German Shepherd Dogs - How to Improve the Breed

By Dennis Fisher

The German Shepherd Dog, not so long ago, had a reputation of being a breed of dog, not only beautiful in appearance, but also an excellent guard dog with a very strong protective instinct.

Unfortunately many German Shepherd Dogs today, particularly top show winners, cannot live up to this reputation. They appear to have lost the natural, in-born, protective instinct that was once a highly regarded feature of the breed. Many German Shepherd Dog are of very little value as reliable guard dogs.

A German Shepherd Dog with a strong protective nature must not be confused with and over-aggressive animal. This type of temperament is frequently the result of timidity and nervousness, rather than bold, self-confidence.


WHAT IS THE IDEAL TEMPERAMENT FOR A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG?

Ideally, a German Shepherd Dog should be an extremely self-assured animal, a loyal companion, devoted to family members, excellent with children, approachable and tolerant of strangers, but with a natural ability to discriminate between friend and foe and an instinctive ability to immediately recognize danger when it appears.

With appropriate training a dog with this temperament can be easily trained to respond to dangers than threaten memembers of the family.

Years ago this was the type of behavior once could expect from most German Shepherd Dogs. Why has this changed?

One of the reasons for this is probably because many breeders of German Shepherd Dog, who concentrate on breeding dogs that will win at shows, are not paying sufficient attention to correct temperament.

There is no doubt that top German Shepherd Dog show winners today are more strikingly handsome animals than they have ever been.  They are so uniform in appearance that judges, for the most part, are only able to separate them by paying attention to minor faults in construction.

Because gait and spectacular, ground-covering, side-movement is such an important factor in judging, breeders of German Shepherd Dogs concentrate on breeding dogs with dynamic, animated, energetic temperaments.

These are admirable qualities but not at the expense of other important features and certainly not by ignoring the protective instinct.

The controlling body for German shepherd Dogs in Germany, the S.V., has been aware for a long time there was need for improvement in temperament. For this reason a "test of courage" was introduced some years ago at the annual German championship - "Sieger" Show.  Dogs in the open class are obliged to pass this test before being considered for high honors.

In this this "test of courage" all the dogs exhibited at the Show in the adult class are threatened, individually, with a stick by an "assailant", suitably protected with a padded arm and protective clothing.

This form of temperament testing has also been introduced in most countries of the world where German Shepherd Dogs are bred and shown.  As a result there is a definite improvement in the temperament of German Shepherd Dogs; but there is still room for a great deal of further improvement.

This "test of courage" is a positive step towards the improvement of the protective instinct of the German Shepherd Dog. It is the best test that has been devised so far, but it is by no means a completely reliable test.

There are times when a German Shepherd Dog, focuses on the padded arm of the "assailant", which it regards as the "prey", to such an extent that it loses interest in the real threat, which is the assailant.

If in a real life situation, a real criminal - not the "trained assailant" - were to discard the "arm", it is possible, in many instances, that the dog would be quite satisfied to attack this "prey object", ignore the criminal and forget its real purpose.

It is also an unfortunate fact that in recent years, quite a large number of dogs entered in the annual "Sieger" Shows in Germany, failed to pass this "test of courage".  At the 2007 "Sieger" Show, there were no less than 47 whose performances in this "test of courage" was not of a very high standard.

Last year, in 2008, the figure was somewhat better as there were only 36 who failed.  This does show some improvement. It is disappointing to note however, that many of these animals, who failed, came from the very best show winning bloodlines in Germany.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION?

It is clear that if there is to be an improvement in the natural, inborn protective instinct of the German Shepherd Dog, breeders must pay more attention to breeding from animals with strong temperaments.  They should concentrate on animals that have performed particularly well in the test of courage at Sieger shows and make use of these bloodlines.

This has now been made very much easier by the introduction, for the first time in 2008, of a new feature in the "test of courage" at the annual Sieger show.

For the first time, the Judge made special mention at the 2008 Sieger" Show, of the sixteen German Shepherd Dogs that performed best in the test of courage - dogs who responded best to the threat presented by the "assailant" with most marked enthusiasm and strongest evidence of protective instinct.

A list of these sixteen "best performing dogs in the test of courage" has been published by the German S.V.  German Shepherd Dog enthusiasts, keen to own a dog that possesses the very desirable characteristic of a strong protective instinct, would be well advised to make a careful note of this list and study the bloodlines.    
 

German Shepherd Dog Breeds Information

By Scott Allan Lipe

German Shepherd

Description: Also known as the Alsatian, the German Shepherd is a large dog weighing between 77 and 85 pounds. The dog will measure 24 to 26 inches at the withers, and the bitch 22 to 24 inches. German Shepherds are agile and muscular dogs and well suited to all forms of energetic work. Three kinds of coat may be found on these dogs: straight-haired coarse (the most common kind), long straight-haired coarse, and long-haired wavy. The usual coat colors are tan and black or all black. Less seen colors are liver, blue, or white.

History: During the 19th century in Germany, breeders began to develop a specialized dog from local sheep herding dogs. Led by Captain Max von Stephanitz, the effort to produce a highly intelligent and trainable dog resulted in what we know today as the German Shepherd. It is believed by some that wolves were bred, either deliberately or accidentally, to area dogs to help form the breed. The GSD was well established in Germany by 1899 and had made its way to America by 1907.

Temperament: The German Shepherd is well loved for its loyalty and attached to its owner and family. It is one of the most popular breeds in America. They are very protective of those they love. German Shepherds are good with children, especially when properly socialized. This is a brave and cheerful dog that enjoys being around its human family.

The GSD is sometimes considered to be an aggressive dog. However, it should be emphasized that any large dog that is untrained and unsupervised can be characterized as such. This is a very active dog that wants to work, German Shepherds need something to do. Training for this dog should begin, in a positive manner, as soon as the puppy is brought home.

Health Issues: The most frightening and life-threatening condition these dogs may experience is bloat, or stomach torsion. Any dog that becomes extremely sick with this must be taken to a veterinarian immediately. As a large breed, the GSD can suffer from hip dysplasia and problems with the elbow. Because these dogs have been selectively bred to have a sloping back, spinal problems can develop. As a good deal of inbreeding was necessary to refine the breed, Von Willebrand's Disease, a type of hemophilia, can occur. Carriers of this disorder can be detected by a blood test.

Grooming: Although the GSD will shed year round, minimal grooming is required. Brushing the dog's coat several times a week will keep it in good condition and keep shedding under control.

Living Conditions: Evolving as it did from rough-living farm and shepherding dogs, the German Shepherd is certainly able to be kept outdoors year round. However, as this dog becomes very attached to its human friends, it is better kept in the house. The German Shepherd can live in an apartment as long as it is given plenty of exercise. This dog has a high energy level and this must be burned off daily to maintain the dog's mental and physical health.

For more information on different dog breeds, dog training and puppies for sale visit the sites below.
German Shepherd Dog Breed Puppies or Dogs

German Shepherds: Choose Carefully

By Gary A Cole

Choosing the right owner is probably the most important decision you German Shepherds will ever have to make. There are many things to consider when humans visit your pet shop looking to buy. The first and main thing is to understand what they are looking for in a dog. Every dog breed has different characteristics and personality traits that serve different purposes. It is therefore essential that you focus on potential owners who are looking for what you can offer. For example, if they are just looking for a friendly and cuddly dog, don't waste your time. A companion dog is probably what they need. You'd better stay away from those who are keen on hunting, too, and allow them to get a nice hunting dog. Believe me, chasing ducks in the woods and swimming in lakes is a job you're not cut out for. So, which potential dog owners should you aim for?

You German Shepherds belong to the wider category of Guard Dogs. This, however, does not mean that you are genuinely aggressive and dangerous for humans. On the contrary, you are devoted companions and most of you love being around people. So, your target group of potential owners are those looking for an excellent guard for their house, yard, business or whatever and in the same time a devoted and loving friend for the whole family, including children. You would be amazed at how many people are out there looking for exactly what you have to offer. After all, you are not among the most popular dog breeds on the planet for no good reason.

There are, however, more things to consider before giving your best performance in order to attract your buyers. Alright, all things considered, you have determined whether you are the right dog for them. But are they the right owners for you? That's right! They, too, must qualify for you German Shepherds. Because you are not inanimate objects that humans possess in order to serve their needs. You are alive, you have your own personality, intelligence and you also have feelings. Your must make sure that your future owners will love you, take good care of you and, above all, respect your needs.

So, here are some important things to consider before focusing on attracting your buyers:


Are they living in a house with a garden? Because if they are living in an apartment, you should probably forget about them. You German Shepherds are a large breed and you need a lot of open space to roam freely. Trust me, you don't want to end up living indoors or, worse, in a small balcony.
Are they willing to spend time and perhaps some money on your education? Because there is nothing worse than an untrained German Shepherd. You are restless by nature, constantly vigilant and tend to become overprotective of your owner or territory, even against innocent and harmless by passers. So, unless they are willing to give you proper training and guidance, you are likely to keep getting into serious trouble.
Are they willing to spend time with you on a daily basis? Because you also need to play, exercise and generally keep busy. What's more, you should know that as a purebred German Shepherd, you have an innate eagerness to work and you are delighted when you have a job to do. If they leave you with nothing to do, you will inevitably become depressed and probably end up undertaking trivial tasks just to kill time (tearing apart cats, barking your head off, chasing the mailman). I've seen it happen a million times.
Do all the members of their household agree on owning a German Shepherd? Because you don't want to be around people who are afraid of large dogs. Like most intelligent mammals, you are known to sense fear and, when you do, you are likely to become restless, unpredictable and therefore potentially dangerous for those around you.

So, keep your senses high, German Shepherds! Take your time when choosing your owner and make sure you find the perfect one. A good owner is a life saver in this dog-eat-dog world. Looking forward to hearing your success stories.German Shepherd Info: Free information, pictures and amusing articles about German Shepherds: Breed characteristics, personality traits, health, care and training.

Black German Shepherds

By Jan Ryan

The Black German Shepherd makes a great family pet. He might be a little strong for small children, but with the proper training will become very respectful of the wee ones. He is a very loyal and watchful dog with a very pleasant temperament. He is extremely trainable and can be used for many purposes. The differences between the Black German Shepherd and the regular German Shepherd are very few.

The Black German Shepherd has kept the more traditional look of a German Shepherd through the years and he is larger then the regular German Shepherd. His coat can be short or long and flowing and his mane may be feathered or have skirting. His back is also straighter and he does not "cringe". Cringing is a typical characteristic of the regular German Shepherd. The only ailments you should be concerned about with the Black German Shepherd are hip and elbow dysplasia. With proper preventative care, this problem can be overcome.

If you wanted to buy a Black German Shepherd it would cost you between eight hundred and one thousand dollars. The darker the color of the coat and the more luxurious it is, the more expensive the dog will be. Black German Shepherd puppies are very plentiful and should not be hard to locate. They are the most popular dog in Australia. Their litters can reach up to ten pups.

In order to keep your Black German Shepherd healthy you must give him plenty of exercise each day. Do not confine him to a small yard, as this can be detrimental to the dog's temperament. Large dogs need big areas in order to run and play. Proper grooming is also recommended to keep your dog healthy. The grooming depends on the length of the dog's coat. Additional brushing is always recommended for Black German Shepherds during the molting season and cooler months. Bathing should be done monthly or if your dog likes to roll in the mud, then bathing should be done on an "as needed" basis.

The Black German Shepherd dog is a highly intelligent dog and should be trained accordingly. These dogs want to be trained because they want to please their owners. Because of their stable and good temperament Black German Shepherds have been used as police dogs, customs dogs, disability aid dogs, correctional services dogs, obedience dogs and companion animals.

These dogs are fabulous pets and are hard working dogs. They can be used in almost any environment because they are so versatile and obedient. They can be trained to do almost anything. They are great with children as long as they are given their boundaries with small children. They are very protective of the children in their home and make great watchdogs. What can't this dog do? He is characteristically one of the best dogs on the planet and should be listed as number on the breed list as man's best friend.

Jan Ryan has volunteered to help many animal rescue centers all over the country. One of the most valued German Shepherd types is the Black German Shepherd. Finding out as much German Shepherd information as possible should help you understand the breed.

The Intelligent And Versatile German Shepherd

By Justin Elmakis

The German Shepherd dog is easily one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. Its unique temperament and incredible intelligence mean that this breed now has an international fan club. In one sense this animal has an affable even easygoing nature, however when provoked the animal can quickly become defensive and protective of their owner. This is a breed that is all about instinct and this is why proper training is essential when you own one.

The German Shepherd, also known as the Alsatian is an animal that is highly trainable, loyal with an incredible desire to please. These characteristics mean that you can literally train them to do just about anything you need it to! In order for this breed to be completely happy they need to have some sort of task or purpose which is why they perform so well in official roles such as part of a search and rescue team, police work, as a guide for the blind, as a guard dog and as a sheep dog.

This breed learns so readily that it also excels in many other dog activities such as schutzhund tracking, obedience, agility, flyball and ring sport. The German Shepherd is incredibly versatile and its skills can be used to sniff out drugs and intruders, alert rescue teams to victims tracked beneath rubble and even detect a gas leak in a pipe buried 15 feet underground. As well as being an extremely useful and effective working dog, the German Shepherd is also a great pet.

As working dogs, German Shepherds are direct, fearless, eager to learn, alert and obedient. These traits also translate to a fantastic pet as they will be tremendously loyal and protective towards their family or owner. They are a confident animal but do not appear hostile unless challenged or threatened. These dogs love to be close to their families and are often affectionate but are wary of strangers. If you do choose to have a German Shepherd as a pet you need to be sure that you will be able to spend a substantial amount of time with it as they do not like being isolated for long periods of time.

The German Shepherd is perfect if you want a good watch dog or guard dog and will only bark when necessary. It is essential to extensively socialize them as they are instinctively protective and may become aggressive with outsiders if not used to it.

As long as a German Shepherd is trained in obedience from an early age there should be no problem with children and this dog. In fact the German Shepherd is a very popular family companion.

German Shepherds need a fair amount of exercise, the more strenuous the better for this breed. They are large dogs and will need a good run around on a regular basis. They also thrive on a challenge so love exercise combined with training to keep their mind and body active. Try some dog toys that are aimed at activating the mind in combination with regular exercise.

You need to be aware that German Shepherd dogs shed hair constantly and it only gets worse in cold seasons. They need daily brushing in order to ease the amount of hair shed but they only need to be bathed once or twice a year.

German Shepherds make a great working dog and a brilliant companion. If you put the time in training this breed, they will reward you with loyalty, obedience and affection on a daily basis.

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