The Care & Feeding of Your Pet German Shepherd

The German Shepherd originated in Germany, hence the name. Also obvious in this breed's name is the fact that these dogs were bred to be herders. They are one of the top breeds sought after by families and breeders alike. Along with herding, the Shepherd's assignment was to defend the herd from beasts of prey. Naturally, the role of herder and protector resulted in a breed that is intelligent, brave, strong, fast, and obedient.

German Shepherds are medium to large in size with ears that stand straight up along with eyes that appear to be always on alert. They come in a variety of colors, but the most popular coat colors for German Shepherds are tan and black, or red and black. With a bushy, hooked tail, and a strong jaw, this breed projects a handsome picture. They have a dense undercoat, which makes them comfortable in cold weather or cold water, and they shed from their top-coat all year long, which makes combing a necessity.

Your pet German Shepherd will be active, alert, brave, loyal, happy, and ready to learn anything asked of them. The pack hierarchy should be established when the Shepherd is a puppy, otherwise, this breed will become aggressive, fearful, and less confident. They need plenty of exercise, strong leadership, and attention, which should begin as soon as your family brings the pup home. On the other hand, German Shepherds do not respond well to harsh or angry commands. If you are secure and in control, they will be the same. If raised from puppy-hood with children, German Shepherd pets can have a long and good relationship with the young ones in a family.

Because of their ability to learn quickly and their desire to please, German Shepherds are often used as a service dog, a military dog, and a guide dog. Give them a task and they will attempt to please you. Leave them alone for long periods of time in your house or yard, and they will become disgruntled and unhappy.

Because of sloppy breeding practices, German Shepherds can have several health issues, such as: epilepsy, blood disorders, hip problems, corneal inflammation, allergies, and digestive track issues. If possible you should make your pets food at home. Choose natural ingredients to insure they are getting the best food possible. If you can't prepare the food at home, at least choose the best that you can afford. The correct food along with generous exercise, a holistic approach to caring for your German Shepherd pet (health care, nutrition, environment, training techniques) combined with a heavy dose of affection, will enable your pet to have a long, healthy, fulfilling life.

If you decide that a German Shepherd pet is for you, it is imperative that you chose your dog from a reliable breeder. Good breeders desire a healthy, happy relationship between you and your dog. They want to ensure that everything has been done to enable your dog to be healthy and ready to join your family in a positive way. To have a good friend and reliable member of the family, you should consider a pet German Shepherd especially if you are an active family and/or have active kids.

Don Levy German Shepherd The American Kennel Club