IS A GERMAN SHEPHERD THE RIGHT BREED OF DOG FOR YOU?

The German Shepherd Dog is probably the most popular breed of dog in the world. But that does not mean that it is the right breed for everyone. Animal shelters euthanize thousands of German Shepherd Dogs, as well as other breeds, every year because people have gotten the dog, and then realized that it was not suited to them and their lifestyle. Some of the reasons you hear are:

1. I didn't realize it would get so big.
2. I didn't realize how much energy they have.
3. I can't afford to feed the dog.
4. He/she is too destructive.
5. He/she barks too much.
6. He/she is too wild, and won't listen to me.
7. He/she sheds too much.

Of course, these are not the only reasons given, but they are some of the most common excuses you hear. So, what can be done about this? Well, for one thing, people can spend more time to educate themselves about what to expect from their German Shepherd Dog before they get one, and what they should do once they already own one.

---

German Shepherds are a large breed, and a very energetic one. They require daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They do not do well confined to a dog run or yard on their own all day, every day. They are very devoted to their family members, and much prefer to be with them every waking moment, rather than shut away on their own.

They also require obedience training, which should be started while the dog is still fairly young. Do not wait until he has become an adult before you start to try and teach him basic commands. German Shepherds are a very powerful breed, and unless taught to heel early, they can drag their owner on quite a tour of the neighborhood. Obedience training should also include socialization, with other animals and with humans. Unsocialized, a German Shepherd can become very dog/animal and even human aggressive.

German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs, and require a firm handler. This does NOT mean an abusive handler but, rather, one that will confidently take its place as pack leader. They need a job to do, and if left to their own devices too often, they will create their own enjoyment, which could be eating your furniture, digging up your back yard, or barking non-stop all day long.
German Shepherds shed a lot. If having dog hair flying around your house bothers you, then you definitely should not consider getting a German Shepherd. They shed continuously, as well as blow all their undercoat at least twice a year, spring and fall. If you have an intact female (meaning one that has not been spayed), then she will also shed prior to her heat cycles twice a year, which is in addition to the spring/fall shed. To help with this, they should be brushed regularly. But this will still not stop the fur bunnies from collecting all over your house.
So, now after reading this, do you still think that a German Shepherd is the breed for you, and that you are the human for them? They really are a wonderful breed but, obviously, not the breed for everyone. If they were, then Man would not have created so many other wonderful breeds.

Follow this Link to Purina's Page and try taking the following test, and see which breed comes up for you.
Purina's Choose Breed Traits





Back to Bergsteiger's Kennel Page



This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page

All articles and photographs contained in this page are all copyrighted 1996, 1997 by Mark & Kristina Davies. No article or photograph may be taken or published in any form without the express written consent of Mark or Kristina Davies.