German Shepherds are known to be incredibly smart, level-headed, and easy to train, making them the ideal companion for both families and law enforcement. Their origins are often traced back through post-WWI Germany, where they served as guard dogs; this was also how they were introduced to the US, accompanying soldiers as they returned home and integrating into the family soon thereafter.
German Shepherds are typically wary of strangers in keeping with their herding and guard dog instincts. At a young age, socialization can ease their defensive temperament and overall aggressiveness in some cases, but most are incredibly protective of the people they recognize as family.
This article will discuss typical behavior in German Shepherds, what to know when preparing to adopt one, and a bit more about the history of the breed.
Typical Behavior In German Shepherds
To a German Shepherd, the family is everything. They can adapt to a new pet or children through proper training and socialization with little difficulty, and once they do, that inbred loyalty is rock-solid. That being said, owners absolutely have to take the time to instill these behaviors in their German Shepherd while it’s still a puppy, or there will be an increased risk of overly-aggressive behavior and anxiety as they grow older.
German Shepherds, like many other larger breeds, are classified as working dogs. Working dogs are typically trained with specific tasks in mind, such as hunting. German Shepherds are often looked to for herding and guarding, and though many dogs are adept at guarding their loved ones, larger breeds trained toward this purpose are especially utilitarian.
They are also incredibly sensitive, making them competent service dogs and guides for the disabled. They’re particularly well-known as police dogs, being used to track, detect, and hold suspects. As far as military applications, German Shepherds can be used to scout out both traps and enemy forces.
Adopting A German Shepherd
Poorly bred dogs will often develop anxiety or other behavioral issues, so if you aren’t planning to raise them yourself, getting your German Shepherd from a reputable breeder is the key to success.
Beyond that, German Shepherds are rather active dogs; you should be prepared to exercise for an hour or longer per day. This, other than preventative measures against potential health issues, is really the majority of what you’ll be doing to go above and beyond for this specific breed. They shed very little, bark rarely, and require just as much attention and affection as any other dog.
Your dog can get used to strangers as long as it’s properly socialized at young age, receives enough exercise and stimulation, and is given adequate training.
History Of The Breed
The origins of the German Shepherd can be traced back to 1850s Europe when different dogs were being bred for the express purpose of herding and protecting flocks of sheep. The breeding process started locally, with people examining and selecting dogs that seemed intelligent and easy to train. Once a number of favorable results were achieved, different parties (some of which were larger organizations) sought to create a standardized breed.
Between 1919 and 1926, the UK Kennel Club registrations grew from 54 to over 8,000. Part of the reason for their explosive popularity was due to media representation, particularly in movies, following a rise in global awareness after WWI.
After WWII, however, when anti-German sentiment was at its peak in the US, German Shepherds’ popularity saw a steady decrease; it was around this time that they were known as the “Alsatian Wolf Dog” in official registries.
Since then, their popularity has slowly been on the rise again, and is considered the second most popular in the United States. German Shepherds often compete in shows, and particularly competitions of agility.
(Wo)Man’s Best Friend
For many, a German Shepherd is the ideal companion, and its size alone is enough to keep strangers at bay. That being said, a German Shepherd might not be the breed for you if you’re a first-time dog owner or don’t have enough time to train your puppy. Vet bills can be incredibly high because, like most larger dogs, German Shepherds are at an increased risk for several different diseases and complications.
Health Risks
Hip dysplasia is a common concern with most larger dogs, but especially German Shepherds. Signs of hip dysplasia won’t usually present themselves until much later in life but can lead to mobility issues and even arthritis. Dogs who develop hip dysplasia can live with the condition for quite a while, but proper care must be taken to ensure long-term comfort.
Equally common is elbow dysplasia, which like hip dysplasia, affects the joints. Both elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are typically the results of bad genetics and reckless inbreeding.
Bloat or GDV (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus) is another potential health concern for larger breeds, and unlike hip or elbow dysplasia, bloat is often fatal. Bloat occurs when a dog consumes food too quickly and then gets a strenuous burst of exercise shortly thereafter, resulting in the gas build-up.
If the dog can’t expel this gas normally, the pressure can make it nearly impossible to breathe, and their stomach can twist, causing their body to go into shock. You can often physically see signs of this in shorter-haired dog breeds, but other signs of this potentially life-threatening condition include eating grass while outside or dry heaving.
The best way to prevent bloat is to feed your dog intermittently (2-3 times per day) and make sure they’re getting adequate rest between meals. Generally speaking, German Shepherds seem particularly susceptible to stomach problems, so bloat may be the condition to fear most—particularly because it’s dangerous.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and typically have to be socialized alongside children and dogs; they can be aggressive with new dogs from the outset, but improper socialization will increase the likelihood of overly-aggressive, antisocial, and anxious behavior.
German Shepherds are classified as working dogs meaning, they’re often bred for particular purposes; As a breed, they are generally high-maintenance, and require a significant amount of exercise. Prospective owners need to educate themselves on the ins and outs of their potential future health issues to provide their dogs with adequate treatment and a comfortable home.