By: Kelly Marshall
Submitted: 2011-08-26 02:21:54 | Word Count: 541
The German Shepherd, or otherwise known as the Alsatian, is a breed of dog that was initially bred for herding sheep. The German Shepherd was developed by "Captain Max" von Stephanitz in 1899. His first German Shepherd which was named Horand von Grafrath, is the genetic basis for the breed as we know it today.
In recent years, the precise drives of tracking and obedience have been deliberately highlighted in the German Shepherd by selective breeding, which has made this breed very well suited for active working environments. German Shepherds first came to the attention of the British authorities during the 20th century, where they were already being widely used by German forces on the Western front during the First World War.
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This breed can also be found working as guide dogs for the blind, police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy, and in the military.
Despite the fact that this breed is suitable for working purposes, they also make the most loyal and loving pets inside of the home. German Shepherds love to be around people and other animals. However, it is vital that this breed is socialized from a young age to prevent them from being aggressive as an adult.
The precise standard of this breed varies from country to country and different organizations. However, the German Shepherd is a large dog and should have a general weight of 75 to 110 lbs, even though they have been known to reach a weight of 150 lbs and more. The preferred height for males is typically between 24 to 26 inches, and for females between 22 and 24 inches. The German Shepherd has a double coat which is made up of an under coat and outer coat.
German Shepherd's can be simply identified due to their large head, ears which stand straight up, wedge-shaped muzzle, and compact legs. This breed also has a unique gait.
The German Shepherd has been marked by its fearless willingness to protect what it considers as being its "den" or "pack", such as its car, and property in a home situation, and also human family.
Undertaking the correct socialization with German Shepherd's when they are puppies will determine its temperament as an adult. Of course, genetics is the other. A dog with certain genetics cannot be trained to be stable and friendly, and by the same token, the genetics that are most fit for training are worthless if the dog is not well socialized as a puppy. This breed should ideally be alert and fearless in defense of its den and pack, but loving in a non-aggressive manner within its home environment.
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Correct breeding is necessary in order to breed these traits out of the dog, so that they can enjoy a pain-free life and remain suitable for working situations.
Other health problems that can sometimes affect German Shepherds are skin allergies, von Willebrand's disease, and canine degenerative myelopathy. This breed is also prone to bloat.
The German Shepherd is one of the most used dogs in a variety of scent-work roles. They are fantastic in accelerant detection, cadaver searching, explosives detection, mine detection, narcotics detection, search and rescue situations, and many others. The German Shepherd has an average life span of 10 to 12 years.
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Article by Kelly Marshall of http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/, check out our selection of designer dog beds and cool dog clothes.
