AKA: Deutscher Schaferhund, Schaferhund, Alsatian

Description: The German Shepherd is a well-proportioned dog that exudes a strong and handsome presence. It has a solid bone structure which can be seen through its sturdy and muscular body. The front legs and shoulders are just as muscular, with the thighs thick and sturdy. The feet is round with very hard soles. The tail reaches to its hocks, hanging down when the dog is resting.

The head is proportional to its body. The forehead is a little convex, The jaws are strong, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The ears are wide, pointed, upright, and turned forward. The nose is generally black, but can be blue or liver. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and brings out an intelligent expression.

The German Shepherd can be rough-coated, long rough-coated, or long-haired.

Dynamics: True to its strong appearance, the German Shepherd is fearless, alert, and bold. It is known for its loyalty and courage. It has a confident manner around it and it shows a serious and high level of intelligence. Aggression and attacks may occur, though, if the German Shepherd is not trained well and socialized enough. Training has to be firm, but not harsh, and the German Shepherd has to be trained in obedience from an early age.

The German Shepherd is very close to its family, and has a very protective instinct. It is wary of strangers, so it has to be socialized since puppyhood to be kept in control among other people. With the proper training and socialization, the German Shepherd will be fine with other pets and with children.

Breed Group: Working, Herding

Weight: 77-85 lbs (35-40 kg)

Height: males 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), females 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)

Color: The German generally comes in black with tan, sable or all black. It can also come in blue, liver and white, but this standard-wise considered a fault. A German Shepherd that comes with a white coat is not as acceptable as a German Shepherd, but it is recognized as the American White Shepherd.

Country of Origin: The German Shepherd was bred in Germany, bred from a line of local shepherd dogs from Wurtemberg, Thurginia, and Bavaria. The first registered German Shepherd was named Horan, owned by Capt. Max von Stephanitz, in 1899. The short-haired variety, first presented in Berlin in 1889, is the only German Shepherd variety considerd for show in most countries today.

Activities: As it is a working dog, the German Shepherd would love strenuous activities and exercises. It has to be taken outdoors regularly, and it needs to busy itself with work, else it can become restless and destructive.

The German Shepherd has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, a guide for the blind, for police work, search and rescue, and is also used in the military. Its nose is put to great use in sniffing out drugs and intruders, and other dangerous smells like gas leaks. This breed excels in many dog activities like schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, and ring sport.

Grooming: Regular brushing of the coat is needed in grooming the German Shepherd. Bathe only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion.

Other Info: The German Shepherd has a life expectancy of around 13 years. The breed is generally healthy. But it is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, blood disorders, digestive problems, epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitia, dwarfism, and flea allergies. The German Shepherd will do fine in an apartment so long as it is taken outdoors and sufficiently exercised.