The Breed

An Overview by Kirschstrase

The German Shepherd Dog is a wonderful family dog. It will form a strong bond with one individual and will find itself walking into one room of the house, where it lays out of the way, so that it can watch it’s family. Their ability to relax inside the home yet work diligently outside of it is one of the most sought after characteristics of the dog. This sets is apart from other working breeds such as the Malinois who do not relax easy, whose drive is always activated, and it is why the German Shepherd Dog is still a popular police and family dog today. The German Shepherd Dog can perform great in any activity its owner chooses whether it be agility, therapy work, schutzhund, or conformation. The breed is highly trainable: they can quickly adapt to routines to the point of seemingly overnight knowing the time of day that they get fed, taken out, and worked. As young puppies, this adaptability is noticeable. Their adaptability makes them versatile in every type of living situation, wonderful at any task, and a good pick for beginner trainers. They have a solid temperament and are regarded as friendly dogs. They are very forgiving. The breed requires socialization; otherwise, their protective nature will overrule their natural friendliness as they will learn to see strangers as a threat to their owner. Of course, their adaptability (and trainability) can be used to reverse any mistakes made by a new owner at any time under the right leadership. Although they can appear aloof, they prefer stranger human interaction over stranger dog interaction. Early dog socialization is an absolute must with the German Shepherd Dog. The breed needs a moderate amount of exercise. It’s need for stimulation lies mostly in it’s mind; as in, it benefits more from obedience training than say a long hike. The ideal exercise regiment for the breed would be training and exercise; preferably, two separate outings each day. An ideal pet owner for the German Shepherd Dog is highly speculative. The breeds ability to maintain it’s well sought after character in a variety of scenarios make it a versatile breed though it can be said they are best when surrounded by family with ample room to move about. The German Shepherd Dog does not do well in a kennel system, or as a yard ornament, as it thrives when able to watch and interact with it’s owners. Only with plenty of work and daily positive interaction can these living situations not degrade the dog’s spirit. The German Shepherd Dog is a medium to large size dog who stands 22 to 26 inches and can weigh 50 to 90 pounds. Each dog lives a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. Of course, genetics and care play such an important role that any of these characteristics can be different for each individual dog. Similarly, the breed does not have common health issues – they are a hardy breed – although a sensitive stomach can occur if a proper diet is not given. The breed can inherit hip and elbow dysplasia which is why it is pinnacle to breed clear dogs, although in a clear dog hip and elbow dysplasia can develop if he or she is not on the proper diet. The German Shepherd is an easy to care for dog. Their double coat protects the dog well in water and cold temperatures. A stock cock German Shepherd will shed noticeably more than a shorter coat dog of another breed. Their coat can vary in color greatly with a few of the most common coat patterns being black and red, black and tan, bi-color, black, and sable. The German Showline is produced in a black and red coat most frequently, with bi-colors, black, and sables usually appearing in a working dog line. A wire brush can be used once a day or every two weeks, as needed, to lessen the fur in the house. Bathing the dog is not needed often. There can be a distinct difference between the two common categories of German Shepherd i.e. the working and the show. We at Kirschstrase breed for health and working ability in a showline dog. The German Shepherd has been bred differently in varying locations. You will notice significant differences in a dog bred in Czechia than a dog bred in Germany and even more variation in the American style of German Shepherd Dog. The Serbian Shepherds likewise have unique characterstics as well; normally a black mask and a sloping gait. The breed should continue to be bred for utility over beauty; that is, a dog that has the capacity for work who is sound in mind and spirit over a dog who has a specific appearance. With many appearances in T.V. shows and movies, the German Shepherd Dog will always hold a place in the hearts of many dog lovers around the world and due to its durability and adaptability, will be selected for military and police work for a long time to come.

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Dedicated to my first German Shepherd Dog, Ben.