The German Shepherd happens to be amongst the most trendy dog breeds in the world. The history of the breed has several centuries, and its exterior is the most recognizable among all dogs
The German Shepherd is a large dog with a strong skeleton and a well-developed muscular physique. They have a wide powerful chest, a slightly lowered pelvis and an easily recognizable stance. Their limbs are long, even and strong, and the tail is straight and saber-shaped. The skin tightly fits the body of the dog, so that not a single fold is formed. The head of the shepherd is wedge-shaped, the ears are large, erect, slightly pointed at the tips.
The coat of a German shepherd is short, dense, with a developed undercoat that can tolerate even frosts. The colors are very different: black and gray, but the most common is black (the classic combination of black and tan for this breed).
Very rarely there is a white color – some distinguish such shepherd dogs in a separate “American” breed, but they are not officially recognized.
Character
A German shepherd, like many other large breeds, requires a lot of time and attention to it. It is better for the dog to live in a private house so that there is access to the street, to the garden or courtyard.
The dog has a well-developed instinct for protecting its loved ones. These dogs get along well with children and other animals, provided that the first acquaintance occurred as early as puppyhood. An adult dog is unlikely to accept a new four-legged family member, although this problem can be solved with the intervention of a professional dog handler.
A German shepherd is a police officer, a nanny, a companion, a companion and a faithful defender. It is worth remembering that this breed will not suit you if you work a lot and often leave. The dog will be sad for the owner, which can negatively affect its behavior.
German shepherds are excellent watchmen, but it’s better not to tie them in one place, let them run freely on their territory. Dogs need a large yard where they can splash out their energy and warm up.
Care and maintenance
When starting a dog, remember that German shepherds molt very much. They need to be combed 3-4 times a week. Also, you need to walk a lot with the dog – train it physically and mentally, so if you spend a lot of time at work, and on the weekend prefer to lie on the couch than go for a walk – this breed is not for you.
German shepherds do not require special care, but the owner must constantly monitor the condition of the ears and teeth. Teeth should be cleaned with a special paste or allowed to bite raw bones. Wipe your ears once every two weeks with a moist cotton pad. The claws of the shepherd should be cut every three weeks because they can cause pain when jumping and walking on asphalt.
Health and Disease
With proper care, your pet will live from 9 to 13 years. Often these dogs suffer from dysplasia of the hip joint, and many of them are already born with this ailment. When the dog is one year old, it is imperative to carry out joint diagnostics, in which case, in case of which, the disease should be detected in advance and corrective therapy should be undertaken.
