| German Shepherds: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about German Shepherd personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the German Shepherd, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard says the German Shepherd "has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence, and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.
The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them."
Some German Shepherd bloodlines are "hard" and businesslike, while others are calmer and milder.
Energy levels vary from vigorous to laid-back, but this athletic dog needs brisk walking every day and all-out running as often as possible.
Mental exercise (advanced obedience, Schutzhund, agility, tracking, herding, fetching sticks or Frisbees) is even more important.
There is skittishness in some lines, sharpness in others. Early socialization is a must to develop a stable, confident temperament.
Some German Shepherds are dominant with strange dogs of the same sex, and some are confirmed cat chasers if not introduced when young.
One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of dogdom, exceedingly eager to learn and work, the German Shepherd, when well-trained by a confident owner, can excel at high levels of competition."
History
Developed as a herding dog, he has become the world's top police and military dog, search and rescue dog, Seeing Eye dog, and bomb and narcotics detection dog.
Size
22-26 inches and 65-110 lbs |
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German Shepherds
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking
- Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
- Looks stern and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent
- Is exceptionally versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything
A German Shepherd may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- An extremely careful search to avoid all the bad-tempered and unhealthy German Shepherds
- Vigorous exercise requirements
- Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
- Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
- Aggression or shyness toward people in some lines, or when not socialized enough
- Aggression toward other animals
- Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars
- Constant heavy shedding
- Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
- A multitude of serious health problems
A German Shepherd may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a German Shepherd... |
My major concerns would be:
- Unstable temperaments. German Shepherd Dogs are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of German Shepherds with neurotic behaviors, including aggression, biting, sharpness, and/or extreme fearfulness.
| To teach your German Shepherd to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My German Shepherd Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. German Shepherds MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing. Bored German Shepherds can make a shambles of your house and yard.
| If you simply want a pet for your family, and don't have the time or inclination to take your dog running or hiking or biking or swimming, or to get involved in agility (obstacle course), or advanced obedience, or schutzhund (protection), or herding, or tracking, or a similar canine activity, I do not recommend this breed. |
- Providing enough socialization. Most German Shepherds have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some German Shepherds go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.
- Animal aggression. Some German Shepherds are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
- Heavy shedding. German Shepherds shed only once a year -- for 365 days. In other words, they shed constantly. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
- Serious health problems. From hip and elbow problems, to bone diseases and cancer, to stomach disorders and skin diseases, German Shepherds are one of the riskiest of all breeds in the health department.
- Legal liabilities. German Shepherds may be targeted for "banning" in certain areas, or refusal of homeowner insurance policies. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.
| STAY AWAY from breeders advertising "oversized" or "giant" German Shepherds. This breed was intended to be MEDIUM-sized, athletic, and agile -- its frame and joints were never designed to handle 120+ pounds. |
| Not all German Shepherds are alike! |
- There are energetic German Shepherds, and placid ones.
- Hard-headed German Shepherds, and sweet-natured German Shepherds.
- Serious German Shepherds, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted German Shepherds, and German Shepherds who love everyone.
| If you acquire a German Shepherd puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
| If you're considering an adult German Shepherd... |
There are plenty of adult German Shepherds who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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