German Shepherd Dogs: with the popularity they have enjoyed to date, this breed needs no introduction. Sadly, this popularity has been the breeds downfall. Breeding for the market, breeding indiscriminately, and breeding for one particular trait (size, color, coat length, or appearance only) has lead to an overwhelming amount of dogs that are not representative of what a German Shepherd should be. Many GSDs today are shy, fearful, nervous, sickly, or otherwise poor examples of the breed.
All German Shepherds are not created equal. Just because a dog is a member of this breed does not mean that they will look, or more importantly, act as such. Please see the 'Puppy Love' page for some important information on choosing a breeder.
Below is a description that applies only to carefully and responsibly bred dogs.
Hieght: males should be 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers,
females should stand at 22 to 24 inches tall.
Weight: 60-90lbs
*Behavior:
- Children: Excellent with children
- Friendliness: reserved with strangers
- Trainability: very easy to train
- Dependence: needs people a lot
- Dominance: moderate
- Other pets: generally good with other pets
- Combativeness: not generally dog-aggressive
- Noise: average barker
*Grooming & Physical Needs:
- Grooming: a little grooming needed
- Shedding: seasonally heavy shedder
- Exercise: vigorous daily exercise needed
- Jogging: an excellent jogging companion
- Indoors: relatively inactive indoors
- Apartments: will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised
- Outdoor space: best with a large yard
- Climate: does will in most climates
- Owner: not reccomended for novice owners
- Longevity: average (10-12 years)
*Excepts from the "Complete Guide to Dogs" cd.
Vastly different ideals of what the GSD should be has lead to the development of 'types' in the breed. Those from American lines, those from European Show lines, and those from European Working lines. Don't let the names fool you - they are all available right here in the United States. Understanding the various lines and typical characteristics of each are an important step if considering this breed. Below are examples of each, but again, the differences are NOT merely skin deep.
American Lines
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| 2002 #1 Male (left) #1 Female (right) |
Photos Courtesy of www.ferrum.8m.com/selgsds
American German Shepherds are the line promoted by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and most often shown in the AKC ring. Generally speaking, correctness in terms of the physical aspect of the standard is the focus here. For fanciers of this type see: ShowGSD.org.
European Show Lines
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| 2002 #1 Male (left) #1 Female (right) |
Photos Courtesy of www.schafer.is
These are the dogs you will see in German style venues and in show rings around the world. While conformation is a major part of selection here, steps have been taken to help preserve some of the more elusive GSD traits. For more information on European show lines (and GSDs in general) see: GSDworld.net.
European Working Lines
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| 2002 #1 Male (left) #1 Female (right) |
Photos Courtesy of www.schafer.is
This is where the majority of patrol dogs and competition sport dogs come from. Strong characters and ability to perform are the main breeding criteria in these lines. For more information on European working lines (including training articles and a discussion board) see: Leerburg.com.
