German Shepherd Breed Profile

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German Shepherd Breed Profile

Breed Name: German Shepherd

Description:
The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile dog, and possesses one of the keenest noses in the dog world. Unsurpassed as a working dog, German Shepherd Dogs are the original "drug dogs," and can easily adapt to both protection and police work. Smart and protective, the German Shepherd Dog truly bonds with its family and can suffer separation anxiety when boarded.

Height:
Males are 24 - 26 inches; Females are 22 - 24 inches

Weight:
75 - 95 lbs.

Colors:
Solid black, gray, tan, gold. White is recognized by the CKC.

Coat:
Length is medium, straight and hard and close lying with a dense undercoat

Temperament:
The German Shepherd Dog is a highly intelligent, territorial dog breed. Initially suspicious of strangers, the German Shepherd Dog is an excellent watchdog.

Care and Exercise:
German Shepherds require daily brushing and bathing occasionally. Long, daily walks. The German Shepherd needs a large open yard. Obedience training will help improve their social skills.

Health Issues:
The German Shepherd Dog is susceptible to bloat, skin disease, congenital heart problems and hip dysplasia. It should be noted that the enormous popularity of German Shepherd Dogs has resulted in careless breeding. This has caused a number of crippling genetic diseases within the German Shepherd Dog population.

Category:
Herding

Registries:
AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 1), KC (GB), UKC

Living Environment:
German Shepherd Dogs need frequent exercise and daily mental challenges. They make good housedogs, although a fenced yard and plenty of stimulation is crucial for this devoted and faithful dog breed

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