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German Shepherd Facts Life Expectancy: 10 years Size: 23-26in Noise: Talkative, can be overly loud Common Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, hemophilia Breed Recognized By: AKC, CKC, FCI, KC Alternate Names: Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund, Alsatian Friendliness | Can be wary of strangers, not recommended for homes with small animals | Grooming | Moderate | Energy | High, requires 60 minutes per day or more | Trainability | Very trainable, but requires a firm hand | The German shepherd dog was originally bred to herd and guard sheep, and was bred with wide variations until the beginning of the 20th century when the German shepherd’s keen intelligence motivated the creation of the breed we know today. Still a working dog at its roots, the German shepherd does best in a home where it is given a job to do. Plenty of socialization is required to ensure that German shepherd puppies grow up to be accepting of a variety of people and situations. The German shepherd is a strong-minded dog and is slow to make friends, but once it does, the German shepherd is loyal to a fault. A German shepherd will only readily obey a person it respects, but it is always gentle with children which it tends to herd like sheep. The German shepherd has a very high prey drive and has difficulty living with smaller animals if it wasn’t raised with them. Daily brushing is required to maintain the German shepherd’s dense coat. The German shepherd has a thick undercoat that it sheds twice a year. Special grooming tools are required at this time to keep the German shepherd’s coat from getting matted. The German shepherd’s nails require regular trimming, and leaving the nails long can contribute to joint problems. The German shepherd must get plenty of exercise. Failure to walk the German shepherd at least an hour a day or several miles can lead to aggression and destructive behavior. As a working dog, the German shepherd excels at agility and games. The German shepherd is happiest when kept occupied. German shepherds have a steady temperament and keen intelligence that makes them very trainable and suitable for jobs ranging from police work to guiding the blind. The German shepherd is an assertive dog that requires an experienced trainer who demands respect. Beginners must approach the German shepherd with absolute confidence in order to be successful. If a you are getting a German shepherd as a first dog, it is recommended that you consult a professional trainer.
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