German Shepherd is a dog that belongs to universal service breeds. These animals can perform so diverse a job that they are useful in the army, police, security. Such a breed of dog, like a German shepherd, is also used as companions and bodyguards. If the animals are brought up professionally, then they will exhibit an uncommon obedience and high intellect. Sheepdogs are devoted to all household members and are very brave, but defects in upbringing lead to sometimes sad consequences.
History of the breed
At the end of the XIX century the famous breeder Mak von Stefanitz created a breeding program. It involved coarse, short-haired and long-haired shepherd dogs, who lived in the vicinity of Thuringia, Bavaria and Württemberg. So, as a result of many years of efforts of the breeder and his friends-colleagues, a modern breed of German shepherds appeared. Initially these hardy and intelligent dogs were used for grazing cattle (goats, sheep), and later they became guards, excellent companions. German Shepherds even participate in the program to help people with disabilities.
Breed description
The German Shepherd is a magnificent, beautiful dog, which is distinguished by an obedient and reliable disposition. Today there are several varieties of "Germans": long-haired (black, cream and zonal colors) and short-haired (black and white colors).
Dogs at the withers reach 65 centimeters, and bitches - up to 60 centimeters. An adult dog can weigh about 40 kilograms. If you give a brief description of the German shepherd, it is a dog with a proportional physique, strong, not heavy, not massive, muscular. Her torso is slightly elongated, with a deep chest. Description of the breed will be incomplete, if not to mention that the German Shepherd is a hardy animal, capable of making long persecutions and lightning throws.
The head of sheepdogs expands slightly to the back of the head and muzzle, but there should be no signs of witticism. The jaw bite is scissors. The ears are stiff and pointed after half a year, the eyes are dark, and the saber-like tail is fluffy. The variety of colors of the German shepherd is as follows: steel, black, light gray, anthracite, cap with yellow, red or brown marks.
The character of the "Germans" is benevolent. They are brave, smart, loyal, sensitive, attentive, self-taught, to strangers are suspicious.
Care and maintenance
Complexities care for the German sheepdog does not represent. Despite the fact that they need tangible exercise and space, these dogs are perfectly adapted to the megalopolis. Excellent, if you, living in an apartment, build an aviary on the street for a German shepherd. And for training the nearest sports ground is quite suitable. Just remember that to lower the dog on the street with a leash is strictly prohibited in order to avoid complications.
The daily diet of the German Shepherd must include meat, cereals, vegetables and cottage cheese. The dog is active, so it should not be restricted to eating. A two-time feeding of a German shepherd will be enough.
When a bitch reaches 20 months of age and has a third estrus, the German shepherd's mating is considered optimal. During this period, the dog should be extremely cautious, since it can exhibit aggression and excessive playfulness.
Sheepdogs are prone to eye diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, dysplasia and destructive shifts in behavior, so how many years the German shepherds live depends on proper care, careful selection of puppies and knowledge of their parents' medical card. If you are lucky, your pet 12-15 years old will be happy and make up the company every day.