All about German Shepherds

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds. Each owner must know everything about the representatives of this breed in order to understand their behavior, nature and the basis of proper education.

The breed German shepherd appeared in a very short time. It took about a hundred years for these dogs to become very popular.

The exact origin of this breed is unknown. Some suggest that the descendant of dogs was the Indian wolf, who lived in Western Europe several centuries ago. From this animal later turned out a bronze dog. This is a beast that mixes the blood of domestic and wild animals. Bronze dog lived in the fourth millennium BC.

Later, shepherd's dogs appeared, which were domesticated by man. The breed was called Hovawart. It existed 2-4 centuries ago. Then the dogs began to appear, which they called shepherd dogs. But these representatives were not similar to the official breed, which is currently known.

The history of the word "shepherd" is associated with the word "sheep." Sheepdogs were called dogs that were engaged in guarding sheepfolds. Schäferhund - sheep dog or shepherd, translated as "the dog that protects the herd." This suggests that the origin of the word was directly associated with the work of canines. Previously, Germany had a large number of pastures on which flocks of sheep were grazing. Someone called the shepherd dogs shepherd dogs, and subsequently the word stuck.

In the 17th century, mentions of such dogs were discovered. It said that, according to the laws of the West German Aleman tribe, punishment was introduced for the killing of shepherd dogs. Since in the 18th century cattle breeding was actively developing in Germany, powerful dogs were needed to protect the herd, which could control the flock. Shepherd dogs in those times were well appreciated, so there was a fashion for breeding breeds that have working qualities. At that time, no one looked at the external characteristics, and the dogs displayed could be very different from each other.

The breeding process was commercial in nature and was not accompanied by certain requirements in the standard. A little later, two kennels appeared, where shepherd dogs were bred - Thuringia and Württemberg. These are the most famous kennels, but they were breeding dogs throughout Germany.

In these nurseries, animals acquired their own characteristics. Thuringian individuals possessed the following qualities:

• average height;
• wolf color;
• ring-shaped tail;
• sharp ears.

In 1882, shepherd dogs were first introduced as German. These were two males Kiras and Grafe, who had a light gray color. Animals have caused a stir to their people, so the dog breeders began to think about breeding. Thanks to the Thuringian nursery, individuals appeared in the world who became the ancestors of the breed.In the future, the bitch Prima with a dog Pollux, similar in color to wolves, gave birth to puppies that became to participate in exhibitions.

In 1891, a community appeared where connoisseurs of the “Germans” gathered. It lasted a short time, but managed to interest other people. The formation of the first standard of the German Shepherd Dog took place in this association. Thanks to the work of one of the organizers of the community, which was engaged in breeding, key achievements of the breed were saved.

In 1899 began the history of the German Shepherd. At this point, Max von Stephanitz (a retired officer) saw an individual who was able to capture all the positive traits of the breed. The officer bought a dog for himself and gave him the nickname Horand von Grafard. This dog was used for breeding in the main community for the "Germans".

Max learned at the vet. Since childhood, he has been watching the shepherd dogs who watched the flocks of sheep. He wanted to create the perfect dog, which would be the best representative among the four-legged shepherds. When Max resigned, he started breeding and took the new job seriously. Thanks to him, the union was formed owners of the "Germans". Max von Stephanitz is the first person who did not try to find the monetary benefits of breeding a German shepherd.

The acquired dog possessed unique characteristics in all respects, and its owner derived elite individuals. To get the result, he carefully selected the bough for breeding, traveled throughout the country in order to find the right individuals and interacted with the nurseries. After a century, his union will become the most impressive community in its category. The retired officer was able to develop standards that became reference.

In the XIX century, the number of pastures began to decrease, and the need for shepherds subsided. Therefore, in 1901, Max began to promote the "Germans" in military units and civilian services. The dogs began to work in the police and the army. Such a move received a response due to the fact that breeders have worked the temperament of animals.

In 1925, the union held a conference, according to which breeders decided to work on the return of standards. Breeders chose champions of exhibitions of different years, and male Claude von Boksberg became the leader in terms of indicators. He is the founder of key genetic branches. This dog has become a dividing line between the approved standards that existed before and will be present in the future.

In 1904, German shepherds were brought to Russia. They were used as nurses during the war between Russia and Japan. In 1908, this breed has already participated in competitions between police dogs.

In 1924 was the importation of a batch of animals for the border service and the NKVD. It was not quite a good idea, since the project was introduced at the time when the canine crisis came to the USSR. The lack of decent dog breeders, along with poor representatives and uncontrolled mating, did not make it possible to reach the western standard in the breed.

After the war, they decided to use the "Germans" for the Soviet Army. However, at that moment Germany was inaccessible to Russian cynologists, and all manipulations were carried out with dogs that remained after the retreat of the German troops. Cynologists faced not only poor-quality samples, but also the negative attitude of the Russian people to the word "German". Also affected the role of animals in the punitive detachments.

In 1946, the breed was named East European Shepherd.This decision was made in order to avoid a specific relationship to the dog. Since business contact with German dog handlers was impossible, the breeds displayed were not similar to European standards. The adjustment of the standard occurred only in 1989.

In 1970, dogs began to come from Germany. In their appearance, they did not reach Western standards, but they did not resemble East European sheepdogs so much. In 1980, the cost of the "Germans" was lower, and the Soviet cynologists were able to bring new representatives into the country. With the help of colossal labor, dog trainers were able to get a breed of dogs, which is currently called the German Shepherd.

The popular breed of dogs has many positive qualities that every person who is planning to have such an animal should become familiar with.

The advantages include the following characteristics.

• High level of intelligence.
• Sheepdogs are known for their good learning receptivity. They easily learn new exercises and can be trained in almost all areas of training.
• Unfriendliness along with unpretentiousness in relation to conditions of detention. Animals quickly adapt to the new environment.
• Congenital guard skills.
• Non-conflict A dog of this breed will not unreasonably show signs of aggression towards a stranger and is able to get along normally with animals of other species.
• Universal performance.
• Vigor, high level of endurance.

If the pet passes a competent upbringing, it will please its owner with conflict-free behavior and a balanced character, thanks to which he will become friendly not only to other dogs living under the same roof with him, but also to cats. If the “German” is not in danger, he will never demonstrate aggression towards small dog breeds. However, in the opposite situation Shepherd will show dedication, protecting themselves and their loved ones.

Among the disadvantages are the following features.

• High level of activity.
• The German Shepherd constantly requires mental and physical stress. Also, the animal must walk daily.
• To train a dog will require training skills.
• Breed can be placed in the category biting, if we neglect the rules of education and socialization of his four-legged friend.
• In a small apartment to keep a shepherd will be problematic.

German Shepherd Dogs are hypermobile animals that necessarily need open spaces along with long walks. Walking your pet, you should remember about the load. People who choose this breed should be ready to walk in any weather. For this reason, the "Germans" are advised to people with an active lifestyle. For busy people who have little free time, this breed of dog will not work.

"German" can not live without load. A bored animal that does not receive enough mental load will soon become uncontrollable and aggressive. Shepherd is not a dog that will sleep on the couch for most of its life. She needs to constantly do something and be involved.

Such a dog will not suit an inexperienced dog breeder. She will need a strict, patient and competent approach. The four-legged friend often becomes stubborn, demonstrating protest in the implementation of instructions. When puberty begins, if the owner was unable to socialize his pet and raise it, the animal can begin to demonstrate its superiority and try to take a leadership position. Obedient dog can become uncontrollable, which is fraught with danger not only for the owner, but also for others.

Since dogs are active and too energetic, as well as large ones, they will not be suitable for keeping in a small apartment. This is a big dog that needs space. However, this does not mean that it can not be kept at home. If the dwelling area allows, and the owner has time for long walks, German shepherd will feel good in the house. Ideal conditions for maintenance is a private house with an aviary equipped in the surrounding area.

There are several types of German shepherds the difference between them is in the external characteristics and characteristics of temperament.

• The working line contains the Belgian and Danish directions.. However, this line does not include such breeds as the Belgian Malinois or Danish Sheepdog. These representatives were taken out for sports and official events. Line representatives are often used in the following directions:
  • police;
  • military service;
  • search and rescue service;
  • search service.

• East German line. This line was created on the basis of individuals that were in East Germany after the end of the Second World War. They have a good physique, a wide range of performance. It may be noted the presence of heavy bones, a large head and a serious nature. Some members of this line may be particularly aggressive.

• Slovak or Czech. Breeding lines occurred in Czechoslovakia on the basis of working dogs. The ancestor of the direction is the East German ruler. Bred animals for fast walking, so you can note the angular shape of the body, along with an elongated body.

• English It originates from the old line, whose representatives were taken to the islands of Britain before the post-war German individuals appeared there. The dogs had a massive and heavy bones, the body was long, the shoulders were beautiful. The character of individuals was distinguished by its softness and inconstancy.

• White Swiss. White color is considered the dominant hidden gene. If it occurs, such representatives are subject to disqualification in a number of countries. However, there were connoisseurs of white dogs who tried to achieve recognition of this line. Thanks to their efforts, FCI recognized her as a separate breed, which is now called the Swiss Shepherd. In North America, white shepherd dogs are still considered to be German or they are called American white shepherd dogs.

Dogs are characterized by good build, soft character. These are large animals, if compared to other species, they can be used as guide dogs or service dogs. White color does not affect the health of dogs and is not considered albinism.

• Panda. This line shows spontaneously appeared black spots in the form of a placer on the face. This line of "Germans" is a model of autosomal heredity of the stable type based on a single gene. Dogs have an excellent body composition and a stable psyche. Individuals have virtually no physiological deficiencies.

• Sheepdogs without a mask. They look like simple shepherd dogs, but without a black mask. Some individuals may show points of light or dull color on the limbs, chest or face. Spots can also show sable color or white patterns.

• Shilonskaya shepherd. The development of the line took place in America, as a heightened interest began to manifest itself to the exhibition individuals. In this line they tried to revive the original qualities of the typical "Germans". To get a bigger dog, dog breeders connected the Alaskan Malamute with the Sharplanin shepherd dog. As a result of this experiment, a dog was presented, the height at the shoulders of which was 30 cm. The dog could not pass through the AKC, but was recognized by the international registration system in Shiloh.

• Longhair line Recessive gene of long hair is in each line and can show itself in the role of excessive shaggy, when compared with traditional hair. In Germany, long hair will be a reason for disqualification. Due to such requirements for wool in central Europe, this line began to develop. Such dogs could not be registered, but they are still used in the service dog breeding as shepherds and policemen.

• Royal This line is an example in which American dog experts tried to get huge individuals with long hair. In order to get large dogs, Malamute and Akita took part in the cross-breeding along with other species. The breed standard, recognized by ARBA, provides for a strong body build along with large sizes. The animal is often used as a pet of the whole family or a companion for walking. The temperament of the individuals is soft and docile, therefore they are not suitable for service.

• Starotype. The characteristic of this breed provides for a height of more than 30 cm at the withers and a weight greater than 100 pounds. Also assumed flat flat back, mild temperament. Most of the representatives of this lineup are long-haired.

• Dwarf. This line is not a reduced copy of the traditional "Germans", but only a genetic defect, which is called a low height. Because of him, dogs can suffer from various health problems. Such defects can manifest themselves in any breeds of dogs; therefore, such animals are observed under strict control of the animals.

• Old German. These are born shepherds who are very popular in Germany. Different colors and lengths of hair are allowed.

"Germans" are considered the most intelligent and intelligent dogs. In the international ranking of dogs they are in third place. If you approach the issue of training correctly, you can get a pet who quickly grabs new skills and is able to cope with any task that may seem impossible for other breeds.Versatility is valued in service dog breeding. Thanks to a well-developed intuition, along with a sharp instinct and balance, these dogs are valued as guide dogs.

The high intelligence of this breed is not combined with the desire to be independent or stubborn. The German Shepherd is happy to play various games, learn exercises and get acquainted with new territories. "Germans" do not like loneliness, but he is able to patiently wait for his owner. To make the dog feel good it requires constant loads in the form of games and long walks. Also such pets need a human society.

The innate conservation instinct is one of the important features of this breed. For this reason, dogs are wary of strangers, but do not show an aggressive attitude. Loyalty to your family is also a major characteristic. The animal is ready to sacrifice life in order to protect its owner. It reacts to any manifestation of danger instantly and adequately.

Children for the "Germans" are friends, and they are happy to play with them. However, you should not leave the child alone with the dog, as the pet is not always able to evaluate its strength and dimensions. The German Shepherd will jealously guard the property and possessions of its owner. As a bodyguard, such dogs showed themselves to a good level.

Grudge is not inherent in shepherd dogs, so they are not able to do something out of spite, even if they are very offended. "German" is a sensitive, sincere and noble friend who will be a good companion. Some individuals may differ in stubbornness and disobey their owner, but they will not do so in order to show their leadership.

From the nature of these dogs are sociable and quickly cope with socialization. About the German Shepherd dog no one can say that she is “on her own mind”. The logic of actions is always simple and accessible. For this reason one should be engaged in raising a dog from an early age in order to guarantee the prediction of the behavior of one's friend.

Sometimes a pet may be too nervous and aggressive towards strangers. Superbly developed guard instincts are a positive trait, but they should always be sent in the right direction. The dog is obliged to adequately respond to any circumstances, not to rush to others. Many owners complain about the large amount of barking that comes from their pet. In order not to face such a problem, it is necessary to deal with the issue of socialization and not to delay with it.

German Shepherd puppies are very cute and difficult to cope with emotions, choosing a four-way friend according to the rules, and not the dictates of the heart.

• First of all it is necessary to decide for what the dog is acquired. Some people decide that they need a thoroughbred, with which they will attend exhibitions, to breed, but then abandon this idea. As a result, a shepherd dog with a great pedigree and a good exterior lives all their lives in the aviary, although they could bring many benefits.
• Some people, on the contrary, want to make a friend, but after buying they start to be interested in exhibitions. However, if the pet was chosen for the soul, it may not meet the requirements of the exterior and not be suitable for participation in exhibitions. For this reason, you should decide in advance on the decision, so as not to be disappointed.
• For exhibitions, it is not enough to buy a puppy from a nursery with a good pedigree. You should study the breeding history of the “Germans” and familiarize yourself with the profitable breed lines. Each nursery has its own characteristics, with which you need to get acquainted. In Russia there are a large number of nurseries where German shepherds are bred.They are found in different parts of the country, including in the territory of Altai and Siberia.
• Also, when choosing a puppy, you should be familiar with the laws on breeding, according to which the shepherd dogs were required to be tested. The number of tests includes kerung, which is a method of selection. The nervous system is studied along with the exterior and performance. You can ask the breeder for the results of this test to know the information about the parents of the future puppy.
• Choosing a purebred dog is not an easy task. However, if you take a puppy without documents, you may encounter vices in the standard, temperament, and the animal may have hereditary diseases.
• It is best to choose a pet from one and a half to three months. The puppy will have time to grow up and will be able to quickly get used to the new environment. Acquiring an adult animal is not recommended, as there may be problems with addiction.

"Germans" need to be properly called. The name for the pet should be chosen in accordance with the size of the animal, its gender. You should not call the animal nicknames that are suitable for kids, it will look a little ridiculous when the dog grows up. The name should be short, bright, because it is a signal for the dog. You can take as a basis the name indicated in the puppy card, use its shortened variation.

There are several rules for choosing a dog name:

• do not choose human names;
• it is undesirable to call a pet the name of a deceased four-way friend;
• It should be clear what gender the animal is.

If the dog is a girl, you can use the following options nicknames:

• Alpha;
• Ira;
• Alma;
• Barefoot;
• Bertha;
• Greta;
• Grace;
• Glory;
• Gita;
• Jesse;
• Desi;
• Judy;
• Zara;
• Ilda;
• Bark;
• Christa;
• Whale;
• Lyme;
• Leah;
• Margot;
• Mirta;
• Mile;
• Nesi;
• Oh yeah;
• Palm;
• Ritz;
• Cindy;
• Taiga;
• Tana;
• Frieda;
• Ayr;
• Emma;
• Utah;
• Yalta

For a boy, you can choose the following options:

• Akbar;
• Ajax;
• Ars;
• Boyard;
• Baron;
• Walter;
• Graph;
• Grant;
• Hex;
• Gray;
• Dax;
• Dick;
• Jack;
• Don;
• Dolph;
• Jean;
• Jacques;
• Zip;
• Zeus;
• Carat;
• Karay;
• Colt;
• Coconut;
• Lord;
• Suite;
• Oscar;
• Pirate;
• Ron;
• Ralph;
• Ram;
• Rick;
• Skye;
• Tyson;
• Thor;
• Phil;
• Felix;
• Caesar;
• Chuck;
• Eric;
• Yard.

Newborn puppies require practically nothing except the presence of the mother and her milk. When a baby appears in a new house, you should take care of its safety and carry out some activities to prepare the home. This is due to the fact that puppies are very curious, active and can not only spoil pieces of furniture, but also harm themselves.

To avoid undesirable consequences, it will be necessary to consider the following nuances.

• All furniture must be sturdy. Shaky objects are removed or strengthened.
• Small toys from the field of view of the animal must also be removed. In any case, the puppy will break them and may injure the esophagus if the fragment is accidentally swallowed.
• All things that the baby can reach should be removed.
• Sockets and wires must be hidden and protected.
• In order for a small pet not to sharpen its teeth about unnecessary items, you should give it simulators, which can be purchased at any pet store. They are bones of a bullish vein, rope and balls. Several toys will distract the animal’s attention from expensive items.
• The slippery floor should be covered, as the puppy has weak legs that can be injured.

When the dog appears in the house, it should immediately have its own place. If the pet will live in the house, you must not allow him to sleep on the couch. Puppies grow quickly, and if a small lump on the couch will look cute, then the German shepherd, which is 5 months old, will not be liked by everyone. For a lounger, it is preferable to choose natural materials that are easy to clean. Near the place of the animal should not be heating devices.

You can walk your pet on the street only after he is vaccinated. Leash training begins with two months. This excludes violence - Puppy should not be afraid of accessories.

In the future, in everyday life need to enter a muzzle. When your pet is 1 year old, you can walk it on a harness. Previously, this is not recommended, as the backbone of a young dog has not yet formed.

The number of feedings depends on the age of the animal. For a two-month-old puppy, six-time feeding will be enough; it is recommended to feed up to four months 4 times a day, up to half a year - 3 times. A more mature dog can eat twice a day.

Until the German Shepherd has reached 6 months, it is important to ensure that all the necessary nutritional components are present in its diet. In the food must necessarily be calcium. This is due to the fact that at the age of 3-6 months, puppies grow very quickly, and already at the age of six months a male can grow up to 55 cm at the withers (the adult is 65 cm tall).

The diet of the "German" should consist of meat, offal, poultry. You can feed your pet boiled boneless fish. Rice, millet, oatmeal or buckwheat porridge is allowed. You can add crackers. If fresh fruits are added, the body's response to them should be monitored.

Many owners feed their pets dry food. It is necessary to give preference to products of proven brands with the necessary set of all elements. There are specialized rulers designed for German shepherd dogs. When feeding with ready-made feeds should provide the dog with constant access to fresh water.

As for the basic rules of care, they are as follows:

• Sheepdog need to comb, like any other breed;
• the animal should be bathed as it is polluted, the procedure is carried out using a special shampoo for washing dogs;
• ears and eyes should be inspected regularly;
• if the claws do not grind on their own and bring discomfort to the pet, it is recommended to trim them;
• preventive examination at the veterinarian should be conducted at least twice a year.

Despite the fact that German shepherds are considered very intelligent animals, they must be educated and trained. Start the process of education should be the first day of life of a pet in the house. It is possible to enthrall the kid with a game form of training and delicacies as a reward.

The owner must show the dog that he is the head of the family. In this case, you can not go to the cry and beat the animal. If the dog has significant deficiencies in behavior, and the owner does not know how to fix it, you should contact a dog handler. The animal must pass early and know the elementary commands: “to me”, “sit”, “lie”, “walk”, “place”, “fu”, “aport”. Also pet must indifferent to food that is lying on the street.

When the backbone of the dog becomes stronger, you can deal with overcoming obstacles. One should always remember that psychological maturity is reached rather late - at the age of three.

Reviews of the owners in most cases are positive. Almost every person who sees a German Shepherd falls in love with her.These are beautiful dogs, whose energy and strength are fascinating and always attract attention. They are active and cheerful.

The owners of the “Germans” report that dogs literally seize all the teams on the fly and are happy to carry them out. The pet is in a good mood and is ready for any movements. He is ready to walk with a man for hours and will be happy to bring him a wand and run on bike rides.

Other people talk about great security features. Dogs selflessly protect the territory and never miss a stranger. At the same time on the street they do not show aggression towards people and other animals.

The German Shepherd Dog gets along well with the child and will play with it. You can not worry about the fact that the animal will rush to the baby or harm him. For other pets, the “German” also shows patience and loyalty. If we talk about negative aspects, then this is an extra barking, which is often associated with the fact that the animal has been alone for a long time or has received insufficient education.

All about the German Shepherd look in the next video.