Loyal, energetic, and smart, the German shepherd is a great breed to bring into the family. They are a real delight and one of the finest breeds of dogs in the world.
If you are thinking to buy one, let’s explore some of the German Shepherd characteristics you need to know:
Physical Traits
German Shepherd dogs are double-coated, with a thick undercoat and a medium-length wavy or straight outer coat. Their fur is usually in variations of black, tan, and red. An average adult German Shepherd can grow between 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 50 to 90 pounds. The dogs have long muzzles, square heads, and straight, pointed ears. Their tails are long and bushy.
There are two common lines of German Shepherds today, the working line and the show line. The working line German Shepherd has a straight back and a more powerful and compact body and is hardworking with high energy. The show line German Shepherd has a sloped back, and a broader body and is generally friendlier and less intense.
If you’ve been wondering what German Shepherd puppies look like, the answer is that they look like adult dogs but are much smaller, fluffier, and have floppy ears instead of erect ones. Their ears can stand up anywhere between 8 weeks old and six months old.
Nature and Personality
German Shepherds are very energetic, lively, intelligent, and loyal dogs. They love to get in their exercise and need a lot of physical and mental stimulation.
They like to run and jump and play a lot. They are also very eager to please their owners and take very well to training. They also usually bark and howl to communicate and express themselves. German Shepherds can be very assertive, dutiful, and devoted, too. They are quite obedient and follow orders very well.
How They Fit into Your Family
A German Shepherd is the perfect family dog as it can be very protective of its family and can be trained as a guard dog. They can be wary of strangers and be very vigilant if they are in their space. They are quick to alert their owners if they sense anything is wrong.
German Shepherds are also very affectionate with their families. They love to be close to their
owners and cuddle up now and then. If you have little kids, German Shepherds are a good fit because they can be very good with children, too. They are also more likely to get along with other dogs and pets you might have.
Health and Lifespan
The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is between 10 to 12 years. They can also be susceptible to certain health conditions concerning their joints and bones. Some conditions that are common in German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia. German Shepherds need to have routine checkups at the vet to look for any health problems.
Which of these German Shepherd traits were you already aware of, and which of them are new information for you?
For more information on German Shepherds, how they are bred, and how you can buy your very own German Shepherd puppy, get in touch with Vom Royalhaus German Shepherd breeders.