PSI, which is over 100 kg. Now, you can’t compare that to any human’s bite force, which is just 36kg or 86 PSI, or can you?
About German Shepherd
As this is a large breed, and often classified as a working dog, the dog needs a lot of exercise. Their basic characteristics of being courageous, loyal, alert, obedient, and playful make them an amazing human companion.
A German Shepherd’s lifespan generally varies between 9 and 13 years. Although continuous inbreeding of this breed and human companionship have made them vulnerable to health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid, bladder stones, and even cancer. That does not mean a German is incapable of living a long and healthy life.
Read Here >> What is the German Shepherd Price for Adoption?
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
As much as 40 mins of daily exercise and walks are imperative for these dogs to live a happy and healthy life. German Shepherds are generally a double-coat breed which also means that they need a lot of grooming and brushing. So, be prepared to carry dog hair (or as some people say dog glitter) with you wherever you go.
Before rushing into adopting one, you need to remember that a German Shepherd, if handled casually, can become aggressive and dangerous. A proper exercise and training routine is extremely crucial for this breed. Furthermore, one must always be vigilant about the breeders as a poorly bred German Shepherd is more likely to be nervous, aggressive, moody, and confused rather than confident, calm, and playful.
Finally, a word of caution is that in the hands of an amateur, this dog can be a lethal weapon tied on the other end of the leash.
