The German shepherd dog also known as Alsatian in France, UK and Ireland, and more commonly in France as "Berger Allemand", Schaferhund and by the acronym GSD or simply German shepherd. This dog breed is originally bred for herding sheep. German shepherd dogs are one of the most popular breeds in UK with 12,857 registrations and also in US with 43,575 registrations. These breeds are best for working as guide dogs for the blind, police work, guarding, search and rescue, therapy and in military. German shepherds can also make loyal and loving pets inside the home. These dogs are sociable and it is necessary for young puppies in order to prevent aggressive and dangerous behavior is an adult.
The standards for the breed differ by country and organization. The general definition of the German shepherd dog is large and strong dog between 75 and 110 lbs but can reach 150+lbs. Males will reach the height 24-26 inch (60-65cm) and females will reach the height of 22-24 inch (55-60). The dogs has double coat with under coat and outer coat fur. Short haired dogs are preferred while some of the organizations accept long haired German shepherds. The coats of these are in black with tan, sable or all black but also will come in blue, liver and white which are considered a fault according to most standards. White is not acceptable for the German shepherd and now recognized as a separate breed known as American White shepherd. The nose is normally black but with blue or liver will occur sometimes and considered as a fault.
The body of German shepherd dogs are elongated, sturdy, and muscular with a light but solid bone structure. The head should be proportionate with the body and a little convex head. Ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward but of puppies less than six months may droop slightly. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark with a lively intelligent expression but never protruding. The tail is bushy and will reach to the hocks and hangs down when it is at rest. The front legs and the shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The feet are round with soles. There are three varieties of the German shepherd. They are rough coated, long rough coated and the long hared.
German shepherd is used as working dogs which are direct and fearless, eager and alert. The dog is known for its courage and loyalty towards their masters. They are confident but not hostile, high learning ability, serious, almost human in his intelligence and obedient. They bark, if it is necessary and love to be close to their families.
Related Articles
Choosing The Right Dog Breed
By: Andrew Strachan | 03/11/2005 | Pets
With over several hundred different dog breeds available, choosing a dog breed can be overwhelming. This article gives you a few ideas about how to narrow that choice down and find you the perfect dog.
Dog Breeds - Links To Your Lifestyle
By: Sandro Azzopardi | 28/08/2006 | Pets
Numerous dog breeds exist today. The last reported official recognized breeds were over 900. All dog breeds derive from mixed breeds and it is important to recognize the fact that a purebred can only be called so if it hasn't bred with a different breed for a certain number of generations.
Meet The Powerful Rottweiler Dog Breed
By: Lee Dobbins | 12/02/2007 | Pets
The Rottweiler is a powerful dog breed but devoted to its family. Descended from the Italian Mastiffs, this is a very old breed that was used as a herding dog during the middle ages. During the 1800s, these dogs were almost extinct but made a comeback in the...
Dog Names - Choosing the Perfect Name
By: Matthew Hick | 23/04/2007 | Pets
Naming a dog can be an important but daunting task. Previously, as a trend, we have named our pets after certain characteristics.
Rottweillers : a Guide to the Breed
By: Steve Batchelor | 06/10/2007 | Pets
Despite their bad reputation for being a dangerous and attacking breed Rottweiller owners will attest to their good nature and friendliness. This is an ancient breed whose history stretches back to the Roman Empire when Rottweillers were used by Roman Legions to herd and drive their cattle across the Alps. Read on to learn more about the history, temperament, care and training of this majestic breed….
Which Dog Breed is Right for Your Family?
By: Keith S.G. Gilbert | 01/03/2008 | Pets
Choosing the right dog for your family is a bigger decision than you may initially think.
Fun Dog Activities
By: Mike Mathews | 03/01/2006 | Pets
Do you have a young dog and want to get him active? Here is an article you will want to read listing several activities to start your dog on a healthy active lifestyle.
Is A Dachshund The Perfect Dog For You?
By: Lee Dobbins | 28/09/2006 | Pets
If you want a funny looking dog that makes a great traveling companion, than the dachshunds may be for you!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a proven product to keep my dog out of my ...
By: ginger's mom | 14-05-2008
What is a proven product to keep my dog out of my flower bed?
My dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but ...
By: silverrunt | 13-05-2008
my dog keeps trying to play whith my ferrets , but my ferrets would rather play whith each other . what do i do ? PLAY as in puppy play .
Will constipation in dogs cause an odor like aual ...
By: mary | 11-05-2008
will constipation in dogs cause an odor like aual gland odors
Do you love pitbulls
By: silverrunt | 10-05-2008
i love pitbulls do you
The owner of the dog told me to keep it
By: suli | 09-05-2008
I found a puppy which had a tag on it with the owners details, however when I rang the owner up they said that they have sold it off a mnth ago but the tag was not changed so they told me to keep it, I was thinking of keeping it now as it is a lovely dog and likes being around me, The dog looks really healthy to me but i have know paperworks or anything and dnt knw if it is in a good condition or safe to keep, but it looks ok to me, what should I do?
Beagle Digging Up Grubs
By: patterson | 08-05-2008
Love your advice on dogs digging but I have a real stumper with my beagle. She is 12 years old and we live on 15.7 acres. Starting last year she started digging up our lawn and eating grubs. We are usually home when she does this. She is an indoor /outdoor dog and has a bed in my room. She is our baby but my husband is getting very upset and we can't understand why this has started. After last summer I thought she had is out of her system but has started doing it again this spring. I would so appreciate any advice, I would hate to put her in a cage. She has always had the freedom to come and go and has been a very wonderful part of our family. Thank you to all for your help!! Janet and Beagle Bobbie Send responses to Jan_432001@yahoo.com
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Pets Articles
4 Simple Steps To Buy Pet Insurance
By: Cindy Heller | 17/05/2008
If you have not already realized, the costs of veterinary care is escalating. By purchasing a pet insurance for our pets is also a wise choice to keep pet care costs within an affordable range.
Exercise And Your Dog
By: Janine Carter | 17/05/2008
Are you worried that your dog doesn't get enough exercise because of a weight problem and does he just sit around all day like a couch potato?
If experts have discovered that exercise is key to human health and wellbeing, it is safe to say that your Dog will benefit from...
Is Your Dog Embarrassing You? Get Him Under Your Control In Less Than 2 Weeks!
By: Alan Largo | 17/05/2008
Imaginably the most consequential part of owning a dog is discipline. Being a pet owner, dog obedience becomes solely your responsibility. Because dogs have a different type of disposition that not all dog owners understand, the job of disciplining one typically seems overwhelming, frustrating and sometimes even impossible.
Imagine Your Cat Using The Toilet - Successful Cat Toilet Training Techniques
By: Birgit Hulsing | 17/05/2008
This may sound ridiculous or like a near-impossible feat, but you'll find life is a pleasant new world when you finish potty training your cat. You'll have a very low-maintenance cat and she will also make a great conversation starter. And, you even save money on cat litter when you...
Why People Prefer Chihuahuas Over Other Dogs?
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
As the smallest breed of dogs, Chihuahuas have been gaining increasing popularity. Spotted everywhere from the beaches of Miami to the bustling metropolis of London and New York, these dogs have also been adopted by the likes of celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Sandra Bullock and Hilary Duff.
Why the popularity...
A Quick Guide To Buying Teacup Chihuahuas
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Teacup Chihuahuas are not an official breed of the immensely popular Chihuahua breed of dogs. In fact, major dog-related associations such as the American Kennel Club do not list "Teacup" as an official breed of the Chihuahua family. Rather, the term is derived from sellers who dub this particular species...
Taking Care Of Your Long Haired Chihuahua
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Long-haired Chihuahuas are characterized by their by their smooth undercoat and long overcoat. The Long-haired Chihuahua is one of the two official versions of Chihuahuas recognized by the American Kennel Club. With its large eyes and erect ears, it is not difficult for people to mistake this version of the...
Tips On How To Give Your Chihuahua Pups The Proper Care
By: Clarence Clark | 16/05/2008
Small in stature, Chihuahuas are relatively fragile dogs. It is thus, important for owners of Chihuahuas to be equipped with proper knowledge and tips for caring for their Chihuahua pups. Care for Chihuahua pups covers many aspects and includes socialization, safety, nutrition and health. Responsible Chihuahua owners make a checklist...
More from John Williams
Best Dog Breeding Tips For Beginners
By: John Williams | 28/04/2008 | Pets
Dog breeding is a greatly important part of the quality of breeds around in the world today, here we cover the basics of breeding and what you should be thinking about doing.
Saint Bernard - Dog Breed Info
By: John Williams | 17/04/2008 | Pets
The Saint Bernard is a fantastic breed for many reasons, read on to find out about these reasons and reasons for you to consider the breed in future.
Dog Prostate Gland Infections and Dog Health
By: John Williams | 17/04/2008 | Pets
This condition effects you dog when they urinate and can be a big problem for a dogs health,find out more below.
West Highland White Terrier - Dog Breed Info
By: John Williams | 17/04/2008 | Pets
The West Highland White Terrier is a great breed but not many people know why. To find out what is good and bad about this dog breed read the following article.
Scottish Terrier - Dog Breed Info
By: John Williams | 17/04/2008 | Pets
The Scottish Terriers are a favourite amongst many dog breeders around the world, find out more about Scottish Terriers in this article.
Dog Pyometra and Uterine or Womb Infections
By: John Williams | 14/04/2008 | Pets
Your dogs health can be greatly affected by Dog Pyometra and Uterine or Womb Infections, to find out more read the following article.
Dog Enlarged Prostate Glands - Dog Health Best Tips
By: John Williams | 28/03/2008 | Pets
Enlarged Prostate Glands can be a big problem for many dogs, in this article we look at how to help your dog get back to normal health from this condition.
Dog Prostate Tumors - Dog Health
By: John Williams | 28/03/2008 | Pets
Dog prostate tumors can be a big problem for dogs, find out the best ways to deal with this condition and what you can do to improve your dogs health in this article.
Home and Family 
